The Last Colony by John Scalzi book review
And another sci-fi book.
You might have noticed, I really like sci-fi.
Again, this is the conclusion of a series. The Last Colony is book three of John Scalzi. We’re still following John Perry, former super-human soldier, in his retirement. Free from fighting aliens, he’s happy farming away with his new wife and adopted daughter, who by the way is the object of worship of an entire alien race (see book 2 for that).
As usual, sh*t hits the fan and they (Perry and his wife, who’s also a former special-ops trooper) are asked to carry out a dangerous mission. From the publisher:
John Perry has at last found peace in a violent universe, living quietly with his family in one of humanity’s many colonies. It’s a good life, yet there’s something …missing. When John and his wife Jane are asked to lead a new colony world, he jumps at the chance to explore the universe once more. But they soon find out that nothing is what it seems, for his new colony is merely pawns in an interstellar game of war and diplomacy between humanity’s Colonial Union and a new, seemingly unstoppable alien alliance that is dedicated to ending all human colonization. As this contest rages above, Perry struggles to keep his terrified colonists alive in the face of threats both alien and familiar, on a planet yet to reveal its own fatal secrets.
I can tell you right now, I loved and hated the book.
I loved it because it’s entertaining, exciting, full of intrige, excellent written, … in short a damn good sci-fi novel. I hated it because Scalzi claims this is the end of the storyline, no more John Perry.
Do you need to real the two previous titles? Actually, no you don’t. It’s definately a surplus, you get to know where Perry comes from, how he got of planet earth and got drafted into the Colonial Union. Just take my word for it, both titles are as good as this one.
Both previous books were action filled stories, lots of battles, alien races etc … Lost Colony is more a survival story, survival of a colony.
What make these books part of my favorite collection? Scalzi’s trademark of wise-cracking humor, the easy reading it offers, the action, the character depth. A pitty the story has come to an end.
Star Wars Republic Commando Order 66 book review
Star Wars Republic Commando Order 66 is book four in the Republic Commando series.
I had very high expectations for this title, and for the most, I’ve not been let down. One element that did disappoint a bit was the climax leading up to order 66 itself.
I had these images/stories in my head about Omega squad being forced to make extreme decisions regarding their jedi allies/friends. But in the actual story, nothing really happens with order 66. Also, as the story unfolds, you’ll start to get ready for a happy happy ending. But, and trust me, it’s a big but, there ain’t no sunshine where Omega squad is heading. And that is actually a bit of a shocker. Is there a fifth book in the making?
It has recently turned out that Traviss will be writing another series called Imperial Commando.
So what’s the verdict?
If you’ve read the previous three titles, then Order 66 is a must read. Period. On the other hand, if you’re new to the series, then start with Hard Contact.
Book review: Darth Bane Rule of Two
Darth Bane: Rule of two by Drew Karpyshyn is the sequel to Path of Destruction (which I also enjoyed immensely. One might say the Darth Bane series are my favorite Star Wars readings).
Anyway, it’s book number two.
Darth Bane is still very much alive and has taken an apprentice (young Zannah). This is the first hint of the Rule of Two the Sith use ‘today’ (Palpatine / Vader).
“When your power eclipses mine I will become expendable. This is the Rule of Two: one Master and one apprentice. When you are ready to claim the mantle of Dark Lord as your own, you must do so by eliminating me.”
More information about the plot can be found on Amazon as usuall.
Like I said, the Darth Bane are my favorite Star Wars books. There are dark, sinister and violent stories about the survival of the Sith. They are exciting, surprising and will leave you wanting for more.
For instance, there are a few epic lightsaber battles that will make you hold your breath.
In short, if you are fascinated by the dark side of the force, then the Darth Bane books are a must read!