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misterjay's review against another edition
4.0
Scalzi is back at work playing with the forms and technology of the novel, this time choosing to revive (for lack of a better word) the episodic novel. Each 'episode' is a stand alone story, but the characters carry over between some stories and a chronological order is adhered to, rendering out into a novel that unfolds like a t.v. season. Some stories are better than others, some are more necessary than others, but they are all fun, written in the signature Scalzi style of fast, easy, clever.
#1 The B-Team
The opening episode of Scalzi's episodic novel introduces us to the main cast and explains just why they're the ones who find themselves in the middle of the action. Repeatedly. 4/5
#2 Walk the Plank
The length of this episode, or lack thereof, caused quite a few complaints out in the real world when the story first became available for download. I didn't mind that as I thought the story of a stranded sailor was well worth the money. 4/5
#3 We Only Need the Heads
A clean-up mission on a wildcat colony reveals unexpected secrets that could land the entire Colonial Union in a whole cauldron of hot water should they come to light. There's a lot of action here and the usual great characterization one expects of a Scalzi novel. 4/5
#4 A Voice in the Wilderness
At first glance, this seems like a digression from the main story, but, as usual, patience rewards the reader when the details of the story become clearn. At the same time, this is more of a one-off than usual, featuring a main character we will never meet again. 3/5
#5 Tales from the Clarke
Here we get some insights into the role of Captain Colouma and her role in the greater game that is slowly unfolding. In the meantime, there are strange things happening among the special guests that are being given the grand tour. 4/5
#6 The Back Channel
The intricacies of diplomacy are demanding at the best of times; when straight ahead negotiations seem to be failing, it behooves certain members of certain organizations to find less than obvious roads to peace. 4/5
#7 The Dog King
This is a cute, light episode. Friend Wilson is bag and once again holding the short end of the stick, even while doing the jobs no one else seems to have the time to take care of; as plot devices go, the overly-competent lieutenant dog-sitting the pet of a high-ranking official is, if not new, at least not as well trod as some other stories. And, to give credit where credit is due, Scalzi takes the ridiculous plot and dishes out a funny story that manages to entertain all while advancing the myriad character arcs and overarching story. 4/5
#8 The Sound of Rebellion
A soldier is captured by unknown, capable, assailants while on shore leave, leaving her to figure out how to escape using only her wits. The Sound of Rebellion is fast, action packed, and tightly focused, which more than makes up for its methodology, which is taken straight from the pages of Marvel Comics. 2.5/5
#9 The Observers
The Observers is another action light episode, focusing instead on the growing relationship between Abumwe and Wilson, as well as introducing a new set of characters from Earth. The mystery of the sabotage deepens and the overall plot is advanced. In between there is some fun conversation, and the briefest of whodunnits. 3/5
#10 This Must Be the Place
Finally, we get to know a little bit more about Hart Schmidt and where he comes from. More importantly, we learn how he views his place in the diplomatic corps and why he chooses to stay. 4/5
#11 A Problem of Proportion
While not quite the character piece that Episode #10 is, this is still a quieter, smaller episode in some ways. Another big piece of the overarching story is revealed, and the depth and grace of our heroes are likewise revealed. 4/5
#12 The Gentle Art of Cracking Heads
We get one place closer to solving the mystery of The Observers, and get a bit of fun action in the process. The ending was a bit disconcerting and goes a long way towards setting up any final showdowns that might pop off in the final episode. 4/5
#13 Earth Above, Sky Below
Here we are at last, the final episode and it proves to be worth the wait. It's a bit longer than some of the others and wraps up many, but not all, of the questions that lead the story. We get a few more character set pieces that complete their arcs, which is not a bad way to end a novel. 5/5
#1 The B-Team
The opening episode of Scalzi's episodic novel introduces us to the main cast and explains just why they're the ones who find themselves in the middle of the action. Repeatedly. 4/5
#2 Walk the Plank
The length of this episode, or lack thereof, caused quite a few complaints out in the real world when the story first became available for download. I didn't mind that as I thought the story of a stranded sailor was well worth the money. 4/5
#3 We Only Need the Heads
A clean-up mission on a wildcat colony reveals unexpected secrets that could land the entire Colonial Union in a whole cauldron of hot water should they come to light. There's a lot of action here and the usual great characterization one expects of a Scalzi novel. 4/5
#4 A Voice in the Wilderness
At first glance, this seems like a digression from the main story, but, as usual, patience rewards the reader when the details of the story become clearn. At the same time, this is more of a one-off than usual, featuring a main character we will never meet again. 3/5
#5 Tales from the Clarke
Here we get some insights into the role of Captain Colouma and her role in the greater game that is slowly unfolding. In the meantime, there are strange things happening among the special guests that are being given the grand tour. 4/5
#6 The Back Channel
The intricacies of diplomacy are demanding at the best of times; when straight ahead negotiations seem to be failing, it behooves certain members of certain organizations to find less than obvious roads to peace. 4/5
#7 The Dog King
This is a cute, light episode. Friend Wilson is bag and once again holding the short end of the stick, even while doing the jobs no one else seems to have the time to take care of; as plot devices go, the overly-competent lieutenant dog-sitting the pet of a high-ranking official is, if not new, at least not as well trod as some other stories. And, to give credit where credit is due, Scalzi takes the ridiculous plot and dishes out a funny story that manages to entertain all while advancing the myriad character arcs and overarching story. 4/5
#8 The Sound of Rebellion
A soldier is captured by unknown, capable, assailants while on shore leave, leaving her to figure out how to escape using only her wits. The Sound of Rebellion is fast, action packed, and tightly focused, which more than makes up for its methodology, which is taken straight from the pages of Marvel Comics. 2.5/5
#9 The Observers
The Observers is another action light episode, focusing instead on the growing relationship between Abumwe and Wilson, as well as introducing a new set of characters from Earth. The mystery of the sabotage deepens and the overall plot is advanced. In between there is some fun conversation, and the briefest of whodunnits. 3/5
#10 This Must Be the Place
Finally, we get to know a little bit more about Hart Schmidt and where he comes from. More importantly, we learn how he views his place in the diplomatic corps and why he chooses to stay. 4/5
#11 A Problem of Proportion
While not quite the character piece that Episode #10 is, this is still a quieter, smaller episode in some ways. Another big piece of the overarching story is revealed, and the depth and grace of our heroes are likewise revealed. 4/5
#12 The Gentle Art of Cracking Heads
We get one place closer to solving the mystery of The Observers, and get a bit of fun action in the process. The ending was a bit disconcerting and goes a long way towards setting up any final showdowns that might pop off in the final episode. 4/5
#13 Earth Above, Sky Below
Here we are at last, the final episode and it proves to be worth the wait. It's a bit longer than some of the others and wraps up many, but not all, of the questions that lead the story. We get a few more character set pieces that complete their arcs, which is not a bad way to end a novel. 5/5
meghan111's review against another edition
4.0
The thing that most impresses me about Scalzi is that his sci-fi novels totally live up to the feminist ideas he supports and espouses in his blog writing. Over half of the characters and authority figures in [b:The Human Division|15698479|The Human Division (Old Man's War, #5)|John Scalzi|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1341582413s/15698479.jpg|21356077] are female, and they are all fully-formed characters who have things to do and points of view.
The Human Division is a series of 13 linked stories about space diplomacy during a developing schism between the people of Earth and the Colonial Union (the union of human settlers on other worlds that has been exploiting the Earth for the soldiers it needs). Written in different styles, these chapters all were entertaining to listen to on a car trip. They ranged from straight-up tense action stories to character studies of a family's dynamic when the son chooses to stay in a low-level diplomatic career in space rather than enter political life on his home planet.
The Human Division is a series of 13 linked stories about space diplomacy during a developing schism between the people of Earth and the Colonial Union (the union of human settlers on other worlds that has been exploiting the Earth for the soldiers it needs). Written in different styles, these chapters all were entertaining to listen to on a car trip. They ranged from straight-up tense action stories to character studies of a family's dynamic when the son chooses to stay in a low-level diplomatic career in space rather than enter political life on his home planet.
scheu's review against another edition
5.0
I could effectively review all of Scalzi's "Old Man's War" novels by saying that (fill in the blank) merges believable characters with smart science and entertaining stories. So, I will now do that.
rtpodzemny's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite thing about John Scalzi: his notion that the main trait that will separate humanity from all the alien species we encounter is that we're really the most incredible bastards to everyone we meet.
tmwebb3's review against another edition
3.0
Some of the novellas were better than others, but probably better this was than as a very mediocre one story novel.
jennitheghost's review against another edition
4.0
This was not a regular novel but rather a collection of novellas. Typically I have a hard time with short stories, but these ones did connect together well. I loved Hart & Harry's friendship the most
ppetropoulakis's review against another edition
3.0
The human division is John Scalzi's episodic narrative combined into a novel form. It deals with the diplomatic challenges of the Earth, Conclave and the Colonial Union. The 16 episodes deal with crises and diplomatic situations. All in all a very decent story, good easy read and some of the episodes were humorous like the churro eating alien and the racist colony. It almost feels like episodic Sci Fi TV in a book.
hagbard_celine's review against another edition
2.0
Fun plot(s). I do grow tired of Scalzi's insistence that frequent sarcasm is the mark of a good and likable character.
Finished the book, and felt like nothing was actually settled. Will read the next book in the series.
Finished the book, and felt like nothing was actually settled. Will read the next book in the series.
cameronkc's review against another edition
3.0
Harry Wilson is a great character. I love his sarcasm and the way he is portrayed as a more of a thinker than a green super solider. The story highlights revolved around Harry and his diplomatic team. I wasn't that impressed with the ancillary story and while there were a few exciting scenes toward then end I never felt as gripped as I did when I read Old Man's War.
ericbuscemi's review against another edition
5.0
There are 13 "episodes" that author John Scalzi has broken this book down into, and they are being released weekly for the next few months. Instead of writing thirteen separate reviews, I will review each self-contained episode here, which will, eventually, be a review of this entire work.
'The B-Team'
Well this is certainly off to a hell of a start. Not only does Scalzi give the requisite background information on the "Old Man's War" universe without being boring or summarizing his previous books, he also tells a very compelling story about a ragtag group of low-level diplomats who are forced into a dangerous, last-minute replacement mission of dire importance to the Colonial Defense Forces.
'Walk the Plank'
After finishing the first story, I wasn't sure what to expect with the second. Possibly a continuation of B-Team's story? A shift to other characters from that story? Something from the Earth's point-of-view? What I definitely did not expect -- an as-of-yet unrelated tale of disaster at a "wildcat" colony -- is exactly what I got, and in the form of a one-act play, nonetheless (this was done as a transcription of a tape recording). It was a bold shift that has me excited to see where exactly the rest of this experiment is going.
'We Only Need the Heads'
We're back to the main cast of characters from the B-Team, and the momentum from the first episode carries right through this one, and neatly ties in the disaster at the "wildcat" colony. I love how this is shaping up so far, I wish I didn't have to wait week-to-week to read on.
'A Voice in the Wilderness'
This episode shifts back to Earth, giving us the perspective of a media personality who has a radio talk show. I love these different vignettes are both self contained and satisfying but are also adding to the plot and tension of the overall narrative.
'Tales from the Clarke'
The overall story arc is beginning to become clear, and at the same time, each individual episode remains interesting in its own right. Having a plot element in this episode revolve around the play of Chicago Cubs back on Earth was genius.
'The Back Channel'
This episode brings us the interesting point-of-view of General Gau, the leader of the Conclave, and the political and diplomatic webs being woven in his court. Not the most action packed or exciting episode, but it gave interesting insights into the antagonists, and can also be read as an allegory on human racism.
'The Dog King'
The episodes featuring Colonial Forces technical consultant Harry Wilson and deputy ambassador Hart Schmidt, such as this one, are quickly becoming the highlights of this serial for me. Wilson is like an intergalactic MacGyver, and to really muddle analogies, Schmidt is his Watson.
'The Sound of Rebellion'
This episode shifts to another CDF soldier, Lieutenant Lee, who has been abducted by a rebel faction on the CDF-controlled planet Zhong Guo, in an attempt to interrogate her. Her character was pretty bad-ass and I hope she is revisited later.
'The Observers'
Back to Harry Wilson and the diplomats on the Clarke -- and this time for a closed spaceship whodunit. Another great quick read. The sheer variety of stories in this episodic adventure is astounding, and without having any that fall flat is even more impressive.
'This Must Be the Place'
And Scalzi has done it again. Just when I thought there was no other places this episodic novel could go, he starts channeling [a:Raymond Carver|7363|Raymond Carver|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1201118985p2/7363.jpg]. In a space opera. Well played, sir.
'A Problem of Proportion'
Back aboard a spaceship in this episode, which reads like an episode of Star Trek -- a really good, particularly touching episode where you see what a big heart the protagonist -- in this case, Harry Wilson -- has.
'The Gentle Art of Cracking Heads'
This is the penultimate episode in this serial novel, and I am already lamenting its impending ending. Sigh. Also, I'm having trouble figuring out how it will wrap in only one more story. On an unrelated note, Scalzi worked the following line into this episode's dialogue: "I have no idea, Jim... I'm a doctor, not a private investigator." Homage paid.
'Earth Below, Sky Above'
A fitting, exciting double-length segment to wrap up this episodic novel. My only complaint would have been that it left some loose ends, but alas, Scalzi announced today on his blog that "The Human Division has been renewed for a second season." I am already looking forward to the as-of-yet unwritten sequel.
Merged review:
For as much as I love John Scalzi, The [b:Old Man's War|51964|Old Man's War (Old Man's War, #1)|John Scalzi|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1389915805s/51964.jpg|50700] universe, and [b:The Human Division|15698479|The Human Division (Old Man's War, #5)|John Scalzi|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1341582413s/15698479.jpg|21356077], I didn't care much for this short story. There just wasn't enough here, and what was here read like a PSA for human-alien relations. It isn't bad by any means, but definitely skippable.
'The B-Team'
Well this is certainly off to a hell of a start. Not only does Scalzi give the requisite background information on the "Old Man's War" universe without being boring or summarizing his previous books, he also tells a very compelling story about a ragtag group of low-level diplomats who are forced into a dangerous, last-minute replacement mission of dire importance to the Colonial Defense Forces.
'Walk the Plank'
After finishing the first story, I wasn't sure what to expect with the second. Possibly a continuation of B-Team's story? A shift to other characters from that story? Something from the Earth's point-of-view? What I definitely did not expect -- an as-of-yet unrelated tale of disaster at a "wildcat" colony -- is exactly what I got, and in the form of a one-act play, nonetheless (this was done as a transcription of a tape recording). It was a bold shift that has me excited to see where exactly the rest of this experiment is going.
'We Only Need the Heads'
We're back to the main cast of characters from the B-Team, and the momentum from the first episode carries right through this one, and neatly ties in the disaster at the "wildcat" colony. I love how this is shaping up so far, I wish I didn't have to wait week-to-week to read on.
'A Voice in the Wilderness'
This episode shifts back to Earth, giving us the perspective of a media personality who has a radio talk show. I love these different vignettes are both self contained and satisfying but are also adding to the plot and tension of the overall narrative.
'Tales from the Clarke'
The overall story arc is beginning to become clear, and at the same time, each individual episode remains interesting in its own right. Having a plot element in this episode revolve around the play of Chicago Cubs back on Earth was genius.
'The Back Channel'
This episode brings us the interesting point-of-view of General Gau, the leader of the Conclave, and the political and diplomatic webs being woven in his court. Not the most action packed or exciting episode, but it gave interesting insights into the antagonists, and can also be read as an allegory on human racism.
'The Dog King'
The episodes featuring Colonial Forces technical consultant Harry Wilson and deputy ambassador Hart Schmidt, such as this one, are quickly becoming the highlights of this serial for me. Wilson is like an intergalactic MacGyver, and to really muddle analogies, Schmidt is his Watson.
'The Sound of Rebellion'
This episode shifts to another CDF soldier, Lieutenant Lee, who has been abducted by a rebel faction on the CDF-controlled planet Zhong Guo, in an attempt to interrogate her. Her character was pretty bad-ass and I hope she is revisited later.
'The Observers'
Back to Harry Wilson and the diplomats on the Clarke -- and this time for a closed spaceship whodunit. Another great quick read. The sheer variety of stories in this episodic adventure is astounding, and without having any that fall flat is even more impressive.
'This Must Be the Place'
And Scalzi has done it again. Just when I thought there was no other places this episodic novel could go, he starts channeling [a:Raymond Carver|7363|Raymond Carver|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1201118985p2/7363.jpg]. In a space opera. Well played, sir.
'A Problem of Proportion'
Back aboard a spaceship in this episode, which reads like an episode of Star Trek -- a really good, particularly touching episode where you see what a big heart the protagonist -- in this case, Harry Wilson -- has.
'The Gentle Art of Cracking Heads'
This is the penultimate episode in this serial novel, and I am already lamenting its impending ending. Sigh. Also, I'm having trouble figuring out how it will wrap in only one more story. On an unrelated note, Scalzi worked the following line into this episode's dialogue: "I have no idea, Jim... I'm a doctor, not a private investigator." Homage paid.
'Earth Below, Sky Above'
A fitting, exciting double-length segment to wrap up this episodic novel. My only complaint would have been that it left some loose ends, but alas, Scalzi announced today on his blog that "The Human Division has been renewed for a second season." I am already looking forward to the as-of-yet unwritten sequel.
Merged review:
For as much as I love John Scalzi, The [b:Old Man's War|51964|Old Man's War (Old Man's War, #1)|John Scalzi|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1389915805s/51964.jpg|50700] universe, and [b:The Human Division|15698479|The Human Division (Old Man's War, #5)|John Scalzi|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1341582413s/15698479.jpg|21356077], I didn't care much for this short story. There just wasn't enough here, and what was here read like a PSA for human-alien relations. It isn't bad by any means, but definitely skippable.