A young boy with awesome powers is controlled by the state and taken to a strange military school where his skill with games is manipulated with dreadful consequences as part of a deadly war between mankind and an alien race. Although the novel (which initiated a series) is a frantic page-turner, it also raises endless questions about morality, the nature of evil and can also be used as a perfect introduction to the challenges of SF for younger readers.

Synopsis

Ender Wiggin is Battle School's latest recruit. His teachers reckon he could become a great leader. And they need one. A vast alien force is headed for Earth, its mission: the annihilation of all human life. Ender could be our only hope. But first he must survive the most brutal military training program in the galaxy...With its explosive storyline, pump-action excitement and hugely engaging central characters, Ender's Game is an absolute must-read.

Reviews

This is an absorbing novel, particularly in the sections detailing Ender's single-minded quest for improvement. The contrast between the narrow focus on Ender's training and the wider issues brought to life by Peter and Valentine is highly successful, and the climax of the book combines both strands in a tour-de-force of writing. The characterization - except that of the three children - is sketchy in the extreme, and the plot as a whole relies on considerable suspension of disbelief, but somehow neither of these things matters in comparison with the gripping story of Ender's game.' (Kirkus UK)

About the Author

Orson Scott Card is the award-winning author of the Ender saga, the Alvin Maker series and the Homecoming series. He lives with his wife and children in the US.   Maxim Jakubowski's view on ENDER’S GAME... A young boy with awesome powers is controlled by the state and taken to a strange military school where his skill with games is manipulated with dreadful consequences as part of a deadly war between mankind and an alien race. Although the novel (which initiated a series) is a frantic page-turner, it also raises endless questions about morality, the nature of evil and can also be used as a perfect introduction to the challenges of SF for younger readers. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation