Divided We Stand: A Look at John Scalzi’s The Human Division (OMW #5)

Cover of the human division by John Scalzi

John Scalzi’s The Human Division, published in 2013, is the fifth installment in his acclaimed Old Man’s War series. Unlike traditional novels, this one is structured as a series of interconnected episodes, reflecting its original serialization on Tor.com. While this format can make the novel feel fragmented, it also allows for a more immersive reading experience when read from the beginning as a serialization of episodes.

Set in Scalzi’s richly detailed universe, the novel follows Harry Wilson, a former soldier turned diplomat, and Captain Sophia Coloma, the commander of the ship Clarke. As part of the Colonial Union’s diplomatic core, they navigate complex diplomatic crises and mysterious sabotage attempts amidst the precarious existence of humanity, confronted by hostile alien species and an emerging coalition of various races in the galaxy known as the Conclave.

The exploitation of Earth and its colonies by the Colonial Union, as outlined in the previous four books, has sparked dissent, and an unseen enemy capitalizes on this tension to undermine human unity. Scalzi creates a diverse cast of colorful and memorable characters, including the acerbic Ambassador Abumwe and the sardonic alien Hart Schmidt, whose banter adds charm and humor to the story.

Scalzi skillfully weaves humor with high-stakes science fiction, infusing his dialogue with energy and differentiated characterization that drives the narrative forward alongside the action. For example, Wilson’s witty remark about a diplomatic mission—“It’s not a trap if you know it’s a trap, right?”—demonstrates Scalzi’s talent for injecting levity into dire situations.

The episodic format presents a diverse range of vignettes in each chapter, from tense negotiations with alien species to thrilling investigations of sabotaged ships. These standalone tales showcase Scalzi’s versatility and maintain a brisk pace, appealing to fans of short-form storytelling.

The episodic structure of The Human Division, while offering self-contained stories in each chapter, feels underdeveloped by the overarching plot. The quest to unravel the identity of the perpetrator behind the attacks on the Commonwealth Union (CU) is left feeling fragmented, with threads introduced and then abandoned. The elusive “third party” manipulating events adds to the sense of mystery, but the climax lacks the emotional or thematic payoff expected from a novel-length work. Readers seeking closure will find the ending more of a teaser for the next installment, The End of All Things, than a satisfying resolution.

Thematic exploration of division and cooperation reflects humanity’s tendency to fracture under pressure. Scalzi critiques imperialism through the CU’s exploitation of Earth, a thread that resonates with contemporary geopolitics. However, these ideas are often overshadowed by the focus on immediate action and humor, diluting their impact. Character development also suffers; Wilson and Coloma are likable but don’t evolve significantly, serving more as plot vehicles than fully realized protagonists.

In comparison to earlier Old Man’s War entries, The Human Division feels less ambitious. While Old Man’s War and The Ghost Brigades offered tight narratives and profound questions about identity and war, this installment prioritizes entertainment over depth. Nevertheless, Scalzi’s fans will appreciate its accessibility and charm. For newcomers, it’s a weaker entry point to the series. Ultimately, The Human Division is a fun, flawed experiment—best enjoyed for its parts rather than its whole. If you’ve enjoyed the previous four installments, you’ll relish being back in the Old Man’s War universe, and Scalzi’s writing is always a delight. The weakness described above may merely drive you on to the next volume.