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Ender's Game

By: Orson Scott Card
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison, Gabrielle de Cuir
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Publisher's summary

Winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards

In order to develop a secure defense against a hostile alien race's next attack, government agencies breed child geniuses and train them as soldiers. A brilliant young boy, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin lives with his kind but distant parents, his sadistic brother Peter, and the person he loves more than anyone else, his sister Valentine. Peter and Valentine were candidates for the soldier-training program but didn't make the cut - young Ender is the Wiggin drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training.

Ender's skills make him a leader in school and respected in the Battle Room, where children play at mock battles in zero gravity. Yet growing up in an artificial community of young soldiers Ender suffers greatly from isolation, rivalry from his peers, pressure from the adult teachers, and an unsettling fear of the alien invaders. His psychological battles include loneliness, fear that he is becoming like the cruel brother he remembers, and fanning the flames of devotion to his beloved sister. Is Ender the general Earth needs?

But Ender is not the only result of the genetic experiments. The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway for almost as long. Ender's two older siblings are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. Between the three of them lie the abilities to remake a world. If, that is, the world survives.

Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game is the winner of the 1985 Nebula Award for Best Novel and the 1986 Hugo Award for Best Novel.

Browse more titles in the Ender Wiggin series.
©1977, 1985, 1991 Orson Scott Card (P)2002 Fantastic Audio, an imprint of Audio Literature

Critic reviews

  • Nebula Award Winner, Best Novel, 1985
  • Hugo Award Winner, Best Novel, 1986

"'Intense' is the word for Ender's Game." (The New York Times)

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What listeners say about Ender's Game

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Twists and turns and perfection

From a riveting opening with a perfect narration, to the captivating end, enders game is awash with ups and downs so fast it will make your stomach churn. It's impossible not to be enraptured by the characters and story of Ender and his impossible mission. From night I heartbreak, this story has it all and I can't wait to get my hands on more!


AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

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Timeless. A best seller for a reason.

What did you love best about Ender's Game?

For having been written in the 80's, everything Orsen Scott Card came up with is still very plausible and fascinating. I also loved the psychology of warfare and leadership, and I mentally stored some of best of Ender's advice away for my own future use (for example, "use your anger, don't let it use you". Or, "real leaders don't need to use threats".) Anyone hoping to be a leader should read this book.

What did you like best about this story?

With manipulation, deceit, and love, this story is not just about technology and warfare but also about human relationships. While you won't find any character relate-able (the children are geniuses), you will find their motivations and internal reflections similar to your own.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Unfortunately, the narration was a bit boring. However, the story-line and characters more than make up for it.

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Fantastic

fantastic book and read. I can't wait to continue with the rest of the series.

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unusal idea for a book

Would you listen to Ender's Game again? Why?

I enjoyed the book i dont know if i would relisten ... intrested in listing to the sequals

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ender's Game?

OMG the ending of the battle .... surprise

Which scene was your favorite?

when he meets Bean , very cool to see things come full circle

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

when his spirt breaks, the commentary of the adults having to push him but sad that they have to

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need to read them all thank you Orson Scott

need to read them all thank you Orson Scott for all these mind blowing books.... ya unfortunately the movie gave it no justice to the book but still can't wait to read the next ones

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Thank you Orson

Where does Ender's Game rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Right up there - second to Eragon

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ender is awesome and Bean

Any additional comments?

I dont know why you dont like gays - but you sure can write a good novel

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I Loved This Book

Any additional comments?

I found this book by browsing. I loved it. It was a nice refreshing story with a good twist at the end. I am thinking of course the movie will do it no justice.

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some stories are timeless

What made the experience of listening to Ender's Game the most enjoyable?

I read the original paperback about 20 years ago and enjoyed listening to it since I only have sight in one eye now its harder to read but I love to listen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ender. why you ask, because he is the leader that makes you want to follow.

Which character – as performed by Stefan Rudnicki and Harlan Ellison – was your favorite?

the commander of the school

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no just sad that this could be our future.

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So much better as an audio book

Orson Scott Card indicated at the end that this book was meant to be a performance and it just really comes alive in this audiobook. I'd recommend this to anyone as a first audible book.

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Buy the book, don't watch the movie

What made the experience of listening to Ender's Game the most enjoyable?

I loved the way the story evolved. It was not predictable, but kept me exited for what was to come. Ender`s struggle with himself makes the story interesting too from a psychological point of view.

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