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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
I was excited to continue this series, only to be disappointed that the main characters from the previous 4 books are only mentioned in passing here. No more John, Jane or Zoey? Sad face.
That said, I loved the revival of Harry! I also listened to this one on Audible and the reader did a great job voicing it. All in all a solid read, with a little slow parts and a couple disappointments. Huge cliffhanger is going to force me to read book 6.
That said, I loved the revival of Harry! I also listened to this one on Audible and the reader did a great job voicing it. All in all a solid read, with a little slow parts and a couple disappointments. Huge cliffhanger is going to force me to read book 6.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
John Scalzi is one of the best science fiction writers of our time. It amazes me how he can inject so much humor into his stories while keeping them serious enough to feel like I'm not just reading a comedy but rather something that could potentially be real in a distant future. He tends to keep me guessing about the final results of each story, yet when the ending does come it is both surprising yet logical. I hope to find time to re-read his Old Man's War series one day.
Like everything else John Scalzi has written, The Human Division is an adept mix of humor, action, and excellent characters. It's easy to read without being shallow; it's fun without being frivolous. The dialogue ought to be taught in writing courses as how to make characters sound like real people. I really have nothing bad to say. There's enough humor to keep the story from becoming too tense, but that general lightness also gives the moments of sincerity more weight.
On top of the writing itself, the ideas are fresh and interesting. I got excited several times just because he'd come up with something I'd never thought of before. Even the political struggles (which I frequently find boring in books) were masterfully done to be both realistic and intriguing. It was just a refreshing read.
I think it would be possible to read this book without having read the previous installments of the Old Man's War series, but you'd be better off starting at the beginning for full context.
On top of the writing itself, the ideas are fresh and interesting. I got excited several times just because he'd come up with something I'd never thought of before. Even the political struggles (which I frequently find boring in books) were masterfully done to be both realistic and intriguing. It was just a refreshing read.
I think it would be possible to read this book without having read the previous installments of the Old Man's War series, but you'd be better off starting at the beginning for full context.
So fun. I thought I was done with this universe. I swear I looked and I'd finished what existed. So happy I was WRONG. Smart, sarcastic, funny, heartwarming. What more can you ask for?
Always want more from this particular universe. The serialized structure was an interesting exercise, but want more long format!
The Human Division was a great continuation of the universe of the Old Man's War series. It's solidly entertaining sci-fi.
I do believe this book suffers a little bit from being a collection of short stories. But, I always appreciate an author trying something new, and it certainly didn't fail here. :-)
I do believe this book suffers a little bit from being a collection of short stories. But, I always appreciate an author trying something new, and it certainly didn't fail here. :-)
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sometimes, an author aims for a 10, falls short and produces a 8, and everyone is disappointed. Other times, an author aims for a 7 and hits it right on the head.
This is a perfect example of the second case.
I really wish Scalzi would try describing some of his characters and settings with more than one sentence each though. The incredible dialog heaviness sometimes leads to me forgetting who is talking in the middle of a long conversation, since the characters all have very similar voices. Which is okay, since the setting and the plot's mysteries are the appeal here. Junk food space opera in its purest form, but Scalzi is very considerate of the details, so there's nothing that ever seems too cartoony.
Also, how is this series not movies yet?
This is a perfect example of the second case.
I really wish Scalzi would try describing some of his characters and settings with more than one sentence each though. The incredible dialog heaviness sometimes leads to me forgetting who is talking in the middle of a long conversation, since the characters all have very similar voices. Which is okay, since the setting and the plot's mysteries are the appeal here. Junk food space opera in its purest form, but Scalzi is very considerate of the details, so there's nothing that ever seems too cartoony.
Also, how is this series not movies yet?