In this episode of Analog Sci-Fi Book Reviews, I discuss with you my reading of Orson Scott Card's first novel that kicked off the Enderverse, Ender's Game! Winner of both the Hugo and Nebula winner in 1985 for Best Science Fiction Long Form Novel. In this 324 paged Masterpiece, we follow Ender Wiggin, a genius tactician, a third born, and maybe humanity's last hope against an Alien Invasion.
In this story, Ender is a pawn in everyone's game. Even if he is only half aware of the decisions being made for him, Ender, a 'third born,' must justify his birth, as Earth has gone through dramatic societal changes. Family sizes are reduced for rationing, and 2nd and 3rd births are rare and only can be approved by the State.
When Ender decisively wins a fight at school, he is promoted to Battle School, on a space station off-world. Ender is tested in a social environment where he surpasses his equals in implementing creative military tactics. The Battle Room, where platoons play a type of 'Freeze Lazer Tag'... but in Zero Gravity. In The Battle Room, Ender proves himself to be a Great General. Back on Terra, we also follow Ender's older brother Peter, who was denied entry into Battle School due to being unempathetic. Along with his sister Valentine, who also was denied entry to Battle School for being too empathetic. Their story is one of sibling-civil war—Valentine's desire and failure to control her older brother, who seems bent on World Control.
Valentine and Peter sway public option by creating fake identities on online message boards (Social Media). With these fake identities, they can direct the 'adults in the room' to move geopolitics in their favor. And in my options, these are the most interesting chapters in the book! Ender moves quickly up the latter. He easily defeats all other Platoons in Battle School inside the Battle Room. When Ender passes all tests and wins another device physical fight with another Platoon leader, Ender is promoted to Command School.
In Command School, Ender meets Mazer Rackham, the man who won Earth the 1st Bugger Invasion. Ender is given command of all ships, with all his friends under his command. He wins battles; he loses battles. When the Earth Leadership attends Ender's last test. Ender is given a final variable. The Bugger Home World. With all ships, Ender destroys the Bugger Homeworld and every living thing on the planet. It is revealed that Ender was in command of all ships for the entire time he was in Command School.
Score: (BIG) Thumbs Up! This book reads likes Masterpiece. The voice of Ender is so fully realized, you understand who Ender is and what he's experiencing. The Battle School chapters are fun. But, it is what's happening back on Terra that I personally find most interesting! I am more motivated to read Shadows of the Hegemon than, say, Speaker of the Dead, on this fact alone.
The use of social media and fake identities, being the book was written in 1985, is jaw-dropping. Along with open discussions about the value of lies, the justification for a preemptive strike, and towering of the individual over society. All these points make the story richer and leave the reader with a sense of loss and the knowledge that the choices you make will follow you into tomorrow.
Listen To The Audio Verison On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08CKABaMK63BE04AGEb3no?si=lJmUaXgMTmO2qXUGNx7nvg
Where To Find Thriftbooks: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/enders-game-by-orson-scott-card---/249686/#edition=1859735&idiq=2413359
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Enders-Ender-Quintet-Orson-Scott/dp/0812550706/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=enders+game&qid=1611404681&sr=8-4