What do you think?
Rate this book
The Human Division #13
Earth Below, Sky Above
At last, the Earth and the Colonial Union have begun formal discussions about their relationship in the futurea chance for the divisions in humanity to be repaired. The diplomats and crew of the Clarke are on hand to help with the process, including Ambassador Ode Abumwe and CDF Lieutenant Harry Wilson, both of whom were born on Earth. But not everyone wants The Human Division to be repaired...and they will go to great length to make sure it isnt.
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2013
58 people are currently reading
1934 people want to read
About the author
John Scalzi
185 books28.5k followersJohn Scalzi, having declared his absolute boredom with biographies, disappeared in a puff of glitter and lilac scent.
(If you want to contact John, using the mail function here is a really bad way to do it. Go to his site and use the contact information you find there.)
(If you want to contact John, using the mail function here is a really bad way to do it. Go to his site and use the contact information you find there.)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
November 25, 2024
I choose to believe this is a beginning. The A Team. More plesse🙏🏼
February 8, 2025
2013
I'm ambivalent. I really enjoyed the writing of this segment, just as I did all the others. But I'm really bummed that the story wasn't brought to some sort of conclusion. On the other hand, there will be another series...
I bought it.
I'm ambivalent. I really enjoyed the writing of this segment, just as I did all the others. But I'm really bummed that the story wasn't brought to some sort of conclusion. On the other hand, there will be another series...
I bought it.
September 1, 2021
After reading Earth Below, Sky Above, I am forced to acknowledge that #13 (as in the 13th and final story in this series) is still an unlucky number. Scalzi didn’t even try to tie his many loose ends together. Instead, it is now clear that all 13 stories were written merely to springboard us into his next novel (or series of short stories). I would feel better about this if anything had been resolved, but instead, everything is much worse than it was and we really gained no ground in the entire 13 story series and that’s frankly a bit unfair. This wasn’t just another novel in his series which might be expected to end on a cliffhanger. This was a series of short stories laid out in a way in which the reader could legitimately expect some resolution—and there is none. The novella itself is enjoyable and well written, but the series structure sucks!
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
April 10, 2013
Well. On the one hand, this all turned out much as I'd feared and we never get the big resolution or big answers to the questions raised throughout this "first season" of The Human Division. On the other hand, Scalzi has announced that there will be a second season, which makes the lack of answers far more palatable. Because, let's face it: I've had a grand old time on this adventure, and I certainly don't want it to end any more than Scalzi apparently does. The idea of more, of a second season, is tremendously exciting.
Barring the (now somewhat understandable) lack of answers, this chapter is otherwise all I could've wanted. Extant pieces of the puzzle do come together. There's danger and derring-do; dry, sarcastic humor, smart people being smart; explosions, triumph and tragedy.
So yeah; things don't wrap up as solidly as some readers might want. The big mystery does not get solved. But as a gateway to greater/further adventures, this was a hell of a lot of fun, something I looked forward to on a weekly basis, and I can't wait to have more of it. I especially hope that Scalzi keeps (or, really, the numbers support keeping) the serial format.
Barring the (now somewhat understandable) lack of answers, this chapter is otherwise all I could've wanted. Extant pieces of the puzzle do come together. There's danger and derring-do; dry, sarcastic humor, smart people being smart; explosions, triumph and tragedy.
So yeah; things don't wrap up as solidly as some readers might want. The big mystery does not get solved. But as a gateway to greater/further adventures, this was a hell of a lot of fun, something I looked forward to on a weekly basis, and I can't wait to have more of it. I especially hope that Scalzi keeps (or, really, the numbers support keeping) the serial format.
April 20, 2013
I have to admit I both admire Scalzi and the publishers for figuring out a way to squeeze more money out of me than the book was really worth. Old Man's War was truly a classic and I loved it along with everyone else. I STILL re-read it occasionally. With such amazing success, though, his publishers immediately got very, very greedy and have been charging exorbitant prices for his books ever since. None of the books I've read since were as good as Old Man's War (although Agent to the Stars and The Android's Dream were close). This latest scheme of charging 0.99 per chapter is both greedy and annoying...but smart. Scalzi is a good enough writer to get you hooked and he's always worth reading, even if it's not one of his best books, and I loved the OMW universe, so I figured I'd buy the first one and see. Well, at $12.87 for all 13 chapters, I'm feeling pretty ripped off because the book was 1) way too short, 2) a cliffhanger ending. This basically means that in order to read the rest, I'll likely have to continue shelling out $0.99 a chapter just to see what happens. The whole 13 parts to this serial were pretty good in themselves, but I feel like I've still only paid for about 1/3 of an actual book.
Bah. Annoyed, but unfortunately hooked. Damn greedy publishers.
Bah. Annoyed, but unfortunately hooked. Damn greedy publishers.
July 21, 2018
Chock full of action & of the usual quality, but intensely frustrating for the cliffhanger ending! I'm not sure whether he's written another story that continues this, and between the novels and these stories we STILL don't know quite a bit! 😠 Hopefully we'll find out soon...
July 2, 2019
Well great. I just read these 13 episodes separately and NOW realize that this is collectively "The Human Division," which is book 5 of the "Old Man's War" series. I just inadvertently skipped over books 3&4.
Ugh. Now, I have to backtrack (because I've already bought them.) No matter how much you read, you can still do stupid things.
Ugh. Now, I have to backtrack (because I've already bought them.) No matter how much you read, you can still do stupid things.
April 15, 2013
This is the final episode in The Human Division, the serial novel by John Scalzi. Scalzi has announced on his blog that there will be a season two, so anyone dissatisfied with where this ended can hang on for more.
This isn't a matter of holding it over our heads to see if we wanted it; it's that this is where this story ends, and, because it worked out as well as it did, hooray, there's more.
And thank goodness. While Earth Below, Sky Above does explain where the missing ships went and what the apparent endgame was, and does so in quite the exciting story, we still don't know who's behind the nefarious plot. Colonels Liz Egan and Abel Rigney have their speculations, but those are just speculations, and little is revealed that the reader doesn't already know.
Which leads me to my biggest complaint about this installment: for a story wrapping up an epic tale, there sure were a lot of "as you know, Harry" recaps in dialogue that were completely unnecessary. Characters rehash information they already know, and that the reader is well aware of. It seemed sloppy writing in an installment that was otherwise fun and exciting.
In the end, The Human Division is the sum of its parts: a self-contained tale that leaves questions for another time. Had I not been aware, while listening to this last installment, that there would be more, I might be annoyed. But, I know I'm going to sign on for season two, and probably the rest of the Old Man's War universe, while I'm at it.
I listened to this installment on audio, narrated by William Dufris, and remained pleased with his ability to narrate the tale. He had good flexibility and pronunciation, and modulated his voice well so I knew when characters whispered or shouted, but didn't have to adjust my volume. He was an excellent choice for narrator for these episodes, and I hope he reads season two, as well.
If you didn't want to read the installments as they came out, The Human Division will be coming out in one collection, with extra bonus material, also discussed on Scalzi's blog. I don't know how different an experience it'll be to read all at once, but the option is there.
This isn't a matter of holding it over our heads to see if we wanted it; it's that this is where this story ends, and, because it worked out as well as it did, hooray, there's more.
And thank goodness. While Earth Below, Sky Above does explain where the missing ships went and what the apparent endgame was, and does so in quite the exciting story, we still don't know who's behind the nefarious plot. Colonels Liz Egan and Abel Rigney have their speculations, but those are just speculations, and little is revealed that the reader doesn't already know.
Which leads me to my biggest complaint about this installment: for a story wrapping up an epic tale, there sure were a lot of "as you know, Harry" recaps in dialogue that were completely unnecessary. Characters rehash information they already know, and that the reader is well aware of. It seemed sloppy writing in an installment that was otherwise fun and exciting.
In the end, The Human Division is the sum of its parts: a self-contained tale that leaves questions for another time. Had I not been aware, while listening to this last installment, that there would be more, I might be annoyed. But, I know I'm going to sign on for season two, and probably the rest of the Old Man's War universe, while I'm at it.
I listened to this installment on audio, narrated by William Dufris, and remained pleased with his ability to narrate the tale. He had good flexibility and pronunciation, and modulated his voice well so I knew when characters whispered or shouted, but didn't have to adjust my volume. He was an excellent choice for narrator for these episodes, and I hope he reads season two, as well.
If you didn't want to read the installments as they came out, The Human Division will be coming out in one collection, with extra bonus material, also discussed on Scalzi's blog. I don't know how different an experience it'll be to read all at once, but the option is there.
August 16, 2015
Slight disappointment...
That this is the end of the book, I am left a little disappointed and dissatisfied with its conclusion. We have been told that John may or may not write more stories in this universe, so unless I am wrong and there have been other announcements, I am left with a book-ending that is swinging in the breeze.
As for the way this book was released, in episodes, I have to say that as of now, I am not a fan of it. Sure, it spreads out the reading experience, but there are none of the hallmark portions of the story arc, and if this model leaves us with opening endings like this one, I think episodes should be better left to TV shows.
That this is the end of the book, I am left a little disappointed and dissatisfied with its conclusion. We have been told that John may or may not write more stories in this universe, so unless I am wrong and there have been other announcements, I am left with a book-ending that is swinging in the breeze.
As for the way this book was released, in episodes, I have to say that as of now, I am not a fan of it. Sure, it spreads out the reading experience, but there are none of the hallmark portions of the story arc, and if this model leaves us with opening endings like this one, I think episodes should be better left to TV shows.
April 29, 2013
Set in the same universe as Old Man's War, Scalzi returns to familiar territory. Not having read all of the previous books in this series did not effected my understand in the least. I had no trouble keeping up. These are light fun reads, written in serial form.
While the ending was not a cliffhanger, I would have been happier with a definitive resolution to the conflict, but alas we are going to continue to another series soon. It makes me think a bit of a modern day pulp (without the gore and with being extremely politically correct). It is a fun read with a mixture of humor and action.
While the ending was not a cliffhanger, I would have been happier with a definitive resolution to the conflict, but alas we are going to continue to another series soon. It makes me think a bit of a modern day pulp (without the gore and with being extremely politically correct). It is a fun read with a mixture of humor and action.
April 10, 2013
Gaaaah, right now I could kill Scalzi. I know there'll be another 'season', now, but this was not a satisfying end. This was my heart being put through a blender good action and so on, but I didn't get answers to my questions and I'm beginning to forget what those questions even were.
As an episode in an ongoing series, this was great, though, and as a book in a trilogy or whatever length of series, it'd also work. I think I was just hoping too much for resolution and answers.
But still. Gaaah.
As an episode in an ongoing series, this was great, though, and as a book in a trilogy or whatever length of series, it'd also work. I think I was just hoping too much for resolution and answers.
But still. Gaaah.
April 11, 2013
I am not ready for this to be over. *sigh* Second season \o/
July 1, 2018
This is the last installment of a 13-part mini-series spin-off to Scalzi's Old Man's War series. I read a lot of reviews and the major complaint was that it left more questions than answers. So if you're the kind of reader who needs pat answers, this is not for you. Otherwise, I loved it. It's actually fine if Scalzi never writes another "chapter". I like the idea that they're out there fighting the good fight. And while I love a good "the end", I feel this series is bigger and by leaving it open-ended, Scalzi can take this in any direction he wants. And, at least with this series, I'm ok with trusting the author.
The other major comment I saw was the individual price points for each chapter. A lot of people felt $0.99 was way too much for a chapter (even though the total ended up still cheaper than if you bought the book when it was released in paperback). I got these as audiobooks so my price point was even higher. But in terms of price I'm willing to pay for time entertained, I feel like these are worth it. I wouldn't do it for any author, but I like Scalzi enough and I like this series enough to have done it willingly.
I don't think this is going to be the new way for publishers to put out books. It smacks of Dickens' era serials and I do think you overall risk excessive writing to give readers their money's worth. But there is something about looking forward to the next installment. My husband grew up in China and when he was a boy they released in comic book form, The Three Kingdoms. But they never told you ahead of time when they were going to be released. So you had to constantly check the booksellers to see when the next installment would appear. And because he had no money, he had to go without lunch and save his pennies to afford each book, so it was a tense week if a new installment showed up and he didn't have the money. Once the books were out, they didn't print any more. And to miss a chapter was terrible to a young kid. So, I do think this is an interesting way for an author to further a popular series without the commitment of a whole novel. Think of what Game of Throne fans could have if Martin gave them mini-series in between waiting for the next book. In big, expansive universes like this one, there's a lot of room for creative storytelling that doesn't necessarily have to do with the main series. JK Rowlings seems to have created another billion with her Potterverse without giving fans anything real to the main storyline.
As to this particular story, I liked it. Not my favorite chapter but it had all the elements I like best in Scalzi's writing, so a solid conclusion. I'd like to see it in whole now that they're all released. When you're not waiting for the next installment to be released, the individual price points and having to click on each story individually got tedious. I think this is only works when it's being released. Then they should just bundle it and sell it like a normal book.
The other major comment I saw was the individual price points for each chapter. A lot of people felt $0.99 was way too much for a chapter (even though the total ended up still cheaper than if you bought the book when it was released in paperback). I got these as audiobooks so my price point was even higher. But in terms of price I'm willing to pay for time entertained, I feel like these are worth it. I wouldn't do it for any author, but I like Scalzi enough and I like this series enough to have done it willingly.
I don't think this is going to be the new way for publishers to put out books. It smacks of Dickens' era serials and I do think you overall risk excessive writing to give readers their money's worth. But there is something about looking forward to the next installment. My husband grew up in China and when he was a boy they released in comic book form, The Three Kingdoms. But they never told you ahead of time when they were going to be released. So you had to constantly check the booksellers to see when the next installment would appear. And because he had no money, he had to go without lunch and save his pennies to afford each book, so it was a tense week if a new installment showed up and he didn't have the money. Once the books were out, they didn't print any more. And to miss a chapter was terrible to a young kid. So, I do think this is an interesting way for an author to further a popular series without the commitment of a whole novel. Think of what Game of Throne fans could have if Martin gave them mini-series in between waiting for the next book. In big, expansive universes like this one, there's a lot of room for creative storytelling that doesn't necessarily have to do with the main series. JK Rowlings seems to have created another billion with her Potterverse without giving fans anything real to the main storyline.
As to this particular story, I liked it. Not my favorite chapter but it had all the elements I like best in Scalzi's writing, so a solid conclusion. I'd like to see it in whole now that they're all released. When you're not waiting for the next installment to be released, the individual price points and having to click on each story individually got tedious. I think this is only works when it's being released. Then they should just bundle it and sell it like a normal book.
May 23, 2024
( Format : Audiobook )
"Half a step behind. "
The concluding story in the Human Devision sequence, and, aptly, number 13. The Colonial Union is holding get another diplomatic meeting with Earth, offering to lease them the Earth Station, an intention which took most of them by surprise.
Still brilliantly performed by William Dufris, the several characters known throughout the book are in different situations as disaster strikes.
This has been an inclusive set of interlocking short stories, all vaguely focused around several characters in different times and places, and succeeds very well.
Science fiction with a very human side.
Recommended.
"Half a step behind. "
The concluding story in the Human Devision sequence, and, aptly, number 13. The Colonial Union is holding get another diplomatic meeting with Earth, offering to lease them the Earth Station, an intention which took most of them by surprise.
Still brilliantly performed by William Dufris, the several characters known throughout the book are in different situations as disaster strikes.
This has been an inclusive set of interlocking short stories, all vaguely focused around several characters in different times and places, and succeeds very well.
Science fiction with a very human side.
Recommended.
August 27, 2019
As a stand alone story it’s good but it never reaches a real conclusion and there is a huge plot hole. The special forces play a big part in all of the prior books and it is strongly suggested that they will be the way forward for the CU. So why aren’t they being considered for replacement soldiers in the human division series? There is no explanation as to why they aren’t being considered. It’s almost like the ceased to exist. If you really thought that your entire way of life would be extinct in a generation you would be pumping out tons of ghost brigades.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2024
Positives: we meet up with all the previous characters & we are given simple reminders of the key events linked to them, so we have a full picture as we move into the final chapter.
The Colonial Union has devised a way to get Earth back into the fold and set up a meeting at Earth Station (controlled by the Union) with top Earth diplomats arriving for this key summit. Ahh, then the "bad guys" show up and we have a tense, dramatic set of events for survival.
Negative: in the end, no true conclusion as to who are the "bad guys", so we are left hanging
The Colonial Union has devised a way to get Earth back into the fold and set up a meeting at Earth Station (controlled by the Union) with top Earth diplomats arriving for this key summit. Ahh, then the "bad guys" show up and we have a tense, dramatic set of events for survival.
Negative: in the end, no true conclusion as to who are the "bad guys", so we are left hanging
September 9, 2017
I enjoyed the series more as I went through each episode. At first I struggled because it seemed like random stories set in this universe. But as it continued and I realized it was interwoven story lines I enjoyed them more. The main characters were enjoyable. It's pretty traditional sci fi fare but still worth the read.
October 29, 2023
Wow, what a brilliant, exciting, and explosive conclusion to a fantastic series! The intricate weaving the author has constructed has been an absolute delight. An intriguing and fascinating plot, along with well-rounded characters, provided great action. The suspense and tension on Earth station were palpable. The only thing wrong with this series was that it came to an end!
March 6, 2023
Nice ending
More progress without the original protagonists so not as much fun for long-term fans. A decent short story in its own right, and less of a sense of "setting up a sequel"which is nicer.
More progress without the original protagonists so not as much fun for long-term fans. A decent short story in its own right, and less of a sense of "setting up a sequel"which is nicer.
March 27, 2019
Feels like setup for the next book, but it was a good ride nonetheless.
May 30, 2019
Masterful, thoroughly engaging, perfect!
August 12, 2019
Hey! It all came together in the end. Now I can say I really liked it!
November 24, 2020
This didn’t give me as much resolution as I had hoped for. Still love Harry Wilson, though
November 25, 2020
Definitely the best story in the bunch of shorts 😍 I'm definitely a HUGH Harry Wilson fan now
June 21, 2021
What a fun experience! I see comments about another season - I'm looking forward to it.
June 25, 2021
Wow. Wonderful but sad ending. Love how all the stories were woven together. Masterful
January 14, 2023
A fun read!
I liked the format; liked the story premise and character development. As with most of this author's works, it created a desire to read more of this series.
I liked the format; liked the story premise and character development. As with most of this author's works, it created a desire to read more of this series.
May 14, 2023
Earth and the Colonial Union are in negotiations to reunite. Someone doesn’t want that to happen. Great lead-in to the last volume. Can’t wait to see where it goes from here. Definitely recommended
January 24, 2024
Another chapter of the whole
March 1, 2024
Fantastic ending to an amazing series!
This was an awesome read. I really grew attached to the characters and was itching to keep going. Thanks John for another fantastic read.
This was an awesome read. I really grew attached to the characters and was itching to keep going. Thanks John for another fantastic read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews