The book
“The End of All Things” by John Scalzi (Tor Books, 384 pages, $24.99)
How to go
What: A book-signing with John Scalzi for the release of “The End of All Things”
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1. Line numbers will be issued at 6 p.m.
Where: Books & Co., at The Greene, 4453 Walnut St., Beavercreek
More info: 937-429-2169 or www.booksandco.com
Are you a science fiction fan? I have just the book for you. Or is science fiction a genre that you usually avoid? Allow me to suggest that this new sci-fi novel might actually change your view. The book is “The End of All Things” by John Scalzi. This accessible, entertaining novel is a delight to read.
Scalzi, who lives in Bradford, could be the hottest writer in the field today. He has a local book-signing this week.
“The End of All Things” is the sixth book in the author’s “Old Man’s War” series. The first book, “Old Man’s War” was issued a decade ago. In this universe of the author’s imagination elderly humans from the planet Earth are able to obtain young and super charged bodies by agreeing to serve as soldiers for an interplanetary empire called the Colonial Union.
The Colonial Union has many colonies, their defense and protection is often provided by the super soldiers who came from Earth. The CU reminds this reviewer of a Great Britain at the height of her power, but instead of ruling oceans, it controls worlds.
Scalzi has structured the book in the form of four interlinked novellas. Each one provides a different point of view as we observe the interstellar diplomacy and treachery that would appear to be the prelude to a surprise attack on Earth. The novellas are:
“The Life of the Mind.” This is the story of Rafe Daquin. He has been asked to document his bizarre story. The first sentence says it all: “So, I’m supposed to tell you how I became a brain in a box.” Daquin describes how he had a boring job writing software code when he decided to try to obtain a more exciting occupation. He trains to become a pilot and eventually gets posted on a freighter that travels between three planets. Scalzi has a fabulous time depicting how Rafe becomes a lonely brain plotting revenge.
“This Hollow Union.” The second novella is narrated by Hafte Sorvalh, an alien and also “the second most powerful person in the known universe.” She works for the Conclave. “the largest known political union, with over four hundred constituent member species, none of whom number less than one billion souls. There’s lots of political intrigue being played out here between the Conclave, the Colonial Union, Earth, and a shadowy group known as Equilibrium.
“Can Long Endure.” Rebellions are taking place. Some of the CU’s colonies are breaking away. This novella is told from the viewpoint of a member of the Colonial Defenses Forces who along with her team, is being sent to various rebellious planets to quell the insurgency. One of the super soldiers in the group was formerly a ninth grade math teacher in Florida, who taught algebra for 38 years. She seems to be working out some anger issues.
“To Stand or Fall.” Fans of this series will know Lieutenant Harry Wilson, the narrator of the final section. Harry is originally from Indiana but as super soldier he usually prefers to keep his skin color green. The attack on Earth is underway. The pilot of the former frieighter, Rafe Daquin, the “brain in a box,” is a key player in this one.
Scalzi gives his readers a good value. The book closes with an alternate version of the first novella about the brain. Scalzi keeps it light even during the climactic battle scenes. He has a multibook contract with his publisher, so we can anticipate many more lovely books from him.
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