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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.
abla933's review against another edition
4.0
The last of the serialized 13 episodes was released today so I have finished the book. I personally did not enjoy the serialized version but I know for many it worked out fine. As for the story, as others have noted it is a return to the Old Man's War universe. I enjoyed each episode but realized at some point that the story couldn't be wrapped up in the few episodes that were left. Sure enough the book ends with a number of unanswered questions, resulting in a cliffhanger to some degree. Scalzi announced that there will be a season two so there's no worry that the story won't be continued however this is the reason for 4 stars. Otherwise I would've given it 5 as the story was very entertaining.
agus_gm's review against another edition
2.0
En esta quinta entrega he experimentado una sensación de montaña rusa, donde a ratos se ponía interesante y a ratos muy aburrido. He llegado a dormirme en algún capítulo. Sigue la trama tras el 3er y 4o libro, pero de una manera diferente que, desde mi pequeña opinión, no ha sido un acierto. Me leí los anteriores en una semana cada uno y este me ha costado bastante más y no se si leeré el último, realmente me da decepcionado. No obstante, es un muy buen libro, pero considero una mala idea en su estructura.
Nos leemos!
Nos leemos!
qalminator's review against another edition
4.0
This was originally released as a series of connect short-stories/novellas, featuring the same crew, the "B-Team", sent in when negotiations have already gone to hell and they need a group of people who can think fast and will do whatever it takes, however bizarre or questionable, to get the job done. At least, most of the stories are about them. Because the whole is supposed to present a coherent narrative, there are a few interim stories focused on some more behind-the-scenes people.
I enjoyed this more than Zoe's Tale, tbh (this is at least partly because I didn't remember Last Colony well enough to get as much out of the retelling as I probably should have). The characters are entertaining, the situations insane, and the solutions moreso. My favorite tale is the one about the dog.
This is one that might be readable independent of the main series, but I think most people would enjoy it more in sequence.
I enjoyed this more than Zoe's Tale, tbh (this is at least partly because I didn't remember Last Colony well enough to get as much out of the retelling as I probably should have). The characters are entertaining, the situations insane, and the solutions moreso. My favorite tale is the one about the dog
Spoiler
that gets eaten by an alien plant. The dog gets better, eventually.This is one that might be readable independent of the main series, but I think most people would enjoy it more in sequence.
tzurky's review against another edition
5.0
This is fucking awesome! Finally, a book in the series I can finally get behind. And yes, it is a perfectly regular novel, despite the episodic format. Not too long ago, that is how novels were published. Since the thing was planned as a whole, there are no unnecessary fillers and every episode is somewhat self-contained while also completing the overarching narrative and linking seamlessly into the other parts.
There is really nothing to criticize here. The plot is great, more spy novel than science fiction novel, but it finally puts the world-building of the last 3.5 books to good use.
The characters are wonderful! Abumwe is a breath of fresh air, I’ve always loved Wilson and the rest of the cast is also great. They’re quirky in a perfectly natural way and entirely lovable. They also work perfectly as a team. Seriously, these are just about the best characters I’ve read about of Scalzi’s except for the ones in Redshirts. And it’s their sense of camaraderie and their banter which makes the novel compelling, more than the spy hijinks.
I’d say this one is almost worth slogging through that mess of a third book. Nothing will make me forgive having to tolerate Perry for two whole books, though. Especially since he’s likely to be coming back. After all, when the day needs saving it’s not the smart, hardworking and unassuming heroes we get here who will do it. Nope, only Perry has the requisite deus ex machinas and plot armor to do it. *facepalm* well, like a car accident, I just can’t keep my eyes away from him saving the world. So on to the next one!
There is really nothing to criticize here. The plot is great, more spy novel than science fiction novel, but it finally puts the world-building of the last 3.5 books to good use.
The characters are wonderful! Abumwe is a breath of fresh air, I’ve always loved Wilson and the rest of the cast is also great. They’re quirky in a perfectly natural way and entirely lovable. They also work perfectly as a team. Seriously, these are just about the best characters I’ve read about of Scalzi’s except for the ones in Redshirts. And it’s their sense of camaraderie and their banter which makes the novel compelling, more than the spy hijinks.
I’d say this one is almost worth slogging through that mess of a third book. Nothing will make me forgive having to tolerate Perry for two whole books, though. Especially since he’s likely to be coming back. After all, when the day needs saving it’s not the smart, hardworking and unassuming heroes we get here who will do it. Nope, only Perry has the requisite deus ex machinas and plot armor to do it. *facepalm* well, like a car accident, I just can’t keep my eyes away from him saving the world. So on to the next one!
seeinghowitgoes's review against another edition
4.0
The episodic nature of this book makes me feel like I was watching a series of 'Old Man's War', complete with a riveting, satisfying cliffhanger that still manages to frustrate.
Perhaps I've watched too many scifi series but I had no problems with the format and if anything am dying for more.
Perhaps I've watched too many scifi series but I had no problems with the format and if anything am dying for more.
robotswithpersonality's review against another edition
Hilarious, heart-warming, inspiring, heart-breaking, chilling - all the things one might expect from the adventures of a group of people involved in the interplanetary diplomatic equivalent of shit detail. As this series shows, Scalzi does the banter well, is willing to sprinkle in some bad-ass-ery, doesn't shy from the awful cost of conflict, and always leaves room for hope. I'm so glad we got so many angles on these people in these episodes and eagerly anticipate their roles in the next,what I think is final book, in the series, now on hold at my library!
davscomur's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mrblonde91's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the short story format that amounts to a series of interconnected stories. The series has changed a lot since book one. Also Scalzi makes lots of "dad" jokes I feel so he is my kindred spirit.
shonari's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! Just wow! Normally after five books, a story begins to wind down and get played out but this installment of Old Man's War was great! Im glad that i got to know Harry Wilson a lot better and the introduction of his team made me realize how much depth John Scalzi can bring to a series well into the story.