Reviews

Did a quick re-read before going to see the movie. I still love this book. Could do without the Peter and Valentine parts. I just don't really care about that stuff.

zucaritas101's review against another edition

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5.0

I actually have had friends tell me they couldn't be my friend since I hadn't read this book. Luckily, they did stay my friends, but I have finally corrected the issue and read it! And I am so glad that I did! I had been a little concerned that it would be overly sci fi or filled with too much jargon and battle strategy. But instead I found that the description of this futuristic society was easy to understand and get used to, and the games were well written and easy to follow so you are right on the edge of your seat for what is going to happen! Very entertaining, and I am excited to read the series!

mrbear's review against another edition

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3.0

Update: Listened to this again with Mariah, finishing on 7/9/2020. Overall, the book is definitely less impactful via audiobook, when I’m no longer a child, and when I already know the main plot/plot twist elements. Still fun, but didn’t love it. Curious if I’ll still love Ender’s Shadow on audiobook - thats next!

ludacrystal414's review against another edition

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5.0

Amazing. That's all. Just amazing.

book_lizard42's review against another edition

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5.0

I need time to process before I review. I did not expect any part of this book.

kristalall's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

aburnss's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

What a GREAT read! Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card is a science fiction adventure novel set at an unspecified date in Earth's future where humans have had two wars with an alien species (buggers). In preparation for an anticipated third invasion, Earth's international military force conscripts young children, including Ender, to be trained as elite officers. I picked up the book after two separate coworker recommendations and I'm so glad I did.

Reading this book took me back to my childhood- becoming engrossed in another world and flying through the pages (think The Giver, Tuck Everlasting, etc.). I enjoyed the themes of grappling with the darkness within oneself, sacrifices required to achieve excellence at ones own detriment, and the importance of others in shaping values and personality. These huge themes were all developed alongside Ender's growth and accompanied a fun and thrilling primary plot of a space battle school and pending war with aliens.

Some standout elements of the novel were the carefully crafted supporting characters that all played critical roles in Ender's life. Whether these roles were bully, comforter, friend, tyrant, or teacher, each individual was well-written. The motivations and personalities of each character added to the reader's understanding of Ender; they were clear without becoming overbearing.

The descriptions of space school were another highlight. The writing style painted a vivid image of the students and the futuristic games they played. The no-gravity battle simulation was pure fun to envision, and the AI computer game that generated its own world and rules based on Ender's psychology felt like something that could become possible in the near future in our age of VR.

The ending had a

fantastic, even if slightly predictable, twist- Ender unknowingly fighting the Buggers while he still believed he was playing a simulation. The realization in Ender and his later recognition of how he massacred a species that was no longer a threat to mankind added another layer of depth to his character. I appreciated the way that the novel wrapped up loose ends while still leaving some open questions for the reader.

I am hesitant to pick up the sequels to the novel as I doubt they could live up to the conclusion Card developed in Ender's Game.

The themes of influence of others on our development was one of my biggest takeaways. Kindness and cruelty were equally important to Ender's maturation

and the International Federation's interference with some of these relationships shaped Ender into who they wanted and needed.. but at a price. At the end of the novel even Ender recognizes himself beginning to treat others with some of the cruelty that was imposed on him as he understands how this treatment formed him. The internal battle that Ender faces between excellence and kindness was so well written.

The only element of the novel that required a suspension of belief was Ender's starting age of 6 years old. Even in a futuristic world where children are genetically selected to maximize their abilities and potential for greatness, and even though Ender was the cream of this crop, it was hard for me to believe a 6 year old could

hack into a computer security system

. Who knows though, perhaps this level of genetic selection could create humans more with genius that now feels impossible.

I would recommend this read to anyone looking for a fun space adventure that tackles big themes with ease.

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