The Shattering Peace

Old Man's War, Book 7

De: John Scalzi

Narrado por: Tavia Gilbert

After a decade, acclaimed science fiction master John Scalzi returns to the galaxy of the Old Man's War series with the long awaited seventh book, The Shattering Peace

THE PEACE IS SHATTERING

For a decade, peace has reigned in interstellar space. A tripartite agreement between the Colonial Union, the Earth, and the alien Conclave has kept the forces of war at bay, even when some would have preferred to return to the fighting and struggle of former times. For now, more sensible heads have prevailed – and have even championed unity.

But now, there is a new force that threatens the hard-maintained peace: The Consu, the most advanced intelligent species humans have ever met, are on the cusp of a species-defining civil war. This war is between Consu factions... but nothing the Consu ever do is just about them. The Colonial Union, the Earth and the Conclave have been unwillingly dragged into the conflict, in the most surprising of ways.

Gretchen Trujillo is a mid-level diplomat, working in an unimportant part of the Colonial Union bureaucracy. But when she is called to take part in a secret mission involving representatives from every powerful faction in space, what she finds there has the chance to redefine the destinies of humans and aliens alike... or destroy them forever.

©2025 John Scalzi (P)2025 Audible, Inc.

Some character voices are a bit silly.

Great continuation of a story. My only immediate dislike, which is a little too strong of a word to convey my actual degree of annoyance was the voice actor. Main voice and alien characters sounded fine but adult human male characters felt like the voice actor was a 10 year old boy trying to sound like their grizzled grandfather.

Can I give it a… 4.7, maybe a 4.8?

It’s good. Really good. It feels like the last couple of books like “The End of All Things” or maybe “The Human Division” than the first book or “The Ghost Brigades”. So, again, really good. It doesn’t have the impact of the first two books though. And while such a comparison may be unfair given how Scalzi has explored this universe, it still remains (IMO) that this book doesn’t quite meet that high standard. The level of intrigue is very good. Considering that I almost always figure out the intrigue-based surprises, that I was surprised by this ending is actually a compliment.

It was nice to see G_____ make a return though. As much of a badass as he/she was nearly 20yrs ago!

A Serviceable Scalzi Read

This book was consistent with Scalzi's level of quality in most ways, but it didn't capture the magic of other Old Man's War books. John Perry and Jane were truly special characters with relatable and unique aspects. The protagonist of this book is a nepo-baby with a chip on her shoulder who is too competent by half. It felt like a Mary Sue power trip, which just doesn't fit the series.

It's still worth a listen if you're a big fan of the Old Man's War series.

Reread the earlier books 1st!

There are many references to things that happened in the earlier books and while I remember really enjoying every one of them, they were written long enough ago that I really would’ve liked to revisit them before reading this last book. I think this book would’ve seemed twice as good if I had been current in my mind with the characters and backstory. As it was, I felt it was good but not great.

The performance

Enjoyed the book. However would’ve appreciated a bit more consciousness focus. Nonetheless it was a great story

Good all around!

The Shattering Piece was good. The story was an easy binge listen. Here is a good close to the story of the old man’s war universe(if it is…). The characters are likable and the dialogue is Scalzi’s usual level of charm and bite. The performance was perfect. Tavia Gilbert who narrated Zoe’s Tale and The End Of All Things (and many more) brought this story to life.

Another Winner for Scalzi

Very 1980’s but if you’re a: old enough to remember reading Old Man’s War & loving the series you’re going to love this. Plus lots of great ideas!💡

Great

Finally! Thank you. Great listen. Waiting for more. There are many more interesting characters to explore from original saga. Ode Abumwe, Hafte, Szilard. Another adventure for John and Jane. Let's go!

excellent continuance

you get to learn more about the Oban, Consu, and characters from previous books. loved it.

Scalzi, that monster, throws us a curve...

As a long time fan of the series, this book was not at all what I was expecting. Neither in tone, nor in plot. And still it flowed well, followed the nature of the series and even answered many of the formerly mysterious parts of the universe he originally created.
Well written, and beautifully read.