Author: Orson Scott Card
Genre: YA Science Fiction, Series #1
Published: 1985
Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)
Yearly Count: 102
At the age of 6, Andrew (Ender) Wiggin is recruited to train at Battle School. Ender is taught skills as a soldier in the event of an attack by the Buggers. His high intelligence makes him a great candidate as a leader, but can his emotional-self handle the stress that accompanies leadership?
I had my highs and lows with Ender's Game. My interest level was high for the first third, then the repetition began to gnaw at me in the middle, which caused boredom and irritation. The last third picked up in plot and became a bit more interesting. So, in general, it turned out to be a good read at best.
This is probably ideal for high schoolers (mainly boys) who are interested in science fiction and the details of battle movements. Also, those that understand politics and don't mind swearing in their books should really find this a great read. I was actually surprised at the language and would never suggest this to a younger crowd. In the epilogue, Card even states that he wouldn't want his young son to read it due to the language, so he removed it all (that may have been for the short story version which came out well before the novel), but somehow it reappeared in the book.
Needless to say, the plot had some unique features and some minor surprises. I liked Ender and cheered him on, but I have no interest in continuing with the series.
This is one of my hubby's favorite books ever! :-)
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I liked Ender's Game, but I still didn't think I would read any more. The publisher offered me a copy of Ender in Exile though, which is the chronological sequel to Ender's Game although it was just released last year. I really did enjoy that one too!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my son's favorite books, so I read it at his urging. It was okay for me.
ReplyDeleteLezlie ~ I can see how it could be a favorite.
ReplyDeleteTricia ~ I don't plan on reading any more, but ya never know.
Bermudaonion ~ The general consensus of those that I know personally that have read it think it was okay to good. Maybe we should have read it at a younger age. :)
I really enjoyed this book and Speaker for the Dead as well. I own Ender's Shadow but haven't got to it yet. Funny, I don't remember the language and that usually bothers me quite a bit. I wonder if I have an edited version. I may look for Ender's Exile also.
ReplyDeleteI know fantasy/sci-fi is not your favourite genre, so I applaud that you still keep giving them a try. Whenever I see a title like this coming up for review from you it's always fun to see which way you go with it!
ReplyDeleteThe Ender books do get pretty heavy in the battle, military, politics angle of it all which isn't something I generally like in my sci-fi but man! do I love the Ender books, they just get better and better for me.
But, you're right, if this one didn't blow you away, you won't find the others any more pleasurable.
I loved Ender's Game when I read it for my book club several years ago. I haven't read any of the rest of series (yet) though.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Ender's Game when I read it about eight years ago, but like you, I didn't love it. I think I enjoyed the first half better than the second. I'm a little curious about Ender's Shadow, but haven't read any others in the series. I think Ender's Shadow might tell the same story although from Bean's POV. Not positive, though.
ReplyDeleteI think I remember one quote, but it's probably because a co-worker has it on his license plate frame!
The enemy's gate is open!
I listened to the audio last year and loved it. I haven't read any more in the series and probably won't. The one book was enough for me.
ReplyDeleteYou know I loved this first book but found like you did that I really had no interest to go any further into the series. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI have the next one in the series waiting for me, I didn't absolutely love the first book but was interested enough to want to see what happens next. Too bad you didn't like it that much - but hey, at least you aren't adding another series to your list! :-)
ReplyDeleteFramed ~ Even though I don't want to continue - I'm glad I read it.
ReplyDeleteNicola ~ Tee Hee! Others have told me the same thing - not quite sure where I'll go with my opinion. :) I think the key for me is how well the author can break through my adversity towards fantasy - actually making the fantasy seem plausible or realistic. It takes a lot to make me buy into nonsense. :) I have and do, but like I said, it takes a lot of work on an author's part to convince me.
Alisonwonderland ~ Like most books, I think if I read it with a book club, I would appreciate it more. Talking about it brings out so much emotion and connection.
Les ~ I heard the same thing about Ender's Shadow and that does not entice me at all. I do not care for repeats. Oh - I heard it from the author at the end of the CD.
Now, that's a fan!
Stacybuckeye ~ Glad you loved it, though. It's better than good. :)
Staci ~ It seems like a lot of us want to stop or haven't continued after the first. Hmmmm
Joanna ~ Now that's a great consolation, especially when I have so many series going that I feel like I'm swimming in books. That's not really a problem, but it does become overwhelming when I think about playing catch up with the million series that I just discovered.
I read this one to Scott last summer on one of our car trips. Like you I was interested, but only mildly. Since then, he's gone on to listen to the audio versions of all the subsequent books! And he is never interested in anything for that long. I, on the other hand, could care less if I read another Ender book again (although I do have the newest Ender book--Ender in Exile--on the shelf).
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ LOL I'm glad that the book spurred an interest for your husband. Good came out of it.
ReplyDeleteI am reading this book now, and I am having a similar experience to you. I was very interested at first, and now it's dragging quite a bit. I hope it picks up again towards the end.
ReplyDeleteCharley ~ I'll come by to read your thoughts when you post it. Hopefully it picked up at the end for you.
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