Laddertop

By: Emily Janice Card, Orson Scott Card

Narrated by: Emily Janice Card, Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 1 hr and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

An original science fiction tale by the best-selling author of Ender’s Game and his daughter.

Twenty five years ago, the alien Givers came to Earth and bestowed upon the human race the greatest technology ever seen—four giant towers known as Ladders that rise 36,000 miles and culminate in space stations that power the entire planet. Then, for reasons unknown, the Givers disappeared. Due to the unique alien construction of the Laddertop space stations, only a skilled crew of children can perform the maintenance necessary to keep the stations up and running.

Back on Earth, competition is fierce to enter Laddertop Academy. It is an honor few students will achieve. Best friends Robbi and Azure, two 11-year-old girls who are candidates for the academy, will become entangled in a dangerous mystery that may help them solve the riddle of the Givers—if it doesn’t destroy the Earth first.

©2011 Orson Scott Card and Emily Janice Card (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“The main characters in this volume are largely female, strong and intelligent, a wonderful departure from maledominated extraterrestrial offerings…An intriguing beginning—readers will clamor for the followup.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

Interesting Premise, but leaves you Hanging

This is a Audible book made I believe for 11yrs and up. The Narrator's voice used for the kids is to loud and to childish for most adults. I got to listen to this Audible book because it is included in Free Audible books. The next book is set up the same, BUT not available for couple of more months. This is discouraging because you are left with a Cliffhanger!!
Audible book 3 of this Series is then also a ways away after book 2 becomes available.

As a short story, I liked it. Where's the rest?

What did you love best about Laddertop?

The idea was great, the mysterious alien Builders, the new world that evolves after they go. I liked all of the characters and the situations (while familiar to OSC fans) were interesting and engaging.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It really didn't end, it felt like it was a teaser for the novel which is coming out next summer. I hope it does.

Which scene was your favorite?

The first half was most interesting, the interactions with the main character's family and friends to the situation.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

If you Loved Ender's Game you might also kind of like Laddertop.

Any additional comments?

I thought it was way too similar to Ender's game without any of the real gravitas of Ender's game. The similarities are too much to take at times so much it feels like a companion novel.
The climax of the book is way too easy to see coming. A handle? Really? A big handle in a public place under glass that no one is supposed to touch? Really? Is anyone at all surprised?
If this was chapter one then fine, I will read the book. But don't sell me chapter one and tell me it's a book.

It ends abruptly

I love Orson Scott Card books. This was for younger audiences and I thought I would recommend it for grandkids … until it ended abruptly.

Not sure about this series yet

I chose the title because of the main performer. But he is only partly active in the book. When I listened to the closing credits I understood why some of the performance felt at times more “read” than acted. I was shocked it was only 1 1/2 hours long and cost a full credit. However vol 2 was a free download after vol 1. So maybe it will be a good value.

Very Disappointing

I have purchased and enjoyed every Card download available on Audible except for laddertop. If it was any other author, I would have given up at 30 minutes.

The story appears to be a cross between a short story and a script for a play. The disconcerting style allows for zero character development.

Nothing interesting happens and the ending is so underwhelming that I listened to the last five minutes twice not believing that OSC would allow something so lame to be promoted with his name.

The performance gets a three only due to Stephan Rudnicki. EJC sounds as if her voice is modulated to increase the listener's discomfort.

Half of the story/forced moral

The premise is excellent. The ideas behind what's going on... There's a lot going on, many, many questions posed, but none are really answered, if at all. The ending isn't shoehorned, it's shoved violently. I enjoyed the performance, and the music and sound effects weren't near as bad as others. But the ending...

not a book

just an introduction. there is no story only a story idea. needs to be massively expanded and developed.

incomplete only half the chapters

incomplete story ends in the middle missing half its chapters
second half isn't available making this frustrating and useless

I'm not sure how I feel about this one...

The story seems good, but I am so distracted by the overly long musical breaks and sound effects. They really pull you out of the story. Also, I am not a huge fan of so many voices, it feels more like someone's watching a movie behind me that I can't see, rather than someone reading me a book. I don't mind multiple narrator's, but this is much harder to listen to.

Starts okay, but goes nowhere.

What disappointed you about Laddertop?

It started pretty well. The storyline was there and the characters, while immature, were still somewhat endearing. It seems like OSC was setting a stage for something impressive when the story suddenly stops. I know authors should leave their audience wanting more, but not by ending when it's just getting interesting.

I recall that Ender's Game started as a short story and then turned into one of the best novels ever written, so maybe there is some hope for this story.

What do you think your next listen will be?

The Host

Have you listened to any of Emily Janice Card and Stefan Rudnicki ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment. I expect better of OSC.

Any additional comments?

Come on Orson... tell the rest of the story as only you can.