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Why Humans Avoid War
The Devourers sweep from from one Federation system to the next consuming energy and sterilizing life. When a small squadron of human fighters successfully repel a Devourer fleet, all the other Federation members turn their suspicions on humanity. Meanwhile, the Devourers have a new humans.
As a small group of individuals try to unravel who the Devourers are and how to stop them, time is running out for Earth. But humanity is ready to show the galaxy that if you want peace, you must prepare for war.
As a small group of individuals try to unravel who the Devourers are and how to stop them, time is running out for Earth. But humanity is ready to show the galaxy that if you want peace, you must prepare for war.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2023
86 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 31, 2024
This is a great sci-fi novella, packed with action, scheming, conflict, and twists. I loved the idea of a species Aggression index and how humans were underestimated. It's a thought provoking read that touches on humanities need for conflict, but having matured enough to be a peaceful species lying dormant in the background until a galactic threat emerges. I enjoyed the touches of humour and the range of characters.
For a short book a lot happens but it's well paced, explores multiple POV, and contemplates themes of morality, genocide, alien invasion, political uprising, and alliances.
Would definitely recommend.
For a short book a lot happens but it's well paced, explores multiple POV, and contemplates themes of morality, genocide, alien invasion, political uprising, and alliances.
Would definitely recommend.
April 15, 2023
This unique take on science fiction was fascinating to read. I do think the formatting of the paperback makes it hard to read. It’s a large book with small font…and I struggled to keep my eyes from skimming. But the story was great.
April 20, 2023
This was a surprising sci-fi story. It is fairly typical for the plot of sci-fi to revolve around an alien race taking over Earth or a superior alien race trying to destroy what is left of the human race in galaxies and star systems light years away. Humans are always the inferior in technology, strength and war capabilities. They are the victims or the underdog who eventually triumphs. This story turns these ideas on their heads and creates a refreshingly different view.
Humans have avoided conflict for years. They are seen in this galactic Federation as diplomats, going out their way to find any other solution to a problem than aggression. Given the experience the human race has had in warfare, it seems here they have learnt the lessons and do not wish to repeat history. But the humans have some surprises for the rest of the Federation.
Part of the story line involves one of the Devourers and this provided a different point of view. This was another example of the idea that your enemy may not be who or what you thought. The real villain is something that we can see as a definite possibility in the future and is frightening. The events of this book are told from multiple points of view and create a well rounded narrative. It is filled with action, secrets, mistrust and espionage.
The characters are varied with the super villain, the deceivers, the heroes and the innocents and misunderstood. Most of the story is told by General Kilon of the Galactic Federation and through his eyes we discover what the humans are capable of as well as the deceptions of others. I imagined him as a cross between Mr Spock and Captain Kirk, very straightforward, trustworthy and loyal.
This is a story with many lessons and not an overkill of sci-fi jargon. The characters are diverse and the story is exciting and refreshingly different.
Humans have avoided conflict for years. They are seen in this galactic Federation as diplomats, going out their way to find any other solution to a problem than aggression. Given the experience the human race has had in warfare, it seems here they have learnt the lessons and do not wish to repeat history. But the humans have some surprises for the rest of the Federation.
Part of the story line involves one of the Devourers and this provided a different point of view. This was another example of the idea that your enemy may not be who or what you thought. The real villain is something that we can see as a definite possibility in the future and is frightening. The events of this book are told from multiple points of view and create a well rounded narrative. It is filled with action, secrets, mistrust and espionage.
The characters are varied with the super villain, the deceivers, the heroes and the innocents and misunderstood. Most of the story is told by General Kilon of the Galactic Federation and through his eyes we discover what the humans are capable of as well as the deceptions of others. I imagined him as a cross between Mr Spock and Captain Kirk, very straightforward, trustworthy and loyal.
This is a story with many lessons and not an overkill of sci-fi jargon. The characters are diverse and the story is exciting and refreshingly different.
December 2, 2023
I may be biased a bit, but that’s the thing. I’ve read a LOT of Star Wars fan fiction hence my strict judgment of the writing quality; I would say this story would pass as low-mid level fanfic on a good day for me. I won’t be the first one to point that it feels overly compressed, so nothing, I mean NOTHING gets the coverage it deserves - characters, events, tech etc. Think of compressing Lord of the Rings into 30-page short version of itself - fills the same.
Despite everything, the thing I enjoyed is the base premise of the story - that humans are and still will be that “peacemaking species that tries to appease bullies but you better watch yourself or they’ll just wipe your civilization right out of existence” guys. Really-really enjoyed that part.
IMO Devourers forces’ ultra-quick upgrade is the most extreme part of the plot. I mean, should’ve just left Terrans over-OP and made the last part not about fighting for their life but about fighting morals of condemning entire species to death and political games of the Terran Command. THAT could’ve been convincing!
Anyway, humans were and will remain supreme, just one sentence in the end would’ve made it much more enjoyable:
“He walked alone in the corridors, savoring the anticipation of much-needed rest and wistfully thinking about what the future entailed for him. His people. Humans. The entire Federation.
***
He met not a single soul on his way to the hangar and his only companions, unbeknownst to him, were the hidden security cameras, ever-watchful, capturing his every step and his every breath.”
Despite everything, the thing I enjoyed is the base premise of the story - that humans are and still will be that “peacemaking species that tries to appease bullies but you better watch yourself or they’ll just wipe your civilization right out of existence” guys. Really-really enjoyed that part.
IMO Devourers forces’ ultra-quick upgrade is the most extreme part of the plot. I mean, should’ve just left Terrans over-OP and made the last part not about fighting for their life but about fighting morals of condemning entire species to death and political games of the Terran Command. THAT could’ve been convincing!
Anyway, humans were and will remain supreme, just one sentence in the end would’ve made it much more enjoyable:
“He walked alone in the corridors, savoring the anticipation of much-needed rest and wistfully thinking about what the future entailed for him. His people. Humans. The entire Federation.
***
He met not a single soul on his way to the hangar and his only companions, unbeknownst to him, were the hidden security cameras, ever-watchful, capturing his every step and his every breath.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2023
The concepts driving this story are very interesting and have the potential for a truly engrossing narrative. However, much of the character dialog was flat, several of the characters had motives which were either underexplained or required the characters to be just plain idiots, and the events of the story felt like they were on a very compressed timeline.
Spoilers ahead:
The idea that Humanity was given a seat at the Federation, and held that seat for centuries, with nobody bothering to read up on human history is less than credible. Equally, the idea of the Speaker stirring up openly violent anti-Human sentiment in a matter of days, when Humanity has been a reliably stoic trading and diplomatic partner for centuries is equally hard to believe. This second point is especially hard to swallow when the members of the Federation are individually so peaceful that the idea of a war in which millions of people died is utterly unthinkable. If the members of the Federation were truly so peaceful, it should have required years to rouse them to violence.
I think the sequence of events in the story would have worked better if the backstory had Humanity decline to join the Federation, and instead become an aloof trading partner. This would have given the Speaker much more real material to work with for stirring up anti-Human sentiment.
All of that said, I'd definitely read a sequel.
Spoilers ahead:
The idea that Humanity was given a seat at the Federation, and held that seat for centuries, with nobody bothering to read up on human history is less than credible. Equally, the idea of the Speaker stirring up openly violent anti-Human sentiment in a matter of days, when Humanity has been a reliably stoic trading and diplomatic partner for centuries is equally hard to believe. This second point is especially hard to swallow when the members of the Federation are individually so peaceful that the idea of a war in which millions of people died is utterly unthinkable. If the members of the Federation were truly so peaceful, it should have required years to rouse them to violence.
I think the sequence of events in the story would have worked better if the backstory had Humanity decline to join the Federation, and instead become an aloof trading partner. This would have given the Speaker much more real material to work with for stirring up anti-Human sentiment.
All of that said, I'd definitely read a sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2023
I am not usually one to read science fiction, but I heard about this story from TikTok and became intrigued...which led me to Reddit...where I devoured all of the chapters and then when I found out it was finally published as a book I went and bought a copy and read it all again!
In the future, in space, humans have a reputation as being very peaceful, though not passive, but are viewed as peacekeepers and a low threat to most species in the federated galaxies. However, one fateful day, when there is a new and terrible threat coming to the universe in the form of the Devourers, the humans show that they are not what everyone perceives. What follows is a story of events from multiple POV that twists and turns in epic sci-fi fashion and leaves you well satisfied with the story, but also contemplating quite a lot!
This story has Star Trek NG vibes and is SO well written that, I as an avid fantasy/romance reader, had absolutely no problem following or getting used to the language used. It's a short read, but packed full of so much that the time seems to fly right by. I highly recommend giving it a read.
I definitely put this in my top 10 reads of 2023
In the future, in space, humans have a reputation as being very peaceful, though not passive, but are viewed as peacekeepers and a low threat to most species in the federated galaxies. However, one fateful day, when there is a new and terrible threat coming to the universe in the form of the Devourers, the humans show that they are not what everyone perceives. What follows is a story of events from multiple POV that twists and turns in epic sci-fi fashion and leaves you well satisfied with the story, but also contemplating quite a lot!
This story has Star Trek NG vibes and is SO well written that, I as an avid fantasy/romance reader, had absolutely no problem following or getting used to the language used. It's a short read, but packed full of so much that the time seems to fly right by. I highly recommend giving it a read.
I definitely put this in my top 10 reads of 2023
July 20, 2023
Mediocre read at best, personally would not recommend the read.
Author provides an interesting style of writing chapters from different characters point of view. However it soon become messy and confusing.
As I mentioned, a mediocre read mostly due to the book not offering an depth to the character thoughts. There were many instances where author could have gave the character more personality but yet it was skimmed over.
The book had a great opening but as the chapters goes on, more and more content were skimmed over. More and more plot hole fell through with our main characters emerging victorious a little too effortlessly for almost every obstacles.
Choices made, descriptions said and thoughts of the character grew more and more contradicting.
This story has a lot of potential but the author seems to skimmed over too many parts and we are now left with shallow characters and a dull plot filled with plot holes.
Author provides an interesting style of writing chapters from different characters point of view. However it soon become messy and confusing.
As I mentioned, a mediocre read mostly due to the book not offering an depth to the character thoughts. There were many instances where author could have gave the character more personality but yet it was skimmed over.
The book had a great opening but as the chapters goes on, more and more content were skimmed over. More and more plot hole fell through with our main characters emerging victorious a little too effortlessly for almost every obstacles.
Choices made, descriptions said and thoughts of the character grew more and more contradicting.
This story has a lot of potential but the author seems to skimmed over too many parts and we are now left with shallow characters and a dull plot filled with plot holes.
July 14, 2023
Humans have neared our own destruction due to nuclear warfare, so why would we be known as the one of the least aggressive species?
I found out about this book because of a tiktok reading of a reddit post, and when there were no more parts posted, I sought out the original reddit post, where I found out it was a book. Score!
This book is outside of my normal genre but it had me fully absorbed in the story. Humanity ranks 2/16 on the aggression scale, with 16 being the most aggressive. That is, until we destroy an entire fleet with a single bomb. Typical humans. The intergalactic federation now has to come to terms with the fact that we are, indeed, incredibly aggressive, and just ticked off an incredibly intelligent race sought on the destruction of other species. I found this book to be amazing and recommend it to anyone, not just fans of sci fi. Would definitely read a sequel.
I found out about this book because of a tiktok reading of a reddit post, and when there were no more parts posted, I sought out the original reddit post, where I found out it was a book. Score!
This book is outside of my normal genre but it had me fully absorbed in the story. Humanity ranks 2/16 on the aggression scale, with 16 being the most aggressive. That is, until we destroy an entire fleet with a single bomb. Typical humans. The intergalactic federation now has to come to terms with the fact that we are, indeed, incredibly aggressive, and just ticked off an incredibly intelligent race sought on the destruction of other species. I found this book to be amazing and recommend it to anyone, not just fans of sci fi. Would definitely read a sequel.
January 15, 2025
В подкаста си, Майкъл Малъс oбича да казва, че изобщо не е трудно да си писател. Че повечето хора гледат творбите на големите писатели и си мислят "Никога няма да мога да пиша така!" и се отказват да започнат изобщо.
Но отидете в коя да е книжарница и вижте книгите в нея - по-голямата част са абсолютни бози, написани от некадърници и четени от идиоти. Повечето книги са смотани и авторите им изобщо не са талантливи. Така че, не се отчайвайте - не е нужно да сте гениален писател, вие също може да сте един от тия некадърни и тъпи, но ИЗДАДЕНИ автори!
На тия мисли ме наведе настоящата изключително некадърно и наивно написана книжка в стил HFY
Но отидете в коя да е книжарница и вижте книгите в нея - по-голямата част са абсолютни бози, написани от некадърници и четени от идиоти. Повечето книги са смотани и авторите им изобщо не са талантливи. Така че, не се отчайвайте - не е нужно да сте гениален писател, вие също може да сте един от тия некадърни и тъпи, но ИЗДАДЕНИ автори!
На тия мисли ме наведе настоящата изключително некадърно и наивно написана книжка в стил HFY
February 11, 2025
An enjoyable space sci-fi read, whilst overall it hangs together well, its character developments and plot are a bit rushed together.
Fortunatly it takes that time to set the stage for grappling with some deeper questions, so given the books length I feel thats fair.
Plot wise, its a much more organic take on the "Humans are OP" premise I see in this style of sci-fi, and it really shows a humanity which feels like a potential extension of humanity now.
Would have been nice if it had been about twice as long (in the middle/end), but we can only review the book which exists.
Fortunatly it takes that time to set the stage for grappling with some deeper questions, so given the books length I feel thats fair.
Plot wise, its a much more organic take on the "Humans are OP" premise I see in this style of sci-fi, and it really shows a humanity which feels like a potential extension of humanity now.
Would have been nice if it had been about twice as long (in the middle/end), but we can only review the book which exists.
August 14, 2024
This review also features on Diary of an Ink Drinker
Humans have a long history, much of it grim. To progress as a species, and indeed to survive, they needed to become better. And so they grew. But can any species with roots so deeply entwined in bloodlust and violence ever truly leave it behind? Where is humanity’s place in the cosmos? Can their violent history become their greatest strength?
Thousands of years into the future, humans have not only overcome their petty infighting but have also become part of the Galactic Federation. Their evolution from the primal, tribal beings they once were is so complete that they are now regarded as paragons of diplomacy, the most peace-loving species in the galaxy. However, the true test of their evolution arises when their newfound harmony is threatened.
Why Humans Avoid War has been garnering a lot of attention on Reddit and TikTok, so as a sci-fi lover, it made sense to check it out—and I’m glad that I did. Departing from the usual ‘humans are being attacked by space monsters’ trope that an unfortunate amount of recent sci-fi seems to follow, Why Humans Avoid War approaches the narrative from the opposite angle. What if humans were the most terrifying? What if our long history of violence could be harnessed for some form of greater galactic good? Told from multiple viewpoints, many of which belong to various alien species desperately trying to comprehend the logic behind human decisions, the reader is treated to an interesting, often self-deprecating, third-party analysis of what makes humans tick.
While I previously mentioned that I loved this book, it is not without its faults. Written by an amateur author and published by Trinary Press, a publisher with only two books under its belt, both seemingly self-published before being picked up by the press, the book is in dire need of a good editor (sorry, Colton Carpenter). Why Humans Avoid War reads like medium to good-level fan fiction. Annoying grammatical errors, such as “I could care less,” break reader immersion and add nothing to the story. None of the events or characters in the book receive the depth or coverage they deserve, which is a crying shame. If this were a bare-bones outline meant to be fully fleshed out, the resulting novel could have rivalled The Expanse series and might have become a truly fulfilling series to read.
Faults aside, Why Humans Avoid War offers a brilliant and amusing perspective on a species that confuses us all at times. It involves political drama, intrigue, and philosophical questions on a galactic scale, and at its core, it’s a quick read and a decent palate cleanser. Daniel Pascap has a talent for weaving an engaging story, but my heart still yearns for the epic that this could have been.
Humans have a long history, much of it grim. To progress as a species, and indeed to survive, they needed to become better. And so they grew. But can any species with roots so deeply entwined in bloodlust and violence ever truly leave it behind? Where is humanity’s place in the cosmos? Can their violent history become their greatest strength?
Thousands of years into the future, humans have not only overcome their petty infighting but have also become part of the Galactic Federation. Their evolution from the primal, tribal beings they once were is so complete that they are now regarded as paragons of diplomacy, the most peace-loving species in the galaxy. However, the true test of their evolution arises when their newfound harmony is threatened.
Why Humans Avoid War has been garnering a lot of attention on Reddit and TikTok, so as a sci-fi lover, it made sense to check it out—and I’m glad that I did. Departing from the usual ‘humans are being attacked by space monsters’ trope that an unfortunate amount of recent sci-fi seems to follow, Why Humans Avoid War approaches the narrative from the opposite angle. What if humans were the most terrifying? What if our long history of violence could be harnessed for some form of greater galactic good? Told from multiple viewpoints, many of which belong to various alien species desperately trying to comprehend the logic behind human decisions, the reader is treated to an interesting, often self-deprecating, third-party analysis of what makes humans tick.
While I previously mentioned that I loved this book, it is not without its faults. Written by an amateur author and published by Trinary Press, a publisher with only two books under its belt, both seemingly self-published before being picked up by the press, the book is in dire need of a good editor (sorry, Colton Carpenter). Why Humans Avoid War reads like medium to good-level fan fiction. Annoying grammatical errors, such as “I could care less,” break reader immersion and add nothing to the story. None of the events or characters in the book receive the depth or coverage they deserve, which is a crying shame. If this were a bare-bones outline meant to be fully fleshed out, the resulting novel could have rivalled The Expanse series and might have become a truly fulfilling series to read.
Faults aside, Why Humans Avoid War offers a brilliant and amusing perspective on a species that confuses us all at times. It involves political drama, intrigue, and philosophical questions on a galactic scale, and at its core, it’s a quick read and a decent palate cleanser. Daniel Pascap has a talent for weaving an engaging story, but my heart still yearns for the epic that this could have been.
April 7, 2025
This book was a journey. I started this journey with a Facebook reel, moved over to Reddit once I figured out it was a story grown from a writing prompt, and eventually finished on my kindle once I realized it had been published.
Is it the next great novel? No. Was it a fun journey? Yes. I can see where characters and descriptions could have used some more fleshing out, but overall? It was an enjoyable read.
Is it the next great novel? No. Was it a fun journey? Yes. I can see where characters and descriptions could have used some more fleshing out, but overall? It was an enjoyable read.
July 24, 2023
i didn't think i would enjoy space political espionage war with humans from the viewpoint of an alien so much. its such an interesting read to see what human culture with war, food etc is like from the view of alien species who were foreign to these things. its not an artistic masterpiece or anything and its a short read but damn that was fun
Read
April 23, 2023Humanity is a paranoid and hostile force underneath the layers of goodwill. The Terran Union faces the threat of a malevolent alien force from both an invader species and a politician pushing their ambitions and personal ideals.
When pushed into a corner, what are we in the end?
When pushed into a corner, what are we in the end?
June 20, 2023
I found this book through TikTok and LOVED IT. I usually don’t really care for sci-fi but I devoured this in one night and now I’m sad it’s over. I loved seeing the duality of humans through the lens of others.
July 13, 2023
Audiobook : story is OK, main lines work, the characters is a bit ...
fun reading, but there we'te a lot of things i felt was lacking storie wise (to much 1 dimensional).
In all, felt to be a lot of - meuhhh
fun reading, but there we'te a lot of things i felt was lacking storie wise (to much 1 dimensional).
In all, felt to be a lot of - meuhhh
August 10, 2023
I found the start of this short story and bought it online to finish the read. I loved it. The story is fairly basic, but it poses an interesting philosophical question. Also has some fairly interesting contrasts to modern society. Worth the read and it’s quick about 1-2 hours for 139 pages.
September 10, 2023
First introduced to this in tiktok as a short story from reddit and I was super intrigued but it lost something in the expansion. With that being said, I was intrigued all the way through and definitely wanted to finish the story. 3.5/5
December 16, 2023
Surprisingly good!
I saw this on utube as an audio book but it was only the first two chapters. Just enough to get me curious. So I bought the e book and found out I really enjoyed it. You might also.
I saw this on utube as an audio book but it was only the first two chapters. Just enough to get me curious. So I bought the e book and found out I really enjoyed it. You might also.
May 31, 2024
I read this from the reddit HFY subreddit (I hope this is true), and it was an enjoyable experience. However, the ending left me hanging, it was as if the writer was setting up a second book in the series. There is no second book.
September 13, 2024
I love when humans are the horrifying big bad in sci-fi. And it’s a reminder that humans do the things we do sometimes just because we want to know if we can. I had to know what would happen next and couldn’t put this one down!
July 20, 2023
Listen to audio book on YouTube
August 11, 2023
Absolutely amazing and well written book. Enjoyable from first to last page!
August 23, 2023
The format on paper struggles compared to how it read on a screen when it was being released in chapters.
October 9, 2023
A fun different perspective on a common Sci-Fi scenario
October 20, 2023
I listened to the reading of this on TikTok and it was really good. I liked the characters and the plot was amazing!
November 14, 2023
Good Story
February 27, 2024
Humans are a little... crazy.
And the rest of the galaxy is about to find that out. If only they'd stop acting like we're still genocidal maniacs!
And the rest of the galaxy is about to find that out. If only they'd stop acting like we're still genocidal maniacs!
May 15, 2024
Perfect little short read for anyone wanting to just get away for a few hours. No useless dialogue, straightforward and an overall good story.
August 6, 2024
Quick and fun book, great for a rainy day read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews