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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
Perfectly serviceable sci-fi. There are some interesting artifacts of the serialization of this story- most glaringly the expository dialog stands out so strongly at times that there might has well have been a special "expository dialog font". That's a reasonable trade off for another solid entry in the Old Man's War universe.
The "episode" presentation did remind me of a television show. This one was also a bit more lighthearted (bordering on slapstick) than the other books in the series.
Another great entry into the series. This one was presented in an episodic format, definitely not my favourite format but it didn't really hinder the story all that much. Great read as always. What I love about Scalzi the most is that his sarcastic wit puts you off your guard and into your happy place, before you get a grim reminder that the universe is in fact not a nice place at all. The best part is he does all of this with enough of a balance and not killing all of his characters (I'm looking at you, Martin) so the story feels real and raw but without becoming utterly depressing.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I originally read the Human Division as it was released serially back in the early 2010's. I was a huge fan of the original trilogy of Old Man's War books and was flabbergasted at the decision to release the book this way initially. Whether it's style of release was successful I couldn't say, but I recall waiting for each issue incredibly eagerly.
Over a decade later I came back to The Human Division as it was the only Scalzi immediately available through my local library.
Reading Scalzi is like pizza and sex. Even the worst of it is still great. The Human Division is far from the worst, and really it's only downside is a product of the nature of it's release. It is connective to be sure, but some readers may have Whiplash from the frequent change of perspective and cast of characters in each episode.
That being said, that mild shortcoming aside (if you'd even call it that) Scalzi once again showcases his accessibility and excellence of the genre. The action is action packed, the dialogue is gripping, and the plot as a whole is magnetic. Have no hesitance in either jumping aboard here or starting from the beginning of the saga. You'll only be sorry you hadn't started sooner.
Over a decade later I came back to The Human Division as it was the only Scalzi immediately available through my local library.
Reading Scalzi is like pizza and sex. Even the worst of it is still great. The Human Division is far from the worst, and really it's only downside is a product of the nature of it's release. It is connective to be sure, but some readers may have Whiplash from the frequent change of perspective and cast of characters in each episode.
That being said, that mild shortcoming aside (if you'd even call it that) Scalzi once again showcases his accessibility and excellence of the genre. The action is action packed, the dialogue is gripping, and the plot as a whole is magnetic. Have no hesitance in either jumping aboard here or starting from the beginning of the saga. You'll only be sorry you hadn't started sooner.
A fun foray into the world of serialized fiction. It added to the Old Man's War world in largely entertaining ways. My only complaints are a few weak chapters that feel a bit removed from the rest of the book, and the cliffhanger ending that points to a "season two" or sequel book. I felt a bit cheated at that, but Scalzi apologized and I'm looking forward to more stories.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No