Fans of John Scalzi's "Old Man" universe, prepare yourselves: there's a long new story in that universe, told from the point of view of one of the series' most intriguing characters. Subterranean Press is proud to publish The Sagan Diary, a long novelette that for the first time looks at the worlds of the Hugo-nominated Old Man's War and its sequel The Ghost Brigades from the point of view of Lieutenant Jane Sagan, who in a series of diary entries gives her views on some of the events included in the series... and sheds new light into some previously unexplored corners. If you thought you knew Jane Sagan before, prepare to be surprised.
The Sagan Diary
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More About the Author
John Scalzi writes books, which, considering where you're reading this, makes perfect sense. He's best known for writing science fiction, for which he won the John W. Campbell Award (2006) and has been nominated for the Hugo Award for best novel (2006, 2008, 2009). He also writes non-fiction, on subjects ranging from personal finance to astronomy to film, and was the Creative Consultant for the Stargate: Universe television series. He enjoys pie, as should all right thinking people. You can get to his blog by typing the word "Whatever" into Google. No, seriously, try it.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
77 of 84 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I would start off by saying this is a wonderful book, but not one for the uninitiated. John Scalzi's book Old Man's War, its sequel, The Ghost Brigades, and the forthcoming The Last Colony form the trilogy that brings to life the universe that The Sagan Diary is set in. The 'novelette', as it is termed, are the private thoughts of Jane Sagan, one of the principle characters in this series. Topics of her musings run the gambit from love to war and back again, two often divergent ideas which dominate her life in the Colonial Defense Forces.
I've read both the positive and negative reviews from this book and can honestly say that I understand both opinions. This is a niche book in what is (undeservedly) considered a niche genre and one that is very, very different from the aforementioned novels.
If, like me, you have been swept up into the lives of John Perry and Jane Sagan, I truly believe that this book will further cement your love for the characters. Reading Jane's thoughts caused me to reflect on my own life and love, and for a science fiction story to do that it has to be remarkable.
I think John Scalzi did a marvelous job of capturing the essence of who Jane Sagan is, which paves the way for her further adventures with John Perry in Scalzi's next novel, The Last Colony. In spite of all the very enjoyable action and adventure in this series, it is the romantic subplot that helps elevate the books for me and this is a welcome addition to that aspect of the story.
Subterranean Press has put together a very beautiful book with wonderful pencil illustrations by Bob Eggleton.
I highly recommend that you read Old Man's War and the Ghost Brigades, then pick this one up and let it whet your appetite for The Last Colony.
I've read both the positive and negative reviews from this book and can honestly say that I understand both opinions. This is a niche book in what is (undeservedly) considered a niche genre and one that is very, very different from the aforementioned novels.
If, like me, you have been swept up into the lives of John Perry and Jane Sagan, I truly believe that this book will further cement your love for the characters. Reading Jane's thoughts caused me to reflect on my own life and love, and for a science fiction story to do that it has to be remarkable.
I think John Scalzi did a marvelous job of capturing the essence of who Jane Sagan is, which paves the way for her further adventures with John Perry in Scalzi's next novel, The Last Colony. In spite of all the very enjoyable action and adventure in this series, it is the romantic subplot that helps elevate the books for me and this is a welcome addition to that aspect of the story.
Subterranean Press has put together a very beautiful book with wonderful pencil illustrations by Bob Eggleton.
I highly recommend that you read Old Man's War and the Ghost Brigades, then pick this one up and let it whet your appetite for The Last Colony.
49 of 56 people found the following review helpful
By ReaderGirl
Format:Hardcover
I just heard that the publisher is making the full-text online for free, which is great news since this is such a love-it-or-hate-it book for a lot of readers.
Personally, I'm thankful that I got it from the library before spending my money, altough normally I'm perfectly comfortable "taking a chance" on books by authors whose other work I like. But this... well, to me it felt like pure stream-of-consciousness, literary diarrhea (sorry, I know that's unkind) with little to no editing on either the author or publisher's part. Of course, I don't know that was the case, but that's how the book felt to me. I really have trouble believing this particular manuscript, or this type of writing in general, would have had much chance of being published if it weren't capitalizing on the success of the first two "Old Man's War" books.
The free online version will let people make informed decisions for themselves without risking their money. I applaud the publisher and the author for taking that step!
Personally, I'm thankful that I got it from the library before spending my money, altough normally I'm perfectly comfortable "taking a chance" on books by authors whose other work I like. But this... well, to me it felt like pure stream-of-consciousness, literary diarrhea (sorry, I know that's unkind) with little to no editing on either the author or publisher's part. Of course, I don't know that was the case, but that's how the book felt to me. I really have trouble believing this particular manuscript, or this type of writing in general, would have had much chance of being published if it weren't capitalizing on the success of the first two "Old Man's War" books.
The free online version will let people make informed decisions for themselves without risking their money. I applaud the publisher and the author for taking that step!
53 of 63 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
My copy of John Scalzi's The Sagan Diary arrived Friday afternoon. Along with a Dunhill cigar and a glass or three of port, it made a great after-dinner treat.
The Sagan Diary differs radically from Scalzi's other published works. Unlike the Old Man's War trilogy, in whose universe The Diary is located, this is not a military sci-fi action tale. Unlike The Android's Dream, The Diary isn't premised on fart jokes. Instead, it is an introspective rumination on life, love, and words. Indeed, the first half might fairly be called a great writer's (prose) song about his love for words. The second half is a moving prose Valentine, in which Scalzi's Sagan ruminates on the experience of loving another.
I've been a fan of Scalzi's since he burst on to the scene with Old Man's War. Yet, The Diary shows an emotional depth at which his prior work has only hinted. It proves that this is a writer in whom one ought to invest for the long haul, as it suggests that he has only scratched the surface of his potential.
The Sagan Diary differs radically from Scalzi's other published works. Unlike the Old Man's War trilogy, in whose universe The Diary is located, this is not a military sci-fi action tale. Unlike The Android's Dream, The Diary isn't premised on fart jokes. Instead, it is an introspective rumination on life, love, and words. Indeed, the first half might fairly be called a great writer's (prose) song about his love for words. The second half is a moving prose Valentine, in which Scalzi's Sagan ruminates on the experience of loving another.
I've been a fan of Scalzi's since he burst on to the scene with Old Man's War. Yet, The Diary shows an emotional depth at which his prior work has only hinted. It proves that this is a writer in whom one ought to invest for the long haul, as it suggests that he has only scratched the surface of his potential.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The title is very accurate. This is an intimate diary of Jane Sagan, wherein she reflects on many thing, primarily her love for... (well, I don't want to spoil it if you haven't read Old Man's War and Ghost Brigades). It really is all her thoughts on a variety of topics. In a sense it is a sequel to Ghost Brigades, and really should only be read after that to make sense of what Sagan is thinking. It extends the storyline a little, but it is really a very different book than the previous two in the series.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Jenifer M
Format:Hardcover
This is a short story (novelette) that came about as a sort of dare. For a fundraising auction, John (Scalzi) offered a bound draft version of `The Last Colony' for $5,000 -- plus a short story written by him for the winning bidder. Bill Shafer of the Subterranean Press took him up on his offer - and this is the result.
If you haven't read John Scalzi's `Old Man's War,' this new story might be a bit confusing to follow. But for those who have -- this `diary' offers insight into the thoughts and feelings of Jane Sagan, a Special Forces warrior - and love interest of John Perry (around whom the `Old Man's War' is written).
In the earlier work, John Perry is living a second life - inside a new, warrior's body. His wife (of his first life) chose not to be reissued. But her DNA was still re-cast - with a new life `born' fully grown into it - who became Jane Sagan.
This story reveals that John Perry and Jane Sagan, against all odds, somehow survive their ten year tours-of-duty and retire - to live out their `second' lives together in peace (as warriors no longer).
This diary is Jane's account (written to John) of her hopes and regrets - as she transitions from her `first' life (and body) - to her `second.'
Scalzi uses Jane's perspective to show us that a manufactured human, a warrior -- is still very much a product of her physical self and her experiences - and is yet a human being, nonetheless.
As originals, I guess it's always easy for us to assume that our form of human -- will forever remain the gold standard, but John Scalzi subtly unveils for us - that that might not always be the case!
The `Sagan Diary' is but a very small, thought-provoking piece - of a much larger pie - and one which I enjoyed immensely!... Read more ›
If you haven't read John Scalzi's `Old Man's War,' this new story might be a bit confusing to follow. But for those who have -- this `diary' offers insight into the thoughts and feelings of Jane Sagan, a Special Forces warrior - and love interest of John Perry (around whom the `Old Man's War' is written).
In the earlier work, John Perry is living a second life - inside a new, warrior's body. His wife (of his first life) chose not to be reissued. But her DNA was still re-cast - with a new life `born' fully grown into it - who became Jane Sagan.
This story reveals that John Perry and Jane Sagan, against all odds, somehow survive their ten year tours-of-duty and retire - to live out their `second' lives together in peace (as warriors no longer).
This diary is Jane's account (written to John) of her hopes and regrets - as she transitions from her `first' life (and body) - to her `second.'
Scalzi uses Jane's perspective to show us that a manufactured human, a warrior -- is still very much a product of her physical self and her experiences - and is yet a human being, nonetheless.
As originals, I guess it's always easy for us to assume that our form of human -- will forever remain the gold standard, but John Scalzi subtly unveils for us - that that might not always be the case!
The `Sagan Diary' is but a very small, thought-provoking piece - of a much larger pie - and one which I enjoyed immensely!... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good story
I will read anything John publishes but this was not the best story line out there. It was a good supporting story for the Old Man's war, but not anything I would recommend on its... Read more
Published 2 days ago by Kevin
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice short story
Another story in the Old Man's War series of stories. Good quick read. I liked the balance of the series and this fits in wonderfully.
Published 18 days ago by BobTech
1.0 out of 5 stars
A Waste of my time.
Not the least bit entertaining. He wrote it on a bet it seems and it shows. This wasn't worth the $2.99 pricetag.
Published 1 month ago by SteveCampsOut
3.0 out of 5 stars
An OK story
The text was just too abstract for my comfort. I understand that it comprises the thoughts of a slightly human warrior, but it was just too uncomfortable a read.
Published 1 month ago by Sensei Mike
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very different for Scalzi, but very good
This is something you would not expect from Scalzi. It's an introspective and very personal review of attitudes and self image of Jane Sagen of the CDF. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Michael J. Lipphardt
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love everything in the OMW universe
another fun viewpoint as we learn what's what in an army of septagenarians in space. Thank You, John Scalzi, for showing us these alternate angles on what we've already seen.
Published 2 months ago by HARRISON
2.0 out of 5 stars
Diary
Uh, what book? Too cerebral for the likes of me. Lost me at hello. I guess I should stick to comic books
Published 2 months ago by Robert Sayne
3.0 out of 5 stars
almost as good as all his others
It doesn't reach the freshness and irony of old man's war, but it's good nonetheless. His universe and his characters are addictive, one would put up even with mediocre stories... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Irio Lavagno
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not SF
Not really what I expected, this is more a philosophical ramble. Maybe I got it wrong, but ti did nothing forme.
Published 3 months ago by Stuart J. Hayman
2.0 out of 5 stars
This one left me flat
I must say that The Sagan Diary left me flat. After four previous non-stop reads in the "Old Man's War" series, I found myself struggling to get through this one. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Thomas F. Juul
