I need to mark this thread to read later. This is an important topic for me to understand. I’ve had mixed reactions to my first book and some of it comes from people who feel it lacks conflict - that things are too easy - or that there is not enough mayhem. Other readers seem to love the story and don’t feel that lack. Is this genre specific, I wonder? Is it because it is in the sci fi genre that there is an expectation of more conflict? Or is it a flaw I need to correct next time around?
I’m going to go back and read the whole thread when I have time. Maybe it will bring some clarity to this topic for me.
This issue may have more to do with reader expectations than genre IMO. As has been said, there are all sorts of conflict. Space Operas can have a lot of shoot-em-up battle scenes, which meets a certain expectation, but Clarke's Childhoods End had practically none of that and is a classic. The same could be said for Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land.
Perhaps you should consider taking a look at your product description / blurb? If it appears that there will be a lot of physical conflict, maybe you should re-frame the description so it more accurately describes the sort of conflict in your book?
ETA: I looked at your book description, and there is no hint that you are promising mayhem. Those that disapproved are unhappy because they didn't get something you never promised - the fault is on them IMO. We can't please all our readers, if we try, well, the old saying
'try to please all and you will please none' comes to mind.