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Forever Free

4.0 out of 5 stars (2,200)
3.5 on Goodreads
(7,825)
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Book details

  1. Book 3 of 3
    The Forever War
  2. Print length
    288 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Ace
  5. Publication date
    November 1, 2000
  6. Dimensions
    4 x 1 x 6.75 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0441007872
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0441007875
  9. See all details
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Book overview

In 2043, with war still raging on and life on Earth slowly coming to an end, Julian and his lover, Dr. Amelia Harding, make a great scientific discovery and quickly devise a plan to end the destruction by stopping the war machines once and for all. Reprint.

Review

"Everything good science fiction should be but so often isn't: a grand adventure into what it means to be human" -- Charles de Lint, Fantasy and Science Fiction, Oct/Nov 2000

...first-rate science fiction by one of our most accomplished craftsmen. Highly recommended. -- Peter Heck, Asimov's Science Fiction, Sept 2000

About the author

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Joe Haldeman
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Joe Haldeman began his writing career while he was still in the army. Drafted in 1967, he fought in the Central Highlands of Vietnam as a combat engineer with the Fourth Division. He was awarded several medals, including a Purple Heart. Haldeman sold his first story in 1969 and has since written over two dozen novels and five collections of short stories and poetry. He has won the Nebula and Hugo Awards for his novels, novellas, poems, and short stories, as well as the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, the Locus Award, the Rhysling Award, the World Fantasy Award, and the James Tiptree, Jr. Award. His works include The Forever War, Forever Peace, Camouflage, 1968, the Worlds saga, and the Marsbound series. Haldeman recently retired after many years as an associate professor in the Department of Writing and Humanistic Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He and his wife, Gay, live in Florida, where he also paints, plays the guitar, rides his bicycle, and studies the skies with his telescope.

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Product information

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4 stars and above

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Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
2,200 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and fun to read. They praise the writing quality as great and talented. Opinions are mixed on the storyline, with some finding it interesting and the world-building and scenario-solving interesting, while others say it seems forced and hard to believe. Readers also have mixed opinions on the pacing, with those who find it well-paced and easy to read, while those who say the last couple chapters seem too rushed.

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ReadabilityWriting qualityStorylinePacing
ReadabilityWriting qualityStorylinePacing
67Customers mention
49Positive
18Negative

Customers find the book engaging, fun, and intriguing. They say it's worth reading for science fiction fans and a good series.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...I think the first part of the book, maybe up to 80%, was quite a good read...." Read more

"...This book was entertaining and overall a great read!..." Read more

"...These have proven true. This is an engaging book with very human men, women and youngsters facing a disturbing future and taking bold action to deal..." Read more

"...who wants to find out for themselves but I felt like it was very unsatisfying...." Read more

19Customers mention
19Positive
0Negative

Customers find the writing quality great, talented, and masterful. They say the sentences make sense and the book is a smooth read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"I recently discovered Forever War which was an incredible feat of writing...." Read more

"...The author is a smart man, and I’m sure he thought very hard about how this story could..." Read more

"Smooth read. Good follow up to the Forever War, which was excellent. Left a few questions, but decent job closing the loop." Read more

"...The story is too deeply flawed. The writing seemed OK until the end but even before the end there were too many events that seemed contrived...." Read more

63Customers mention
34Positive
29Negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the storyline. Some find it interesting, with interesting world-building and scenario-solving. However, others say the plot seems forced and the ending is hard to believe.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...the book, but especially towards the end, and stayed engaged throughout the whole story...." Read more

"...And indeed, the end is anticlimactic. First, they meet on Earth Omnis, omnipotent beings that had been studying humans and Taurans and everything...." Read more

"...Still, I found the story interesting." Read more

"...I found the ending disappointing and quite unbelievable. With all that said, I still recommend the book if you like this author." Read more

12Customers mention
5Positive
7Negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some mention it's well-paced, while others say the last couple chapters seem too hurried.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...This had more potential and feels like it was rushed. Still, I found the story interesting." Read more

"...It’s a lot slower and I believe all the bad reviews are from people that think it is “implausible”..." Read more

"...Like some of the other reviewers, I felt that the final chapters of this story were too rushed, but the ideas the Haldeman presents are stunning...." Read more

"...I am glad I ignored the naysayers. Creative. Well written. Well paced. Fun. A decent part two to the forever war book...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

C.K. Conrad
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Great sequel
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2020
I liked this book even more than the first. The first was great and set up the stage for the rest but sometimes the war and technical science aspects got to be too much for my understanding and attention span. I felt like this dealt more with the people and the... See more
I liked this book even more than the first. The first was great and set up the stage for the rest but sometimes the war and technical science aspects got to be too much for my understanding and attention span.

I felt like this dealt more with the people and the story of them and I really enjoyed getting a deeper look at the characters and what made them tick.

I was genuinely surprised by how things went throughout the book, but especially towards the end, and stayed engaged throughout the whole story.

Looking forward to the final book and I hope it wraps things up!
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Marcel Dupasquier
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Do not go gentle into that bad ending: An 80% very good book
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2021
William and Marygay have lived now for about twenty years on Middle Finger, short MF, a planet for human exiles that want to live without Man’s interference. Their existence is a hard one living in a frontier town on a frontier planet, where three out of six seasons it is... See more
William and Marygay have lived now for about twenty years on Middle Finger, short MF, a planet for human exiles that want to live without Man’s interference. Their existence is a hard one living in a frontier town on a frontier planet, where three out of six seasons it is just unbelievably cold. Teaching physics, William’s life is not the most interesting one and the co-existence with Man is a delicate one. When their children are about to move out, William comes up with the idea of taking the time warp, the spaceship on which Marygay had waited for William, and fly 40,000 years into the future, 10 years for them and their crew of volunteers. When the whole tree of Man and Taurans withhold their approval, they steal the ship and fly off.

About half in the book, they are thus on their way and settle in for their 10-year journey. But a month into their voyage, suddenly their antimatter disappears. Taking the emergency vehicles, they limp back to MF, only to discover that all humans have disappeared there, leaving only their clothes. They start to rebuild up society, but discover that apparently all humans and all Taurans have disappeared, not only on MF. When winter settles back in, William and a small crew fly to Earth, only to discover that all humans have indeed disappeared from Earth as well.

They arrive on Earth about 80% in the book. Of course, since the antimatter and then all people disappeared, I was wondering what caused all of this and how the story would end. And I was thinking that the end may be a disappointing one. And indeed, the end is anticlimactic. First, they meet on Earth Omnis, omnipotent beings that had been studying humans and Taurans and everything. For millions of years. Yet, even the Omnis don’t know what is going on. While the they are now discussing, about the nameless and that their flight must have induced or provoked it, people and Omnis start to explode. The discussion ends when the “nameless” shows himself and admits, it was all just an experiment, and that he/it had brought everybody back. William and Marygay fly back to MF to live there happily ever after.

I think the first part of the book, maybe up to 80%, was quite a good read. It explores the emotional state of veterans who cannot integrate to live again on their home planet or even in the capital of their exile planet. This part has deserved five stars. I’m still wondering about the end. Therefore, my overall rating of four stars.
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Jorgen S
3.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Deus Ex Machina
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2013
I recently discovered Forever War which was an incredible feat of writing. Coming from that, I went straight for Forever Free to get the continuity in the story. Even after reading the reviews I understood it would be "different". Yes, the way the story develops... See more
I recently discovered Forever War which was an incredible feat of writing. Coming from that, I went straight for Forever Free to get the continuity in the story. Even after reading the reviews I understood it would be "different".

Yes, the way the story develops requires a huge leap of faith on the reader's behalf, and it's not all good. I believe that I now fully understand the meaning of Deus Ex Machina! Even going along with it, too much was thrown in at the end with too little elaboration. This had more potential and feels like it was rushed. Still, I found the story interesting.
6 people found this helpful
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Noah
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Fun and Captivating Read
Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2018
If you enjoyed the Forever War and felt like it had a heart warming ending, you will enjoy this book. It’s a lot slower and I believe all the bad reviews are from people that think it is “implausible” (but somehow think the Forever War is plausible 😂 it’s science FICTION... See more
If you enjoyed the Forever War and felt like it had a heart warming ending, you will enjoy this book. It’s a lot slower and I believe all the bad reviews are from people that think it is “implausible” (but somehow think the Forever War is plausible 😂 it’s science FICTION people) The author is a smart man, and I’m sure he thought very hard about how this story could unfold. Ultimately he decided that there are too many unexplained circumstances in the real world, that would continue to remain unexplained in the future. This book was entertaining and overall a great read!
7 people found this helpful
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Joey
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Better Than Forever War
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2024
I felt that this book was even better than first. I really liked that it incorporated some mystery and suspense. The book was really hard to put down after about halfway through. Couple things I wish there were a bit more of was interpersonal relationships and... See more
I felt that this book was even better than first. I really liked that it incorporated some mystery and suspense. The book was really hard to put down after about halfway through.

Couple things I wish there were a bit more of was interpersonal relationships and what happened at the end.

As a father to sons myself, I think the relationship with the main character's son could have been a bit better filled in, making it more impactful.

As for what happens at the end, I don't want to spoil it, but it could have been fleshed out more. They were really interesting concepts with lots of implications that didn't get enough attention. This book answers a lot of questions the first book left us with. I think the ending here was perfect for another sequel.
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Barry G
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
A must read Sequel to 'The Forever War'
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It's great to find out what happened to the main characters and the world they live in after 'The Forever War'. The science seems pretty spot on also or rather 'close enough' For me. The way that their Starships travel at relativistic speeds... See more
I really enjoyed this book. It's great to find out what happened to the main characters and the world they live in after 'The Forever War'. The science seems pretty spot on also or rather 'close enough' For me. The way that their Starships travel at relativistic speeds approaching the speed of light and 'flip' halfway through the journey to their destination and use thrust to slow down the rest of the way, similar to the way ships travel in the 'Expanse' series. Their use of 'Suspended Animation' to travel or 'SA' is fascinating, And their use of 'Collapsars' as a shortcut through interstellar space, similar to a 'Wormhole' or 'Stargate'. I highly recommend this book for fans of Sci-Fi in general. Truly a classic, the same as it's predecessor, 'The Forever War'.
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horste1
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Fitting finish for the trilogy
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2024
Following the characters from Forever War into retirement and back again, with a bit of philosophy and nostalgia thrown in.
Strongly recommended
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Jack L Rookard
3.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Not a war novel.
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2019
It seemed that the author ran out of story towards the end of the book. The introduction of the "Omni" entities seemed forced and did not, in my opinion, add to the story line in a significant manner. I found the ending disappointing and quite unbelievable. With all that... See more
It seemed that the author ran out of story towards the end of the book. The introduction of the "Omni" entities seemed forced and did not, in my opinion, add to the story line in a significant manner. I found the ending disappointing and quite unbelievable. With all that said, I still recommend the book if you like this author.
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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Really good story, kept me on my toes
Reviewed in Canada on April 24, 2021
Not quite as good as the first but thoroughly enjoyable to read, couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to reading more books by the author

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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Great sequel to the Forever War
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 18, 2020
I loved this book (and the entire series) I love in particular the way the effects of time distortion are described and how it affects society, moral and human / other development. It also shows how everything you may take for granted can be gone in a flash. I’m also a huge...See more
I loved this book (and the entire series) I love in particular the way the effects of time distortion are described and how it affects society, moral and human / other development. It also shows how everything you may take for granted can be gone in a flash. I’m also a huge Mech fan so whenever the ‘suits’ are used I’m completely absorbed. Value for money start to end. I would read it again right now!

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Guy
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Great book!
Reviewed in Australia on July 6, 2017
An excellent follow-on to The Forever War! Amazing vision and a plot full of unexpected twists and turns. I hope to see more of this universe!

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A reviewer
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Interesting second part
Reviewed in Canada on February 14, 2021
Great read. While I liked the Forever War better, this was an interesting sequel building on Forever War but providing an entirely different story.
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Andrew J. McMinn
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
If you enjoy Haleman's other books, then you'll take something away from Forever Free
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 17, 2015
I put off reading this for a long time after reading the reviews and seeing the number of negative reviews, but I recently decided to give it a go after reading pretty much every other book by Joe Haldeman. It follows on from the Forever War, with William and Marygay now...See more
I put off reading this for a long time after reading the reviews and seeing the number of negative reviews, but I recently decided to give it a go after reading pretty much every other book by Joe Haldeman. It follows on from the Forever War, with William and Marygay now settle down with a family - it doesn't stay that way for long though. Although I personally felt it would have worked just as well with entirely new characters, it was nice to see how they were getting on. I wont go into any details about the story, but as other have mentioned, the ending is rather odd to say the least. I certainly wasn't expecting it to end the way it did, and was left with more questions than answers - as were the characters. The first 2/3rds of the book are well worth the read, and the final 1/3rd is worth reading if only to round the book off. I will warn you that many of the questions raised by the book simply don't get answered, and I think for some people this will be very disappointing. If you enjoy Haleman's other books, then you'll take something away from Forever Free - but be warned - it is nothing like Forever War, or even Forever Peace.

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