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Jason Wander #1
Orphanage
When earth needs heroes, whom will we call to valor? When mankind's enemy is beyond our worst imagination, who will be our champions? Will we pick the brightest and the toughest? Or the ones with nothing left to lose? War is an Orphanage Mankind's first alien contact tears into projectiles launched from Jupiter's moon, Ganymede, have vaporized whole cities. Under siege, humanity gambles on one desperate counterstrike. In a spacecraft scavenged from scraps and armed with Vietnam-era weapons, foot soldiers like eighteen-year-old Jason Wander-orphans that no one will miss-must dare man's first interplanetary voyage and invade Ganymede. They have one chance to attack, one ship to attack with. Their failure is our extinction.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
36 people are currently reading
1916 people want to read
About the author
Robert Buettner
35 books147 followersRobert Buettner’s best-selling debut novel, Orphanage, 2004 Quill Award nominee for Best SF/Fantasy/Horror novel, was called the Post-9/11 generation’s Starship Troopers and “one of the great works of modern military science fiction.” Orphanage has been adapted for film by Olatunde Osunsanmi (The Fourth Kind) for Davis Entertainment (Predator, I Robot, Eragon). Orphanage and other books in Robert’s Jason Wander series have been translated into Chinese, Czech, French, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. Robert was a 2005 Quill nominee for Best New Writer.
In April, 2014 Baen Books released his eighth novel, Balance Point. A long-time Heinlein Society member, Robert wrote the Afterword for Baen’s recent re-issue of Heinlein’s Green Hills of Earth/Menace From Earth short story collection. His own first original short story, Sticks and Stones, appears in the 2012 anthology, Armored, edited by John Joseph Adams. Robert served as the author judge for the 2011 National Space Society Jim Baen Memorial short story writing contest.
Robert is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer and National Science Foundation Fellow in Paleontology. As attorney of record in more than three thousand cases, he practiced in the U.S. federal courts, before courts and administrative tribunals in no fewer than thirteen states, and in five foreign countries. Six, if you count Louisiana.
He lives in Georgia with his family and more bicycles than a grownup needs.
Visit him on the web at www.RobertBuettner.com.
In April, 2014 Baen Books released his eighth novel, Balance Point. A long-time Heinlein Society member, Robert wrote the Afterword for Baen’s recent re-issue of Heinlein’s Green Hills of Earth/Menace From Earth short story collection. His own first original short story, Sticks and Stones, appears in the 2012 anthology, Armored, edited by John Joseph Adams. Robert served as the author judge for the 2011 National Space Society Jim Baen Memorial short story writing contest.
Robert is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer and National Science Foundation Fellow in Paleontology. As attorney of record in more than three thousand cases, he practiced in the U.S. federal courts, before courts and administrative tribunals in no fewer than thirteen states, and in five foreign countries. Six, if you count Louisiana.
He lives in Georgia with his family and more bicycles than a grownup needs.
Visit him on the web at www.RobertBuettner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
October 25, 2020
Cuatro estrellas y algo más, en su género.
Hay que tener en cuenta que esto es CF militar, con todo lo que conlleva. Si no os gusta el género, alejaos de él. Si no os gustó el Juego de Ender, por ejemplo, imposible que os guste este.
Como ya dijo Sensei_cor, no hay nada nuevo en esta novela, pero creo que tiene todos los ingredientes "efectistas" y que los une bien. Típico chaval listo que entra a la fuerza en el ejército, típica instrucción estilo El sargento de Hierro (Una de Clint Eastwood, para los jovenzuelos a quienes no suene el título), típicos mensajes de Hermandad entre soldados, un poco (poco, poco) de romance, unas gotas de humor, cuarto y mitad de batallas de infantería (light, eso sí) y una buena dosis de emotividad de la facilona.
Pero funciona.
Funciona en su estilo, repito, no os vengáis arriba. No es mejor que Tropas del Espacio, ni de Ender, ni de Las brigadas Fantasma de Scalzi, ni las de Miles Vorkorsigan. No. Pero como yo ya me había leído esas hace tiempo pues la he gozado con esta entrega del género. Si no habéis leído ninguna de esas que he dicho, hacedlo. Si tenéis la mala suerte de ya haberlas leído, creo que podréis probar esta.
P.D. A mi me ha gustado más que las de Honor Harrington (Weber) o las de La flota perdida (Campbell). Al nivel de los Starship de Resnick, más o menos.
Otra P.D: Más de CF militar que me hayan gustado --> Ciclo Dorsai (de Dickson) / Bill héroe galáctico / Saga Unicorp (Gallego y Sánchez) / Saga Expanse (Corey)
Más P.D. Si me he dejado alguna saga "buena" de CF militar (seguro que me he dejado alguna que incluso haya leído) y que os guste, se agradece el comentario.
Hale, me pongo con el siguiente, que no hay más traducidos.
Ciao, majas. Ciao, majos.
Hay que tener en cuenta que esto es CF militar, con todo lo que conlleva. Si no os gusta el género, alejaos de él. Si no os gustó el Juego de Ender, por ejemplo, imposible que os guste este.
Como ya dijo Sensei_cor, no hay nada nuevo en esta novela, pero creo que tiene todos los ingredientes "efectistas" y que los une bien. Típico chaval listo que entra a la fuerza en el ejército, típica instrucción estilo El sargento de Hierro (Una de Clint Eastwood, para los jovenzuelos a quienes no suene el título), típicos mensajes de Hermandad entre soldados, un poco (poco, poco) de romance, unas gotas de humor, cuarto y mitad de batallas de infantería (light, eso sí) y una buena dosis de emotividad de la facilona.
Pero funciona.
Funciona en su estilo, repito, no os vengáis arriba. No es mejor que Tropas del Espacio, ni de Ender, ni de Las brigadas Fantasma de Scalzi, ni las de Miles Vorkorsigan. No. Pero como yo ya me había leído esas hace tiempo pues la he gozado con esta entrega del género. Si no habéis leído ninguna de esas que he dicho, hacedlo. Si tenéis la mala suerte de ya haberlas leído, creo que podréis probar esta.
P.D. A mi me ha gustado más que las de Honor Harrington (Weber) o las de La flota perdida (Campbell). Al nivel de los Starship de Resnick, más o menos.
Otra P.D: Más de CF militar que me hayan gustado --> Ciclo Dorsai (de Dickson) / Bill héroe galáctico / Saga Unicorp (Gallego y Sánchez) / Saga Expanse (Corey)
Más P.D. Si me he dejado alguna saga "buena" de CF militar (seguro que me he dejado alguna que incluso haya leído) y que os guste, se agradece el comentario.
Hale, me pongo con el siguiente, que no hay más traducidos.
Ciao, majas. Ciao, majos.
December 28, 2015
Another example of a "Starship Trooper" or "Forever War" book. Not bad. I read it through today, so it obviously kept my interest. There were parts that were fantastic, but plot holes you could drive a rocket through.
The descriptions of military life were fantastic. He could have shared my barracks in AIT (Advanced Infantry Training). He obviously spent time in the Army Infantry, likely as an enlisted man. (He probably has that in a bio somewhere, but I haven't gone looking.) His description of the old barracks latrine is just too well done, as were the issues some faced because of them.
Transportation movements didn't grab me though. The logic behind them could have been military, but I would hope not. His take on sexual equality didn't do a lot for me either. Parts were good, but others were illogical.
So I found the book uneven, but entertaining over all. I don't think it is in the same class as the first two books I mentioned, but it's up there with "Armor" & entertaining.
The descriptions of military life were fantastic. He could have shared my barracks in AIT (Advanced Infantry Training). He obviously spent time in the Army Infantry, likely as an enlisted man. (He probably has that in a bio somewhere, but I haven't gone looking.) His description of the old barracks latrine is just too well done, as were the issues some faced because of them.
Transportation movements didn't grab me though. The logic behind them could have been military, but I would hope not. His take on sexual equality didn't do a lot for me either. Parts were good, but others were illogical.
So I found the book uneven, but entertaining over all. I don't think it is in the same class as the first two books I mentioned, but it's up there with "Armor" & entertaining.
February 17, 2009
Military Science Fiction for the Rest of Us
Brief Synopsis:
The story starts with Jason Wander, a somewhat misguided youth with two options: join the military or go to jail. Enter the devastation caused by the alien race later termed as "the slugs." The story follows Wander and his exploits in basic training and the planning behind the first counter offensive against the slugs on their base on one of Jupiter's moons.
Overall Impressions:
ORPHANAGE, by Robert Buettner, may remind many readers of STARSHIP TROOPERS, by Robert Heinlein, and rightfully so. I have seen some discussion about how it was written as a tribute or to STARSHIP TROOPERS. The basic plots are the same, but they are different enough for mutual appreciation.
As a side note, STARSHIP TROOPERS is one of my favorite books. I judge military science fiction on two things:
* How often the phrase "bought the farm" is used; and,
* How many moments there are that are only funny when taken outside the context of the military and wartime.
While somewhat superficial, at face value you can derive a lot from military science fiction from those two criteria (and by no means am I serious that a book like this is only good based on these two things; especially since ORPHANAGE only says "bought the farm" once). For one, even though ORPHANAGE is set in the future, the moments that are only humorous outside the context of war, only bring a real time element to the book. It is easy to relate to a story, however far into the future it may be. Believability is incredibly important, and by using elements that are prevalent in today's society, an author (in this case Buettner) makes the story believable and easy in which to relate.
More importantly than the plot, Buettner has created a cast of characters that go on a roller coaster of emotional responses. Wander has superior officers and friends that he interacts with that the reader with which the reader becomes attached. The characters are given countless moral dilemmas that add to their depth. Upon the invasion of Jupiter's moon, war becomes war, and with casualties amounting the way Wander and the characters respond is remarkable. Promotions, demotions, and stress exacerbate the chaos that is war. ORPHANAGE has everything that a military science fiction book should: believable and memorable characters, a tragic premise, and lots of action.
Closing Comments:
One problem I have with the book is the fact that it is written in first person from the perspective of Jason Wander. Unfortunately, as explained previously, there are many great characters and I would have liked to hear more of their internal dialogue. However, I do not believe the story would be as compelling if not told from Wander's perspective. I normally do not prefer first person stories, but ORPHANAGE is a wonderful exception.
Another thing that separates ORPHANAGE from STARSHIP TROOPERS is the fact that ORPHANAGE is just the start of a series. At the conclusion of this book the reader only has more to look forward to.
Recommendations:
If you enjoyed these books, you will enjoy ORPHANAGE:
* STARSHIP TROOPERS by Robert Heinlein; and,
* THE FOREVER WAR by Joe Haldeman
Good reading,
J.Stoner
plantsandbooks.blogspot.com
Brief Synopsis:
The story starts with Jason Wander, a somewhat misguided youth with two options: join the military or go to jail. Enter the devastation caused by the alien race later termed as "the slugs." The story follows Wander and his exploits in basic training and the planning behind the first counter offensive against the slugs on their base on one of Jupiter's moons.
Overall Impressions:
ORPHANAGE, by Robert Buettner, may remind many readers of STARSHIP TROOPERS, by Robert Heinlein, and rightfully so. I have seen some discussion about how it was written as a tribute or to STARSHIP TROOPERS. The basic plots are the same, but they are different enough for mutual appreciation.
As a side note, STARSHIP TROOPERS is one of my favorite books. I judge military science fiction on two things:
* How often the phrase "bought the farm" is used; and,
* How many moments there are that are only funny when taken outside the context of the military and wartime.
While somewhat superficial, at face value you can derive a lot from military science fiction from those two criteria (and by no means am I serious that a book like this is only good based on these two things; especially since ORPHANAGE only says "bought the farm" once). For one, even though ORPHANAGE is set in the future, the moments that are only humorous outside the context of war, only bring a real time element to the book. It is easy to relate to a story, however far into the future it may be. Believability is incredibly important, and by using elements that are prevalent in today's society, an author (in this case Buettner) makes the story believable and easy in which to relate.
More importantly than the plot, Buettner has created a cast of characters that go on a roller coaster of emotional responses. Wander has superior officers and friends that he interacts with that the reader with which the reader becomes attached. The characters are given countless moral dilemmas that add to their depth. Upon the invasion of Jupiter's moon, war becomes war, and with casualties amounting the way Wander and the characters respond is remarkable. Promotions, demotions, and stress exacerbate the chaos that is war. ORPHANAGE has everything that a military science fiction book should: believable and memorable characters, a tragic premise, and lots of action.
Closing Comments:
One problem I have with the book is the fact that it is written in first person from the perspective of Jason Wander. Unfortunately, as explained previously, there are many great characters and I would have liked to hear more of their internal dialogue. However, I do not believe the story would be as compelling if not told from Wander's perspective. I normally do not prefer first person stories, but ORPHANAGE is a wonderful exception.
Another thing that separates ORPHANAGE from STARSHIP TROOPERS is the fact that ORPHANAGE is just the start of a series. At the conclusion of this book the reader only has more to look forward to.
Recommendations:
If you enjoyed these books, you will enjoy ORPHANAGE:
* STARSHIP TROOPERS by Robert Heinlein; and,
* THE FOREVER WAR by Joe Haldeman
Good reading,
J.Stoner
plantsandbooks.blogspot.com
September 1, 2020
The Orphanage tells the story of Jason Wander in first person, from just prior to his joining the military to the battle on Ganymede versus an alien invasion. Obviously, the author is familiar with Starship Troopers and The Forever War and this is something of a homage to be sure. Set around 2040, the world has been at peace for over 30 years and military budgets have been slashed. Suddenly, however, huge missiles ('projectiles') begin landing on earth on major cities with the impacts of major nuclear weapons. Jason's family is killed and after some violence, Jason is offered a choice-- military or jail. So, off Jason goes.
We have our obligatory boot camp tale, complete with Jason fucking up enough to be dismissed, but he hangs on with the help of some new friends. The aliens (quickly named slugs) have a base on Ganymede and the nations of earth under the U.N. prepare an invasion using whatever they can, along with 10,000 soldiers...
This is one of those books that people will either really like, or really not. The great strength of the book resides in its emotional appeal. Jason is basically just a normal kid, finds a new family in the Army and soldiers do what they always have done-- fight for one another. Unlike the anti-USSR/pro fascism of Starship Troopers, or the anti-establishment bent of The Forever War, The Orphanage is more of a tale of being a soldier from a solder's perspective, trying to be as politically neutral as possible. So we feel for Jason, and hurt when his friends are killed; if you do not connect with Jason, you will probably not enjoy the book.
Also, I like military science fiction and Buettner does a good job making this a character driven story rather than hide behind lots of tech and military gizmos. The world building is decent, albeit quite optimistic: all private cars are electric, general peace on Earth, even in the Middle East, and people are busy being consumers all around the world. In a nut shell, prosperity!
I first read this about a decade ago, and if anything, it feels quite dated today, unfortunately. The author's optimism about the future world seem tragically misplaced, given that the USA is at war in at least seven nations right now and the global economy is anything but generating general prosperity, and it is only 2020. Buettner knows the military and it shows. In general, a very realistic potential future with strong emotional appeal. YMMV 3.5 rounding up.
We have our obligatory boot camp tale, complete with Jason fucking up enough to be dismissed, but he hangs on with the help of some new friends. The aliens (quickly named slugs) have a base on Ganymede and the nations of earth under the U.N. prepare an invasion using whatever they can, along with 10,000 soldiers...
This is one of those books that people will either really like, or really not. The great strength of the book resides in its emotional appeal. Jason is basically just a normal kid, finds a new family in the Army and soldiers do what they always have done-- fight for one another. Unlike the anti-USSR/pro fascism of Starship Troopers, or the anti-establishment bent of The Forever War, The Orphanage is more of a tale of being a soldier from a solder's perspective, trying to be as politically neutral as possible. So we feel for Jason, and hurt when his friends are killed; if you do not connect with Jason, you will probably not enjoy the book.
Also, I like military science fiction and Buettner does a good job making this a character driven story rather than hide behind lots of tech and military gizmos. The world building is decent, albeit quite optimistic: all private cars are electric, general peace on Earth, even in the Middle East, and people are busy being consumers all around the world. In a nut shell, prosperity!
I first read this about a decade ago, and if anything, it feels quite dated today, unfortunately. The author's optimism about the future world seem tragically misplaced, given that the USA is at war in at least seven nations right now and the global economy is anything but generating general prosperity, and it is only 2020. Buettner knows the military and it shows. In general, a very realistic potential future with strong emotional appeal. YMMV 3.5 rounding up.
October 18, 2020
Qué ganas locas tenía de encontrar otra saga de ciencia ficción militar!
En líneas generales este libro no aporta nada nuevo al género, tiene el sota-caballo-rey de recluta, instrucción, guerra, extraterrestres malos, etc... Pero si te gusta este tipo de historias es muy disfrutable.
Sin entrar en comparaciones de calidad, exclusivamente para que sepas si te gustaría o no, la historia que se cuenta es del corte de "Starship Troopers", "La vieja guardia" (mi libro favorito absoluto), la saga "Starship" o la saga "La flota perdida". Y en cine, el referente de esta primera parte de Jason Wander sería claramente "La chaqueta metálica".
Dsfruto mucho leyendo libros de esta temática y éste no ha sido menos, pero reconozco que tiene fallos y agujeros de guión más que suficientes como para merecer menor puntuación.
Ah! Aunque la historia no queda cerrada del todo, no es de esos libros que terminan con corte brusco dejándote a medias. Se puede leer de forma independiente.
***Edito para bajarle a 3/5, que he empezado con el segundo y lo he dejado al 10%, lo que me ha hecho darme cuenta de que algo falla...
En líneas generales este libro no aporta nada nuevo al género, tiene el sota-caballo-rey de recluta, instrucción, guerra, extraterrestres malos, etc... Pero si te gusta este tipo de historias es muy disfrutable.
Sin entrar en comparaciones de calidad, exclusivamente para que sepas si te gustaría o no, la historia que se cuenta es del corte de "Starship Troopers", "La vieja guardia" (mi libro favorito absoluto), la saga "Starship" o la saga "La flota perdida". Y en cine, el referente de esta primera parte de Jason Wander sería claramente "La chaqueta metálica".
Dsfruto mucho leyendo libros de esta temática y éste no ha sido menos, pero reconozco que tiene fallos y agujeros de guión más que suficientes como para merecer menor puntuación.
Ah! Aunque la historia no queda cerrada del todo, no es de esos libros que terminan con corte brusco dejándote a medias. Se puede leer de forma independiente.
***Edito para bajarle a 3/5, que he empezado con el segundo y lo he dejado al 10%, lo que me ha hecho darme cuenta de que algo falla...
August 21, 2010
I almost hate to review this because I really don't like saying negative things about the works of living writers, who I'm sure that, just like myself, are trying their best to produce good writing that readers will enjoy. However, I've reviewed everything else I've read so here goes my 2 cents.
First there are plenty of positives about the book. It is well written and there are some nice turns of phrase. There seems to be some pretty good accuracy on the military elements, and this is despite the fact that hard SF is among the most difficult stuff to write. The ending is also pretty well done. These earn the book 3 stars.
Here's my problems with the book, which would probably drop it to 2 stars. First, I really, really hated the main character. Yes, he had a horribly loss early in the book when he lost his two parents, but he too often seemed flippant and largely unaware of what others were suffering around him. He commits a mistake that actually gets his friend killed early on and his main concern seems to be for himself. Now, I could forgive the mistake itself, but he should have suffered a lot more for it. At one point he rejoices that he's been given his life back and all I could think about was how his friend wasn't given his back. The second problem I had with the character was how he was just handed everything by luck and by the intervention of powerful others who seemed to have recognized "strengths" in him that the reader never sees. First a Judge takes an interest in his career, then a drill seargent. They go to bat for him and save his career even though the reader, or at least I, couldn't see anything that would have earned their respect and intervention.
The only thing about the book itself that I thought could have been better was if we'd moved to the fighting part of the story sooner and spent less time with the training. Most of that was well written, though, and did hold my interest.
I'm sure this book could be vastly enjoyed by others who wouldn't be so put off by the character. The character certainly bothered me, though.
First there are plenty of positives about the book. It is well written and there are some nice turns of phrase. There seems to be some pretty good accuracy on the military elements, and this is despite the fact that hard SF is among the most difficult stuff to write. The ending is also pretty well done. These earn the book 3 stars.
Here's my problems with the book, which would probably drop it to 2 stars. First, I really, really hated the main character. Yes, he had a horribly loss early in the book when he lost his two parents, but he too often seemed flippant and largely unaware of what others were suffering around him. He commits a mistake that actually gets his friend killed early on and his main concern seems to be for himself. Now, I could forgive the mistake itself, but he should have suffered a lot more for it. At one point he rejoices that he's been given his life back and all I could think about was how his friend wasn't given his back. The second problem I had with the character was how he was just handed everything by luck and by the intervention of powerful others who seemed to have recognized "strengths" in him that the reader never sees. First a Judge takes an interest in his career, then a drill seargent. They go to bat for him and save his career even though the reader, or at least I, couldn't see anything that would have earned their respect and intervention.
The only thing about the book itself that I thought could have been better was if we'd moved to the fighting part of the story sooner and spent less time with the training. Most of that was well written, though, and did hold my interest.
I'm sure this book could be vastly enjoyed by others who wouldn't be so put off by the character. The character certainly bothered me, though.
November 16, 2017
Like some other critical reviewers, I really wanted to like this book. It's a quick and engaging read, the author's prose style is brisk and eminently readable, and the main character is affable. The first two stars are for all that.
It's everything else that falls flat. Worse, the more I think about it, the more annoyed I get. Buettner's book is utterly derivative, lifting its broad narrative, numerous plot points and ideas, and even some characters from Starship Troopers, with a smattering of Haldeman's Forever War and Scalzi's Old Man's war. It has been "updated" with a 21st century perspective, but even then it draws on a scrap heap of tropes and some blatant identity politics. On top of that, I had a lot of trouble with the science.
Some plot spoilers ahead.
The story is that of Jason Wander, bright but troubled, coming of age during a period where an alien race is threatening Humanity's very existence by dropping giant rocks onto major cities. If you've read Starship Troopers, you recognize the tale. Wander goes through boot camp (Troopers), nearly washes out by breaking rules (Troopers), gets some fancy armor (Troopers) that, cursorily, seems to violate various laws of physics and thermodynamics, comes face to face with the alien Bugs... err... Slugs (Troopers), has a three-way romantic entanglement (Troopers), goes on to fight the Slugs, where the first battle plans go horribly awry and many die (Troopers), gets quick battlefield promotions (Troopers), and so forth. Tack on top of that the counterintuitive idea that only orphans of the war are accepted into the elite training program (Old Man's War) (if the Earth was under existential threat, why oh why would the military limit itself in recruitment?), a ludicrous idea that an interplanetary space ship could hide behind planets for the early part of its journey, and a very forced mashup of old and new technologies that not only makes little sense, but reeks of deus ex machina.
And, since it's not good enough that our protagonist and his immediate cohorts simply survive and contribute, they all have to be the heroes, the very best at everything, and so forth.
I'm generally loath to be harsh like this, preferring instead simply to ignore and move on, but I read this book based on a lot of good reviews, and I feel obligated to counterweigh them, lest others fall into my trap. You're better off simply re-reading the nearly 60 year old Starship Troopers. This book is a pale shadow, one that tries to be a whole lot more and becomes a lot less instead.
It's everything else that falls flat. Worse, the more I think about it, the more annoyed I get. Buettner's book is utterly derivative, lifting its broad narrative, numerous plot points and ideas, and even some characters from Starship Troopers, with a smattering of Haldeman's Forever War and Scalzi's Old Man's war. It has been "updated" with a 21st century perspective, but even then it draws on a scrap heap of tropes and some blatant identity politics. On top of that, I had a lot of trouble with the science.
Some plot spoilers ahead.
The story is that of Jason Wander, bright but troubled, coming of age during a period where an alien race is threatening Humanity's very existence by dropping giant rocks onto major cities. If you've read Starship Troopers, you recognize the tale. Wander goes through boot camp (Troopers), nearly washes out by breaking rules (Troopers), gets some fancy armor (Troopers) that, cursorily, seems to violate various laws of physics and thermodynamics, comes face to face with the alien Bugs... err... Slugs (Troopers), has a three-way romantic entanglement (Troopers), goes on to fight the Slugs, where the first battle plans go horribly awry and many die (Troopers), gets quick battlefield promotions (Troopers), and so forth. Tack on top of that the counterintuitive idea that only orphans of the war are accepted into the elite training program (Old Man's War) (if the Earth was under existential threat, why oh why would the military limit itself in recruitment?), a ludicrous idea that an interplanetary space ship could hide behind planets for the early part of its journey, and a very forced mashup of old and new technologies that not only makes little sense, but reeks of deus ex machina.
And, since it's not good enough that our protagonist and his immediate cohorts simply survive and contribute, they all have to be the heroes, the very best at everything, and so forth.
I'm generally loath to be harsh like this, preferring instead simply to ignore and move on, but I read this book based on a lot of good reviews, and I feel obligated to counterweigh them, lest others fall into my trap. You're better off simply re-reading the nearly 60 year old Starship Troopers. This book is a pale shadow, one that tries to be a whole lot more and becomes a lot less instead.
May 25, 2015
Personally I think the Marine Corps is better but I may be biased.
Orphanage is one great book. It’s probably the best military sci-fi book I’ve ever read. My definition of military sci-fi differs from publishers that’s probably why. I think of books like Orphanage as military not the ones where some vague alien officer is off doing their thing. I digress though.
I loved the boot camp part though. It really brought home the differences between Army and Marine Corps boot camps.
I’ve heard a lot of people say the book likens a lot to Starship Troopers, as I haven’t been able to make it more than 10 pages through that book, I don’t know if the correlation is spot on or not. Judging by the movie, if it’s close to the original book, then Orphanage is close to Starship Troopers but only in that bugs send rocks at Earth. The rest differs. It’s a very personal book, you almost get to the point where you care what happens to Jason Wander.
The book is incredibly strong military sci-fi. If you don’t like books that get more militaryish than a storyline that uses a military career backstory, you won’t like the book. For the rest of you, it’s a wonderful read.
Orphanage is one great book. It’s probably the best military sci-fi book I’ve ever read. My definition of military sci-fi differs from publishers that’s probably why. I think of books like Orphanage as military not the ones where some vague alien officer is off doing their thing. I digress though.
I loved the boot camp part though. It really brought home the differences between Army and Marine Corps boot camps.
I’ve heard a lot of people say the book likens a lot to Starship Troopers, as I haven’t been able to make it more than 10 pages through that book, I don’t know if the correlation is spot on or not. Judging by the movie, if it’s close to the original book, then Orphanage is close to Starship Troopers but only in that bugs send rocks at Earth. The rest differs. It’s a very personal book, you almost get to the point where you care what happens to Jason Wander.
The book is incredibly strong military sci-fi. If you don’t like books that get more militaryish than a storyline that uses a military career backstory, you won’t like the book. For the rest of you, it’s a wonderful read.
December 24, 2010
Okay I admit it I like a good space war book (Military science fiction). This one makes little pretense of trying for "great" depth (it's got some never fear) but in the end I just found it a good story.
I haven't gotten to the next book in the story, another condemned to indeterminate waiting as I read other books that keep getting moved ahead of it.
So, get ready for futuristic, extra-planetary, violent battle...in other words saddle up for a desperate battle against impossible odds! Cool.
I haven't gotten to the next book in the story, another condemned to indeterminate waiting as I read other books that keep getting moved ahead of it.
So, get ready for futuristic, extra-planetary, violent battle...in other words saddle up for a desperate battle against impossible odds! Cool.
December 13, 2018
Really 2 and a half stars. Book one in a Military SF series. There was alot of background info on the characters, I guess because it's the start of the series. I'd have liked more action in the story, but the last quarter of the book was action-packed. I'd probably give the next book in the series a try.
March 30, 2022
In the near future, an alien species is bombing earth cities, intending to take over the planet after killing off the humans.
A boy who lost his mother in one of the bombings is forced to join the army after acting out in his grief. He's more than a bit of a screw up, but he finds his way into an important role, due to his talent for sniffing out evidence of the aliens' plot.
A lot of blood and thunder.
A boy who lost his mother in one of the bombings is forced to join the army after acting out in his grief. He's more than a bit of a screw up, but he finds his way into an important role, due to his talent for sniffing out evidence of the aliens' plot.
A lot of blood and thunder.
February 19, 2011
The first chronicle of Jason Wanderer.
This story is somehow greater than the sum of its parts.
The story is not unbelievably original, you have already read it if you read Starship Troopers.
The technology quips are actually a bit off-putting... That is to say the main characters, talks about having to use something from our time - though he is in 2040 - and he whines about how it is ANCIENT ETC...
Still I do not think of this as a rip-off of Starship Troopers, but rather an homage, and the start of ST on an epic scale (based on the remaining volumes in the Jason Wanderer Chronicles).
Buettner obviously was a Heinlein fan, he even mentions him in the acknowledgements. If I had to guess I would say he liked the idea, but just thought there was more there to run with and wanted to see it extrapolated over several volumes. Good deal - I want to see that too.
We follow the WIN/FAIL adventures of Jason as he goes from orphan to war hero, and fights the bugs that are trying to wipe out the good and peaceable folks of Earth.
The characters are likeable enough for a Sci-Fi novel, and the story moves right along very quickly, but without feeling frenetic. I never found myself thinking; get to the good part...
This story is somehow greater than the sum of its parts.
The story is not unbelievably original, you have already read it if you read Starship Troopers.
The technology quips are actually a bit off-putting... That is to say the main characters, talks about having to use something from our time - though he is in 2040 - and he whines about how it is ANCIENT ETC...
Still I do not think of this as a rip-off of Starship Troopers, but rather an homage, and the start of ST on an epic scale (based on the remaining volumes in the Jason Wanderer Chronicles).
Buettner obviously was a Heinlein fan, he even mentions him in the acknowledgements. If I had to guess I would say he liked the idea, but just thought there was more there to run with and wanted to see it extrapolated over several volumes. Good deal - I want to see that too.
We follow the WIN/FAIL adventures of Jason as he goes from orphan to war hero, and fights the bugs that are trying to wipe out the good and peaceable folks of Earth.
The characters are likeable enough for a Sci-Fi novel, and the story moves right along very quickly, but without feeling frenetic. I never found myself thinking; get to the good part...
January 12, 2011
Jason Wander, eighteen years old, with no particular skills, in trouble with the law, and with his only family killed in the alien attacks that are slowly destroying Earth's ecosystem and killing the human race, somewhat involuntarily enlists in the infantry. He does not suddenly discover that this is the life he was born for, but he does, eventually, decide that he doesn't want to fail at this, too, or let down the few people who believe in him. He makes some appalling mistakes on his way to that decision, and it's not smooth sailing after that, but Jason does start to make a foot soldier of himself. When an expedition is dispatched to take the war to the enemy, at their base on Ganymede, Jason and his squadmates are part of it.
This is a book that borrows heavily from all the great buddy war movies, as well as Starship Troopers and The Forever War, and freely acknowledges its debts. Orphanage doesn't break new ground in the genre, but it's a solid, enjoyable read.
This is a book that borrows heavily from all the great buddy war movies, as well as Starship Troopers and The Forever War, and freely acknowledges its debts. Orphanage doesn't break new ground in the genre, but it's a solid, enjoyable read.
April 7, 2014
Don't let the 3 star review fool you, I liked this book and will read on into the series.
Compares very much to
, but I liked that aspect of this story. Jason just always seems to have his things go his way, or IN his way. Kind of a simple but fun sci-fi thriller. Not too deep into sci-fi details of how things get done or work. The cool new cover caught my eye and I went on to read the reviews and then I was reading the book. This guy gets promoted faster than Kirk did in the Star Trek redo a few years ago (Cadet right to Captain).
My digital library has several of the Orphan books like
.
Compares very much to
, but I liked that aspect of this story. Jason just always seems to have his things go his way, or IN his way. Kind of a simple but fun sci-fi thriller. Not too deep into sci-fi details of how things get done or work. The cool new cover caught my eye and I went on to read the reviews and then I was reading the book. This guy gets promoted faster than Kirk did in the Star Trek redo a few years ago (Cadet right to Captain).My digital library has several of the Orphan books like
.
May 2, 2018
La novela revisita tooooodos los "lugares comunes" de la cfi militar. Eso no quiere decir que no la haya disfrutado, sino que no me ha traido nada nuevo, ni una pizca.
Entretenida, pero no la pongas a pelear con una de Scalzi, Scott Card, Pournelle, Haldeman o Heilein.
El tufillo a chovinismo yanki es perenne.
Entretenida, pero no la pongas a pelear con una de Scalzi, Scott Card, Pournelle, Haldeman o Heilein.
El tufillo a chovinismo yanki es perenne.
August 9, 2016
There's a fine line between accurately depicting military life and fetishizing it, and while the first half of Orphanage felt to me like the latter, Buettner dives straight into "War Is Hell" territory in the second half. If you're a fan of military SF who can't get enough of Robert Heinlein and has watched the boot camp segment of Full Metal Jacket more times than you can count, you will love this book and should run out and buy it right now.
As for me, while I always stop channel surfing for R. Lee Ermey, I don't dig the Heinlein and I don't get much out of military SF, so it was harder for me to gloss over some of the book's contrivances. The main character's a total washout who just happens to be friends with the world's top space pilot, and whose judge in juvie court just happens to be a Medal of Honor recipient who can pull strings for him whenever the plot requires; he just happens to stumble across the most intact alien artifact found in the war, becomes pals with the army's best gunner, falls in love with the best pilot, etc. etc.
I could gripe, but the book was honestly too engaging for all that to really get in the way of enjoying it. One could make the complaint that the author doesn't bring anything new to the military SF genre, or that his overarching conflict is a little too black and white, but you know what? If this book is your kind of thing, you're going to eat it up.
As for me, while I always stop channel surfing for R. Lee Ermey, I don't dig the Heinlein and I don't get much out of military SF, so it was harder for me to gloss over some of the book's contrivances. The main character's a total washout who just happens to be friends with the world's top space pilot, and whose judge in juvie court just happens to be a Medal of Honor recipient who can pull strings for him whenever the plot requires; he just happens to stumble across the most intact alien artifact found in the war, becomes pals with the army's best gunner, falls in love with the best pilot, etc. etc.
I could gripe, but the book was honestly too engaging for all that to really get in the way of enjoying it. One could make the complaint that the author doesn't bring anything new to the military SF genre, or that his overarching conflict is a little too black and white, but you know what? If this book is your kind of thing, you're going to eat it up.
April 26, 2008
Although I never read "Starship Troopers" and only have the movie as a reference, this book of military science-fiction is very reminiscent of it: replace "bugs" with "slugs" and it is pretty much the same story with the same testosterone feeling after seeing the movie.
It builds up a nice flow of adrenaline as it progresses(or maybe that was the influence of listening to heavy metal during the last 100 pages), which is why I enjoyed this light outing. With a character you care about, a little bit of humor, good chapter-ending cliff-hangers to keep you going, and some interesting scenes with the slugs, it manages to overcome some of the predictability as well as the uncomplicated plot. I intend to read the other books in the series, if for no other reason than to find out if there is an explanation, intelligent or otherwise, for "sluuuugs...iiin...spaaaace"(a muppet reference for those not in the know).
It builds up a nice flow of adrenaline as it progresses(or maybe that was the influence of listening to heavy metal during the last 100 pages), which is why I enjoyed this light outing. With a character you care about, a little bit of humor, good chapter-ending cliff-hangers to keep you going, and some interesting scenes with the slugs, it manages to overcome some of the predictability as well as the uncomplicated plot. I intend to read the other books in the series, if for no other reason than to find out if there is an explanation, intelligent or otherwise, for "sluuuugs...iiin...spaaaace"(a muppet reference for those not in the know).
August 11, 2015
Orphanage is a straightforward SF blend, part 'Enders Game', part 'The Martian'. It has the latter's humour, and shares segments of the formers storyline, both of which are good things. It's not intellectual SF, more the shoot-em-up style Hollywood blockbuster blueprint, you know, the one with the twang-on-the-heartstrings ending. Light on character development, heavy on smart-arse one liners, in a nutshell then, a thoroughly enjoyable escapist experience. Well worth a read if any of the above don't turn you off.
December 1, 2015
I don't think I could fairly give less than five stars considering how much I enjoyed reading this book! Excellent Military SciFi with insightful social commentary. Well developed and quite interesting characters. All around great story.
April 3, 2019
This was a crazy book. It started off so stinking slow, and was so ‘boring,’ that I almost stopped reading it. The main character was completely unlikeable for most of the book. I was ‘horrified’ when other characters I had come to care about more than the ‘hero’ died before the end of the book; it was quite a shock to the system, let me tell you! Then, what I took to be a ‘deliberate rip-off’ of Starship Troopers nearly did me on (starting on page 72 and running through page 86) (you know how it goes; guy screws up so bad somebody either would have died had it been ‘real’ or somebody does die and the screw-up has to deal with the consequences of his behavior just as he realizes he has found a place where he ‘really belongs’ and doesn’t want to leave). My patience was rewarded, though, and it did get better. I honestly could not believe the ending, though – it was nuts! I did not expect it to end the way it did, that is for certain!
The book does have good character development; the personalities grow and change and develop over the course of the book. I have to admit, by the end of the book, I did find myself liking the lead character; I do not know if that had anything to do with all of the sorrow he had to deal with in his life by the end of the book, but he did come out of the pain, heartache, and grief a different person, a ‘better’ person. Jason Wander (the lead character) was assuredly not the same person he was at the start of the book. There were other characters who did change over the course of the book .
It turned out to be a better book than I thought it was going to be. I am glad I took the time and the chance to read it.
The book does have good character development; the personalities grow and change and develop over the course of the book. I have to admit, by the end of the book, I did find myself liking the lead character; I do not know if that had anything to do with all of the sorrow he had to deal with in his life by the end of the book, but he did come out of the pain, heartache, and grief a different person, a ‘better’ person. Jason Wander (the lead character) was assuredly not the same person he was at the start of the book. There were other characters who did change over the course of the book .
It turned out to be a better book than I thought it was going to be. I am glad I took the time and the chance to read it.
August 18, 2008
spring08,military sf
November 5, 2012
I suspect the author traveled forward in time to publish it, and actually wrote it before Starship Troopers. Great book! I agree with Dan's review.
March 25, 2016
Humanity versus the space slugs. Barely managed to finish it. And that's saying something given the other pulpy crap I indulge in.
July 5, 2016
An interesting and entertaining first book in an undoubtedly decent series. I read someone comparing it to Chris Bunch’s The Last Legion series and I’m glad I read that because that thought occurred to me as I was reading it, but I pushed that thought aside as irrelevant, but then apparently it wasn’t. I’m glad to see I’m not the only person who thought about that. You see, I really love Bunch and his military sci fi series.’ I think they are excellent and I think Bunch writes some of the best military sci fi out there. Now I think Buettner might be close to Bunch. The only difference is Bunch uses some wicked humor in his books in his dialogue between characters, while Buettner generally does not. Otherwise, the military tactics are there, the action is frenetic, the butchery is shocking, the apparent “realism” to those who have been in the military is significant, and they are excellent writers writing excellent books. Of course, there’s that huge detail I haven’t touched on yet that every reviewer mentions. I don’t know why I bother, but I guess I will. Starship Troopers. Yes, Orphanage is a lot like Starship Troopers. There, I said it! Happy? The book follows a new infantry recruit as he trains to fight a slug-like alien enemy busy destroying major Earth cities with huge projectiles from one of Jupiter’s moons (Ganymede). There are also supporting characters such as a school friend who becomes a major pilot and a stereotypical drill sergeant. A huge secret mission is launched to go to Jupiter, take the fight to the enemy, and save humanity. Starship Troopers anyone?
Jason Wander is an orphan. His mother is killed when the city she lives in, Indianapolis, is demolished by a huge projectile sent down by the slugs, as is the case with cities all over Earth. Tens of millions of people, hundreds of millions, are dying as cities are obliterated. Jason doesn’t handle it well and beats up his teacher in school, is sent before a judge and is given two choices: jail or the Army. He chooses the Army. We follow him through basic training and it’s interesting, but what’s really interesting is that the world’s military is really out of date. No major wars have been fought in a very long time. There certainly are no interstellar fleets to go kill the slugs. No great plasma weapons, or anything like that. But as cities keep getting wiped out, the governments (mostly the US, I believe) come up with a one time possibility – take “orphans” – soldiers with no families left – train them, send them on a giant ship up to Ganymede, and attack the slugs in a winner take all battle/war for supremacy. It’s a gamble, but it’s all they’ve got. Unfortunately, all they’ve got, too, are weapons from the late 20th Century and a huge starship dating from a similar time, for the most part. And it’s going to take hundreds of days to get there!
Jason is one of 10,000 soldiers chosen and trained, quickly, and then loaded onto the ship. One of his old buddies, Metzger, is the pilot. He becomes friends and combat colleagues with a fiery little female Egyptian solider he calls Munchkin. Jason develops a relationship with his own landingship’s pilot. So, there are big plans on how they’re going to go in and land and then proceed to take on the slugs. Then it’s time. They take off for the surface and his ship is second in line, but things don’t appear “right.” The first ship disappears, and then his love/pilot starts shouting a warning and makes a crash landing, killing herself in the process, and the whole line of ships landing starts crashing into the moon’s surface that was supposed to be composed of a completely different type of surface with mountains elsewhere. What they land on isn’t compatible with what can hold their ships. It’s a blood bath. Thousands die. About 2,000 soldiers survive the landing, only 20% of the invading force. Nightmare.
Things get worse. The force heads off looking for shelter and discovers some caves that look safe. They set up a defensive perimeter and people bed down in the caves. Jason wakes up in the middle of the night, thinks he sees some shadows moving, realizes he does, and realizes the slugs, nearly invisible, are in the caves, and are suffocating soldiers as they sleep! He attempts to wake everyone he can and people start firing, but they lose hundreds of more soldiers that night and morale plummets even further. All this before they even face the slugs in battle.
Finally, they get out onto the battlefield the next day. I believe by that point, Jason’s been promoted from Specialist Fourth Class to something higher, can’t remember. The field promotions start coming fast for everyone. His general really relies on him a lot, for reasons I never fully understood. I could go on with details, but suffice it to say that the troops keep getting whittled down as they face tens of thousands, maybe even more, of the slugs who march straight at them and the human soldiers just take horrible casualties. Promotions keep coming and Jason keeps rising up the ranks. Soon he’s a captain, then a major. By attrition. Munchkin is still with him. She and Metzger have gotten married and she’s pregnant with his child. Jason’s “spook” buddie, Howard, comes to believe the slugs have a “hive” mind/system, that there’s really only one master slug and that they’re being pumped out by this master slug and that if they could kill this slug, they could kill them all. But how? And meanwhile, they keep coming by the thousands and humans keep dying. Soon, there are fewer than 1,000 soldiers and Jason’s general has been taken away after pinning his insignia on Jason, making him general of all the human forces, youngest general in human history. Jason really feels like this is surreal, he’s not cut out to be a leader, he’s a follower. But he gives it his best shot. He and Howard and Metzger come up with a plan to kill with master slug and end the war. It won’t go over well with everyone and it’s got to be a little lucky to work, but if it does work, it should end the war. The slugs make one last push, while the soldiers try and hang on again. Metzger takes the ship in orbit and soars down into the skies overhead toward the slug area and plows into what had appeared to be the headquarters buildings, blowing himself and the whole area up in a near mini-nuclear explosion. And all of the slugs fall over and die. It worked! He sacrificed himself, Munchkin is devastated, especially since their son, who Jason delivered, will never get to see his father, but the Earth is saved and the 700 remaining soldiers – out of 10,000 – have been saved! General Wander helped save the Earth. He’s a hero. Earth has sent a small fleet some time ago with reinforcements and they arrive shortly to help and to take the survivors home.
I’ve already started on the sequel, so I know a little bit about what happens next, and I won’t say anything in this review, but I really enjoyed this book. It was hardcore military. Took itself almost a little too seriously, if it’s possible to say that. Whereas Bunch’s characters could let down and goof around in between missions and even during firefights, just for some levity, it didn’t seem that was Buettner’s style, which is fine. Every author is different. He doesn’t have to be Chris Bunch. It’s just that it’s a little more somber. Again, that’s okay. Just be prepared to laugh a lot less than you will with Chris Bunch. Nonetheless, non-stop action, lots of blood and guts, fascinating tactics, good story, good potential for an interesting series. I’d like to give it five stars, but I have concerns with some of the decisions made by the officers above Wander, especially his commanding general, particularly as relating to his nonstop field promotions all the way to general within days. It just doesn’t seem that realistic to me and I find it hard to believe there weren’t other soldiers just as or more qualified than him to be promoted to those positions that quickly. Just not sure if I fully buy it. Still, four solid stars and definitely recommended.
Jason Wander is an orphan. His mother is killed when the city she lives in, Indianapolis, is demolished by a huge projectile sent down by the slugs, as is the case with cities all over Earth. Tens of millions of people, hundreds of millions, are dying as cities are obliterated. Jason doesn’t handle it well and beats up his teacher in school, is sent before a judge and is given two choices: jail or the Army. He chooses the Army. We follow him through basic training and it’s interesting, but what’s really interesting is that the world’s military is really out of date. No major wars have been fought in a very long time. There certainly are no interstellar fleets to go kill the slugs. No great plasma weapons, or anything like that. But as cities keep getting wiped out, the governments (mostly the US, I believe) come up with a one time possibility – take “orphans” – soldiers with no families left – train them, send them on a giant ship up to Ganymede, and attack the slugs in a winner take all battle/war for supremacy. It’s a gamble, but it’s all they’ve got. Unfortunately, all they’ve got, too, are weapons from the late 20th Century and a huge starship dating from a similar time, for the most part. And it’s going to take hundreds of days to get there!
Jason is one of 10,000 soldiers chosen and trained, quickly, and then loaded onto the ship. One of his old buddies, Metzger, is the pilot. He becomes friends and combat colleagues with a fiery little female Egyptian solider he calls Munchkin. Jason develops a relationship with his own landingship’s pilot. So, there are big plans on how they’re going to go in and land and then proceed to take on the slugs. Then it’s time. They take off for the surface and his ship is second in line, but things don’t appear “right.” The first ship disappears, and then his love/pilot starts shouting a warning and makes a crash landing, killing herself in the process, and the whole line of ships landing starts crashing into the moon’s surface that was supposed to be composed of a completely different type of surface with mountains elsewhere. What they land on isn’t compatible with what can hold their ships. It’s a blood bath. Thousands die. About 2,000 soldiers survive the landing, only 20% of the invading force. Nightmare.
Things get worse. The force heads off looking for shelter and discovers some caves that look safe. They set up a defensive perimeter and people bed down in the caves. Jason wakes up in the middle of the night, thinks he sees some shadows moving, realizes he does, and realizes the slugs, nearly invisible, are in the caves, and are suffocating soldiers as they sleep! He attempts to wake everyone he can and people start firing, but they lose hundreds of more soldiers that night and morale plummets even further. All this before they even face the slugs in battle.
Finally, they get out onto the battlefield the next day. I believe by that point, Jason’s been promoted from Specialist Fourth Class to something higher, can’t remember. The field promotions start coming fast for everyone. His general really relies on him a lot, for reasons I never fully understood. I could go on with details, but suffice it to say that the troops keep getting whittled down as they face tens of thousands, maybe even more, of the slugs who march straight at them and the human soldiers just take horrible casualties. Promotions keep coming and Jason keeps rising up the ranks. Soon he’s a captain, then a major. By attrition. Munchkin is still with him. She and Metzger have gotten married and she’s pregnant with his child. Jason’s “spook” buddie, Howard, comes to believe the slugs have a “hive” mind/system, that there’s really only one master slug and that they’re being pumped out by this master slug and that if they could kill this slug, they could kill them all. But how? And meanwhile, they keep coming by the thousands and humans keep dying. Soon, there are fewer than 1,000 soldiers and Jason’s general has been taken away after pinning his insignia on Jason, making him general of all the human forces, youngest general in human history. Jason really feels like this is surreal, he’s not cut out to be a leader, he’s a follower. But he gives it his best shot. He and Howard and Metzger come up with a plan to kill with master slug and end the war. It won’t go over well with everyone and it’s got to be a little lucky to work, but if it does work, it should end the war. The slugs make one last push, while the soldiers try and hang on again. Metzger takes the ship in orbit and soars down into the skies overhead toward the slug area and plows into what had appeared to be the headquarters buildings, blowing himself and the whole area up in a near mini-nuclear explosion. And all of the slugs fall over and die. It worked! He sacrificed himself, Munchkin is devastated, especially since their son, who Jason delivered, will never get to see his father, but the Earth is saved and the 700 remaining soldiers – out of 10,000 – have been saved! General Wander helped save the Earth. He’s a hero. Earth has sent a small fleet some time ago with reinforcements and they arrive shortly to help and to take the survivors home.
I’ve already started on the sequel, so I know a little bit about what happens next, and I won’t say anything in this review, but I really enjoyed this book. It was hardcore military. Took itself almost a little too seriously, if it’s possible to say that. Whereas Bunch’s characters could let down and goof around in between missions and even during firefights, just for some levity, it didn’t seem that was Buettner’s style, which is fine. Every author is different. He doesn’t have to be Chris Bunch. It’s just that it’s a little more somber. Again, that’s okay. Just be prepared to laugh a lot less than you will with Chris Bunch. Nonetheless, non-stop action, lots of blood and guts, fascinating tactics, good story, good potential for an interesting series. I’d like to give it five stars, but I have concerns with some of the decisions made by the officers above Wander, especially his commanding general, particularly as relating to his nonstop field promotions all the way to general within days. It just doesn’t seem that realistic to me and I find it hard to believe there weren’t other soldiers just as or more qualified than him to be promoted to those positions that quickly. Just not sure if I fully buy it. Still, four solid stars and definitely recommended.
April 26, 2021
“… la guerra es un orfanato.”
Difícil agregar algo a las excelentes reseñas añadidas previamente por otros lectores. Pero va:
Ya había oído hablar de este título, generalmente con buenos comentarios. No me decepciono. Se trata de un claro homenaje a “Tropas del Espacio” de Robert A. Heinlein. No solo en la muy clara temática –Ciencia Ficción Militar-, sino incluso en el diseño de personajes y la forma en que el señor Buettner estructura la historia. Por ejemplo: tanto una como otra emplea un tipo de inicio denominado “empezar por en medio de la historia”. La novela de Heinlein inicia con su protagonista formado en la sala de bajadas de su transporte de tropas –el Rodger Young- preparándose para una bajada de combate con el resto de su pelotón, para luego pasar –grosso modo- al origen tanto del conflicto como del personaje. Pues bien, Buettner emplea la misma técnica, si bien dedicándole menos tiempo a dicho prologo, para pasar entonces a conocer los orígenes del conflicto, su historia personal y el contexto general de la historia, todo esto de forma muy entretenida, hasta que el argumento termina por llevarnos –igual que lo hace Heinlein- al momento del prologo en que inicio nuetra novela, y así continuar con la historia.
Ahora, debo aclararlo, Orfanato NO es una copia de “Tropas”… ni intenta serlo. Ambos son muy diferentes si bien con el mismo tema básico: la humanidad aprendiendo a combatir una amenaza alienígena. De hecho… tiene también un cierto “feeling” a partir de la mitad del libro a “La Guerra Interminable” de Joe Haldeman -otro clásico del género con el cual comparte dicho Plot argumental-.
La historia: en un futuro relativamente cercano la humanidad ha dejado atrás tanto la guerra como el programa espacial, enfocándose en los problemas del planeta, de nuestras sociedades. Lo cual es bueno… ¿no?
El detalle es que un enemigo desconocido empieza a bombardear las ciudades de la Tierra desde la órbita de Ganimedes –la luna de Júpiter- empleando gigantesco proyectiles balísticos, los cuales si bien no cuentan con una carga explosiva la simple energía cinética de los mismos es más que suficiente para arrasar con sus blancos, arrojando a su vez material a la atmosfera, creando los efectos de una “invierno nuclear” pero sin la radiación. La vida vegetal empieza a morir, dentro de muy poco no se podrá cosechar alimentos ni siquiera en los territorios que rodean el Ecuador. La humanidad está condenada. Nuestra última esperanza es una solitaria nave espacial –construida a toda prisa- y un ejército de solo 10,000 soldados, todos ellos huérfanos de esta terrible guerra a quienes nadie espera de regreso, y que pelearan por la única familia que les queda… el uno al otro.
¿Porque no le doy las cinco estrellas?
mmm… quizás estoy siendo muy duro, quizás fue la traducción –este lo leí en la edición en español publicada por “La Factoría de Ideas”- el punto es que existen momentos donde la descripción ya sea de la acción o del contexto donde esta llevándose acabo la acción, no me parecen muy claros, son incluso un poco confusos. Aun así, lo disfrute mucho. Lo recomiendo.
Difícil agregar algo a las excelentes reseñas añadidas previamente por otros lectores. Pero va:
Ya había oído hablar de este título, generalmente con buenos comentarios. No me decepciono. Se trata de un claro homenaje a “Tropas del Espacio” de Robert A. Heinlein. No solo en la muy clara temática –Ciencia Ficción Militar-, sino incluso en el diseño de personajes y la forma en que el señor Buettner estructura la historia. Por ejemplo: tanto una como otra emplea un tipo de inicio denominado “empezar por en medio de la historia”. La novela de Heinlein inicia con su protagonista formado en la sala de bajadas de su transporte de tropas –el Rodger Young- preparándose para una bajada de combate con el resto de su pelotón, para luego pasar –grosso modo- al origen tanto del conflicto como del personaje. Pues bien, Buettner emplea la misma técnica, si bien dedicándole menos tiempo a dicho prologo, para pasar entonces a conocer los orígenes del conflicto, su historia personal y el contexto general de la historia, todo esto de forma muy entretenida, hasta que el argumento termina por llevarnos –igual que lo hace Heinlein- al momento del prologo en que inicio nuetra novela, y así continuar con la historia.
Ahora, debo aclararlo, Orfanato NO es una copia de “Tropas”… ni intenta serlo. Ambos son muy diferentes si bien con el mismo tema básico: la humanidad aprendiendo a combatir una amenaza alienígena. De hecho… tiene también un cierto “feeling” a partir de la mitad del libro a “La Guerra Interminable” de Joe Haldeman -otro clásico del género con el cual comparte dicho Plot argumental-.
La historia: en un futuro relativamente cercano la humanidad ha dejado atrás tanto la guerra como el programa espacial, enfocándose en los problemas del planeta, de nuestras sociedades. Lo cual es bueno… ¿no?
El detalle es que un enemigo desconocido empieza a bombardear las ciudades de la Tierra desde la órbita de Ganimedes –la luna de Júpiter- empleando gigantesco proyectiles balísticos, los cuales si bien no cuentan con una carga explosiva la simple energía cinética de los mismos es más que suficiente para arrasar con sus blancos, arrojando a su vez material a la atmosfera, creando los efectos de una “invierno nuclear” pero sin la radiación. La vida vegetal empieza a morir, dentro de muy poco no se podrá cosechar alimentos ni siquiera en los territorios que rodean el Ecuador. La humanidad está condenada. Nuestra última esperanza es una solitaria nave espacial –construida a toda prisa- y un ejército de solo 10,000 soldados, todos ellos huérfanos de esta terrible guerra a quienes nadie espera de regreso, y que pelearan por la única familia que les queda… el uno al otro.
¿Porque no le doy las cinco estrellas?
mmm… quizás estoy siendo muy duro, quizás fue la traducción –este lo leí en la edición en español publicada por “La Factoría de Ideas”- el punto es que existen momentos donde la descripción ya sea de la acción o del contexto donde esta llevándose acabo la acción, no me parecen muy claros, son incluso un poco confusos. Aun así, lo disfrute mucho. Lo recomiendo.
November 28, 2023
-Ciencia ficción militar sin complejos.-
Género. Ciencia ficción.
Lo que nos cuenta. El libro Orfanato (publicación original: Orphanage, 2004) nos lleva a mediados del siglo XXI y nos presenta a Jason Wander, un joven a punto de asaltar una base alienígena en Ganímedes desde donde la Tierra es atacada. Jason es uno de los diez mil voluntarios sin familia para un viaje de seiscientos días en una antigualla del siglo XX y un ataque casi suicida. Cuando cumplió los dieciocho, Jason estuvo cerca de ir a la cárcel y se le dio la opción de alistarse para evitar esa condena. En las fuerzas armadas descubre que años de mala economía y diferentes prioridades han dejado los equipos militares casi obsoletos y prácticamente a nivel tecnológico antiguo, por lo que el enfrentamiento con los extraterrestres hostiles será muy difícil. Primer libro de la saga Jason Wander.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
https://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com...
Género. Ciencia ficción.
Lo que nos cuenta. El libro Orfanato (publicación original: Orphanage, 2004) nos lleva a mediados del siglo XXI y nos presenta a Jason Wander, un joven a punto de asaltar una base alienígena en Ganímedes desde donde la Tierra es atacada. Jason es uno de los diez mil voluntarios sin familia para un viaje de seiscientos días en una antigualla del siglo XX y un ataque casi suicida. Cuando cumplió los dieciocho, Jason estuvo cerca de ir a la cárcel y se le dio la opción de alistarse para evitar esa condena. En las fuerzas armadas descubre que años de mala economía y diferentes prioridades han dejado los equipos militares casi obsoletos y prácticamente a nivel tecnológico antiguo, por lo que el enfrentamiento con los extraterrestres hostiles será muy difícil. Primer libro de la saga Jason Wander.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
https://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com...
July 22, 2025
This was one of my favorite sci-fi novels when I was a kid. Robert Buettner doesn’t pull punches with characters or the horrors of war. I recently re read the series and it’s still one of my favorites of the genre. I will always appreciate how even though the series is set in our not-so distant future, you can sink into the world, tech, and how the characters have relatable struggles.
The book opens up with the aftermath of the initial attacks on earth following our main character, Jason Wander, as he makes the decision that will inevitably change the course of his life and the fate of the Earth. Jason’s experience with Basic training makes you feel like you’re going through it with him real time and Buettners own experience lends to the story beautifully.
Yes, there are plot holes but none so gaping that the story falls apart. On one hand I almost wish he had spent more time developing Pooh and Munchkins relationships with Jason, but on the other hand I know that the pacing would slow down drastically if he did.
The book opens up with the aftermath of the initial attacks on earth following our main character, Jason Wander, as he makes the decision that will inevitably change the course of his life and the fate of the Earth. Jason’s experience with Basic training makes you feel like you’re going through it with him real time and Buettners own experience lends to the story beautifully.
Yes, there are plot holes but none so gaping that the story falls apart. On one hand I almost wish he had spent more time developing Pooh and Munchkins relationships with Jason, but on the other hand I know that the pacing would slow down drastically if he did.
May 20, 2021
First book in the series.. Jason is a kid with a temper. He's orphaned when aliens destroy the city of Pittsburgh, and he's about to go to prison after beating up some people. He's offered a choice by the judge; jail or join the army. Once in the army, he's a pain in the ass recruit, and causes the death of another recruit in a training accident.
It's only after this incident, that he starts to become a proper soldier.. following orders and gradually becoming a trusted member of his squad, and joining the G.E.F. which is headed to Ganymede to attack the alien base.
Once there, the aliens prove difficult to kill, and half the raiding force is destroyed within 24 hours. He eventually ends up the commanding officer, and manages to destroy the aliens base.
It's a good book, even though he's a bit of a Mary Sue in that he just keeps on getting the job done without any real struggles after the death back in basic training.
I look forward to reading the next book.
It's only after this incident, that he starts to become a proper soldier.. following orders and gradually becoming a trusted member of his squad, and joining the G.E.F. which is headed to Ganymede to attack the alien base.
Once there, the aliens prove difficult to kill, and half the raiding force is destroyed within 24 hours. He eventually ends up the commanding officer, and manages to destroy the aliens base.
It's a good book, even though he's a bit of a Mary Sue in that he just keeps on getting the job done without any real struggles after the death back in basic training.
I look forward to reading the next book.
November 22, 2023
I really only read this because my partner kept infodumping to me about it, and I finally decided to see what she found so interesting. With that out of the way, the writing does a good job of keeping you pushing forward and it's not a long read at all. That being said...yes, it is the embodiment of military sci-fi tropes, and yes, it is aggressively American. This drew very heavily from those early years after 9/11 in its concept and the way the characters act, which can make things look quite ridiculous in hindsight. There are some really interesting ideas here, such as the connection between this setting's drones and their operators, but overall it's a very run-of-the-mill story. It's not a pain to read, which is a lot more than can be said for most of this genre.
November 16, 2023
I like the review on Amazon that say the author stole they whole thing from the Starship Troopers and the Forever War, but liked the book anyway.
The only interesting part of the book was the background story of how the troopers are being sent into space with 50 year old technology and mothballed ships because after 50 years of peace no new technology was developed. Maybe if the author had fleshed out that plot without approriating a plot and characters from 50 year old novels it might have been a decent book.
The only interesting part of the book was the background story of how the troopers are being sent into space with 50 year old technology and mothballed ships because after 50 years of peace no new technology was developed. Maybe if the author had fleshed out that plot without approriating a plot and characters from 50 year old novels it might have been a decent book.
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