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joford's review against another edition
This book was surprisingly equal to Enders Game. It's not a sequel or companion book. It was pleasantly a perfect read and great insight into a wonderful character
olivera420's review against another edition
5.0
6.0 stars
Most of the book is Bean's internal thoughts and not much action happens, as is standard with OSC's books. In my opinion this book is about Bean's struggle to learn what it means to be human.
This book takes place parallel to Ender's Game, but it features Bean as the main character. We're introduced to a four year-old Bean in the streets of Rotterdam where he's fighting to stay alive the only way he can (by using and manipulating other kids around him). With him as a puppeteer, a new system is developed in the street, one that works in favor of the little kids that are too small and young to fight for themselves. That gets the attention of Sister Carlotta who is in charge of finding talented kids for the I.F. At first she's only interested in Achilles, as she thinks Bean is too young, and probably not that bright.
At first I thought it was completely unrealistic that Bean can be so smart (even smarter than Ender) at such a young age. But I still liked it, as Bean is a very interesting character from the very beginning. Only later we find out that it wasn't even supposed to be realistic, as Bean is not even human (technically speaking).
But even before Sister Carlotta discovers Bean's origin, we can plainly see that he's not normal. Even he can see that he's not like the other kids, and he frequently wonders why that is. The first difference is his intelligence, of course. But even more important is that he never lets emotions rule his life, and furthermore, he doesn't seem able to develop feelings for others. Other than contempt at their stupidity and other weaknesses, like letting emotions influence their decisions.
After Poke dies to save his life, he thinks that was incredibly stupid of her, to save someone she barely knew. But then he meets Ender at Battleschool. When he gets there people start comparing him to Ender because Ender was also the youngest kid in his group, and the brightest. And when Bean sees how Ender is worshiped by other students, he gets obsessed with finding the reason for that. Why did Ender have so many people who loved and worshiped him, what is so special about Ender. After he's assigned in Ender's army, and after he gets to know Ender, he, too, starts to care for him and respect him. A while later he even finds his answer. Ender cares about others even more than he cares for himself. And Bean doesn't care for others, so why should they care about him?
In some ways, I think, this book is even better than Ender's Game. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Most of the book is Bean's internal thoughts and not much action happens, as is standard with OSC's books. In my opinion this book is about Bean's struggle to learn what it means to be human.
This book takes place parallel to Ender's Game, but it features Bean as the main character. We're introduced to a four year-old Bean in the streets of Rotterdam where he's fighting to stay alive the only way he can (by using and manipulating other kids around him). With him as a puppeteer, a new system is developed in the street, one that works in favor of the little kids that are too small and young to fight for themselves. That gets the attention of Sister Carlotta who is in charge of finding talented kids for the I.F. At first she's only interested in Achilles, as she thinks Bean is too young, and probably not that bright.
At first I thought it was completely unrealistic that Bean can be so smart (even smarter than Ender) at such a young age. But I still liked it, as Bean is a very interesting character from the very beginning. Only later we find out that it wasn't even supposed to be realistic, as Bean is not even human (technically speaking).
But even before Sister Carlotta discovers Bean's origin, we can plainly see that he's not normal. Even he can see that he's not like the other kids, and he frequently wonders why that is. The first difference is his intelligence, of course. But even more important is that he never lets emotions rule his life, and furthermore, he doesn't seem able to develop feelings for others. Other than contempt at their stupidity and other weaknesses, like letting emotions influence their decisions.
After Poke dies to save his life, he thinks that was incredibly stupid of her, to save someone she barely knew. But then he meets Ender at Battleschool. When he gets there people start comparing him to Ender because Ender was also the youngest kid in his group, and the brightest. And when Bean sees how Ender is worshiped by other students, he gets obsessed with finding the reason for that. Why did Ender have so many people who loved and worshiped him, what is so special about Ender. After he's assigned in Ender's army, and after he gets to know Ender, he, too, starts to care for him and respect him. A while later he even finds his answer. Ender cares about others even more than he cares for himself. And Bean doesn't care for others, so why should they care about him?
"Maybe this is why I'm so afraid of Wiggin. Because he's the alien, not me. He's the unintelligible one, the unpredictable one. He's the one who doesn't do things for sensible, predictable reasons. I'm going to survive, and once you know that, there's nothing more to know about me. Him, though, he could do anything."
In some ways, I think, this book is even better than Ender's Game. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
skoglundk's review against another edition
adventurous
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? N/A
4.0
andieomer's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
blackcoin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
gdorney's review against another edition
5.0
This was an interesting parallel to [b:Ender's Game|375802|Ender's Game (Ender's Saga, #1)|Orson Scott Card|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1316636769s/375802.jpg|2422333]and I liked it even more than the original. Bean's character, while poignant in the original tale, was never a main focus, and I didn't give him much thought. In this story he is the focus of the novel and is cold and calculating compared to Ender's innocence. It was a surprising alternative to the same story and I truly enjoyed it.
joshuaray's review against another edition
5.0
Ender's Game but from Bean's perspective. Just as good as the original and a great fix if you're trying to get some more of the same Battle School action. Loved it! (Read it in January 2010)
benwillie's review against another edition
4.0
A continuation of Ender's Saga, this book starts (give or take a few hundred pages) where the other does in Battle School with Ender and his jeesh, particularly with the incredibly young child protege Bean, who escaped his captors before he was two by hiding in a toilet bowl and is capable of incredible mental feats from birth. (Spoilers) Turns out he has a genetic switch turned which lets his mind continue to grow and make connections throughout his life, but the downside is that life is unusually short as his body also continues to grow until he'll die from a heart attack. The series covers all that Bean accomplishes in his nearly two decades of life, and it's a lot. There are a fascinating amount of politics discussed as Bean assists Peter Wiggin (Ender's brother) with his...conquest? of the world, and in so doing achieves many military feats. I found all the mental games and military strategy and socio-political dance fascinating, even as Bean's character grows significantly as he forms relationships with others and learns what it means to be human, or as close as he can be. I appreciate the discussion of deeper ideas in this series, the same level of deep character development present in Ender's Game, memorable wordsmithing, and exceptional plot. But again, as I wrote about Ender's Game, I don't entirely agree with the author so take the series with a grain of salt. That said, it generally has excellent writing, intriguing plot, endearing characters. If you liked Ender's Game, maybe give it a read. (Or listen, the audiobooks are some of the best I've ever heard narrated.)