Earth Awakens by Orson Scott Card

Earth Awakens is the thrilling conclusion to the First Formic War series, set a century before the events of Ender's Game. The story unfolds as humanity faces an existential threat from the invading Formics, who are systematically decimating cities and populations. Young Mazer Rackham and the Mobile Operations Police are on a critical mission to find a counteragent to the lethal alien chemical, while asteroid miner Victor Delgado embarks on a daring infiltration of an alien ship in near-Earth orbit. The fate of humanity rests on their shoulders as they assemble a small but highly skilled strike force to seize the alien vessel and turn the tide of the war. This novel not only provides a rich backstory to the Ender universe but also delivers intense action and strategic depth that fans of the series have come to expect. The narrative weaves together themes of survival, heroism, and the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of overwhelming odds. It's a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts and those who enjoy epic, high-stakes adventures.

Reviews

At Boundary's Edge · 2023-06-04

thrilling 3.50

The book is the final installment in the First Formic War trilogy, ending on a cliff-hanger with the threat of a larger invasion. The reviewer appreciates the suspense and character development, but finds the abrupt ending disappointing.

At Boundary's Edge offers a thoughtful review of Earth Awakens, the concluding book in the First Formic War trilogy. They highlight the book's ability to maintain suspense and develop characters, making it a thrilling read. However, the reviewer is left wanting more, as the story ends on a massive cliff-hanger, setting the stage for a larger invasion. This leaves them feeling a bit unsatisfied, as the conclusion feels abrupt and unresolved. Despite this, the reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths in action and character depth, making it a worthy addition to the series.

Quick quotes

This book is the last in the First Formic War trilogy, but it ends on a massive cliff-hanger, with the immediate threat of a second, even larger invasion.

The immediate threat of a second, even larger invasion looms over the conclusion.

The cliff-hanger ending leaves readers eager for more, but also feeling a bit cheated.

Attack of the Books · 2016-09-20

satisfying 4.00

The reviewer notes that the book resolves some plot points while also adding subtle references that enrich the universe. They appreciate the subtle depth added to the story, making the universe feel more complete.

Attack of the Books offers a nuanced review of Earth Awakens, highlighting its ability to resolve some plot points while also adding subtle references that enrich the universe. The reviewer appreciates the subtle depth added to the story, which makes the universe feel more complete. They note that these subtle touches enhance the overall reading experience, making the book a satisfying addition to the series. The reviewer's appreciation for the book's attention to detail is evident, as they highlight the subtle references that add layers to the story.

Quick quotes

There are some overtly resolved plot points, but also several subtle references that make the universe feel just a little bit more complete.

The subtle references add layers to the story, making the universe feel more complete.

The book's attention to detail enhances the overall reading experience.

SF Site · 1970-01-01

great 4.50

The reviewer praises the book for its suspense, in-depth characters, and action, considering it a great addition to the Ender series. They appreciate the rich character development and thrilling combat scenes.

SF Site provides a glowing review of Earth Awakens, commending it for its suspenseful narrative and well-developed characters. The reviewer finds the action sequences particularly thrilling and appreciates the depth of the characters, which adds richness to the story. They note that the book successfully builds on the previous installments, making it a great addition to the Ender series. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is evident, as they highlight its ability to keep readers engaged from start to finish.

Quick quotes

Earth Awakens is the third novel in a prequel trilogy to the Ender series by Orson Scott Card. It's great and full of suspense, in-depth characters and action.

The combat scenes are thrilling, the dialogue is sharp, and the characters are every bit as rich as they were left on the pages of 'Earth Afire'.

The story progresses nimbly, with plenty of tension and excitement and Card's usual well-developed characters.

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