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Scalzi does a terrific job of setting the scene -- the Conclave's threat to Humanity -- but some of the details miss the mark. John Perry and his ex-Special Forces wife Jane Sagan are asked by the Colonial Defense Forces to lead a new Human colony on a world that has not yet been claimed by any other alien species. I would have liked more from Sagan's perspective as well as their daughter's Zoe's perspective.though I suspect the later novel(la)s Zoe's Tale and The Sagan Diary covers much from these characters' point of view. As usual, there is more than meets the eye to the CDF's request for Perry and Sagan to head the new colony -- Roanoke -- and what is not revealed may wind up costing not only Perry and Sagan their lives, but spell doom for Roanoke as well.Once again Scalzi thrusts us into a universe where soldiers are adapted in creative ways to fight off any number of alien aggressors. But unlike the previous two books -- Old Man's War & The Ghost Brigades -- The Last Colony focuses much less on the martial capabilities of CDF soldiers (infantry and special forces alike.after all, the previous two books convincingly displayed their skills) and focuses more on the machinations of how the CDF is dealing with the Conclave.a conglomeration of over four hundred alien species that is threatening the Colonial Union's colonization efforts. Still, I wanted more within this novel.I wanted Sagan and Zoe to really stand out in their interactions with others in these pages because their characters are so pivotal to this overall story.Nonetheless, The Last Colony stands as a fine ending to a story and characters that won't soon be forgotten. Scalzi deserves every bit of the praise he has received for this trilogy.it is more than worth reading.it is unforgettable.
For my time and money, I think "The Last Colony" is his best work since "The A Dream" It had everything. Action, great great diaolgue, and wonderful political cloke and dagger. It is true that I did not like Zoe's Tale quite as much but between this and "METAtropolist" (is that right., I don't have it in front of me)I am going to be a fan until he proves otherwise. Well done John.
In a nutshell, after years of colonizing planets with Earth inhabitants, the subsequent colonies have matured to the point that many wish to have their own colonies. It is easy to follow, well developed and enjoyable to read. The Last Colony is the final installment of Joe Scalzi's science fiction trilogy, following Old Man's War and The Ghost Brigades. Conflict with other intelligent life forms and intrigue within the Colonial Union ensues.I've read quite a bit of science fiction lately, and this novel is a jarring contrast to one I recently finished, River of Gods (Ian McDonald). This is not one of those, deep philosophical, complex works. In an effort to quell cries of favoritism, the Colonial Defense Force cobbles together a seed colony, consisting of colonists from many of the existing colonies. After reading River of Gods and Saturn's Children (Charles Stross), I needed a break and this novel was a perfect breather.
As with Old Man's War, I felt that some of the dialogue was contrived, but not to the extent of detracting from the story.Bottom line, if you're looking for classic Isaac Asimov style science fiction, this is just the ticket. Suffice it to say, if you enjoyed the first two installments, you won't be disappointed. Not groundbreaking or award winning in my opinion, but if a good science fiction story is what you're looking for, and you're not in the mood for deep, philosophical Philip Dick, Frank Herbert style sci-fi, you could do far worse than Scalzi's trilogy. The colony will be led by John Perry and Jane Sagan, the main characters from the preceding two novels, who have subsequently retired from active duty with the CDF. Whereas the latter was, at times, difficult to follow and understand (I would term it literary, intelligent science fiction), Scalzi's work is far more accessible to the average science fiction fan. Conversely, other authors are pushing the boundary of science fiction into the literary realm.
This book was amazing and one of th best I have read in along tine. It had everything action, suspense, drama, love, political "mishief", and everything else in between.
(He repeats that old, long-discredited yarn about legendary homosexual lovers paired as soldiers - never happened, Scalzi, and I'm pretty sure you know it).I got about a third of the way through this book before I just couldn't take it any more. Even though he put just a tad too much of his insufferable leftist political spin on things, I chose to overlook it - especially since he seemed to be that rarity, a Lefty who respects the military tradition.But with "The Lost Colony" he allowed his p.c. After reading "Old Man's War," and it's sequel "Ghost Brigades," I was sold on Scalzi. When leftist politics intrude, BOREDOM inevitably ensues. fever to get the best of him. Suddenly, the Earthlings and their military are "the evil ones," and of course the really good guys simply MUST be homosexual. I found myself yawning through each page, and finally just gave up.So I guess this is really only a review of one-third of the book.I have "Zoe's Tale" still sitting on my bookshelf, untouched. I'm tired of Leftist drivel, so I'll give it away to my local book-swap store.
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