Ender's Game: Special 20th Anniversary Edition
- Narrated by:
- Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins
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- Unabridged Audiobook
- Release Date:08-23-02
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
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Audible Editor Reviews
Why we think it's Essential - One of our most highly-rated books of all-time, Ender’s Game isn’t just a sci-fi novel for kids. From an early age, Ender must tackle the adult concepts of leadership, independence and self-reliance, abstract thinking, and accountability. It helps that he’s a genetically engineered super-genius, but still, that’s a lot to ask a kid to handle. The multi-cast narration adds layers of texture to the diverse characters throughout. —ChrisPublisher's Summary
Now a Major Motion Picture. 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. Enter Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, the result of decades of genetic experimentation.
Is Ender the general Earth so desperately needs? The only way to find out is to throw him into ever-harsher training at Battle School, to chip away and find the diamond inside, or destroy him utterly. Ender Wiggin is six years old when his training begins. He will grow up fast.
But Ender is not the only result of the experiment. His two older siblings, Peter and Valentine, are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. Among the three of them lie the abilities to remake a world. If, that is, the world survives.
This Special 20th Anniversary Edition of the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning classic is now digitally remastered with a full cast production. It also contains an exclusive bonus: an original postscript written and recorded by the author himself, Orson Scott Card!
Browse more titles in the Ender Wiggin series.
©1977, 1985, 1991 Orson Scott Card (P)2002 Fantastic Audio, an imprint of Audio Literature
What the Critics Say
- 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 Members Say
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"A"
I didn't know what to expect of this book going in, so I was very pleasantly surprised. It was recommended on a number of reading lists that I peruse. The storyline is seemingly simple, but draws the listener in immediately. It is very well read (with the exception of one somewhat overdramatic narrator.) I find the books themes have stayed with me for a long time. I am looking forward to listening to the sequel!
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"A Classic for the family"
Enders Game is the story of children being used to fight the wars of the future. The war between the planets. This is a great family listen for ages 10 and up. If you play it on a trip no one will want to stop for lunch.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"ender game"
Excellence book i really enjoyed the whole series.
Well written was trilled all the way though could
not stop listening. really takes you into the fantasy world and makes you care about the characters.0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"Good Book"
I'm not a sci-fi fan, but I did like this book quite a bit. The plot was engrosing, and it was difficult to put down even though the climax was pretty transparent. My only complaint is that it should have ended sooner; too much fluff at the end.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful -
"Great First Experience with Audible"
This is the first time I listened to an audio book. I was expecting a boring read but was delited when I discovered multiple voices to represent the characters. I would have like a few low key sound effects though just to spice it up a little more. All in all I thought it was great.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
Nicky Gleason Tumwater, WA, United States 05-13-07 Member Since 2013
- HELPFUL VOTES
- 98
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- REVIEWS
- 436
- 17
"Gotta try this"
I'm not generally a fan of science fiction, and only downloaded this because I saw the book listed on a "100 greatest books" list and wondered why a "science fiction" book made the list, and loved every second of it. An engrossing and haunting story that cemented made me take a second look at sci-fi as a genre. Great narrator, too.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"Another great Orson Scott Card title"
I had read this when it first came out in paperback. I was sucked into the story. This is one of those books that you can't wait to get to the finish yet you are sad that the story that it is over. This is also a book that I have read and listened to numerous times, and each time is as fresh as it was originally. If you enjoyed this you might also enjoy Lost Boys by Orson Scott Card. These are the two titles that I recommend to friends to read.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"Ender's Game"
I am using this audiobook with my struggling seveth grade readers in combination with the written version. They are glued to the book - boys and girls alike. It really gives me a chance to discuss things at a higher level. The characters and themes are deep and the students really connect with them. Though I often have behavior problems, I don't when we are listening and I can tell by our discussions and journaling that they are really engaged in the book. This is also a great book for higher level readers, in that there is so much depth to it. This is a book for middle schoolers and up. Anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre will be hooked on Ender!
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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V. S.6/17/05
"You've go to read this!"
You are unfamiliar with the master that is Orson Scott Card, then you must get this! It may be a science fiction type setting but the story is much more about character development. It's exciting, wonderfully paced and once you start listening you just can't stop - you care so much about Ender.
The narration is just about flawless, and the use of different narrators adds to the interest and depth.
After this one - get 'Speaker for the dead' - it's even better than 'Ender's Game', and is probably my favourite book of all time. I cannot praise these two books enough.19 of 21 people found this review helpful -
SaraLlanwrtyd wells, United Kingdom1/13/09
"A fantastic find!"
This is the first Orson Scott Card book I have read, and I have now booked two more of the 'Ender' series in my Wish List. It was one of the most touching and memorable books I have read, and this from an author, who in my ignorance, I had always characterised as a pulp sci-fi writer. From start to finish the book captivated me with its depiction of a reluctant boy-soldier who is pushed to the limit in the military's pursuit of a worthy commander to save the human race from an imminent alien invasion. This book is introduced as an 'Audible Kids' production but do not be fooled - it is a clever, mature book for children and adults alike.
It is a science fiction book at its core, but the characters are brought to life by beautiful writing and excellent narration. You will remember Ender Wiggins and his story for a long time.4 of 4 people found this review helpful -
AdrianWitney, OXON, United Kingdom2/14/06
"Great presentation"
I came to this book having already listened to Enders Shadow, a book written considerably later but occupying some of the same characters and taking place over the same period.
The book is great, worth the acclaim it rightly garnered. The presentation of the book is also fantastic, well read so you can get a feel for the characters, going quickly enough to not dawdle and remain interesting, whilst slow enough that you never miss the important parts.
I would highly reccommend it to anyone who enjoys well written, well produced and original Science Fiction.4 of 4 people found this review helpful -
ChristopherTelford, United Kingdom6/16/15
"Amazing Story!"
Story – 5/5
I finally got around to this audiobook, and it was well worth the wait. Having watched and moderately enjoyed the film, I wanted to read the original source, especially as it is heralded as the best Sci-fi book of all time by so many. It didn’t disappoint either, it is certainly the best sci-fi I have read (although I haven’t read many)
The depth of character and emotion were superb, Orson Scott Card really gets us into Ender’s head. The strategies employed in the battle room and against the buggers were highly entertaining, and extremely detailed and well written, so you are able to picture exactly what is being described. The bits I enjoyed the most was the elements of the story about Ender’s siblings though, and also the inserts between chapters of the battle commanders discussing Ender’s training, which you don’t get in the film. It really helps to understand why these kids are so intelligent and how they are seen by the adults.
Are there any Negatives? I certainly couldn’t find any. I am looking forward to the next book in the series; even though I know it is completely different.
Performance – 4.5/5
Although it has multiple narrators, I can’t say it added much to the story like other full cast productions have. Each were very good in their own right, it just wouldn’t have been any worse if just 1 of them read it.
The main narrator, I think it may have been Stefan Rudnicki, was especially good, and I will keep an eye out for other audiobooks read by him.
Overall – 5/53 of 3 people found this review helpful -
Aeraphos3/11/15
"Stick through the first few chapters"
It took me a while to get into Ender's Game. At first I disliked all of the characters because they were such cruel and boneheaded people. Not just the children but also the adults putting Ender through the training. However, as I read on, some of the characters began to reveal the good aspects of their personalities. This provided the story with a much needed break from the constant bullying and military pressure.
I really started to like this book once the war games started. I enjoyed the zero-gravity combat scenes because of the well-described strategy involved. I loved the anticipation of finding out if Ender would win or not, and how he would do it. Once I was immersed in the story, the plot did not meander. I was constantly involved in what was going on and the ending took me by surprise in a very satisfying way.
I have mixed opinions about a couple of the narrators. The narrator who voices Ender's chapters has a great reading voice, but it's too deep to impersonate children accurately. It's easy to forget you are reading about kids when 8 year old Ender sounds like a 30 year old man. Also, the woman who voices Ender's sister's chapters sounded irritatingly melodramatic with every word.
So after initially doubting my ability to enjoy this book, I pushed through the first few chapters and realized what a great story it was. The writing style was clean and simple, the story was excellent, the narrators did a good job, despite a couple of minor problems.
Overall, Ender's Game is a great book about children being trained to command sci-fi armies with a side plot of children taking over the world via internet blogs (I don't get that last part either).4 of 4 people found this review helpful -
Steve KirkwoodCongleton, Cheshire12/2/13
"Sorry I waited this long to read it"
Would you listen to Ender's Game again? Why?Yes, very enjoyable book - will try others in the series next
What did you like best about this story?The human element, focusing on the difference betwen the three children and their interaction with each other and society.
Did Stefan Rudnicki and Harlan Ellison do a good job differentiating each of the characters? How?The reading was very believable, especially the adult charaters. Having a six year old child narrated by an adult sometimes makes you lose perspective on the fact that Ender is a child.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?A nice twist at the end, not entirely unexpected, but completed the book nicely
2 of 2 people found this review helpful -
HuwBLACKWOOD, United Kingdom7/20/13
"Loved it!"
What made the experience of listening to Ender's Game the most enjoyable?The voice work and characterisation was superb.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Ender's Game?For me the most memorable moments were between Ender and Alai.
What about Stefan Rudnicki and Harlan Ellison ’s performance did you like?Both actors were excellent.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?I couldn't stop.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful -
Dave Coleman11/28/10
"Just fantastic"
I'm looking for the button to click six stars
2 of 2 people found this review helpful -
PaulUK6/27/15
"Outstanding"
I first read Enders Game in my teens many years ago and having watched the movie and felt thoroughly disappointed I decided to revisit the book in audio format.
The delivery and performance is fantastic - the novel flows. Getting lost in the story is easy unlike a lot of the audiobooks I've listened to.
It's such an enjoyable listed I've bought extra Audible credits to get Speaker For the Dead (with. the same production team).1 of 1 people found this review helpful -
Mrs MacScotland5/15/15
"Engaging story"
Any additional comments?I enjoyed this story and finished it pretty quickly. Ender is an unusual character that you quickly become invested in and want to know how his story ends.
The multi-actor performance works well - in his postcript at the end the author says he writes from a stageplay background, so the spoken performance suits his work well.
As a tiny note, the main narrator's voice is very deep so I found it difficult to listen to on my phone using the speakers (it got lost too easily in background noise) and needed to use headphones to make it louder. Maybe I'm just getting old!1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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