Speaker for The Dead - May 2011

30. Speaker for The Dead - Orson Scott Card

323 pages, Bought in Charity Shop

This is the sequel to Ender's Game and is unlike any sequel I've ever read! Like Ender's Game, it won both the Nebula Award (1986) and Hugo Award (1987)

If you're looking for Ender's Game 2 then you're going to be disappointed.

It is vastly different to the original book, following a grown up Andrew "Ender" Wiggin on the planet Lusitania, as he acts as "Speaker for the Dead" for a murdered Xenologer, and tries to understand the third sentient species to be discovered ; the Pequeninos.

Totally unexpected story that took me by surprise at how much I enjoyed it. Once again, worthy of all the accolades it has received.

I give this 5 "Piggies" out of 5

Enders Game - January 2011

5. Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card

352 Pages, Borrowed from Local Library

Ender's Game is one of those books that is always in the Top 5 Best Science Fiction Lists.  It won the 1985 Nebula award for Best Novel and the 1986 Hugo award for Best Novel.

Oh boy, it sure does deserve the recognition it gets! It's a little cracker of a story.

I read this in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down. It sucks you in right from the start and delivers action, suspense and a great ending...actually 2 great endings! (When you read the book you'll know what I mean)

The only problem I had was with the characters of Ender's brother Peter and sister Valentine. I know they have a purpose...but they kinda slowed down the story for me.

Other than that, it's a great read and highly recommended.

There are other "Ender" books...I don't know if I'll read them or not. I don't want to dilute my enjoyment of this classic!

I give Ender's Game 5 "Buggers" out of 5!

P.S. It turns out the author, Orson Scott Card, has a bit of a controversial stance on some topics. Regardless of this, Ender's Game is still a great book..maybe get a loan of it rather than buying it ;)