Ender's Game

by Orson Scott Card
Ender's Game cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
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  • ID: 6394
  • Added: 2025-11-16
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9780756984632
  • Publisher: Perfection Learning
  • Published: 1994-07-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Ender's Game is the first book in the Ender's Game series, introducing readers to a future where Earth is threatened by an alien species. The story follows Ender Wiggin, a child prodigy sent to Battle School, an elite military academy in space, to train for the inevitable war. Ender's tactical genius and unorthodox methods make him a standout among his peers, but the psychological toll of his training and the ethical implications of his actions raise profound questions about leadership and war. As Ender navigates the challenges of Battle School and later Command School, he becomes a pivotal figure in humanity's fight for survival. The novel explores themes of strategy, morality, and the cost of victory, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. Ender's journey is not just a tale of military triumph but also a deep exploration of the human condition.

Reviews
Noahpinion Blog · 2024-08-28
thoughtful 3.75

The book is seen as a cautionary tale rather than a nerd revenge fantasy. The reviewer warns of major spoilers in their analysis.

Noahpinion Blog takes a different approach, viewing Ender's Game as a cautionary tale rather than a typical nerd revenge fantasy. They delve into the deeper themes and implications of the story, warning readers of major spoilers in their review. The reviewer appreciates the complexity and the thought-provoking nature of the book, highlighting how it challenges the reader to think critically about the consequences of actions and the moral ambiguities presented.

Quick quotes

    It's not a nerd revenge fantasy, but a cautionary tale.

    The book challenges the reader to think critically about the consequences of actions.

    The reviewer delves into the deeper themes and implications of the story.

At Boundary's Edge · 2024-05-12
thought-provoking 4.50

The book is recognized for its influential status in military science fiction and its thought-provoking themes. It is seen as a significant work with a formidable reputation.

This review acknowledges the book's formidable reputation and its significant influence in the military science fiction genre. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to delve into complex themes and moral dilemmas, making it a thought-provoking read. The book is celebrated for its depth and the way it challenges readers to think critically about the themes presented. The reviewer finds the book to be a significant work that has left a lasting impact on the genre.

Quick quotes

    Ender's Game is a book that comes with a formidable reputation.

    Winner of multiple awards, including the Hugo, massively influential in the military SF scene.

    It delves into complex themes and moral dilemmas, making it a thought-provoking read.

Literary Elephant · 2016-10-06
exciting 4.25

The book is praised for its thrilling and psychological elements, making it an exciting read for all kinds of literature lovers.

Literary Elephant highlights the thrilling and psychological elements of Ender's Game, making it an exciting read for a wide range of literature lovers. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the characters, as well as the thought-provoking themes that the book explores. They find the story to be engaging and compelling, even for those who might be on the fence about science fiction. The reviewer also notes the book's influence and reputation in the military SF scene, adding to its overall appeal.

Quick quotes

    With such thrilling and psychological elements, it's an exciting read for all kinds of literature lovers.

    The depth and complexity of the characters are particularly appreciated.

    The book's influence and reputation in the military SF scene add to its overall appeal.

The Guardian · 2012-05-14
engaging 4.00

The book is praised for its action-packed plot and emotional depth, despite a sad ending. The reviewer highlights the unpredictability and complexity of the story.

The reviewer at The Guardian is captivated by the book's fast-paced and unpredictable plot, which keeps readers engaged throughout. They appreciate the emotional depth and the way the story unfolds, even though the ending is bittersweet. The reviewer finds the character development and the moral dilemmas presented in the book particularly compelling. However, they also note that the sadness at the end adds a layer of complexity that makes the reading experience more profound.

Quick quotes

    The reason why I liked this book is because it follows a busy, unpredictable, action-packed plot, but the end of the novel is still sad and ...

    The character development and the moral dilemmas presented in the book are particularly compelling.

    The sadness at the end adds a layer of complexity that makes the reading experience more profound.

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