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A War of Gifts

By: Orson Scott Card
Narrated by: Scott Brick, Stefan Rudnicki
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Publisher's summary

The human race is at war with an insect-like alien race. The first battles went badly, and now Earth prepares to defend itself against the imminent threat of total destruction at the hands of an inscrutable alien enemy. All focus is on the development and training of generals who can fight such a war - and win.

The long distances of interstellar space have given hope to the defenders of Earth; they have time to train these future commanders from childhood, forging them into an irresistible force in the high-orbital facility called the Battle School.

At Battle School, there is only one purpose, only one curriculum: the strategy and tactics of war. The children are drawn from all nations, all races, all religions. There is no room for cultural differences, no room for religious observances, and certainly no room for Santa Claus.

But the young warriors disagree. When one of them leaves a Sinterklaas Day gift in his best friend's shoe, that quiet act of rebellion becomes the first shot in a war of wills that the staff of Battle School never bargained for.

©2007 Orson Scott Card (P)2007 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers LLC

Critic reviews

"A heartwarming novella for the holidays....Exploring themes of tolerance and compassion, this story about stuffing stockings is, fittingly, a perfect stocking stuffer for science-fiction fans of all ages." ( Publishers Weekly)

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What listeners say about A War of Gifts

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Nice little story

When I started this I didn't realize that it was going to be such a short story. It is still good but not as good a some of the full-length books in the series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it

Interesting listen. So cool to read more about Ender and to see how he influenced for good another person. This book is about abused child and how Ender brought him healing for Christmas. Pretty cool.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

dialogue is great and hysterical at times

This was the last book for me in the Ender series. It is a brief book, and of all the others stories in the series, this one adds the least. Actually, it kind of stands alone and does not add anything to the series. It's as if Card left out a few chapters in one of the other books or left a lot of chapters out of this one. However, some of the character interaction and dialogue is great and hysterical at times.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Christmas Card

Heart warming story. Gets to the soul of culture. Great Christmas read

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Short but powerful

I actually had a little tear forming. This writer has so much to say on so many topics. This quick book looks at religion and tolerance, while giving even more depth to the enders characters.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

some stories never die

What did you love best about A War of Gifts?

the moral of the store

What other book might you compare A War of Gifts to and why?

no comparing an ender book.

What about Scott Brick and Stefan Rudnicki ’s performance did you like?

Articulation and range of voice to be veries caractures

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely and I did in my office wwith the door locked.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Not much Ender

This is a Dink story. Ender is around but he is not the main figure. If you are new to the Enderverse Read Enders Game and all the other Ender books first and then shadow series. and then first meetings and then get this. This is a good short story but the others are just much better.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A Fun Christmas read.

This isn’t Card’s most intricate work; he tends to be a little more heavy handed while making his point in this one. But I enjoyed it and am always happy to have another Ender story.

The narrator changed mid-way. It wasn’t bad, just off.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good Read

It was a nice change of pace to read this short novella, and it adds more to the series

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A War of Gifts is an excelent surprise!

Would you listen to A War of Gifts again? Why?

I would definitely listen to this story again. I suggest that you listen to Ender's Game, Ender's Shadow and then A War of Gifts. It is an extra story that adds details to the lives of the battle school brats. I love the different points of view and hearing more about the other children who grew up with Ender and Bean. It is a great adventure!

What was one of the most memorable moments of A War of Gifts?

This is yet again another point of view of Ender's unforgettable personality.

What about Scott Brick and Stefan Rudnicki ???s performance did you like?

The voices are great and always fit what is going on and really express the feelings and emotions that make this such a great story.

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2 people found this helpful