No spoilers please, but does Old Man’s War get better?

I’ve been really enjoying John Scalzi’s catalog- Started with Starter Villain (delightful!), The Kaiju Preservation Society (Sweet..), Lock In + Head On (fun who-done-its), The Android’s Dream (clever, enjoyable read), Agent to the Stars (funny, creative, pretty good).

I’m half way through the first book of Old Man’s War and it’s depressing AF. I don’t see how it’s going to get any more light hearted, given the subject matter. All the aliens are enemies, more battle scenes than anything else, graphic descriptions of war injuries and deaths.. I’m not really compelled to keep going. Can anyone vouch for it being worth it to continue?

Edit: I'm realizing that "better" isn't a good descriptor. I guess what I mean is "Will there be fewer graphic descriptions of injuries and death; as well as general despair on the part of the MC." It is a "good" book by all metrics except "feel-goodiness" and "Not making me queasy at descriptions of faces being blown apart." I'd come to expect a light and clever romp from John Scalzi, and from everyone's replies, he is more varied in his styles than I'd previously been aware.

I'd been half hoping this would all resolve into a lovely, heartwarming story about how the universe was saved by a race of benevolent, highly intelligent cats who tricked everyone into getting along. I tried to go further this morning and am, for now going to set it aside after another scene with an exploding face.

Thanks to all who replied!

Mbourgon ,

Like others have said, it’s an entirely different type of beast. It’s not your traditional “snarky but likable protagonist almost designed to be read by Wil Wheaton in the inevitable audiobook“. But it is very good military sci-fi.

pr06lefs ,

It is military sci-fi. I liked the series, but then I liked it from the beginning and didn't need to push through any of it. Sounds like maybe the subject matter isn't really your bag, that's ok.

Huff_Chuggems ,

It is a heavy read for sure. But I think it's well worth it. I really enjoyed the sequels as well.

ZagamTheVile ,

Fuzzy Nation is fun too. Do Little Fuzzy right after.
OMW isn't the same kind of series. It's not meant to be as funny. Just basic sci-fi. I enjoyed it though.

ZagamTheVile ,

Also, if you haven't yet, check out the Bobiverse books by D. E. Taylor. If you dug Scalzi's "fun" books, they'll probably be right up your alley.

hondaguy97386 ,

Very good suggestion.

I_Fart_Glitter OP ,

Thank you!! I just ordered Fuzzy Nation and We Are Legion (We Are Bob).

ZagamTheVile ,

If you think about it, let me know what you thought of Bob.

I_Fart_Glitter OP ,

I really like it so far! Very clever idea for the story line. I appreciate that we are made aware of violence that advances the plot without being given a graphic description of every injury.

Thanks for the rec! I’ll keep you posted!

wrekone ,

I did too!

lordnikon ,

it is really good and has a great pay off. So much so that it turned me from not knowing him at all to getting what ever he writes without question or even reading the synopsis, but if you are looking for light hearted story this is not the series for you at this time.

I_Fart_Glitter OP ,

So much so that it turned me from not knowing him at all to getting what ever he writes without question or even reading the synopsis

I felt this way about Starter Villain! I'm curious how you felt about that one, given how different it is from Old Man's War.

lordnikon ,

it was good I would put it on the same level as Agent to the Stars or Fuzzy Nation. plain old goofy fun.

hondaguy97386 ,

Worth continuing? Absolutely. Getting more lighthearted and fun? Not really. Old Man's War wasn't really meant as a lighthearted romp.

pyrflie ,

Yeah, it's more of a Cyberpunk war doc. If you aren't depressed at the end it hasn't done it's job. And it does it's job quite well.

I_Fart_Glitter OP ,

That tracks. As someone who takes many steps every day to stave off crushing depression, I try to keep to more fanciful/hopeful fare for my leisure reading. Thanks for your input!

Nouveau_Burnswick ,

The Bobiverse books are in a similar vein, and much more light hearted.

GreyEyedGhost ,

I'd say each book ends on a slightly happier note, but I would never call them light-hearted. The humor tends to the grim, and the outcomes are never wonderful.

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