This book is just as good as Ender's Game. It is one of the greatest examples of alien creation in science fiction. Yet it could almost work as a mystery novel. It has all the emotion of Ender's Game, but just like Ender, it has grown up. ( )

I consider this less the second book in a series or even a mere sequel than the second half of Ender Wiggin's story. What began with his troubled childhood in the Battle School concludes on the planet of Lusitania, where the first intelligent alien species in 3000 years has been discovered. The Piggies, as they are affectionately called, are full of mysteries and questions, but they seem friendly enough. However, when two xenologists are found brutally slain by the Piggies, fear and suspicion begin to spread through the human colony. It's another solid story about understanding alien societies, full of memorable and realistic characters. As an added bonus, most of the questions raised in Ender's Game (how did the video game know about Peter, what happened to the Hive Queen etc.) are answered. Definitely an excellent book. I'm surprised people don't praise the pair of novels as much as Ender's Game alone, actually. I'm glad I read this. Highly recommended. ( )

A poor attempt to follow Ender's Game -- rapidly veering to fantasy. ( )

I think this might be my favorite in the Ender series -- by which I of course refer to the four books ending with Children of the Mind. Because that's all Orson Scott Card ever wrote in this universe. Which is probably for the best. ( )

There are so many formulaic science fiction books out there, most push the boundaries of current technology and knowledge in predictable ways. Speaker for the Dead is refreshingly original even 15 years after its publication date. Though the book had a slow start, and the family at the center of the story is presented as a group of miserable humans that deserve each other, the introduction of the fascinating "piggies" and their mysterious behavior is fascinating. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. ( )