Too Old to Die

Too Old to Die #1

by John Walker

Gareth Weston feels old. After a lifetime as a soldier, he’s retired to a quiet part of Earth where he expects to live out the rest of his days in quiet tranquility. With the universe at peace, he experiences a sense of uselessness. Long hikes in the woods only go so far in keeping him busy and active.

Sometimes, fate isn’t content to allow obscurity to set in. When a mysterious force descends upon Earth, Gareth learns how battered his body has become. What starts off as a threat to his small community swiftly escalates as the invaders obliterate major cities. With few chances for survival, and only a rogue doctor as an ally, Gareth must find a way to escape his home. Or die trying.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy

351 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2022

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh!

Too old to die? How about too pointless to continue reading?
Even if the terrible grammar and many missing words are corrected, this book would still need judicious editing to render a decent story. There is the possibility of a storyline, the promise it might be even good, but as released this is best left on the shelf. I pushed through the narrative, trying to make the disparate plots fit and eventually realized I’d rather quit at 92% than continue a story that was all flash and no substance.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author constantly switches between 3rd and 1st person, and it makes it very hard to read. I'm not sure if this is a stylistic choice or ignorance

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF quit on page 10

"Jesus Christ. Nila swallowed back rising bile. Bryce grabbed her shoulder. He spun her around, thrusting some armor into her hands. She nodded before he could sign to her. I’m on it. For God’s sake, how can you ignore what happened out there? How does it not bother you remotely?"

The above paragraph is copied directly out of the book. The first 10 pages are all the same. 1st person and 3rd person mixed together. Elementary school children have a better grasp of English than this author.

[Ed C · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay story, but I couldn't keep track of all the tenses used by the Author

Seriously, within one single paragraph the author John Walker uses:
-First person is the I/we perspective.
-Second person is the you/yourself perspective.
-Third person is the he/she/it/they perspective.
He uses the person's name who is speaking/thinking so little (instead, the author picked a dumb tense), sometimes you have to swipe back a page and figure out if the author has moved on to another one of the dozen characters he introduces in the first 100 pages of the book (not kidding)).

He switches back and forth so often in tense--you actually start to not even care who is talking at that point. Again, not joking, its that bad. To say it was confusing as hell is the biggest understatement on "Goodreads."

The story is pretty good. I wish he'd share more about the enemy "aliens". So far I'm thinking their just big ugly housecats. What's their background? Why are they so angry? And what do the friendly "aliens" even look like? At least I like the main guy (I assume he is...its that confusing at first), and I like main guy's daughter. The pirate girl is annoying as hell (her obsession with some-sort-of-off-the-grid-cache/depot is deranged), as is her side-kick/mechanic, but I do sort of like the whiney hacker. There was not enough info about the whole ambassador story line to even care. And some fleet dude I guess was in charge of something or another.

Another disappoint is the lack of any info on the gear everyone is using. I mean he throws around the term "armor" so much you have no idea what it looks like or made of or any thing. Same goes for weapons. I guess the reader assumes its like Star Wars. And nothing has scale...he uses little to no words to fully describe the ships everyone is flying around on. I mean I read Sci-Fi for this exact kind of stuff, if I didn't want this info I'd just go reader a better detective, military, or spy book. I'm reading this to hear the author's creative ideas of what humans may achieve some day. Not just read a decently written, but boring as hell, mystery novel.

Midway through this book you simply don't give a flying f**k what happens.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I can definitely relate to the main character, Gareth Weston, in this book. He's a retired veteran who has not taken easily to his new retirement life style. After nearly forty-years in service his body is feeling the effects of all those years of a physically demanding profession. I definitely can relate to that! He does miss his service time, but realized that it was time for him to move on so now he's in quiet mountain retreat attempting to keep his body in some kind of shape, but it's very hard work.

Gareth did leave the military with something more than most soldiers. He was part of an experiment where he received an implant in his head that was a neural interface with an artificial intelligence. This device was like a computer inside his brain and it had taken on the engrams of his departed wife, Zoe. She was now his constant companion and was what was keeping him sane after losing her and his military career. His implant was one of a kind and had been created/invented by his wife. The military knew about it and at one time thinking about adopting this kind of implant for all their soldiers, but that didn't happen without his wife driving the effort. There wasn't anyone around who could have safely removed the implant so he kept it in retirement, but few people even knew anything about it.

Ok, that's one story-line in this book. The other involves an Earth Ambassador, Nila Chance and her security/body guard, Sergeant Bryce Driver. They had just received some encrypted intel about the Veldon's intentions. The Veldon's was an alien race that had not too long ago been at war with the humans and the Korla, another alien species. Ambassador Chance was on a Korla border planet when she received the intel from one of her operatives at about the same time the Veldons started bombarding the planet. She and her body guard made their escape, barely, but didn't really have any place to go without addition fuel for their spaceship.

Then there's Lyra Vahst, a former military veteran, who didn't find the military all that pleasant. She had gotten out and now was operating as a small time pirate stealing various items from unsuspecting places until she got on the radar of one Lieutenant Commander Chelsea Weston. While she wasn't military, she did represent a police force thats job was to capture criminals like Lyra Vahst and that's what Chelsea has been attempting to do for some time. Except Lyra just happened to be one step ahead of Chelsea's efforts. But now that Lyra and her very small crew had just stolen some very valuable military maps, they made their escape only to realize that their spaceship was running out of fuel. So, they picked a very remote military fuel depot in hopes of stealing what fuel they needed and also any military maps of the area. Lyra believed there were a lot of abandon military depots left over from the previous war with the Veldons and she wanted to see if she and her crew could get rich selling this military hardware, if they could find it.

So, both the Ambassador and the pirate Vahst were closing in on this remote military refueling depot. Additionally, Lt Cmdr Weston had followed Vahst and was heading to the same destination. Meanwhile, Earth was now under attack by the Veldons. And Earth was being destroyed! It seems that someone wasn't doing their job in watching the Veldons over the past peaceful years and didn't realize that they were preparing to go to war again. Now they have suddenly appeared above Earth with a humongous fleet that is quickly destroying the five Earth fleets that are supposed to be protecting Earth and the Solar System.

Admiral Thomas Gaston and his fleet were out in deep space, know where actually, conducting training exercises. He had just received knews about the Veldons conducting actions very close to the Earth/Korla/Veldon border and brought this to the attention of the Minister of Defense back on Earth. The Minister said he knew about this and that it was just the Veldons conducting training exercises just as was Admiral Gaston. The Defense Minister told the Admiral not to worry about it and that's about the last thing he told anyone. Admiral Gaston soon realizes that his fleet may be the only military assets left of Earth's entire planet. He begins heading towards Earth attempting to reach out to any other colony fleets or any Earth allies, like the Korla, but so far his comms seem to be well and truly jammed.

Now back on Earth, believe it or not, Gareth Weston has found a neighbor who has an underground hanger with a very capable spaceship ready to launch. So he and Doctor Augustus Keppler had managed to escape Earth, got to the moon and then had fled to deep space with the intent of finding his daughter Lieutenant Commander Chelsea Weston. Gareth figured she had better ties with the Earth military allies so he was going to offer his services to them if they would take him. Additionally, Doctor Keppler had injected Gareth with an experimental drug when he found Gareth almost dead from a run-in with the Veldons when they landed on the mountain Gareth and Doctor Keppler had their homes. What this drug did to Gareth might be the reason the Veldons are attacking Earth. It certainly makes a significant change in Gareth. You'll have to read the book to find out just what.

A very good start to what could be a very good series. It does seem kind of bleak in that Earth couldn't even defend itself from a vicious enemy they should have known was preparing to attack. How the Veldons apparently invented some advance tech that got them orbiting over Earth without any early warning is something that needs to be explained. Unfortunately, with the bombardment of Earth, there's very few who might listen to the story. Still, this continues in book 2, "Hearts of Men" available on Amazon. I've added it to my reading list already.

[Jon Svenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by the author.

Gareth Weston (the MC) is an ex-military commander retired somewhere in Washington State up by the Cascades. He goes for a walk every day or three, and is basically passing the time until it's his turn to die.

Then an alien species shows up, one that Earth has gone to war with before. Somehow they bypass all the Earth's defenses and start bombarding the planet with nuclear weapons. Gareth notices, but what he's paying attention to are the ships that just came down to inspect his neighbor's house. The same house where he's seen odd flashes of lights in the weeks leading up to the invasion.

I'll stop the recap there. This is pure space opera, except near the end where we get into some small unit combat. The characters and their personalities are well written. Lyra stood out to me, with Chelsea and the doctor right behind her.

The editing isn't great as there are misspelled words and other issues, but I rate the books I read based on how much I enjoyed them, not how technically perfect they are. After the long slog through Portal to Nova Roma, this was a breath of fresh air and a good military sci-fi experience.

A fun read that went by far too quickly. 5/5*

[Steve Hunt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Badly written and edited

Gave up at 37%, editing is poor, lots of mistakes and I started to wonder if this is actually badly translated into English.
Jumps incoherently between third and first person, very confusing.
I wouldn't waste your time with this, better books are available.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

Fast paced read. Gareth aged soldier living the rest of his life out on earth when aliens attack . Gareth finds the Doc and they both escape. Read to follow the the res of their adventure

[Marcus Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but focus on one character.

I liked the concept of this book - one old vet needing to come back to save the world - but I had a couple problems with this story. 1) We're following four storylines. It's hard to care about all these different people while the story is going on. I only really cared about the titular old man. 2) We really don't know who the aliens are. We get an idea that they hate earthlings because of The War, but that's it.

Otherwise, I kinda enjoy the story, and I like where it's going, but feel it's lacking. Plus all of this book is just a buildup for the series, instead of being a complete story in itself.

[Mitch & Connie Traywick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Well worth the time invested to read. You will find it hard to stop reading and do anything else till the last page is finished.

[Dan Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr.Walker has written a wonderful new novel I believe everyone will enjoy

Any older soilders has been put to pasture and is not happy with it, his body is in pain and has absolutely nothing worth doing. This out of the clear blue sky comes neighbors who need help. While offering help the world goes crazy, an old enemy attacks earth.
This work blends a group of characters from all walks of life into a cohesive military action yarn that's enjoyable and quite readable .

Great job John Walker!!

[James Arthur Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting concept not an unique plot device but a good what if a wound healing illness healing formula could guarantee strength and physical and mental acuitybut not developed by aliens but a morbid disgustinly arrogantl Earther . the author keeps the action moving but jumps around to various characters not quite protagonist or antagonist yet to be decided. Solid writing no major editing problems the book can be frustratingly fetailed at times.
But I would recommend others to give (TOO OLD TO DIE), a read.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A good read, but not amazing. I'm on book two now, and this is looking like one of those "humanity is doomed" series. In this case I'm not seeing a happy ending for us, but I'm waiting for a path to save at least some of us, and to put the boot into the aliens that are trying to wipe us out.

I just don't like stuff to be too dark anymore, so I need some sort of chance to "win" in books I read. Other people may not care, but if this doesn't turn around soon I won't continue with the series just because I find it too depressing.

[Jean Oakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, Exciting Story!

It's a little hard to read, switching between third person and first person. Made it more difficult because it's hard to tell if quotation marks were missing it not.
BUT, well with the hassle!
Three awesome storylines are followed until they collide for a satisfying ending, but still enough adventure ahead to want to start the second book right away.
I'd rate the story PG-13 for some language and violence.

I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription)

[Leslie Baptiste · Rating 4 out of 5]

complex characters, a lot of moving parts, the authors usual type of book.

This is the usual style of Mr. Walker‘s books. If you like desperate groups of characters coming together such as pirates police officers, spies, mad scientist, veterans it’s all here. The storyline is complex the action is good, unfortunately the book ended too soon I think a bit too short for my taste, left me wanting more. Going to read the next book when it arrives.

[Geraldine M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Adventure

There's a lot of characters in this book to keep straight. About 3 hrs in, I found myself going back to remember which was which. It all straightened out. The Adventure builds when Earth is attacked by aliens that Earth has a treaty with. They are but hard and fast and all communications are jammed. Follow the characters and how their lives intertwine. Couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the next book.

[Peter Rijs · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another series?

Purchased this believing it to be a stand alone. Surprise surprise, the last chapter ends the book rather unexpectedly leaving the story totally unfinished. No mention anywhere that a series is intended, not before purchasing nor in the closing words. Writing, storyline, characterbuilding etc is really worth 5 stars, the way this story ends is no star at all.

[steve irineou · Rating 2 out of 5]

No ending in book two

The first book was ok,a lot of loose ends but I thought it will all come together on book two . Book two ended without any resolution to the story so I thought "ok I guess there must be a book three" . No ! As far as I could find ,there is no book three and no ending.

[Trudi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much going on!

An old retired sergeant, his estranged daughter, an ambassador (and her guard), a mad (ok maybe just vexed) scientist, criminals and pirates. What more could you ask for? How about aliens attacking earth and wiping out most of the fleet?

All that and more. A good fast read and volume 2 is ready to read. :)

[William Zboril · Rating 5 out of 5]

What s great surprise this book was

If you like action then this space thriller is for you. The title did not do it justice, I almost passed on it but thrilled I didn't. The story was extremely well written. The characters were blended well in the story too. There are not any dull moments and it is hard to put down. Don't miss this story!

[Beth Hornick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid work, my first time reading this author.

Good mix of action and character development. Four of five stars for the work. Transitions were a bit rough, seemed that the author presumed the reader familiar with the storyline.

[Michele Livesay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Good Space Opera

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in series. Garth and Dr Keppler barely made it off earth. More adventures and new teammates are coming their way.

[David Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable book

This book started ou t very interesting. For the first third of the book. But then it seemed to slow down for the second third. Then it picked back up and made me want to read the second book.

[Terence Kiernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! A great fast read.

Lots of action
and great plot twists. Everything came together in the end in a very believable way. This is a story that I have been looking for a very long time. I can't wait to start on the second book.

[Tom Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good stuff!

The start of a great yarn. It will be very interesting to see how this progresses. Very interesting cast of characters who come together at a crucial time. Should be a great read!

[Ray Ritchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

Lots of action, beginning had several different threads that came together for a very good finale. Good combination of bio and hardware enhancements.

[Mark Coe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning.

Wow what a intense thrill ride. Just gotta love these characters. The old man is crusty, the doctor is shady and the rest are either obsessed.

[x x x · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice suspense

Good collection of thoughts and possibilities. Interesting juxtaposition of the military, the scientific, the diplomatic, and the criminal mindsets. So

[Terry Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not A Finished Story

Good book but not a stand alone read. Wait 3-5 years for the complete series if there is one planned.

[Joe McCullough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rolled the dice

It seems I have won. This is a g great start to a tale. All the elements for a great adventure are present. Nicely put together and readable.