So this was cool

I have been hearing about this book my whole life basically but I never went out of my way to find it. I guess I'm not too into sci-fi. Anyway, this was actually really interesting.

Card offers a couple of provocative things here:

1. There is a commentary throughout about the justification of violence and warfare. Does the 'Ender' justify the means? Big question. Card never answers it (like a good writer) and leaves it up to the reader to decide.

2. Although the reluctant hero is pretty stale, Card pulls it off. Ender's hatred of and yet strange fixation on power is fascinating. There is something like this in all of us--some talent or habit we hate about ourselves and yet still exalt in our ability.

His characters Valentine and Peter are not terribly convincing but since their main purpose is essentially to provide polar-opposite foils for Ender's behavior, I suppose that can be excused.

All in all, if you want to be entertained, pick this one up.


9/10