Book Review: The Oldest Starfighter by Jamie McFarlane

The Oldest Starfighter
Author: Jamie McFarlane
Series: Oldest Starfighter (Book 1)
Publication: Fickle Dragon Publishing LLC (May 10, 2024)

Description: The fate of the free universe comes to rest in the hands of the Oldest Starfighter, when grizzled veteran ace fighter pilot, Gordy Harmen, once again heeds the call to battle.

In this gripping new military science fiction novel, the universe teeters on the brink of invasion, and the Obsidian Union scrambles to assemble a formidable force of combat pilots. Enter Gordy Harmen, once a legendary Air Force pilot whose illustrious career came to an end due to physical limitations.

Desperate and with nothing to lose, Gordy is approached with a tantalizing proposition: join the Obsidian Union's fight, and they'll rejuvenate his weary body, granting him the chance to fly once more. With his unmatched skills in the cockpit, Gordy must adapt to a new battlefield—the vast expanse of space.

As the tension mounts and the fate of the universe hangs in the balance, "The Oldest Starfighter" takes readers on a thrilling journey through epic space battles and pulse-pounding action. Will Gordy's courage and expertise be enough to turn the tide of war? Find out in this captivating first installment of Jamie McFarlane's exhilarating new series, promising to enthrall fans of sci-fi adventure.

My Thoughts: This story begins with a knock at the door, Retired Air Force flying ace Gordy Harmen is bored with sitting on his couch, watching baseball, and drinking beer. When Korsic from the Obsidian Union comes to his door and recruits him to fight in their war, Gordy is intrigued enough to sign up.

Gordy quicky finds out that there are problems that Korsic didn't mention to him. Gordy and the other Earth pilots soon learn that they will be facing overwhelming odds against an enemy with more advanced technology than they will have. They also have a population to defend that is having trouble believing that the enemy is coming their way and may have been infiltrated with the enemy too. 

The story is filled with action and adventure as Gordy and his fellow citizens of Earth fight battles with the enemy and the government that hired them. The story reminds me of Old Man's War by John Scalzi in some ways: advanced medical technology and the need to recruit fighters with experience. 

I liked the writing style. I liked Gordy's "take no prisoners" style and complete willingness to tell it like it is. I liked the comradery among the recruited pilots. I even liked the potential romance with his alien liaison. 

This is the first in a new series and ends with a lot unresolved. I look forward to reading more. 

Favorite Quote:

You have an enemy who wants to take all your stuff. If you don't want to hand it over, you have to change the way you approach war. Because, no matter what the cool kids are saying, boys and girls, you're in a war. 

I bought this one July 24. You can buy your copy here.