Ender's Game

The first book I shall review is the 1985 science fiction classic, 'Ender's Game', by Orson Scott Card. Ender's Game has remained a classic, must read Sci-Fi book for the past 30 years. It is a novel set a few hundred years into the future of Earth, during a time where the people of Earth are fearing the next imminent attack of the sinister 'buggers' (or more correctly 'Formics'). The Formics are a race of mysterious ant like creatures whose motives are unknown and unknowable by the human race and have previously attempted invasion of Earth. During these invasions, casualties were high and terrible. In response the Human race banded together under shaky alliances to create the International Fleet to defend Earth against the aggressive invaders.

This is where the Earth stands at the beginning of Ender's Game. The titular character Ender (Andrew) Wiggin is a young boy who is of interest to the International Fleet. The International Fleet runs an intensive and specialised program to create military commanders, high above the surface of Earth in the orbiting station known as Battle School. Ender Wiggin is a special case, he is a Third. Being called a Third is a derogatory name in a time of population restriction laws. During the time in which this book is set, all families are only allowed to have two children or face fines, tax hikes and public shame. But as I said Ender is a special case. Because of the potential seen in his older brother Peter, and sister Valentine, the International Fleet requests that the Wiggin Parents have a third child. Monitored and tested all of his young life, at the age of five, Ender is launched into space to Battle School, to join young children from all over the world in the competitive and dangerous games.


That is the background to the story and to tell you much more would be to spoil the book. Ender's Game, remains one of my top ten favourite books. It explores the relationship between the children in Battle School, the manipulations of the teachers and the workings and understanding Ender's mind. But everything in Battle School revolves around the 'War Game'. A battle in zero gravity, with the children of battle school pitched at each other in armies with one objective to defeat the enemy and capture their gate.


Ender's Game was released as a feature film in 2013 to mixed reviews. While the cinematography was superb and the adaptation of the plot good, the film was unable to capture all of the emotion and depth of the story. Below is the final trailer for the film.

I believe the best way to get the story is to read or listen. In my opinion, it is best to listen to the Audiobook as it is a fantastic production that captures the flow and personality of the story.

Orson Scott Card's Website: Hatrack River
Ender's Game Amazon.com: Ender's Game Book
Ender's Game Audible.com: Ender's Game Audiobook

Tor Books 1985, Ender's Game Book Cover, image, Home Theatre Hopper, viewed 13 October 2015, < https://hometheaterhopper.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/enders-game-original-book-cover.jpg >
Lionsgate Films 2013, Ender's Game Film Poster, image, the Vault Magazine, viewed 13 October 2015, < http://www.thevaultmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Enders-Game-Movie-Poster.jpg >.