Ender's Game

Written by Orson Scott Card, an author I have not had the pleasure to read anything from before, Ender's game put me in a state of mind that reminded me of how I felt when reading Asimov's Foundation series.

The setting is earth, 80 years after the last attack buy the "buggers"—an insect-like race encountered twice and just barely repelled. United because of the external threat, the world government is trying to quickly breed intelligent leaders for military operations before the next invasion comes. We follow the life-story of the boy Ender Wiggins, the brightest of these kids; isolated from other kids because he is not like them, and forced to take the difficult path because the needs of many outweighs the needs of the one.

A large part of the story is focused on Ender's training and zero-gravity strategy games being played in military school during his stay there. It follows Ender's career and his ability to succeed by outsmarting others with his tactics. At the same time it tells the tragic story of the lonely boy who is forced to grow up too early, and gets isolated from his childhood and friends at every step.

I thought it was a beatiful story, which is an example of science fiction that is not solely based on describing a lot of cool technology. Instead it is actually telling a story that makes you think. I was left with these thoughts even after finishing it, and for me that makes it a very good book and well worth the read.

As a side-note: There appear to be other books following in the same time-line after this one. The book still stands on its own though, and can easily be read by itself. If I read one of the others I will add my conclusions on this blog though!