Well then, this is another of the widely read, much discussed, multi-award winning modern classics of sci-fi that I had never gotten around to reading until now. The other day I saw a trailer for the movie version so thought I better get in quick. Although some aspects of this book seem to be common knowledge - I think I knew the twist ending about a decade ago, so who knows how a movie will still surprise. Anyway..it is the not-so-distant future, after a couple of attacks by the alien "buggers" a united world military plucks Andrew "Ender" Wiggan from his home and family and sends him to the orbiting 'Battle School" where he learns the ins and out of zero-G combat in a competitive team type environment. He becomes more isolated but eventually gains friends and enemies as he moves between 'Armies' the teams or houses with names like "Dragon" or "Salamander". Meanwhile his equally brilliant brother and sister start their own plan to change the world.
Ender eventually arrives on the Asteroid Eros where he trains in a simulator learning spaceship combat..and then comes the twist ending..followed by what I thought was an unnecessary couple of differently paced chapters (mainly setting up for sequels I guess).
Its easy to see why this book became popular with a generation of geeks..Ender speaks with their voice and he wins against bullies and uncaring adults. Its something of a unique voice amongst action hero types. It was a good solid read but I feel no need to continue on with the rest of the books in the series - something like 8 of them now!
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