Scan barcode
A review by misterjay
The Human Division by John Scalzi
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