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krista_billings's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. Very thought provoking.
vanlaw's review against another edition
3.0
Although I understand many of the genre tropes of young adult sci fi/dystopian novels come from this book, having read and seen the movies of those previously really hurt my enjoyment of this book. Plus, I already knew the "twist"/surprise/whatever you want to call it, so there was nothing engaging me in that way. After that twist, the book just felt uncharacteristically preachy, or emotional, or something. I really lost the little interest I had at that point.
tombo2093's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
knuckledown's review against another edition
4.0
My instinct is to say that this is an intelligent and sensitive science fiction novel. Then I realize that my point of reference for the sci-fi genre is virtually nonexistent. Most of my experience is with TV shows and movies. Still, I know what works in fantasy, and the same rule applies here: the supernatural (or in this case, the scientific) elements should be used to magnify the personal parts of the story.
Card truly understands this. He also understands people, which is one of the essential qualities for a good writer. His characterization of children more intelligent than most adults is original, eerie, and somehow believable. Although I began to tire of Ender always winning, the ending brought great pathos. It's sci-fi with heart.
Card truly understands this. He also understands people, which is one of the essential qualities for a good writer. His characterization of children more intelligent than most adults is original, eerie, and somehow believable. Although I began to tire of Ender always winning, the ending brought great pathos. It's sci-fi with heart.
shannypoo2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Violence
Minor: War and Xenophobia
punwizard's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
papapizza's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
witchywilds's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't so sure about this one until I got about halfway through it. I was having difficulty seeing past the characters ages and felt like maybe Ender in particular was just a little too conveniently genius y'know? "Oh of course he understands this while nobody else does, he's the main character after all and only gets bullied for being so smart and perfect."
Once I hit 50% though, something clicked and I could kind of resonate with the kid. Sure he didn't struggle in class but he struggled in practically every other factor imaginable. Constantly pushed, stressed, moved around and away from any friends he finally managed to make and into the arms of some new bully. Suffering from isolation, from nightmares and dark thoughts of becoming just like his brother, always being younger and weaker than everyone else and looked down on, he actually went through a lot more than I initially gave him credit for.
The last quarter of this book wouldn't let me put it down and I was thrilled with how everything turned out. Incredibly satisfying ending in my mind and will really sit with me even after I read several other stories. Originally I thought of putting this one down but I'm so so glad I sat it out!
Once I hit 50% though, something clicked and I could kind of resonate with the kid. Sure he didn't struggle in class but he struggled in practically every other factor imaginable. Constantly pushed, stressed, moved around and away from any friends he finally managed to make and into the arms of some new bully. Suffering from isolation, from nightmares and dark thoughts of becoming just like his brother, always being younger and weaker than everyone else and looked down on, he actually went through a lot more than I initially gave him credit for.
The last quarter of this book wouldn't let me put it down and I was thrilled with how everything turned out. Incredibly satisfying ending in my mind and will really sit with me even after I read several other stories. Originally I thought of putting this one down but I'm so so glad I sat it out!
0x49d1's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
4.0