Of all the contemporary SF writers, John Scalzi reminds me most of Robert Heinlein. I loved Scalzi’s Old Man’s Universe series, especially Old Man’s War (2005). I was less enthused about Scalzi’s The Interdependency series. So I wondered what Scalzi would do with his latest novel, Kaiju Preservation Society (2022). After reading it, I would say Scalzi’s back in the Old Man’s War mode.
Kaiju Preservation Society is narrated by a food-delivery guy named Jamie Gray. When offered a job outside the food delivery industry, Gray jumps at it. What Jamie gets is a mission to both protect the Earth and to protect a very different alternate Earth. I want to avoid spoilers but dragons are involved.
The alternate Earth Scalzi creates is reminiscent of Harry Harrison’s Deathworld novels: everything on that planet wanted to kill you.
There’s some clever plotting, some mysteries, some conspiracies, and an action-packed ending that will remind you of an early Heinlein SF novel. If you’re in the mood for some frothy but fun SF, Kaiju Preservation Society delivers! GRADE: B
You fell into the trap, George: “food-delivery guy.” Scalzi never says whether Jamie is male or female.
I haven’t read this, though I think I would like it if I did. Ann enjoyed it quite a bit.
Jeff, I did fall into Scalzi’s trap! Either way, “Jamie” experiences a hell of an adventure!
I enjoyed this more than the Interplanetary series. Lightweight, but fun.
Steve, Kaiju Preservation Society is just the kind of lightweight but fun read that I enjoy for Summer Reading!
It’s no REDSHIRTS but I liked it too. I didn’t really notice it until after I had finished the book, but Jeff is right – Scalzi deliberately leaves it open as to whether Jamie is a man or a woman (though I pictured him as a him). During the book, several of the other characters are not obviously identifiable just by their name until he adds “he” or “she” later in the paragraph. That I did notice.
Fun book.
Jeff, I have a copy of REDSHIRTS on my Read Real Soon stack. Scalzi is a tricky guy!
I haven’t read Scalzi, but this gender confusion might get him banned in one of the Fascist states like Florida or Texas.
Michael, I’m baffled about why Red States became obsessed with gender and transexual issues…when they’re supposed to support Individual Rights. What ever happened to LIVE FREE OR DIE!
Surely you’re not really baffled! They are not “LIKE US.” Only straight rich white men count.
Jeff, you sound like Patrick and Katie! And, my students!
“And the various saps we can get wound up enough to contribute money to and vote for us, of course.”
Todd, it’s always about the Money!
I read this, George, and really enjoyed it. I usually think of Scalzi as a YA author but several of the booksellers praised his sci-fi work.
Like Jeff, I also thought Jamie was a man. Didn’t notice the lack of gender there but the confusing use of pronouns, especially the plural, I could have done without.
Beth, I missed the “Jamie” trick completely. To me, the character came off as a guy, but that might just be my assumption.