Galactic Games & Human Stakes: The Last Colony by John Scalzi

This is the third book in John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War series, continuing the narrative with the same robust storytelling, engaging characters, and intriguing world-building that made the first two books in the series. This one, however, moves away from the soldier and battlefield narratives. Instead focusing on colonization by our protagonist Giving us a deeper look into the political machinations of the Colonial Union and the ethical implications of their actions.

John Perry, the protagonist, remains a compelling character, and his interaction with his with his wife, Jane, elegantly showcases Scalzi’s ability to write compelling and genuine romantic relationships without sacrificing the science fiction narrative and becoming maudlin or distracting. Their adopted daughter, Zoe, becomes part of the story continuing from the last novel. Some of the interactions between John and his daughter are a bit stereotypical, but she is an interesting addition to the narrative (And will become the protagonist in the next volume, Zoe’s Tale.)

In this novel, Scalzi explores the challenges and responsibilities of colonizing a new planet. This shift offers a refreshing change of pace from the other books about advanced genetic play modified soldiers and enter planetary war. It also allows for exploration of new themes and challenges, from diplomatic disputes to the survival of the colony in the face of constant threats.

Scalzi’s world-building is, once again excellent. The alien species are well-developed and distinct, each with their own cultures and motivations that add layers of realism to the narrative. The political intrigue, interspecies relations, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters provide ample fodder for thought-provoking discussions.

Some may find the pacing a tad slow, especially in the middle sections where the narrative seems to lose momentum, as the colonists learn how to live and create a society on a new planet. The dialogue occasionally feels a bit contrived, but this is a fairly minor criticism. The Last Colony a strong sequel to the series, expanding on the universe and themes of the previous books, while introducing new elements and conflicts that keep the story fresh and engaging. At its heart, it’s a story about the human condition, survival, and the ethical implications of colonization.

If you’re a fan of this series, you’ll definitely wanna read this one. If you haven’t read the others, this one can’t stand on its own, although the backstory and depth of the characters will be less than if you had read them. Scalzi’s skillful storytelling, Excellent characterizations, and enjoyable pros will keep you depth of his characters will keep readers hooked from start to finish.