The Collapsing Empire
John Scalzi
Rave
Positive
Mixed
Pan
The Collapsing Empire
John Scalzi
Rave
Positive
Mixed
Pan
Rave
Positive
Mixed
Pan
It’s got a fascinating premise, interesting characters, and brings the same charm and approachable narrative for fans new to SF that all of Scalzi’s books offer. It’s a great starting point for new, potential fans as well as great read for older fans familiar with his style and wanting their next fix.
The Collapsing Empire offers plenty of Scalzi’s usual wit—reading about a doomed society is rarely this much fun. Rarely, too, is it this timely.
Scalzi has constructed a thrilling novel so in tune with the flow of politics that it would feel relevant at almost any time.
Readers might wonder whether Scalzi can write another space opera that shares the elements that made his Old Man’s War series so popular but be sufficiently different to feel fresh. Both include political plotting, plenty of snark, puzzle-solving, and a healthy dose of action, but there’s just enough here that’s new for this to avoid becoming a retread. There’s nothing groundbreaking, but you’ll still want to find out what happens next. Scalzi continues to be almost insufferably good at his brand of fun but think-y sci-fi adventure..
Scalzi’s storytelling centers on dynamic and quick-thinking players with strong personalities who engage in spirited social interactions, making the slightly dubious physics forgivable. Expect several future works set in this sprawling universe..