Helpful Score: 6
Once you've read "Ender's Game" you must go on. There are two paths to take. One is "Ender's Shadow" (which my daughter read next), and the other is "Speaker for the Dead"(which I read next). It's such a thought provoking world to get into. All the books in the series aren't equally good, but they're good enough to be worth the time to get the whole story.
"Ender's Game" was a must read in my opinion."Speaker" is a world of people and feelings that has stayed with me eventhough I read it 5 years ago.A great series.
"Ender's Game" was a must read in my opinion."Speaker" is a world of people and feelings that has stayed with me eventhough I read it 5 years ago.A great series.
Brittni H. (venus) reviewed Speaker for the Dead (Ender Wiggin Saga, Bk 2) on + 33 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
After reading Ender's Game, this next book was a must. It can, however, stand on it's own quite well. You get enough of the previous story to understand the book, and it's very engrossing. It's nothing like the first book, which I find refreshing.
The author actually wrote Ender's Game (the novelization, not the short story) with this next book in mind, and it shows. As good as Ender's Game is (and it is VERY good, so if at all possible, start with THAT one), you can easily see the care Card put into the concept of Speaker for the Dead.
The author actually wrote Ender's Game (the novelization, not the short story) with this next book in mind, and it shows. As good as Ender's Game is (and it is VERY good, so if at all possible, start with THAT one), you can easily see the care Card put into the concept of Speaker for the Dead.
Helpful Score: 2
Orson Scott Card is a masterful writer, and this is an engaging story. It's a far more adult story than Ender's Game, and it's got a lot more philosophy than action. But there are tons of fantastic ideas, and the core mystery pulls you along to the end.
Helpful Score: 1
Following up on a theme in Ender's Game, Card explores the concept of alien and alienation. How can we judge an alien race without understanding its culture and evolution? Card suggests we can't hold it to human standards and not every evil human act would be evil if done by an alien.
Interesting and sympathetic to all its characters, even those who don't behave in a way we would admire in any other book, Speaker For the Dead is not just a continuation of Ender Wiggin's saga. I was pleasantly surprised to find Ender in very different circumstances, doing very different things, allowing Card to write a very different story from his first Ender book.
Terrific read.
Interesting and sympathetic to all its characters, even those who don't behave in a way we would admire in any other book, Speaker For the Dead is not just a continuation of Ender Wiggin's saga. I was pleasantly surprised to find Ender in very different circumstances, doing very different things, allowing Card to write a very different story from his first Ender book.
Terrific read.
Helpful Score: 1
Stylistically, this book was nearly a 180 from "Ender's Game", and is the better for it. There is much greater depth of character and story here...which is not surprising when you learn that EG was originally a short story, and was only fleshed out into a full novel when Card wanted to use Ender's character in "Speaker".
"Speaker for the Dead" echoed the best of Octavia Butler and Ursula K. LeGuin with its complex interactions between cultures and unstinting anthropological detail on an invented alien race. It surprises me now to learn how radically different Card's personal views are, and how he seems unable to treat the real world with the same sense of nuance and interconnected spirituality that he creates in this fictional colony. I originally thought the idea of a Speaking would be a wonderful funeral service for those of us who don't believe in an afterlife...but with the legacy of a homophobic religious fundamentalist as its creator, the notion loses its appeal.
Scientifically, this novel had the truest-to-known-physics explanation of near-light-speed travel I've ever encountered in science fiction. Voyages take thousands of years in real time, but the travelers themselves experience this as much less time. Ender, who has done quite a bit of traveling, is in his mid-30's physically, but the events of "Speaker" take place three thousand years after the conclusion of "Ender's Game".
"Speaker for the Dead" echoed the best of Octavia Butler and Ursula K. LeGuin with its complex interactions between cultures and unstinting anthropological detail on an invented alien race. It surprises me now to learn how radically different Card's personal views are, and how he seems unable to treat the real world with the same sense of nuance and interconnected spirituality that he creates in this fictional colony. I originally thought the idea of a Speaking would be a wonderful funeral service for those of us who don't believe in an afterlife...but with the legacy of a homophobic religious fundamentalist as its creator, the notion loses its appeal.
Scientifically, this novel had the truest-to-known-physics explanation of near-light-speed travel I've ever encountered in science fiction. Voyages take thousands of years in real time, but the travelers themselves experience this as much less time. Ender, who has done quite a bit of traveling, is in his mid-30's physically, but the events of "Speaker" take place three thousand years after the conclusion of "Ender's Game".
Helpful Score: 1
I have read hundreds of science fiction novels over the years, and this is the best written one I've ever had the pleasure of. Solid science and dynamic characters you can relate to. How often does a sci-fi novel actually make you cry? I've enjoyed all the books in the Ender Wiggins saga, and this one is my favorite.
I had read Enders Game 15 years ago, and remembered it being one of my favorites while younger. Just recently read Speaker. It was a very fitting sequel IMO. Definitely enjoyed it. Good build up throughout the book and didn't show its cards till near the end. Highly recommended, I may just need to hold onto this one for my permanent collection!
As in all of Orson Scott Card's novels, "Speaker for the Dead" captivated me right to the end. I throughly enjoyed it and look forward to his other books in this series.
This is the best sci-fi book I have ever read. It was a real page-turner. The book is fast paced with lots of action. It is even suitable for a youth who is into sci-fi. The book is very thought provoking and deals with topics very relevant to current concerns such as war, prejudice, government power, how public opinion guides public policy, and moral issues of life and the taking of life. It is very deep, despite being exciting and action packed. I highly recommend the whole "Ender's" series by the author. Well worth reading.
Jackie D. (jacolyne) reviewed Speaker for the Dead (Ender Wiggin Saga, Bk 2) on + 3 more book reviews
I throughly enjoyed this book.
Really liked this book. The mysteries made me want to keep reading. It took a couple chapters to get into, but I didn't want to put it down after that. If you liked Ender's Game you'll like this sequel.
Great follow up to Ender's Game!
I attempted to read this, book for what ever reason I was unable to get into it. It was very slow going.
Scott W. (sevenfooter1) reviewed Speaker for the Dead (Ender Wiggin Saga, Bk 2) on + 4 more book reviews
This was nothing like the first book. This book lacked the action and excitement to keep me reading.
Tracy M. (tracymar) reviewed Speaker for the Dead (Ender Wiggin Saga, Bk 2) on + 408 more book reviews
One of the best volumes of Orson Scott Card's Enders series. More philosophical and character-driven than action-oriented.
Richard M. (richardm) reviewed Speaker for the Dead (Ender Wiggin Saga, Bk 2) on + 107 more book reviews
Great series. Enjoying it very much. On to Xenocide
Armin B. (armin101) reviewed Speaker for the Dead (Ender Wiggin Saga, Bk 2) on + 2 more book reviews
Not as good as Ender's Game for me- but good none the less
Ryan L. (electricrocket) reviewed Speaker for the Dead (Ender Wiggin Saga, Bk 2) on + 37 more book reviews
Ender's Game is a classic, but "Xenocide", "Children of the Mind" and "Speaker for the Dead" are nothing like the first book. But, good on a standalone basis.
Frank M. (unshelved) reviewed Speaker for the Dead (Ender Wiggin Saga, Bk 2) on + 9 more book reviews
I didn't like this one as much as Ender's Game. Got about a page into it before deciding to repost it. If you liked Ender's Game pick up Ender's Shadow and you'll be back in the battle school, with all the brutality and disturbing imagery that was in Ender's Game.
Crystal P. (azuki) - , reviewed Speaker for the Dead (Ender Wiggin Saga, Bk 2) on + 57 more book reviews
The sequel to Ender's Game, an all-time favorite of mine. Story takes place 3,000 years after where book one left off. Less action, but still a first class book from a fine author.
Linda A. (Booksat109) reviewed Speaker for the Dead (Ender Wiggin Saga, Bk 2) on + 79 more book reviews
Speaker for the Dead is part of the Ender Series and one of my husband's very favorite books. This is a reread for him, and if he is rereading it, you know it has to be a good one!
Thomas K. (bandman) reviewed Speaker for the Dead (Ender Wiggin Saga, Bk 2) on + 4 more book reviews
Excellent book that follows Enders Game
Great book!
Rebecca W. (vizslalady) reviewed Speaker for the Dead (Ender Wiggin Saga, Bk 2) on + 171 more book reviews
Wonderful sequel to Ender's Game. Adds a whole new dimension to Ender's mission.
Janine W. (alibrian) reviewed Speaker for the Dead (Ender Wiggin Saga, Bk 2) on + 249 more book reviews
In the aftermath of his terrible war, Ender Wiggin disappeared, and a powerful voice arose: The Speaker for the Dead, who told the true story of the Bugger War.
Now, long years later, a second alien race has been discovered, but again the aliens ways are strange and frightening...again, humans die. And it is only the Speaker for the Dead, who is also Ender Wiggin the xenocide, who has the courage to confront the mystery...and the truth.
Now, long years later, a second alien race has been discovered, but again the aliens ways are strange and frightening...again, humans die. And it is only the Speaker for the Dead, who is also Ender Wiggin the xenocide, who has the courage to confront the mystery...and the truth.
