Science fiction
Old Man's War
On his seventy-fifth birthday a widower joins the colonial army. In return for a stint of service, his old body is replaced by a young, powerful one, and he is sent to fight in wars among the stars.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2005
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 320
- Format
- Book 1 of 7 in Old Man's War
Read this if you like wisecracking military science fiction with a likeable narrator and a clear, quick pace.
Skip this if you want a deep look at the ethics of war, since it is more entertainment than argument.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Old Man's War
- What is Old Man's War about?
- On his seventy-fifth birthday a widower joins the colonial army. In return for a stint of service, his old body is replaced by a young, powerful one, and he is sent to fight in wars among the stars.
- Who should read Old Man's War?
- Read it if you like wisecracking military science fiction with a likeable narrator and a clear, quick pace. Skip it if you want a deep look at the ethics of war, since it is more entertainment than argument.
- How long and how fast is Old Man's War?
- It is a fast-paced, medium read of about 320 pages, first published in 2005.
- Does Old Man's War have content warnings?
- Content we flag: War, Violence, Death, Grief.
- Can I borrow Old Man's War for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Old Man's War; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Old Man's War?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Forever War, Starship Troopers, All Systems Red.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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If you loved Old Man's War
-
The Forever War A grimmer, more angry classic that asks what a never-ending space war does to soldiers.
-
Starship Troopers The older model for the genre, with a more serious and militaristic look at service.
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All Systems Red Another fast, funny and snarky narrator, with a lot of heart and a much smaller scale.
Science fiction
