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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
At once satisfying and yet disappointing, Shadows in Flight was a surprisingly short (and quick) read -- I read it in one sitting, in about 3 hours.
First, it was satisfying as a final, though entirely unnecessary, chapter in the story of Julian "Bean" Delphiki, most of which was told in the previous "Shadow" novels, and which had really reached a fairly satisfying conclusion by the end of Shadow of the Giant. It was also a reasonable introduction to Bean's three "leguminote" (bearing his genetic mutation) children, and by introducing the children, it does leave the door open for further sequels -- and in fact, I understand that at least one more is planned that will bring together the leguminotes with the Ender-aiúa "Peter" and Jane-aiúa "Val" from Children of the Mind. It was also satisfying in that many of the science fiction elements were well-conceived and introduced as integral plot points rather than as the didactic digressions that too many lesser science fiction authors feel obliged to use.
The first element of disappointment was that, as I mentioned, Bean's story reached a fairly satisfying conclusion at the end of Shadow of the Giant. Although he was present in this one, he played a fairly minor role, and I can't help but wonder if this wouldn't have been a better book if he had died in space and this story began shortly after his death. The second, and larger, element of disappointment had to do with the explanations of the Formics. I was strongly reminded of the disappointment of the introduction of the Borg Queen in Star Trek: First Contact.
First, it was satisfying as a final, though entirely unnecessary, chapter in the story of Julian "Bean" Delphiki, most of which was told in the previous "Shadow" novels, and which had really reached a fairly satisfying conclusion by the end of Shadow of the Giant. It was also a reasonable introduction to Bean's three "leguminote" (bearing his genetic mutation) children, and by introducing the children, it does leave the door open for further sequels -- and in fact, I understand that at least one more is planned that will bring together the leguminotes with the Ender-aiúa "Peter" and Jane-aiúa "Val" from Children of the Mind. It was also satisfying in that many of the science fiction elements were well-conceived and introduced as integral plot points rather than as the didactic digressions that too many lesser science fiction authors feel obliged to use.
The first element of disappointment was that, as I mentioned, Bean's story reached a fairly satisfying conclusion at the end of Shadow of the Giant. Although he was present in this one, he played a fairly minor role, and I can't help but wonder if this wouldn't have been a better book if he had died in space and this story began shortly after his death. The second, and larger, element of disappointment had to do with the explanations of the Formics. I was strongly reminded of the disappointment of the introduction of the Borg Queen in Star Trek: First Contact.
Cool to see the ending of Bean. Entertaining story about his kids and their hunt for their cure.
But like I have said on the last couple ones. Does it add substance to the ender universe? MEh.
Is it cool ending for Bean? yeah.
Does it need to be read? NO.
It was fine.
But like I have said on the last couple ones. Does it add substance to the ender universe? MEh.
Is it cool ending for Bean? yeah.
Does it need to be read? NO.
It was fine.
4.5 - I like this one better than most of the previous Shadow series. (Except for Enders Shadow- which is by far the best of them all).
(thoughts before reading): Please tell me I won't hate myself for reading this, but since I've read the rest of the series, I must find out what happens.
(thoughts after reading): Not a bad book, a fairly quick read, but not one that I'll read again. I do think that the storyline has been fairly well milked, but there are definitely possibilities of future books.
(thoughts after reading): Not a bad book, a fairly quick read, but not one that I'll read again. I do think that the storyline has been fairly well milked, but there are definitely possibilities of future books.
Meh. Kinda boring, but I felt like I had to read it because it's in the Ender series. Orson Scott Card just doesn't do it for me as an author anymore.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-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:
Yes
This was some well appreciated (on my part) closure to a part of the Enderverse.
It's not really that much of a story, it takes place almost entirely on one spacecraft with only 4 people on it. But it gives an ending, some more understanding, and possibly a beginning of something new.
It's not really that much of a story, it takes place almost entirely on one spacecraft with only 4 people on it. But it gives an ending, some more understanding, and possibly a beginning of something new.
Although I love this series in general, this was definitely my least favorite book. I had a hard time caring about any of the characters except Bean, who is nearly marginal in this story. This book had very little direction, and was overly-intellectual without a specific purpose. I suppose it rounds out the Ender universe a bit, but I really could've skipped it without ill-effect.
In the Ender's series of books Shadows in Flight is like an epic tale, a strange and grand tale of intersecting impossibilities. Additionally, it's an analogy of sorts to the life of the father of the Ender's universe, Scott Card, a father and mortal man, well aware of his limits and responsibilities. The audio book had a Scott Card talking about the writing of this book and his life, and it made this book even more precious.