Read All About It: The Last Colony

We return again to John Scalzi's bestselling universe of Old Man's War, continuing the tale of John Perry and Jane Sagan. These characters are familiar and fun, fit into an easy-to-read book that is shorter than its predecessors but just as impactful. Scalzi continues to test the boundaries of science fiction and political fact, resulting in interesting combinations that make for entertaining books.

As I said just a few days ago, I am a huge fan of Scalzi's works, and he once again proves me correct with The Last Colony. It has political intrigues, strange aliens, new worlds, and a spunky teenager--what more could you ask for?

John Perry is the quintissential retired hero, living out his days as a colony administrator along with his wife and adopted daughter. However, being the people they were, Perry and Jane Sagan are called to lead a new colony and they jump at the chance.

Of course, it doesn't exactly go as planned. Perry, Sagan, and their new colony seem to be pawns of the Colonial Union, the last effort to destroy an alien alliance that seeks to control colonization efforts. When Perry and Sagan realize this, they are caught up in a whirlwind of events, fighting for their own survival, the life of their daughter, and what may be the last colony of the human race--Roanoke.

The Last Colony is a solid cap on the tales of Perry and Sagan. With solid action, plenty of aliens, and the ever-present human tenacity of life, Scalzi brings us another look at a galaxy where humans are decidedly not the dominate species, and are in fact players in a game where it is not possible for one species to win.

Scalzi makes a heavier political statement in this novel that in previous ones. By suggesting that an over-seeing government is separate and definitely not equal to its own people, Scalzi creates a space where positive discourse about how the influence of outside information and media can affect how a people view their government--something that is relevant, especially in today's world.

Perry and Sagan are compelling characters, and their daughter Zoë brings another level to their interactions. Without these characters and their inspiring personalities, this book (or even this series) would not be as riveting and popular as it is. The colony itself is also interesting and suggestive. Of course Scalzi named it Roanoke. There's no way he would have wanted to attempt even a token resistance to that play on history and theme. He pulls us along by making us believe one thing, then another, before pulling it all together to reveal that nothing was actually as it seemed, and the colony was a bigger player than most of the characters themselves. Applause all around, readers.

Overall, I still say you should jump feet first into this series. They are some of the best in the genre, and I really enjoy them. Scalzi is a pro, and these books, along with his many others, prove it. Science fiction as a genre is better off for having him. Until we return to this universe with Zoë's Tale, let this series entertain you across the galaxy.