Shadows in Flight

By: Orson Scott Card

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki, Emily Janice Card, Scott Brick, Orson Scott Card, Kirby Heyborne

Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Ender's Shadow explores the stars in this all-new novel...

At the end of Shadow of the Giant, Bean flees to the stars with three of his children—the three who share the engineered genes that gave him both hyper-intelligence and a short, cruel physical life. The time dilation granted by the speed of their travel gives Earth's scientists generations to seek a cure, to no avail. In time, they are forgotten—a fading ansible signal speaking of events lost to Earth's history. But the Delphikis are about to make a discovery that will let them save themselves, and perhaps all of humanity in days to come.

For there in space before them lies a derelict Formic colony ship. Aboard it, they will find both death and wonders—the life support that is failing on their own ship, room to grow, and labs in which to explore their own genetic anomaly and the mysterious disease that killed the ship's colony.

Shadows in Flight is the fifth novel in Orson Scott Card's Shadow Series.

©2011 Orson Scott Card (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

Great as always!

I think Orson Scott card is an awesome author and I have read the entire Ender series. I’ve been slowly working my way through the shadow series and it has not been disappointing in the slightest! This book was no exception. Great story and performance.

Overall good

This was slow going but a good read. The performance was flawless this time, no complains. I liked the growing relationship between Bean and his children and felt like it was realistic. The personalities of the children could’ve been more developed; they felt like they’ve been done before in the series.

Great book

A very good finish for the life of Bean.
still Waiting patently for Shadows Alive

Another great book by Card

What did you love best about Shadows in Flight?

It completed the story about what happened to Bean and how he died.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All three kids are great..... but Ender I liked the best

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

I read some not so good comments and almost did not download the book.... I'm glad I did.... I thought it was well developed and written. Those who have been following the Ender story series will love it - as a stand along book it might be a little confusing. Can't wait to read the next one later this year.

Great listen other than Scott Brick's chapters

What made the experience of listening to Shadows in Flight the most enjoyable?

Continuation of the Bean and Ender story is great and this story, while short certainly recaptured the best narration of how parents and their children relate over space and time and showed a complexity and depth to each of the characters. Stefan, Emily and Kirby narrated so well without trampling on the story as Scott Brick does.
Can't wait to hear the next one. Hopefully without the dramatic monotone of Mr. Brick.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sargent for his complexity rather than just a portrayal as a militaristic bully.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Scott Brick's narrative style has caused me not to download any book that has him as the sole narrator.
While Scott's narrative style was not quite as drama queen in this story, as in the Herbert/Anderson Dune and too many other novels, he still makes a chapter he reads more about his special voice rather than the stories. His style of over dramatization with seething forced expressions and odd inflections on the last half of the sentence makes his reading seem more about his personal angst and anger rather than revealing the more subtle nuances that the author writes in.
Fortunately the other narrators of this story capture the dialog and essence of each character, letting Orson's vision shine through. Stefan Rudnicki remains one of the best at portraying character voices and letting the listener see the story come alive. Emily and Kirby also helped to make this story live despite Scott's heavy handed monotone. Scott should stick to reading eulogies.

Any additional comments?

Must read/listen for the Ender and beyond series.

i disagree

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

not a waist of time, interesting story. i just think that the smartest person on earth, Bean, would make a better father then described. he's such a failure in this book that it's hard to believe the author spent 3 volumes building him up just to tear him down like this. i am just mad on Bean's behalf ;)

Great addition to the Enderverse

Any additional comments?

Yet another great book from OSC. If you haven't read the Ender and Shadow series, start at Ender's Game, and work your way through. All are great books.

For those familiar with the series, this is another great piece in the puzzle, especially as it moves the story toward an unexpected direction. The mix of child and adult in the 3 super-smart kids was great, especially getting each child's perspective on everything. I love how characters and motivations are seen in different lights, depending on who's thought process we are privy to.

Shorter than most, yes, but length does not determine quality. An excellent book. Gives plenty to chew on while we wait for the grand finale, Shadows Alive.

Great Story (but too short)

a great penultimate ending to the shadow series. sorry to lose bean, but loved him like a brother.

fantastic author..

I've listened to almost all of the ender series and i would recommend it to anyone

Essentially the epilogue to the Shadow series

This book reads like a cross between lord of the flies and Peter Pan and I really liked that.

I don't think it's a spoiler to say that this is where it all ends for bean. He had very little time left at the end of "Shadow of the giant", and this book is a reflection of who he is and what he accomplished in his relatively short life. You also get to see what kind of people his children turn out to be.