Enders Game Boxed Set

by Orson Scott Card

Exclusive B&N Edition includes Ender's Game, Ender's Shadow, and Speaker For The Dead

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction Fantasy, Drama, Classics

885 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1993

About the author

Orson Scott Card is an American writer known best for his science fiction works. He is (as of 2023) the only person to have won a Hugo Award and a Nebula Award in consecutive years, winning both awards for his novel Ender's Game (1985) and its sequel Speaker for the Dead (1986). A feature film adaptation of Ender's Game, which Card co-produced, was released in 2013. Card also wrote the Locus Fantasy Award-winning series The Tales of Alvin Maker (1987–2003).
Card's fiction often features characters with exceptional gifts who make difficult choices with high stakes. Card has also written political, religious, and social commentary in his columns and other writing; his opposition to homosexuality has provoked public criticism.
Card, who is a great-great-grandson of Brigham Young, was born in Richland, Washington, and grew up in Utah and California. While he was a student at Brigham Young University (BYU), his plays were performed on stage. He served in Brazil as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and headed a community theater for two summers. Card had 27 short stories published between 1978 and 1979, and he won the John W. Campbell Award for best new writer in 1978. He earned a master's degree in English from the University of Utah in 1981 and wrote novels in science fiction, fantasy, non-fiction, and historical fiction genres starting in 1979. Card continued to write prolifically, and he has published over 50 novels and 45 short stories.
Card teaches English at Southern Virginia University; he has written two books on creative writing and serves as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest. He has taught many successful writers at his "literary boot camps". He remains a practicing member of the LDS Church and Mormon fiction writers Stephenie Meyer, Brandon Sanderson, and Dave Wolverton have cited his works as a major influence.

Reviews

[James Madsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this is the right order for reading the Ender and Shadow series--chronologically. Start with Ender's Game (Ender Book 1), then read Ender's Shadow (Ender Book 5, an alternate telling of the events in Ender's Game from the viewpoint of a character who is fully as interesting as, if not more interesting than, Ender himself), and finally read the rest of the Shadow series, starting with Shadow of the Hegemon (Ender Book 6). After you've finished the currently published(as of 2008) Shadow books, you can then step out of chronological order briefly to read First Meetings in the Enderverse, which I think will mean more to you if you first know how important the characters in First Meetings are. Finally, you can then go on to read Speaker for the Dead (Ender Book 2), Xenocide (Ender Book 3), and Children of the Mind (Ender Book 4). Card is reportedly working on a book in which Ender's and Bean's paths will cross, so depending upon when the action of that book takes place, it might profitably be read before Ender Books 2, 3, and 4. All of these books are well worth the read, in my opinion. One dear friend of mine has commented that the children in Ender's Game would have been unlikely at their age to have the motor skills required for the battle training in Ender's Game, but I'm not so sure. Certainly current Armies recruit children, albeit not quite so young. Bean's case is even more outstanding, but he's different (as you'll find out when you read Ender's Shadow) for a special reason. Some of Card's earlier themes (such as the one in Wyrms) are more fully developed in this series, and as usual, he tackles large issues of morality and ethics in terms of the deeply personal choices that individuals have to make and in terms of the effects of those choices not just upon cultures and societies (think of his excellent The Worthing Saga) but also upon the individuals themselves (shades of Songmaster). I love these books and highly recommend them!

[Jeremy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ender's Game has to be one of the best sci-fi books of all time, in my opinion. A lesson taught well in this book is that reality never fits into a box. We must react according to the situation that we find ourselves in. Instruction and educations goals are then to equip us with the basic rules upon which we will need in making future decisions. However, that being said, this book, like most science fiction literature presents us with a world where man is alone. God is left out of such tales, which leaves men at the brink of hopelessness and despair. These tales fail to grasp that man can move forward with the confidence that he is not alone, but that God as creator has a purpose and plan. Man can then live without fear and can rest in the providence of God. For the children of God, victory is assured. Man then can have confidence that his actions are not in vain.

[Littlebrit]

This is one of my all-time favourite books. It's classic science fiction by an author who can really write. Not everyone's "cup of tea" but an enthralling read with some strong connections with today's world of warfare. I'm afraid that the current movie will not do this book justice, especially as the trailer has already let the major "cat out of the bag". For those who are already science fiction fans, this will be a real treat. For those to whom science fiction is still a mystery or simply not attractive, give it a try, the human relationships depicted may surprise you.

For those of you for whom explicit sex scenes are a must, this book, being originally aimed at the younger market, will be a disappointment. Sorry!

[Paola h · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ender is an astonishingly clever young child whom has to face factors of life unusual to a youngster as him. His methods and ideas are credible and very well based and thought of by the author since it is all based on his imagination! It is a good book starting at one point and concluding in other but not disappointing. Any literate person would agree. It is truthfully a piece of entertaining science fiction accompanied with a signal of literature which may not want to be picked up but once finished you will miss it. Fitting all into one single book! I loved it, but since i am an absolute fan of action and thriller and this did not merely create that but it speculated a twist which was simply AMAZING! I love ender's thoughts, and agree with his.

[Arin C.]

9/24/15
Ender's Game
By : Orson Scott Card

I think that Ender's Game is a Realistic Fition, because Earth was invaded by "Buggers". Humans defeated the Buggers 50 year ago, but by a landslide. Now, Humans believe that the buggers will attack again. Now the I.F is test kids to see if they can become a commander against the buggers. Ender pasted the test to go to Battle School. He is only six when he leaves for battle school. He eventually climbs the rankings to become the best soldier in battle school. Most kids who become an commander are eleven when they are promoted to commander. Ender's was only 9 when he became a commander.He was given the Dragon Army. The Dragon Army was discontinued because they NEVER won a game.

[Herbert August · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked all 5 books where the first two were absolutely amazing. The main issue I had was that while the first book was nearly purely science fiction, it drifted, as the series progressed into science fantasy, where the likelihood of it occurring diminished significantly.

[Bryant Casteel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an interesting and well-acted representation of a novel that has withstood the tests of time and changing paradigms with good reason.The novel ender's game was very interesting and it was a lot of action and good words that was involved in the novel.

[Luke Quintero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite Sci-fi book by far. The ups and the downs had me on the end of my seat the whole book. I feel that this book is very important for todays society. The way that ended was bullied under the noses of the adults is a clear representation of what constantly happens in todays society. This book also takes an interesting turn when Ender Wiggin is chosen to train for at a military academy in order to fight against the Invading aliens.

[COLLIN JONES · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book yet very confusing

[John Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

First science fiction book I ever loved. 10/10 would recommend to a friend.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Ender Wiggin, Valentine, Peter, Colonel Graff
This story is about a boy named Ender, and he has two siblings, Valentine and Peter. A man named Colonel Graff asks if he wants to be apart of a training school in space. This school is an exclusive school, and his siblings didn't get in because they failed the test. Ender goes to this school, and he learns very quickly, and is known by everyone because of his skills. Not everyone likes him, but Ender wants to be friends with everyone. The students are organized in groups, and compete with different missions. Some of the students become higher, and got to commanders, and Ender is one of them. It continues on how he got to that spot, and the challenges he faces when he is there, before and after.
There are many conflicts in the book, because not everyone likes and is nice to Ender. Of course there are many fights between students. Some get harmed, but Ender does not like to fight them. When he gets to commander there is this big mission on saving their planet. Before they get to the real version they have many simulations to see when they are ready,and if they pass are not. They pass all of them and go to the real version, but they don't know it is real. Ender does something he doesn't necessarily likes, and has to deal with that.
I liked this book. I saw the movie first and loved it, and it made me want to read the book, and I liked both. It is so detailed, and scyfi. Of course it is not real life, but the kids are close to our ages, so it's semi easy to connect to. I would recommend this to you if you like mythical books, because it is that. Also, if you like action it is a good one for that too. Overall I liked it, and would read it again in the future.

[Carter Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Space Training

Have you ever wished you could fly into outer space? Ender Wiggin, an outcast in his society, gets that opportunity. Enders Game written by Orson Scott Card tells the story of a young boy who must give up everything he knows. He must train in a space station orbiting Earth, This science fiction novel tells the story of Ender Wiggin and the challenges he must overcome to save humanity.

Even though it's been years since the alien invasion, the International Fleet is still looking for exceptional children they can train to be exceptional commanders. Ender Wiggin just so happens to be one of those children. He knew it would be hard, but his stay at battle school has left him wondering who is really the bad guy. He must learn to survive in a space station full of other advanced children, while dealing with the stress of learning to become a commander that will have to save the world.

Ender’s Game kept me interested the entire time I was reading it. There is always a suspenseful point in it. I would recommend this book to 13 year olds and up due to language. Some points are hard to imagine because they are so unlike anything a normal human would encounter. Orson Scott Card’s imagination was amazing when he thought up the futuristic weapons and technology. This book scores ten out of ten easily.

The suspense and new technology in Enders's Game captured me the moment I opened it. I felt Orson Scott Card had a small lack of detail when he described the space station. This is easily ignored though when you think of the suspense in this book. I cannot wait to read other books written by Orson Scott Card.

[Ryan Critchelow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orson Scott Card’s sci-fi series is most known for his book, “Enders Game.” Ender, a young boy, is a genius and a third child in his family. In their society, not many families are allowed to have a “third” but in this case, it all worked out for the best. Ender becomes the prodigal child and is sent up into space to attend battle school. Here at this school, Ender is outcast because of his brilliance and has a target on his back. Everybody envies Ender and hates him because he is better. At Battle School Ender learns and excels in competition and simulated battles. The higher minds that have chosen him are pleased and hope that Ender is the one who can save Earth from the alien race known as Buggers. The Buggers attacked once long ago and saught to eliminate and colonize Earth, but failed in their attempts. Everybody hopes that Ender is the one that can stop any future incursions from the enemy Buggers. After Battle School, Ender is sent off to Cadet School where he trains vigorously with an appointed mentor and is pushed to his absolute breaking point. Ender almost breaks and gives up completely on the world. It comes to a point where he almost doesn’t care whether he or his race lives or dies, “Why should he be the one that has to suffer so much?” But with the help and support of family and friends, Ender does not give up on the human race and decides to finish his training. At the end of his training, however, Ender finds out a secret that the higher minds have held from him for some time, and the secret is quite unnerving to Ender. This finding leads Ender to find his true calling in life, and he really does change the universe.

[B · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read Ender's Game years ago when I was in a sad, I've-read-everything-Vonnegut-has-ever-written-and-I-need-some-new-good-science-fiction-to-read-there-must-be-something-out-there funk. I remember it being pretty OK. I picked up Ender's Shadow the other day and I'm reading that now. So far it's a little less than OK. We'll see...

Oh fine, so I got into the story again. What can I say? I'm a sucker for some science fiction conflict between young brilliant space cadet minds. It's like readable pizza. You can intellectually recognize that it's just not very good, but it still is so delicious and tasty, it just hits the spot. Still. I'd like to find some good science fiction again some day. I also kind of wonder what's going to happen to Bean on earth now that the Buggers are all destroyed and I guess Russia is the big threat now? And since his genetics were all screwed with by that bad guy, I guess he's going to start growing at an accelerated rate and become a giant? And poor Ender is stuck in space! Why won't his brother and sister who are moonlighting as political philosophers on earth let him return? He just saved the earth! Poor Ender.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enders Game by Orson Scott Card is the perfect book for anyone who loves a good science fiction novel dealing with space, aliens, and it is set in the future. In a time when aliens ("buggers") are evident, Earth relies on the protection of leaders to fight these buggers. Children who fit the right criteria are chosen to go into space and start training for a command position to be in the battle fighting buggers.
Ender Wiggin is one of these children. He is chosen to train and study to become the best hope that Earth and its people's has of surviving the bugger war. With one struggle after the next, the reader sees Ender being broken down and tested in ways that are unfair and outrageous. The reader gets to read about Enders training and see if he is the one who will command and win the bugger war.
This is the first book in a series of four books. I am definitely going to read therest of the series. I highly recommend this book and series to everyone. It has also been made into a movie. I am excited to watch the movie and see how it compares to the novel.

[Christopher Slater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well known as a sic-fi classic and remarkably better than the recent movie adaptation, Ender's Game is a series that you will not regret having read, although you still may not list it among the greatest that you have ever been exposed to. Summarizing the entire series would be close to impossible because of the massive number of changes in setting, plot, and even characters. The good news is that these continuous changes from book to book will make you feel that you haven't fallen into a rut of monotony. The bad news is that when you are finished with the series, you may feel that the story was somewhat unresolved. I suppose that this lack of total resolution is somewhat realistic. Whether you are looking for that type of realism is likely to color your appreciation for this series. I would recommend it as a classic that should be read by anyone with the slightest appreciation for science fiction, just be prepared to invest a lot of time, thought, and energy into it.

[Carson Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enders Game is a amazing well written book by Orson Scott Card. The main characters in the Ender Game is Ender, Valentine, and Peter Wiggin. Ender is a young boy who is wanted by the government to help them preparer for the bugger war. Since the first bugger war they have been looking for someone and they believe Ender could possibly be it. While he is training for the bugger war his brother and sister are making plans of there own for the struggles that are happening on Earth. Although the book was well written and well explained it took a while for the book to gain suspense and get interesting, but when it does get interesting it's hard to put it down. The book is hard to put down because of the great action and unpredictable outcomes the story portrays. This book will please all sci-fi and action lovers alike.

[johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

like Ender's Shadow this book did not disappoint. it really made me think about power and nations and how intricate world politics really is. i felt that the book was very relevant in today's shaky economic and world affairs. and i simply just love Bean and the other characters that we came to love in Ender's Game. After finishing the entire Saga i am just overwhelmed with my attachment to these characters and the world that seems so similar to the world we live in today. i don't think i have ever been so deeply moved and connected to characters. i feel their loss and i love their successes and i cried whenever they shed a tear. these kids really are all of us only they did the earth and maybe as real humans we could strive to do the same.

[David Davila · Rating 5 out of 5]

It deal with Bean and Petra Arkamian. They just got home and everyone she known is how some weird person at the door. Bean had no idea that he even had a family so everyone he's meeting is new to him. petra goes to Greece with her family and so does Bean. They find each after they was an attacked were they were at so they rush to so what happen it war between Greece china. so how they have to find a team to help them stop this war. Bean and petra get captured and move to Thailand. They have to fight on there side to help them win the war. But, Bean meets his old friend at Thailand he want to kill bean so now Bean has to fight two wars other wish he'll die.
The main reason why I gave this book a 5 star cause of how detail everything is.

[William Merfalen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Card has made one of the greatest Sci-Fi books I've had the pleasure of reading. The characters are well thought out, especially Ender (of course that would be the assumption). Ender is likeable, stategic, and surprisingly dangerous, especially after breaking bones of his bullies. The latter of which seems uncharacteristic of a classic bullying situation where rarely the victim exacts physical violence against his tormentor. That was one thing I never really understood, because if Card was trying to portray Ender as a long-time sufferer of bullies, then Ender would /NOT/ have fought back. Other than those small pet-peeves, the book is great and you won't find yourself "just reading words"-- no, you will comprehend it because the story grips you that good.

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!! A great sci-fi that is enjoyable for both adults and children. Has a great story line that allows younger children to read it and be enthralled, but also has many layers of depth so that any age can enjoy it. It is a book that you can read over and over again, and each time find something of new value that you didnt read before. The characters are just as interesting as the book, giving the reader a person to mull over, as well as giving them a look into a life they might not have percieved before. I am a big supported of this book, and think that it has much value. Its not just a interesting story line, but a philosophy filled book that garners new and insightful conclusions.

[Ivan Eskic]

Reading Scifi books makes me feel like a Star Wars fan, however Ender's game sets itself apart from the rest.
Ender's game, by orson Scott card does its job at entertaining the reader through action, suspense, and other stuff. Every person that loves reading scifi will find something to enjoy in this book.
It has aspects that will make you want to keep on reading to the end.
It has lovable characters, and of course a good story. It's a science fiction book, they all have good plots. It's what makes sci-fi books enjoyable and fun to read. ( and making us feel like total nerds.) I would recommend this to anybody who wants to read a good sci-fi book.

[Nyck Udell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very exciting and made me want to keep reading because it was just so interesting. This book made me think of some technologic advances that might happen in the future but most likely won't. I think that ender was the perfect character for this book because he didn't like taking orders from people, did not like bullies, and stood up for himself. But you could also see the soft side of him like when he hurt the kid in the showers or at the end when he figured out the generals plan. I think that this book would be a great read for almost everyone.

[Ian Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of Sci-Fi books myself, but I decided to try this book out as I heard it was a phenomenal book. When I started reading it quickly intrigued me with its concepts and ideas. With out saying anything that might contain spoilers, I thought this book was amazing! It had such a good plot and a really good ending. It had me hooked from beginning to end! I gave 4/5 because some points seemed a little irrelevant to the plot and didn't do much, but fill a few pages. I would highly recommend this book.

[Diane Fuson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the 4 boxed set to include Children of the Mind. I read each book with interest. The characters made the books. The mysteries and uphill battles that each faced and dealt with in their own ways on Earth and in space give us a sense of their uniqueness. I can see where children with high IQ's or special talents could connect with Ender, Peter, and Valentine. There is some fluff that is added in, but it all ties into a neat package that enthralls the reader if truly connected. I thoroughly enjoyed the set.

[Oliver Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great series I suggest that you read the rest of the series that is not part of this collection because they are also realy good but I suggest that you read the 5th book before the second one because this series was written out of order. I especialy love how in the end of the first book they trick ender into destroying an alien race using a video game. Also I like how enders shadow tells enders game in the perspective of bean and tells us his childhoodstory because you know almost nothing about him from the first book.

[Tyler Bachinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enders game is a sci-fi book by Olsen card. Ender is a young boy when he is taken from his home to train and fight. He is abnormally young to be taken, he is also very small and gets picked on. There is one supries behind his small size, he is a very good leader and fighter. I like this book, it had some good points but at other points it could get a little slow. I would recommend this book to anyone who is in for a big and interesting read. Read Enders Game to figure out what happens to Ender.

[Timothy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best fantasy series out there. It gets very political as the books progress. Its about a futuristic society where battles are fought against alien invasions on earth. Only the smartest are chosen to train for battle commanders. This series is mainly about a boy genius named Ender and his mental journey of eventually discovering that its the humans who are the cause of the war.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to see why my boys found it so enthralling and I couldn't put it down. I can see why it appealed to them with the video-game-like training and also the real-time combat practice in an enormous zero-G chamber--both of these activities designed to groom children for war. The reader can't help but identify with the main character as his innocence is systematically deceived and purposefully destroyed in the fanatical pursuit of a misguided higher ideal. Sucker-punch ending.

[andrew zonca is batman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enders game is a book set in the future. There is an alien race that is trying to destroy earth and the military is drafting 10 year olds into the war ended is a ten year old that has a talent of being a great leader. Later in the book ended is sent to a moon base to learn how to be a better commander to destroy the buggers. Will he survive it or we he fail? Read Enders game to find out

I recommend this book to sifi and action fans of books