Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Zoe's Tale
Book Review: Another worthy peek into Scalzi's Colonial Union universe
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought Zoe's tale, not because it was a coming of age story of a teenage girl, but rather in spite of that fact.
Scalzi's stories about his Colonial Union universe have captivated me since I first read his 'Old Man's War', and I have since read all three of his Colonial Union books, plus 'The Sagan Diary'. So when I heard that 'Zoe's Tale' was out, I did not hesitate to buy it.
I was not disappointed. This may be the best story yet of the Colonial Union; it is certainly the most moving for me.
Zoe is a fascinating character to read about, not only because of *who* she is -- a complicated story in and of itself -- but also because of *what* she is -- a 'treaty obligation' to a deadly alien race, currently allied with the Colonial Union because of what Zoe is -- the biological daughter of a dead traitor.
I have to admit that John Scalzi's writing does a better job of playing with my emotions that any other writer that I can name. I was on pins and needles reading his 'The Last Colony', and while reading 'Zoe's Tale', I found myself reading a key passage of the book experiencing first awe, and then finding tears of joy streaming down my face for the next few minutes. Believe me, this just does not happen often to this 53-year old male.
Zoe's tale is part teenager coming of age, part coming of age of an extraordinary person, and the fascinating story of a primary mover of events in Scalzi's Colonial Union universe.
I found 'Zoe's Tale' to be an excellent addition to John Scalzi's Colonial Union universe. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested.
Book Review: Cover Art fooled me
Summary: 3 Stars
The previous three previous books in the series were adult in topic and language. Zoe's Tale is basically a young adult novel and not in the same vein as Old Man's War or The Last Colony. After three books in the series I can see why the author would want to write something different. I do question the use of the same style cover art and cover layout as the previous books. Same style cover art should equal same style book. A picture of a young women instead of a smoking spaceship? And those young adults who like Zoe Tale might be in for little more than they bargained for if they pick up the any of the other three books in the series.Book Review: Definitely readable, but not his best work.
Summary: 3 Stars
While I enjoyed it, it's not nearly as good as Old Man's War or The Last Colony. I honestly don't think he had enough material to flesh out a full novel, it feels like a lot of filler solely to answer a few plot holes in Last Colony.
Very well written, as all of his stuff is, but it could have been done in far less content as a novella or short story, I feel.
If you're a completionist, you'll still get it, but if you're not... Read it at the library first or borrow it from a friend to see if you feel the money's worth it.
Book Review: Deja Vu
Summary: 3 Stars
Well, I just went out and grabbed this book based on my high regard for Scalzi's work, without any research. I should have looked here first. The retelling of the Last Colony from the standpoint of a teenage girl and companions is not something I would have normally sought out, since I'm way past being much interested in the interpersonal trials and tribulations of teenagers, present or future. Been there, done that. Perhaps Scalzi is trying to expand his reader base into another demographic, like Pratchett and Hiassen have, with youth-oriented books alongside the adult novels. If so, he's off to a good start.
Overall, the book is well written as are all of Scalzi's works. He is a very skillful craftsman, treating the language and the reader with respect. His stories hold together, and they keep the reader turning those pages.
As a general comment, I do wish Scalzi would spend a few more lines in his books describing his aliens -- or get an artist to do a beastiary -- so the reader could better envision what the human characters are interacting with. In his finest-by-far book, The Sagan Diaries, there are a few drawings, and they add a lot to the reading experience.
Book Review: Don't bother to read the advances or reviews
Summary: 5 Stars
I've got to admit, after many years of reading and re-reading the masters...I'm jaded.
After reading John Scalzi's "Old Man's War" I've grabbed every one of his books in the series. I don't have to read the reviews, advances or fly-leaf in order to know that I have high quality reading in my hand. I've ripped through every book and am currently hammering through "Zoe's Tale," laughing all the way.
Scalzi writes with a magnificent blend of wit, humor, empathy, sarcasm, touching emotion, humanity, brash and descriptive violence, as well as deep and peaceful reflection. Like all good books, (and no movies) we get to climb around inside the characters' skulls. Figuring out just WHY they do, what they do.
And despite the currently impossible future setting, the characters, story line, strategic and tactical aspects all hold together.
If it says "John Scalzi" on the cover. don't bother to read the flyleaf or reviews. You're holding a book from one of the new masters. Feel secure. Take the plunge, and just enjoy a ride that will transport you from HERE to THERE. Right up until you turn the last page...and open the next book...