Shadows in Flight

by Orson Scott Card
Shadows in Flight cover
Good Books rating 2.83
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 6418
  • Added: 2025-11-16
  • Updated: 2025-11-16
  • ISBN: 9781466801561
  • Publisher: Tor Books
  • Published: 2012-01-17
  • Reviews: 3

In Shadows in Flight, Bean and his three genetically enhanced children flee Earth in search of a cure for their accelerated aging. Their journey through space grants Earth's scientists generations to seek a solution, but to no avail. The Delphikis family, now forgotten by Earth, discovers a derelict Formic colony ship that holds the key to their survival. Aboard the abandoned vessel, they find both danger and hope, including life support to sustain them and laboratories to explore their genetic anomalies. Their discovery could not only save their own lives but also hold the potential to change the fate of humanity. Orson Scott Card's fifth novel in the Shadow Series delves into themes of survival, genetic engineering, and the unyielding human spirit. The story is set against the backdrop of the Ender Universe, a richly imagined sci-fi landscape filled with advanced technology and interstellar conflict. As Bean and his children navigate the challenges of their new environment, they must also confront the ethical implications of their genetic modifications and the legacy they leave behind.

Reviews
Attack of the Books · 2013-08-27
engaging 3.50

The book feels claustrophobic due to its small cast and setting, but the author's intentions are clear. The story is engaging and thought-provoking, despite its constraints.

The reviewer notes that the book's small cast and setting create a claustrophobic atmosphere, but this is clearly intentional. They find the story engaging and thought-provoking, appreciating the author's ability to make the most of these constraints. The reviewer also highlights the book's ability to make the reader think deeply about the characters and their situations, despite the limited scope. Overall, they find the book to be a compelling read that stays with the reader long after finishing it.

Quick quotes

    With such a small cast and such a small setting, the book feels very claustrophobic.

    However, Orson Scott Card clearly intended for the reader to feel the constraints of the characters' situation.

    The story is engaging and thought-provoking, despite its constraints.

Eclectic Indulgence · 2012-04-14
disappointing 2.00

The book feels like a money grab and lacks the depth of previous works. It's a small book at 237 pages and feels rushed.

The reviewer expresses disappointment with this book, feeling that it is a rushed and shallow effort compared to the author's previous works. They suggest that the book may have been written simply to capitalize on the popularity of the series, rather than as a genuine attempt to tell a compelling story. The reviewer also notes that the book's brevity, at only 237 pages, contributes to its rushed feel. Despite these criticisms, they acknowledge that the book may still have some appeal for dedicated fans of the series.

Quick quotes

    To be honest, this book feels a lot like a money grab for Card, and this has been going on for awhile.

    The book is a small one at 237 pages and feels rushed.

    It lacks the depth and complexity of the author's previous works.

SciFi Chick · 2012-01-19
mixed 3.00

This is one of Card's shorter novels, making for a quick, easy read. However, the characters are not particularly likeable, which may detract from the overall enjoyment.

The reviewer appreciates that this is one of Card's shorter novels, making it a quick and easy read. However, they find that the characters, particularly Bean's children, are not very likeable, which may make it difficult for some readers to fully enjoy the story. Despite this, the reviewer acknowledges that the book has its merits and may still be enjoyable for fans of the series. They also note that the book's brevity means that it doesn't delve too deeply into certain aspects of the story, which may leave some readers wanting more.

Quick quotes

    This is one of Card's shorter novels at only 240 pages, which made for a quick, easy read.

    While Bean's children are not all that likeable or relatable, the story is still engaging.

    The book's brevity means that it doesn't delve too deeply into certain aspects of the story.

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