Ender's Game (Ender's Saga #1)

As avid and passionate readers, we each bear an ever-growing list of books that we know, within, we must read; A personal cannon that strengthens, enriches and validates us as the cultured and smartly cultivated readers we aspire to be. For me, Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game has resided on that list, in the invisible sci-fi section, for nearly twenty years. Because of its reputation as both a YA pathfinder and science fiction trendsetter, I feel like Ender's game has been visibly in my path for as long as I can remember, growing more and more intimidating the longer I staved it off. Well, as you would surmise by the existence of this review, I am proud to declare that Mr. Card's seminal novel no longer sits on that occult-like shelf of unread legends.

Yep, I read it!

Now, shifting into a more serious quality, while unsure whether or not Mr. Card had written Ender's Game with a young adult audience in mind or if it simply became designated as a book for teens because of the age of its protagonist, the novel certainly reads like YA. Its an energetic, breezy read told in a fairly straightforward manner.

However, to be clear, in staying true to its science fiction heritage, Ender's Game offers plenty to be found slightly under the surface and beyond. Conventional themes of consumerism, over-population, environmental awareness and Marxist politics are all present in this story of Ender Wiggin and his group of battle school mates. Uniquely, though, Mr. Card presents these generic issues and more through the lens of a young, unseasoned genius whose rate of understanding and empathy grows analogous to that of the reader. So, in addition to interesting dilemmas concerning exploitation of children, Mr. Card's delivery of often familiar and ordinary themes and ideas now seem fresh and au courant through the eyes of young Ender.

I feel pleased and contented to finally have read Ender's game and not just simply to remove it from my list. As one reads Ender's tale, its influence on countless science fiction, YA and bildungsroman stories is suddenly revealed. I have resolved, within my own literary experience, that Ender's Game is an important book and one that is sure to enrich, inform and entertain.

Reader reviewed by Mika

Okay, sorry to all the Ender's Game fans out there but to put it bluntly, I HATED Ender's Game. So I'm looking for a good read so my dad tells me that he loved the book and since I'm a sci-fi lover he said I'd like it. So I read the book. He led me on to believe that their was this big twist at the end and I must say I was disappointed.

:SPOILER(Sorry but I hate spoilers! Scroll down if you want to miss the spoiler):


























Okay so I read most of the book, it was okay but I was looking forward to the big twist, and it was horrible! I mean, they were playing a game where they were killing aliens and it turns out to be real. So what? It was boring! But besides that it is a really good book.









:SPOILER OVER:

So you should read this book If you like sci-fi but don't expect a big twist.

Reader reviewed by Paul

orson scott card's ender's game is one of the best story's ever told, it has all the elements of a classic and has an apple to every humane alive.

If you only ever read one book in your life let it be this one.

Reader reviewed by Jason

First off, this is my favorite book of all time. I think that all people should be required to read this book because it is so excellent. This is not a teenager book nor is it an adult book. It is a book which has subjects of difference that all people can relate to. A must read.

Reader reviewed by Daniel P.

Ender's Game is one of the best books i have ever read. It combines a mix of mystery, action, and suspense to the plot. It all starts when little Andrew Wiggin gets sent to Battle School, a rotating platform in space, to train to become a military fleet commander. But the people there have something else in mind. What is it? Will Ender survive? Can Ender deal with the stress? Read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card to find out.

Reader reviewed by Katrina

When I first read this book, it took me a while to catch my breath. The intensity of it is one you don't find quite as abundant in most books. It sucks you into another world, though so very much our own, so very different. So very beleivable.

Reader reviewed by linda

'Ender's Game' is one of the best books that I have ever read and I would highly suggest it to anyone. Though it seems like a more guy-friendly book I know many girls who have read it and enjoyed it immensely. Set in a futuristic world where population laws are strict and the alien invassion is imminent, Ender is sent to Battle School where he trains for his destiny: to defeat the aliens with his military genius. Though it may not sound like it in this brief summary, there is a lot of heartfelt emotion and the story is written beautifully. In the end Ender does defeat the aliens only to realize the full impact of what he has done, that he can't live on the Earth with his family and that he has destroyed a beautiful species.

reprint here with author's permission

Reader reviewed by Stella

Ender's Game is a story about a future society that is at war with the aliens, and the young boy who unknowingly destroys a whole species.

Ender's Game is a action-packed, yet emotional story about the decisions that children are forced to make because of the actions of adults. A wonderful and gripping first book in a series. Ender's Game is perfect for teenagers, but the next three books in the series require a considerably more advanced reader.

Reader reviewed by Katya

Ender's Game is a completely unique book (until you read the sequels of course, but that doesn't really apply here). You'll find yourself completely swept up in Ender's world, where parents are harsh and uncaring, and the best way to make a name for yourself is to go and train in in the space station.

What will really grip about this book is the twist - it's possibly the scariest, most brilliant plot twist I've ever read, and it's that that makes 'Ender's Game' a fantastic novel. Even if you aren't normally into sci-fi (and I'm not, not really), I suggest you give this a go. It's one of those books which you just have to read.

Reader reviewed by Val

I would read this book just for the last couple fo pages because thas what in my oppinion distinguished it from an great book to an... unbelievable book. This book tells the story of a boy named Ender whois taken form his family and raised to play combat games in the belief that he will one day fight against the mosnters he sees on the screen. You see, buggers a species of aliens invaded earth a lon gitm ago in the novel, of course! They tried to destroy the human race and nearly succeeded, the humans barely won the battle but they have been determined ever since to extinguish the bugger race because they are positive that they will come back once again and try to win their lost battle. You feel empathy and ocmpassion for Ender who has had his whole life ruined because of his intellct and strength which will make him stucha great military leader. Throughout the novel readers will find themselves saddened by Ender's emotions such as his deep longing to see his sister Valentine. Readers will also ask questions and wonder the thoughts that go through Ender's head why... why...?