One of my all-time favorite books, ya or adult. ( )

One of my all-time favorite books, ya or adult. ( )

Great sci-fi. ( )

Author: Orson Scott Card
Review: November 11, 2009 (reread)
Edition: 1994 printing (0-812-55070-6)
Pages: 324
Overall Rating: 3/5 [Average-Good]
Synopsis: What will warfare be like in an age of space travel? Ender Wiggins is a brilliant child with the fate of the world resting on his ability to accurately strategize, lead his troops, and understand an alien enemy.
Strengths: Good "world-building," interesting concepts.
Weaknesses: Sometimes drags.
Further Review: This is one of those novels that I loved when I was younger but hasn't exactly remained timeless for me in many ways. Ultimately, I can see why this book is so well-loved by teenagers and young adults, but up until the ending it reads quite a lot as regular juvenile fiction does with a unique premise.

One of Card's triumphs in this book is accurately capturing Ender's feelings of isolation, pain, and fear. Rather than being an unapproachable, aloof "genius" Ender is very human. His psychology, and the fact that his fears are well-defined and repeatedly addressed as he grows, make up a major part of the book's appeal.

Card's writing is very clear and precise, but unfortunately it's rather boring until nearly the end of the book. There aren't many particularly poignant passages, especially in the first 3/4s of the book, and nothing there is really stirring. On the other hand, it's always a consistent, smooth read.

The story accurately achieves Card's goal of projection and speculation about the process of training for military procedure in space, and psychological problems that an empathetic child such as Ender may face in going through that process. It puts forth interesting ideas such as weapons, communication equipment, and relativity in regards to long space flight. His book also shows the devastating effects that can arise if we contact an intelligence that we cannot understand, or vice versa, and how this can permanently damage relations. Not just between different species, but also among humans; there is always strife, here, between Russia and America; between Peter, Valentine, and Ender; and between the identities of Demosthenes and Locke.

The world of this book is extremely strongly written. Card has fully-fleshed out ideas that he presents here; the reader gets the sense of the world having organically grown (that is, it feels as if it has a history of its own), and can conceivably have a future. It's mostly a speculative work, but it's also a thoroughly built piece.

Here's one of my favorite passages of the book, one of the only ones that comes across not just as "writing" but also prettily, too.
Valentine, who still loved Ender no matter what happened. And following that train of thought led him back to Earth, back to the quiet hours in the center of the clear water ringed by a bowl of tree-covered hills. That is the Earth, he thought. Not a globe thousands of kilometers around, but a forest with a shining lake, a house hidden at the crest of the hill, high in the trees, a grassy slope leading upward from the water, fish leaping and birds strafing to take the bugs that lived at the border between water and sky. Earth was the constant noise of crickets and winds and birds. And the voice of one girl, who spoke to him out of his far-off childhood. The same voice that had protected him from terror. The same voice that he would do anything to keep alive... ( )

I have trouble in general with science fiction because I always feel that there is some crucial piece of information that I'm missing. Or I feel that the tale is an allegory for something in our present-day world. Either way, I need a reader's guide to understand the significance of what's happening in the sci-fi novel itself.

With "Ender's Game" I was able to follow the action and sequence of events enough to understand where the story was going. I also caught on that the novel was published in 1977, during the Cold War, so some of the politics and fear of war made sense. But again, I felt that I was missing something important. For example, what was the significance of the "soldiers" being children? That seems like a critical point for the novel, yet it's never clarified.

If the novel is making a larger statement about war or mutually assured destruction, unfortunately that point was lost upon me. Just didn't see it, sorry!

Overall, I'm happy to have read the book to see what all the fuss was about, but ultimately, I realize that no matter how much I try, science fiction will never be my cup of literary tea. ( )

This book was suggested by Megan to give us a different genre and introduce some of us to a book considered a canon of sci-fi. We discussed this title at Phyllis's house.

Ender's Game is, in my opinion, an excellent read for those very much into Earth future science fiction and the evolution of human society (especially when alien life is thrown into the mix). This book only introduces the main character, Andrew "Ender" wiggin, as the child prodigy who might be able to save humanity from the alien "Bugger" threat. It focuses on his training and encounters during Battle School where he will eventually lead the human fleets against the aliens. It also follows the actions of his brother, Peter Wiggin, and his quest for political power amongst a very socially different, and united (albeit fragile alliances), human race.

Follow the series to delve deeper into the philosophy behind human/alien interaction as well as the events of Ender's latter years as he seeks peace from his actions in the war against the Buggers. ( )

Always wondered what the hype was about. Now I know. This is one of the best books I can remember reading for a very long time, and I wish I had read it when it was published. I subsequently read the rest of the series (including the newest book, which comes between this one and Speaker for the Dead), and while they are all worth reading, this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. I could write reams about it, but I'll just say two more things: 1. It is easy to read, but there is lots to chew on. 2. Read it. ( )

This book was not at all what I expected. It's much more concerned with psychology and ethics than straight out sci-fi. The story revolves around a gifted child who is singled out by the government as a sort of Christ-like Superman figure who happens to be the human race's one chance at winning an intergalactic war. The novel's focus is not the war but rather Ender's journey through school and his progression from naive boy to world-weary young man. ( )

This was an interesting read and made me think about themes such as whether the end justifies the means. I don't read science fiction much, but this book was good. A note of caution: there are scenes where children inflict violence upon each other, and it can be a bit disturbing. ( )

A must-read for anyone, especially a child. I read and loved this when I was younger, and have re-read it several times since. I will say that as an adult, I did have some criticisms of this novel, especially relative to Card's (in my opinion, much more successful) follow-up, Ender's Shadow. Ender's Game doesn't seem to find its rhythm till several chapters in, reading in the beginning as Card's painfully inept attempt at overly-simplistic children's lit. Still, the book is ultimately successful, with themes and characters that have stuck with me over the years. ( )

I first read this between fifteen and twenty years ago and remember really enjoying it then. This time was no different. Ender is a brilliant child soldier, drafted into Battle School at the age of six. He and his comrades are training to fight the Buggers, a hostile alien race who have invaded Earth twice already with terrible casualties. Though it sounds from this two-sentence description to be your standard military science fiction, it is something quite apart from those. This is not about the glories of war, but rather the troubles of a young child forced to grow up before he's even reached puberty. It's also the story of his two brilliant siblings, left on Earth to deal with their own troubles. Ender is extremely sympathetic; even when he was cruel I only pitied him. This is definitely one I will be reading again someday. ( )

I read this book twice, back to back. I've recommended it to all the people who I believe might get something out of it, but it is not the book for everyone. ( )

Ender Wiggins is a 6 year old genius recruited by IF to go up to space and enroll in battle school, the training program for genius children. Earth has been attacked twice by buggers and IF is launching an invasion of their own but they're still desperately seeking a leader for their forces. It is up to Ender to save the human race. This is such a wonderful book, once I picked it up I couldn't put it down, I read it in an afternoon. It has a couple layers to it so people of all ages can enjoy it. A younger reader can get the surface story; Ender overcoming tremendous odds and obstacles to dominate the battle school game. The grown-ups push and push him to be the best, to save the world, but Ender is still only a little boy. Issues older readers can wrestle with and enjoy deal with questions of genocide, identity, and communication. ( )

This is one of the best sci-fi books ever written. Sadly, it appears to be the only thing Orson Scott Card ever wrote that's worth reading. Don't spoil it by reading any of the sequels! ( )

A Christmas gift and a good break from the typical kind of reading I do. It's science fiction, which isn't always my thing, but the focus on children in this book is very interesting. I'm not sure I'd read the rest of the series, but this was an enjoyable read. ( )

Ender's Game, now one of my favorite books, is one of the greatest Sci-Fi novels of all time. From the beginning, it grips you and doesn't let go until you've reached the end. Andrew "Ender" Wiggin is a 6 year old genius, and Colonel Graff realizes this. He is training children at the battle school to fight the Formics, or "buggers", an alien race trying to destroy humanity. He takes Ender to the battle school, and here starts the adventure. Overall, this is a must read ( )

This book is an elementary school child's playground fantasy fused with honest, sometimes harsh, reality. It's written very simply, yet that's all that's needed to best deliver this story. I have read this one many times yet I still love it. Pretty much everyone I know who has read this book loves it. I even know people who have named their cats and dogs after its' characters.

In a futuristic society, orphans are sent to a "school" in space where they are trained as mercenaries in order to defend Earth against an alien race, the "Buggers." The story follows the most promising of these orphans, Ender Wiggin.

Ender's Game is such a novel idea -- surely you remember your childhood fantasies where it was you vs. the evil monsters? Ender's Game takes the childhood fantasy then removes your rose colored glasses as you follow Ender's assimilation into the school. It addresses the ethical issues of genocide and brutality. I found it surprising that such a seemingly simplistic novel has such depth. Although this book is an easy read, I wouldn't recommend it for children because it has some brutal scenes in the school. Nothing too graphic but just not what you'd want your children around. Remember, these children were raised to be soldiers. I DO recommend this book to everyone else, and I thank Orson Scott Card for this book! ( )

Definitely re-readable, it's the best book Card has done, in my opinion. A 'must read' for any SF fan. The world, plot and all are well thought out & logically constructed. The human element is absolutely riveting. ( )

One of the most original Science Fiction Books of all time. Fast Paced, a great read the first, second or tenth time. ( )

I'd give this book a 3. I don't know why, but I felt sorry for the main character, Ender. Ender was a good kid, although others thought otherwise. He was, at times, violent, but only to protect himself from those trying to hurt him. One day, he's just a normal kid being admonished for his wrong doing and the next, he's sent to some space academy where he has to use violence to defend planet Earth from the evil buggers. But, Ender has stopped his belligerent ways. Will he avoid the conflict, or will he have to leave his pride at home and save planet Earth from being destroyed. Read the book to find out! ( )

the second and third books in the series get continually better.

Was recommended this book via forum when I asked about books with detailed action scenes *this was before I read dresden files and vampire hunter D of course). Anyway now that I finally sat down to read it as my first sci fi read in ages, I come to categorize it as one of the best books I've ever read. From the very first chapter I realized the concept was similar to a few ones I've seen before but in the thriller genre and instead of pretty boy teenagers, the genius was in the form of a 6 year old kid- that alone warranted me to finish this book.

Plot: As said before the book is centered around 6yr old Andrew (Ender) Wiggin and his trials as a third born child in the family. The law at that time in the future was that no family is to have more than two children without government permission otherwised they'd be taxed heavily etc. However this family wasn't normal, as the first two kids were both geniuses and Ender wasn't any different. The world in this book is steeped in a war between the human race and this alien raced termed 'Buggers' who have far superior numbers, technology and intelligence than us humans. Well at least that's what was thought however mankind has invested years in creating this school which harvests child geniuses and prodigies and rear them from as early as eight to become the admirals and generals of their fleet to fight the Buggers. And this is where Ender's story begins, as a third whose very existence is to fight the Buggers and the fate of mankind rests on him.

It may sound a bit typical from the premise but I assure you it is not. From the very get go there is a huge psychological thriller going on between the characters. For one Peter; Ender's older brother who is just as brilliant as Ender but perhaps crueler has had this secret wish to destroy his little brother and doesn't keep it a secret. While Ender's older sister Valentine shares the intelligence but has more compassion for most people especially Ender. * Bare in mind these characters are less than ten years old.* And this sort of isolation and jealousy continues as the story progresses and Ender develops more into the genius killer he is needed to be. With new characters setting their sights on the boy and pushing him to the limit. I could go much deeper but I'm trying to keep spoilers to a minimum.

The books style is engaging too, with every chapter beginning with a conversation between military higher ups regarding Ender's education and a sort of insight on what twisted plans they have for the boy. And the chapter then deals with how Ender handles that plot and eventually how it helps him to grow as a soldier. I also loved the hidden meanings behind the dreams and games which Ender has, and how they relate to each character interaction he has and how he is influenced as a human being.
It truly is a deep deep book.

Only one thing bugged me really and stopped me from giving it a full 5 stars. The imagery was very very bland at times I almost felt like the characters were in a world of white. But then again the environment hardy mattered because I was so caught up in each person's mind and conflicts that I could care less where they were in my head. And as I mentioned the battles, I will say these are some brilliant strategies here and when Ender is ruthless and efficient its almost astounding. The recommendations were definitely not out of place in this one where battle was concerned.

All in all its a great book, I'm going to measure all my sci fi reads with this unconsciously from now on. And I am resisting the urge to read the rest of the series simply because I have started too many other series already lol.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars ! ( )

Yet another classic book (both YA and SF) I've avoided reading. I don't know why, since I've read much of Card's other works. But I finally picked up and finished it in a relatively short period of time. Ender's Game is well written and engaging, but after finishing it, I never want to read another book in the series. I have it four and a half stars because it's very, very good. But, to be honest, I don't think I liked it. I don't regret for a second reading it, but I'm glad it's over. ( )

Once again, Earth is under attack by the alien race known as buggers. The human soldiers are outgunned, outnumbered, and desperately in need of a savior. That savior comes in the form of Ender Wiggin, a brilliant six year old who is his parents' third child in a time where only two children are allowed per household. Ender is found by the administrator of a military training facility called Battle School. He is taken away from his parents, his manaical older brother Peter, and his sister Valentine, the only person in the world who truly loves him. He is brought up in the harsh and cruel environment of Battle School, where he is trained tactics and maneuvers and where the only the thing that matters is the Game. While the teachers do all they can to isolate Ender and mold him into the perfect soldier, some of his fellow students do all they can to kill him. He quickly advances to the higher ranks of the school, and the teachers are convinced that he is the one to save them all. But will Ender prove them right, or will all the cruelty and hate break him?

Loved it, highly recommended. ( )