chubbchubbmcgrubb's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lyrrael's review against another edition
1.0
I actually really enjoyed the first two of these books. But this one rolled around to the climax...and, wait, what? Where's the logic? There's no logic to this. Nobody's asking the dumb-ass "but isn't this putting all our eggs in one really flimsy effing basket?" questions. And I got partway through and just noped the eff out because...just no. Nope. Very disappointing, very disappointed, and somebody needs a better editor who is willing to ask harder questions. Not impressed.
scribejack's review against another edition
5.0
I was going to write this long review addressing some of the criticism, but the simple truth is that a) I'm way too lazy for that, and b) I am just in too much awe over this book to do anything but gush about it. Each of the characters really popped off the page. The pacing was quick.
I am just amazed at what Card and Johnston were able to do with this trilogy. They take a pre-established universe and works within it to create a world that doesn't contradict what was previously laid out. Ender's Game was written in the late 70s. Obviously technology hasn't progressed in the last 35 years exactly as was laid out in Ender's Game, so going back and writing a prequel novel that takes place in what is now our not too distant future must have been quite the challenge, just on the science front. Not to mention that, from page one, the reader already knows how it all ends.
So, instead of taking our world and writing an alien invasion story that will appeal to the general masses, Card and Johnston take an alternate version of Earth from the Enderverse, turn back the clock, and show us the secrets behind the scenes. Though, I've been amazed with this aspect of the series from the beginning. I should probably talk about something specific to this book.
Okay, um.
The characters. I think that if I had to choose my favorite part about the book it's just how much the characters popped off the page and made my like them, which didn't always happen in the previous books. Every single POV felt unique and I found myself just shaking my head, knowing that none of these people would have come together this way under normal circumstances. This isn't exactly a groundbreaking plot device, but Card and Johnston handle it expertly, making you really feel just how different each and every one of the "heroes" is from the others.
(I listened to the audio book about half the time, and a huge kudos to all of them for really bringing the rather large cast of characters to life.)
Anyway, I loved it. Just heard that there's another trilogy in the making depicting the Second Formic Wars. Can't wait for that now!
I am just amazed at what Card and Johnston were able to do with this trilogy. They take a pre-established universe and works within it to create a world that doesn't contradict what was previously laid out. Ender's Game was written in the late 70s. Obviously technology hasn't progressed in the last 35 years exactly as was laid out in Ender's Game, so going back and writing a prequel novel that takes place in what is now our not too distant future must have been quite the challenge, just on the science front. Not to mention that, from page one, the reader already knows how it all ends.
So, instead of taking our world and writing an alien invasion story that will appeal to the general masses, Card and Johnston take an alternate version of Earth from the Enderverse, turn back the clock, and show us the secrets behind the scenes. Though, I've been amazed with this aspect of the series from the beginning. I should probably talk about something specific to this book.
Okay, um.
The characters. I think that if I had to choose my favorite part about the book it's just how much the characters popped off the page and made my like them, which didn't always happen in the previous books. Every single POV felt unique and I found myself just shaking my head, knowing that none of these people would have come together this way under normal circumstances. This isn't exactly a groundbreaking plot device, but Card and Johnston handle it expertly, making you really feel just how different each and every one of the "heroes" is from the others.
(I listened to the audio book about half the time, and a huge kudos to all of them for really bringing the rather large cast of characters to life.)
Anyway, I loved it. Just heard that there's another trilogy in the making depicting the Second Formic Wars. Can't wait for that now!
sourpandaaa's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
morepagesplease's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting read. Certainly not on par with some of Cards earlier writings.
juniperblueak's review against another edition
4.0
These book are definitely slow reads. Although I discovered that speeding it up to 1.25x helped a lot! This is the first book that actually left me wishing I had credits left to buy the next one.
readerreborn's review against another edition
5.0
I was going to write this long review addressing some of the criticism, but the simple truth is that a) I'm way too lazy for that, and b) I am just in too much awe over this book to do anything but gush about it. Each of the characters really popped off the page. The pacing was quick.
I am just amazed at what Card and Johnston were able to do with this trilogy. They take a pre-established universe and works within it to create a world that doesn't contradict what was previously laid out. Ender's Game was written in the late 70s. Obviously technology hasn't progressed in the last 35 years exactly as was laid out in Ender's Game, so going back and writing a prequel novel that takes place in what is now our not too distant future must have been quite the challenge, just on the science front. Not to mention that, from page one, the reader already knows how it all ends.
So, instead of taking our world and writing an alien invasion story that will appeal to the general masses, Card and Johnston take an alternate version of Earth from the Enderverse, turn back the clock, and show us the secrets behind the scenes. Though, I've been amazed with this aspect of the series from the beginning. I should probably talk about something specific to this book.
Okay, um.
The characters. I think that if I had to choose my favorite part about the book it's just how much the characters popped off the page and made my like them, which didn't always happen in the previous books. Every single POV felt unique and I found myself just shaking my head, knowing that none of these people would have come together this way under normal circumstances. This isn't exactly a groundbreaking plot device, but Card and Johnston handle it expertly, making you really feel just how different each and every one of the "heroes" is from the others.
(I listened to the audio book about half the time, and a huge kudos to all of them for really bringing the rather large cast of characters to life.)
Anyway, I loved it. Just heard that there's another trilogy in the making depicting the Second Formic Wars. Can't wait for that now!
I am just amazed at what Card and Johnston were able to do with this trilogy. They take a pre-established universe and works within it to create a world that doesn't contradict what was previously laid out. Ender's Game was written in the late 70s. Obviously technology hasn't progressed in the last 35 years exactly as was laid out in Ender's Game, so going back and writing a prequel novel that takes place in what is now our not too distant future must have been quite the challenge, just on the science front. Not to mention that, from page one, the reader already knows how it all ends.
So, instead of taking our world and writing an alien invasion story that will appeal to the general masses, Card and Johnston take an alternate version of Earth from the Enderverse, turn back the clock, and show us the secrets behind the scenes. Though, I've been amazed with this aspect of the series from the beginning. I should probably talk about something specific to this book.
Okay, um.
The characters. I think that if I had to choose my favorite part about the book it's just how much the characters popped off the page and made my like them, which didn't always happen in the previous books. Every single POV felt unique and I found myself just shaking my head, knowing that none of these people would have come together this way under normal circumstances. This isn't exactly a groundbreaking plot device, but Card and Johnston handle it expertly, making you really feel just how different each and every one of the "heroes" is from the others.
(I listened to the audio book about half the time, and a huge kudos to all of them for really bringing the rather large cast of characters to life.)
Anyway, I loved it. Just heard that there's another trilogy in the making depicting the Second Formic Wars. Can't wait for that now!
ladynigelia's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this. But I feel guilty that I enjoyed it because I so disliked the first co-authored book ([b:Invasive Procedures|234731|Invasive Procedures|Orson Scott Card|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1400484620s/234731.jpg|2881891]). But I think Aaron Johnson has learned better that we, the Ender's Game loyalists, like our stories to be less overtly politically judgemental and our heroes noble but human.
The main characters continue directly from the previous books. Honestly, they feel like 3 parts of the same book, but it's more marketable to be 3x400pgs instead of 1200 pages. Also, it gave Mr. Johnson time to improve his writing.
I think the only character that really irritated me was Lem Jukes. The paranoia, assuming the worst, listening to bad advice, assuming he's the smartest, etc. does not instill confidence in me at all. He means well, but he's learned all the wrong lessons. Very frustrating.
I did really like how they brought all the stories together. I knew that was the goal, but it felt effortless. Very smooth and natural.
Though the immediate threat is handled, there are still lots of plot lines that could easily be picked up in short stories or in more books. There's still plenty of time before Ender's Game starts! And of course I will read them if they're written.
The main characters continue directly from the previous books. Honestly, they feel like 3 parts of the same book, but it's more marketable to be 3x400pgs instead of 1200 pages. Also, it gave Mr. Johnson time to improve his writing.
I think the only character that really irritated me was Lem Jukes. The paranoia, assuming the worst, listening to bad advice, assuming he's the smartest, etc. does not instill confidence in me at all. He means well, but he's learned all the wrong lessons. Very frustrating.
I did really like how they brought all the stories together. I knew that was the goal, but it felt effortless. Very smooth and natural.
Though the immediate threat is handled, there are still lots of plot lines that could easily be picked up in short stories or in more books. There's still plenty of time before Ender's Game starts! And of course I will read them if they're written.
rouver's review against another edition
2.0
The war w/ the Formics (bug-like aliens) is in full swing & earth is battling for its very survival. (Spoiler alert: we survive).
I've been a bit disappointed w/ this series. Other than book 2, I haven't been very excited with the writing.
Basically, this is the whole war that started the creation of the hegemony on earth & the battle school in Ender's Game. While I'm interested to find out what exactly happened, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it if you aren't already an OSC fan. Honestly, wait til the series is done & then read some decent in-depth synopses.
I've been a bit disappointed w/ this series. Other than book 2, I haven't been very excited with the writing.
Basically, this is the whole war that started the creation of the hegemony on earth & the battle school in Ender's Game. While I'm interested to find out what exactly happened, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it if you aren't already an OSC fan. Honestly, wait til the series is done & then read some decent in-depth synopses.
thesmudge's review against another edition
4.0
Overall a good book and a fine conclusion to the current trilogy. The growth of the characters was interesting to read, particularly that of Lem's. I did feel that this one was a little drawn out in places which for me slowed things down. Almost as if trying to read a particular word count or length. This would be the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 like the previous books. I realize that part of that feeling could simply be series fatigue which I get with almost every series without exception. I am unsure if I will start the next and final trilogy of the story line or not. The third book has not been released yet so I am hesitant to start until that is out.