Book Review: Ender’s game

Title: Ender’s Game

Author: Orson Scott Card

Far in the future, mankind still can’t get over the devastating war with Buggers, alien enemies. Buggers almost destroyed humankind but despite the war that was almost 100 years ago, the threat is not over yet. That’s why the earth leaders decided to create an elite military school in space, which accepts only the best and most gifted children from Earth. Children are playing computer simulated war games and in that way are trained for the next war.

In this elite military school is accepted Andrew “Ender” Wiggin. He has older brother and sister but they were not suitable for military purposes – Peter was too violent and Valentine too tender. But Ender was perfect for military and proved himself on a test so well, that he was accepted right away, although he was not old enough. Being only six, he is the smallest and the weakest of other children but he’s standing out with his intelligence. Soon, the teachers notice that and are pressuring on him in every possible way. But Ender’s starts to play his own game.

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I really thought this book would draw me in and I wouldn’t be able to put it down. But it was not like that at all. It was enjoyable but I expected more from it. Especially, because Ender’s game is considered to be a classic of science fiction genre and I was expecting something truly amazing.

It bothered me, that I didn’t have a feeling that all the major characters in this book were children. I was truly surprised every single time when this was mentioned in a book. The characters were too grown up and too mature. I agree that they had to grow up very fast because of the situation but yet, they could keep some children playfulness and joyfulness.

Ender as a character was always the same. When he started with his schooling, he was 6 years old and (if I’m not mistaken) finish it when eleven but I couldn’t detect any character development. He acted the same when he was just a kid and later when he was almost a teenager. His iron willpower terrified me and the things he was willing to do for winning in every situation, repelled me. As well, that he was never able to ask for help, even when in the moments, when he almost broke. It was the same with other characters in this book and everything we learn about them is, that they are above average intelligent children and Ender is a genius.

Ender’s brother and sister who are also exceptionally intelligent and are living with their parents are not acting like normal children but are thinking about changing the world and they start with this mission on forums. Why was this part of the story included in a book, is still unclear to me. I didn’t felt that it was important in any way and it just made me confused.

I was also wondering, where were adults? Beside three characters from military school, there was nobody who would be in charge or who would supervise all children. They could do whatever they want and it was like nobody cared much about them.

At first, I enjoyed in battle descriptions which Ender had fought. However, the chapters began to repeat. Ender defeated some group, he advanced into another group where he came up against a new challenge but eventually he found a solution and won again. Every single chapter was composed in that way and eventually I got bored. Besides, the descriptions of battles were really confusing to me and I had a hard time to understand what’s happening. But I really liked how great friendships were born in this battles.

Halfway through the book, I started to miss a tension. I knew, that Ender can’t lose and I only wanted to know, what kind of tactic he will use to defeat another army.

As you can see, I was disappointed between reading and after finishing it. It was not bad but it was certainly not surplus as I expected it to be. I’m happy that I read it but I will not continue with reading another book from this series because I lost all interest in this story.

Rating: 3/5 stars

Did you read Ender’s game? What did you think about it?