3 ms·
Old Man's War was published almost two decades ago and was Scalzi's first novel. It shouldn't be surprising that it took a lot of inspiration from Heinlein et.
by zrail 3y ago
Old Man's War was published almost two decades ago and was Scalzi's first novel. It shouldn't be surprising that it took a lot of inspiration from Heinlein et. al.
His later works either lean way into tropes intentionally (Red Shirts, which I feel is more an exploration of form than a proper novel) or develop entirely new concepts, like the one way travel in the Interdependency series.
- tempestn 3y agoHe also has a unique style. To me it appears intentional that he doesn't tend to write as realistic as possible depictions of possible futures, even allowing for the sci-fi elements. Rather, characters tend to act and speak like current day people thrust into a sci-fi scenario. Technology is highly advanced in some areas, but less so in others (which helps keep humans relevant). At times I found that took some getting used to, but it can also make the story more accessible, lends itself to humor, and can allow for exploration of how the kind of people we're familiar with would react in wildly different scenarios. Basically, I can see how his style wouldn't be for everyone, but I enjoy his books.