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Ender's Game

Orson Scott Card

Nebula 1985, Hugo 1986, Internet Top 100, Top 20

All the elements of great science fiction: suspense, adventure, mind-challenging stretches of imagination, inspiration, thought-provoking psychological dilemma.

So why do I have such a temptation to look for something negative to write? I think it may have something to do with Card's more recent books. After such a fantastic start with this and Speaker for the Dead, I suppose I feel a little resentful that more recent books like the Homecoming series fell so flat. Orson, please take a little more time and put more of your artistic flair and creativity back into your writing - we know you can do it!

But this little critique doesn't have anything to do with "Ender's Game" which is fantastic. I would recommend it to almost anyone and list it in the top 20 of all time.

In several ways, the theme and characters mirror Heinlein's Starship Troopers. The bug-like enemy with the hive mind, the intense military training and equipment, the gleanings of empathy for the unknown and completely different. Though possibly using Heinlein for inspiration, Card goes far beyond and this book is many times more captivating, exciting, and valuable reading.

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