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Why Humans Avoid War by Daniel Pascap

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_gothgarden's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

kateheas's review against another edition

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adventurous tense fast-paced

kezmarie36's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

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.

dare2smile's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

disasterdump's review against another edition

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3.75

nice, quick read. cool that it was originally a beloved reddit post.

puzzlepinger's review against another edition

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adventurous informative fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.75

thinkingrobot's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I stumbled upon this by a mere coincidence, because I enjoy those "humans are space orcs" posts floating around tumblr and reddit.
I never, ever, expected a story of this magnitude.

I swear, I was about to burst into tears when Kilon was shot and so unbelievably relieved when Mikhail saved him.

I also much enjoyed the inclusion of alien perspectives and the hints of human strangeness that someone who is human themselves wouldn't notice.

And of course, humans still have squirmishes within their own species!

Loved it!

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Genocide, Gun violence, Violence, Vomit, and War

morgangd's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.75

midnitebrz's review

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adventurous funny tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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.

plentytoburn's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring fast-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I loved the story and would love to read more about the characters

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