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  • The Ghost Brigades

  • Old Man's War, Book 2
  • Written by: John Scalzi
  • Narrated by: William Dufris
  • Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (242 ratings)

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The Ghost Brigades cover art

The Ghost Brigades

Written by: John Scalzi
Narrated by: William Dufris
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Publisher's Summary

John Scalzi's eagerly anticipated sequel to the extraordinary Old Man's War

The Ghost Brigades are the Special Forces of the Colonial Defense Forces, elite troops created from the DNA of the dead and turned into the perfect soldiers for the CDF's toughest operations. They're young, they're fast and strong, and they're totally without normal human qualms.

The universe is a dangerous place for humanity—and it's about to become far more dangerous. Three races that humans have clashed with before have allied to halt our expansion into space. Their linchpin: the turncoat military scientist Charles Boutin, who knows the CDF's biggest military secrets. To prevail, the CDF must find out why Boutin did what he did.

Jared Dirac is the only human who can provide answers—a superhuman hybrid, created from Boutin's DNA, Jared's brain should be able to access Boutin's electronic memories. But when the memory transplant appears to fail, Jared is given to the Ghost Brigades.

At first, Jared is a perfect soldier, but as Boutin's memories slowly surface, Jared begins to intuit the reason's for Boutin's betrayal. As Jared desperately hunts for his "father," he must also come to grips with his own choices. Time is running out: The alliance is preparing its offensive, and some of them plan worse things than humanity's mere military defeat…

©2006 John Scalzi (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

What the critics say

"Solid....[Scalzi] sidesteps most of the cliches of military science fiction, delivers fast-paced scenes of combat and pays attention to the science underpinning his premise." (San Francisco Chronicle)

What listeners say about The Ghost Brigades

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Basically Entertaining

Not a altogether thought provoking story, but definitely entertaining none the less. The narrator's voice is a bit off-putting for some characters, however they are mostly distinct in their narration of each.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great concept

I really enjoyed the concept of this book and it's pacing. I found the ending a little flat

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not what I was expecting, in a bad way

Bottom line: rushed ending and flat narration. Someone should go see if Ray Porter is available next time.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

engaging sequel

going back to the world first created in Old Mans War, we get more details, more technology, more nuance and more interplanetary politics and war. surprisingly engaging for a sequel.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

excellent read

this book eluded many of the issues of the first, foremost the "my protagonist is always the most awesomest" problem that a lot of military scifi has.

this was an excellent listen all around with a solid performance.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

I liked it over all.

Narration was great. I am enjoying this series, the universe, the writing, the moral topics explored, the twists, etc. It's a thought provoking ride. For me, it's 'very good'. 'Excellent' gets reserved for Herbert, Rothfuss, Martin, Cline's Ready Player One, etc.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story.

Looking forward to the rest of the series! Listening for the second time and it’s great!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

We know who's talking...

he said, she said, he said, they said. Good lord man the difference in the voices were good enough that we didn't need the he/she said. so annoying.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Easy Read

Lacking a little depth, hopefully the next one expands on bigger ideas. I’ll listen or read one more in this series to give it one last chance. It’s not terrible. But after 2 books there’s nothing to reflect on like great sci go can make you do.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Just ok

It’s ok. I’ll probably finish the series, but won’t read it again. Little disappointed the the main character from the first novel wasn’t present in this one.

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