Genre: Science-Fiction, Young-Adult
Author: Orson Scott Card
Synopsis: Set in a futuristic world, where after defeating the aliens called “Buggers” in a previous invasion, now humanity is living under a constant threat of next attack. The only person who can save humanity is Andrew “Ender” Wiggin, a six year old, who is expected to become a genius military general and one day lead earth to victory against the future attacks. He’s
going through the rigorous training at the battle school. He’s been thrown in multiple difficult situations, but Ender is ready for each hurdle. Simulation after simulation, game after game he’s proving to be the right choice.
While Ender is training to become the savior of humanity, his elder brother Peter, who despises Ender, is trying to gain political control over earth, to save it from the threat of an all out civil war. And the person who’s unwillingly helping him is the only person who Ender loves, his sister Valentine.
Can they salvage humanity from the impending doom?
My thoughts: The writing and pace are fantastic! Instead of spending separate chapters on building the world, Orson has used his characters and story to familiarize the readers with the world of Ender’s Game. This enables reader to dive in to the story right from the beginning. Just like other contemporary works of 1980’s, apart from being a brilliant and interesting science fiction this book also explores some serious philosophy like compassion, value of friendship, morality and making difficult choices for greater good. The influence of cold war can also be seen in the story. Also I feel using children at the center of the story was brilliant.
There were several elements to love in the book. The battle training was one of my favorite part of the book. Orson has brilliantly captured the progress of Ender from a child to a military genius(who’s still a child), a perfect killing machine. You as a reader feel his hardships, loneliness, frustration and moral dilemmas.
Now to the climax of the book, though I kind of guessed it (yes I am that good 😉 ), was brilliantly set up and might catch you off guard. The last few pages are really touching and thought provoking. Here he has talked about co-existence of different races, helping each other and living in peace.
So why not 5 out 5? Though I loved Ender’s story, I found Peter and Valentine’s story arc a little distracting, rushed and incomplete. The significance of their arc was evident but not explored very well. Also it was very disappointing to not see Ender and Peter face off.
Who should read this: Though Orson Scott Card himself is a good enough reason to read this book, if you like reading classic science fictions, space operas this might be a perfect book for you.
My Rating: 
wordsofbookradiant 