By Justin Kirk
During the large gap in between my book reviews, I have read what many people consider the best new science fiction book, Ender’s Game.
In this book, mankind is waging a war with a race of aliens nicknamed the Buggers. In an attempt to create a stronger army, children who show extraordinary talent and intelligence begin training at the age of six. Andrew “Ender” Wiggin is one of those children and he is the third child in his family, although Earth laws state families may only have two children.
After he begins his training, he makes a name for himself at the school by showing his superb military skill and planning. While he becomes quite popular, he is also hated by many at the school. One of the primary events at the school is the war games, where the children don a special suit that locks up when shot by a special weapon. In this game, Ender shows great skill, and he is eventually given his own team.
This book is perhaps one of the best books I have read recently and maybe in all of this year. There are many political topics touched on, including the two-child policy, self-defense laws and xenophobia. While I would recommend this book to anyone able to fully understand some of the topics covered, I would not recommend this to people under the age of 12, the reason for this being there is a fair amount of profanity and some brutal subjects covered.
This book is also part of a series I would highly recommend, although none of the other books reach the height of greatness this novel can. This novel is excellent for people who enjoy soft science fiction, the Harry Potter series, and Dying of the Light by George R. R. Martin.
This tale is a must read, and I will give it a 9.75 out of 10.