Scan barcode
A review by nothingforpomegranted
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My husband was rereading this series and recommending it to me because of the world building, the character building, and the school setting. I’ve been trying to understand when I like sci-fi because I’ve realized that when I read sci-fi, I tend to rate it highly, though I don’t think of myself as a sci-fi reader at all.
This modern classic of the genre was indeed clever and well-built, with a world that seemed rather consistent (admittedly to a reader who is not particularly discerning). I connected with Ender’s plight, and I really appreciated the interludes of his teachers at the beginnings of several chapters to provide greater insight into the global dynamics at play. The references to the changes in the world and the new reality and the shifts in religion were creative and considerate.
However, I found the age of the children to be particularly disturbing and unrealistic. The potty humor may have fit the age group, but it was incongruous with the rest of the story, so it was mostly just irritating. Likewise, the regular references to the children’s bodies and nakedness were uncomfortable and bizarre.
This modern classic of the genre was indeed clever and well-built, with a world that seemed rather consistent (admittedly to a reader who is not particularly discerning). I connected with Ender’s plight, and I really appreciated the interludes of his teachers at the beginnings of several chapters to provide greater insight into the global dynamics at play. The references to the changes in the world and the new reality and the shifts in religion were creative and considerate.
However, I found the age of the children to be particularly disturbing and unrealistic. The potty humor may have fit the age group, but it was incongruous with the rest of the story, so it was mostly just irritating. Likewise, the regular references to the children’s bodies and nakedness were uncomfortable and bizarre.