Book Review: The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi (Old Man’s War #2)

Cover of The Ghost Brigade by John Scalzi

The Ghost Brigade is the second book of John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War series (See my review of the first here). Here, we are transported back into the heart of Scalzi’s vivid and captivating universe. Like the first in the series, this novel is a compelling mix of military science fiction and thrilling suspense, building upon the foundation laid in the first book to deliver a narrative that is both familiar and fresh. It also has the fascinating background of soldiers who are elderly people transferred to young, smarter, faster, enhanced clones of themselves.

The story revolves around the Special Forces soldiers, known as the Ghost Brigades, which was touched upon in the first novel—a mysterious group that no one knows much about. These are cloned from the DNA of the deceased and implanted with their consciousness. Unlike the regular soldiers, who volunteered at the end of life for the procedure, these were cloned from DNA of already deceased people. Thus, they are not really the same people who died, more like a “ghost” of them and their personality. This is a unique setup for some fascinating story lines.

The protagonist, Jared Dirac, is one such “ghost,” and his struggle to reconcile his existence and his predecessor’s memories forms the crux of the narrative. (This is a different protagonist from the first novel.) His DNA predecessor was a traitor, therefore his superiors and Jared himself are suspicious about what this clone might be. Through this, Scalzi explores themes of identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human through. In today’s world where advancements in bio-genetic engineering grows by leaps and bounds, there are some thought-provoking questions for our world. (See my novel, Mortals As They Walk, for a different and more sinister take on genetic engineering.)

Scalzi’s writing shines in his world-building and character development, as in most of his novels. The universe of the Old Man’s War series is richly detailed, creating an immersive reading experience. The characters are complex and well-realized, evoking empathy and engagement from the reader. Jared Dirac, in particular, is a compelling protagonist, his internal conflicts and growth driving the narrative forward and kept me reading.

Like the first book, the pacing can be uneven at times, with some sections of the book feeling rushed while others seem to go on, especially with some details about the science. I don’t mind the latter, but some find it dragging. The book delves into some profound themes, but perhaps the “dragging” some perceive one from the exploration of theme at the expense of the plot, leading to moments where the narrative feels secondary to the philosophical discussions.

The Ghost Brigade is a worthy sequel to “Old Man’s War.” It expands upon the universe and themes of the first book while introducing new elements and characters that keep the series fresh and engaging. Scalzi’s blend of action, humor, and thought-provoking questions makes for a unique and compelling read. One of his stylistic literary influences is Robert Heinlein, one of my favorites. If you enjoyed the first, you will enjoy this one as well.