The Book NooK
Created | Updated Aug 8, 2002
Ender's Game
by Orson Scott
Card
Ender's Game is one of the best Science Fiction novels I have ever read. Being an
avid fan of Science Fiction and revering such great authors as Issac Asimov and Arthur
C. Clarke, it is enjoyable to see an author from the current generation who can stand with
the greats. This book is great for teenagers and above, and is definitely a great
introductory book to the genre of Science Fiction. With a superb blending of character
development, back-story, and action, this book screams for you to read it in one session,
and then come back and read it again.
Ender's Game takes place in a future where the world's governments have united
under the threat of an alien species. The solar system has been invaded twice by insect
like aliens who seem bent on the removal of the human species. Now the human race is
trying to develop young warriors with enough intelligence, instincts, and natural reactions
to beat a civilization that uses a hive mind.
Card gives us an insight into the human character with young Andrew 'Ender' Wiggin
as our guide. Along with the main story of Ender's journey through training, we are also
given the chance to follow Ender's older brother and sister as they try to get their
opinions across to the adult world. Finally, Ender's Game gives the reader the rare
chance to see how a person born and raised for war, deals with life after the
military.
I have read Ender's Game over ten times, and find new and interesting angles
and sub-plots at each reading. This is a book that deals not only with society’s reaction
to external forces, but also the internal forces that shape us as individuals and countries.
If you are not interested in these themes, then Ender's Game offers a great romp
through a tightly knit future universe and 'The Game' alone is worth the reading.
I would highly recommend this book to both the seasoned Science Fiction reader, and
a person who loves character development but might not know if they like Science
Fiction. I personally introduced both my brother and mother to this book (both of whom
did not read Science Fiction) and they completely enjoyed the book also.