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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: A handful of more or less related short stories about humanity’s attempt to survive and thrive in the universe already long as at colonizing state by other alien races. From thwarting plans meant to put the blame at our feet, to an attempted making up by losing very uneven fights on purpose. From alien diplomats who enjoy our local cuisine, to just simple fight for survival. Like much cuter cockroaches, we seem to be built for just that.
My Opinion: Laughed a lot at the simple, but well placed humor. Enjoyed the good plot twists, and even that little glimpse at science fiction horror where’s humanity, or a few chosen individuals, got to gaze upon alien technology we’d consider… well, inhuman. John Scalzi is definitely a good author, it’s easy to read, and in general the book was just a bundle of good time as I’ve gone from one short tale to another. As for series, this is more of a spin-off than actual sequel to the main trilogy, but worth reading (unlike Zoe’s Tale, I’d say).
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: A handful of more or less related short stories about humanity’s attempt to survive and thrive in the universe already long as at colonizing state by other alien races. From thwarting plans meant to put the blame at our feet, to an attempted making up by losing very uneven fights on purpose. From alien diplomats who enjoy our local cuisine, to just simple fight for survival. Like much cuter cockroaches, we seem to be built for just that.
My Opinion: Laughed a lot at the simple, but well placed humor. Enjoyed the good plot twists, and even that little glimpse at science fiction horror where’s humanity, or a few chosen individuals, got to gaze upon alien technology we’d consider… well, inhuman. John Scalzi is definitely a good author, it’s easy to read, and in general the book was just a bundle of good time as I’ve gone from one short tale to another. As for series, this is more of a spin-off than actual sequel to the main trilogy, but worth reading (unlike Zoe’s Tale, I’d say).
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
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.
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.
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.
Some of the novellas were better than others, but probably better this was than as a very mediocre one story novel.
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
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.
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.
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.