Orson Scott Card

Ender's Game

Enders Game

Andrew Ross

From New York Times bestselling author Orson Scott Card, Ender's Game is the classic Hugo and Nebula award-winning science fiction novel of a young boy's recruitment into the midst of an interstellar war. In order to develop a secure defense against a hostile alien race's next attack, government agencies breed child geniuses and train them as soldiers. A brilliant young boy, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin lives with his kind but distant parents, his sadistic brother Peter, and the person he loves more than anyone else, his sister Valentine. Peter and Valentine were candidates for the soldier-training program but didn't make the cut—young Ender is the Wiggin drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training. Ender's skills make him a leader in school and respected in the Battle Room, where children play at mock battles in zero gravity. Yet growing up in an artificial community of young soldiers Ender suffers greatly from isolation, rivalry from his peers, pressure from the adult teachers, and an unsettling fear of the alien invaders. His psychological battles include loneliness, fear that he is becoming like the cruel brother he remembers, and fanning the flames of devotion to his beloved sister. Is Ender the general Earth needs? But Ender is not the only result of the genetic experiments. The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway for almost as long. Ender's two older siblings are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. Between the three of them lie the abilities to remake a world. If, that is, the world survives. Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game is the winner of the 1985 Nebula Award for Best Novel and the 1986 Hugo Award for Best Novel. THE ENDER UNIVERSE Ender Quintet series Ender’s Game / Ender in Exile / Speaker for the Dead / Xenocide / Children of the Mind Ender’s Shadow series Ender’s Shadow / Shadow of the Hegemon / Shadow Puppets / Shadow of the Giant / Shadows in Flight Children of the Fleet The First Formic War (with Aaron Johnston) Earth Unaware / Earth Afire / Earth Awakens The Second Formic War (with Aaron Johnston) The Swarm /The Hive Ender novellas A War of Gifts /First Meetings

Gavin

Bit with Demosthenes and Locke was memorable (two children pulling the strings of the world media, less implausible than the aliens in this).

Lord Aragorn

Amazing story! Really enjoyed the descriptions of the relationship between the three siblings, as well as Ender's learning process.

Charlotte Dann

There were elements of this that made me want to devour it, but also many unassailable flaws. Chiefly, I just don't buy the premise. A 6 year old is the only hope to save the world? Sure. OK.
I'm going to make a video on this book when I find the time.

Ben Silverman 

An absolute classic that I'm so glad I took the time to read.

Aviv Leo Zippin

Once you're done with it you'll surly know why it's so high-regarded. Nothing shorter than a sci-fi masterpiece.

Loved this book. Such a different genre of book compare to what I usually read which makes a nice change. Would recommend this book to everyone.

Ben Jenkins

Scott Wilson

This was a great book!

Theme's explored:
- Practice makes perfect.
- Work as a game makes work more enjoyable.
- You can't always understand why adults do what they do - they do it because they love you and want the best for you.
- Everyone has a special gift - each one of Ender and his siblings had a special gift that they alone excelled at.
- People will always choose one person (sibling) as the best of a group - however those other remaining siblings are special in their own rights.


- You can't trust those in power.
- Adults will lie to you to achieve what they want.

Amy Thibodeau

This book was a quick, smooth read. I was quickly interested in the characters and rooted for Ender Wiggin. 

The end was weird and I guess it's because it's meant to get you to read the sequel, which I wasn't interested enough to do. The resolution felt a bit abrupt too. 

Overall, it was interesting and exciting but the last few chapters didn't hold up.

Kathy Jedrzejczyk

I'm not exactly sure what it is about this book that I didn't like all the way. It just felt too convenient. I did like the general premise of the book but I felt like the amazingness of these little kids was exaggerated just a little too much. I also didn't like the ending that much. It seemed to just kind of end, like the hunger games series. I felt like the main character was pretty plain. I didn't ever totally get into him. I didn't have strong feelings toward him positive or negative- unlike in hunger games I hated and loved Katniss at the same time. I really got emotional about her stupidities and also her good moves. I thins is book I was just "eh" about all his decisions and thoughts. Could have been a good book based on the plot, but turned out just ok,

Ryan LaFerney

Reread. This is still an intriguing combination of action, military and political strategy, war games, and psychology; and an interesting look at the nature of empathy vs. violence.

Nicole Sonja

I liked Ender, but his circumstances were horrible. It was an okay book, but I've read better. MUCH better!

Sarah

I loved this book. It has a very compelling story and I was hooked on it since chapter 1. I thought the characters were well made. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Sci-Fi.

The meat of the book is actually remarkably like any other modern teen dystopian novel - intriguing premise where we spent most of our time playing the “game” with the protagonist (a la Hunger Games, Red Rising). But the last 15 pages are so different and so humbling, I cried very hard and I was not expecting to. Cannot wait to read Speaker for the Dead. 

Lilly Snyder

Aditi

1.5 stars? Concepts I hadn't read until I read this, but I hated the book itself. It was an exhausting experience.

Aditi Verma

Expert Book Reviews

WARNING: This is not the actual book Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.This review offers a detailed look at the positives and negatives of Ender's Game: While Card's use of empathy as a central theme in the novel is interesting, it's overshadowed by the dated feel of the world he created. You'll also read about the novel's most memorable scene, its eye openers, and an alternative outcome. A character reference sheet is included to help you keep track of the many characters. This review of Enders Game also addresses the issue of critical reception, covering what both the readers and the experts like and dislike about the book. You'll also find additional resources if you want to know more about the book or become part of the discussion.Ender's Game is a speculative look at a world where the Cold War never really ended and the entire planet lives in fear of another alien invasion. The military relies on legions of extremely gifted children to plan battles and envision new ways to defeat the enemy. Ender is whisked away to battle school in hopes that he will be the one to save the human race, but what he finds instead is a treacherous world where he can trust no one. He must learn to adapt to the rules of an unspoken, ever-changing game. This comprehensive review covers everything you should know about this beloved children's sci-fi novel, from who would like the book to similar novels you may enjoy.

Kayla Prince

Amazing teaching ability

Likes: the uniqueness of the situation that ended was in
Dislikes: the dialogue seemed very robotic
Recommendations: I would recommend this to anybody! It has a great story for children and adults alike. It teaches about courage and morals, duty and honor.

Anna

Впервые познакомилась с миром саги о Эндере в 2000 году благодаря журналу "Если", в котором был напечатан рассказ "Советник по инвестициям", по сути продолжение "Игры". В нулевых я перечитывала "Игру" по меньшей мере раз пять, недавно вспомнила и решила перечитать заново, но уже в оригинале. Что-то теперь стало царапать взгляд, вроде возможного подтекста названия buggers, что-то стало иметь больше смысла (видимо, перевод все же не совсем справился с адаптацией оскорблений, которыми перебрасывались дети, построенных на созвучии). Но мне было все так же интересно, хотя я и знала наперед все повороты сюжета. Как ни странно, даже технологии не кажутся устаревшими для мира будущего, как порой бывает при чтении старой фантастики.

Hans Gerwitz

A hive mind composed of thinking individuals is more resilient, but is it any more noble than pure central command?

Dweedle 

Listened to this on audible, fantastic production. Probably not much to say that hasn’t been said already, a must for any sci-fi fan

brendan sudol

A reread after many years. Still loved it, though I think Ender’s Shadow is even better.

cora rolfes 

i’ve read this so many times on audible, and it’s good every time.

Celeste Richardson

Full review now posted!

Some books define different aspects and periods of your life. Ender’s Game for me represents the loneliness of childhood when you’re different. I first read this book when I was 9 years old and just starting the 4th grade. I was the only kid in my small class in the Gifted program at that point, which set me apart. I was an odd child, athletically challenged and socially inept and physically awkward. I had teeth too big for my head, ears too far large for my face, and hair that pencils could get lost in. My only true friends at this stage in my life were family members and books. 

“Because never in my entire childhood did I feel like a child. I felt like a person all along―the same person that I am today.”

So when I came across Ender’s Shadow and Ender’s Game, I felt understood (by someone unrelated to me) for the first time in my life. Here were kids who were different, who were often hated and belittled by other children because of those differences, but who discovered that those differences were actually their strengths. That was an incredibly inspirational possibility that I clung to for years after reading the books for the first time, and that I still cling to when I feel like I don’t fit in somewhere.

“I think it's impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they believe, and not love them the way they love themselves.”

My copy of this book is tattered. Pieces of the cover are missing. The spine is broken. The pages are yellow. And I won’t trade it for a newer copy until it falls completely to pieces. I just read this book for the 8th time. I read it in elementary and junior high and high school, once every couple of years, just to remind myself that what made me weird could make me strong. I read it in college when I got married younger than most people and wasn’t living on campus, and was viewed as an odd duck by my classmates. I pushed it into the hands of kids I could see myself in when I became a teacher. 

“Humanity does not ask us to be happy. It merely asks us to be brilliant on its behalf.”

I lead a small monthly bookclub for teenagers at my local library, and was thrilled when they chose Ender’s Game as October’s book. I hadn’t read it in about five years, so I was a bit nervous that it wouldn’t hold up to yet another reread, but I dove in anyway. Never have I been happier to be wrong. This book packs just as much punch for me 19 years later as it did the first time I cracked it open. 

“Perhaps it's impossible to wear an identity without becoming what you pretend to be.”

Ender Wiggin is a genius, wise beyond his years, and he is thrust into impossible situation after impossible situation. Adults are the enemy, seeking to isolate him and push him to his breaking point. But he will not be broken. He adapts and overcomes, making friends in spite of the establishment’s best efforts. However, a time comes when he has to put the mission above his relationships, and has to stand alone. His empathy and drive and monstrous intellect are awe-inspiring, but are they enough to keep him from finally shattering beneath a weight too large for his small shoulders to bear?

“There are times when the world is rearranging itself, and at times like that, the right words can change the world.”

This is not a children’s book, but never in my childhood did I read another book that I related to more than this one and Ender’s Shadow. I honestly feel that this book is appropriate for all ages. If you know anyone who is different, who just can’t seem to become part of the crowd and always seems to stand out and stand alone, please find a way to get this book into their hands. Be they child or adult, this book will make them feel less alone. And if you yourself are different, if you march to the beat of your own drum even when the world demands your silence, read this book and feel understood.

Original review can be found at Booknest.

Ender's Game

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