Ender's Shadow

By: Orson Scott Card

Narrated by: Scott Brick, Gabrielle de Cuir, full cast

Length: 15 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

The novel that launched the bestselling Ender's Shadow series—available for the first time on audio

The human race is at War with the "Buggers," an insect-like alien race. As Earth prepares to defend itself from total destruction at the hands of an inscrutable enemy, all focus is on the development of military geniuses who can fight such a war, and win. The long distances of interstellar space have given hope to the defenders of Earth--they have time to train these future commanders up from childhood, forging them into an irresistible force in the high orbital facility called the Battle School. Andrew "Ender" Wiggin was not the only child in the Battle School; he was just the best of the best. In Ender's Shadow, Card tells the story of another of those precocious generals, the one they called Bean—the one who became Ender's right hand, part of his team, in the final battle against the Buggers. Bean's past was a battle just to survive. His success brought him to the attention of the Battle School's recruiters, those people scouring the planet for leaders, tacticians, and generals to save Earth from the threat of alien invasion. Bean was sent into orbit, to the Battle School. And there he met Ender....

Browse more titles in the Ender Wiggin series.

©1999 Orson Scott Card (P)2005 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC

Critic reviews

• Alex Award Winner, 2000

"An exceptional work." (School Library Journal)
"An absorbing, near-flawless performance." (Kirkus)
"As always, everyone will be struck by the power of Card's children, always more and less than human, perfect yet struggling, tragic, yet hopeful, wondrous and strange." (Publishers Weekly)

balancing action and character development

Not all audio books are the same. I love the use of different voices to tell the story; far from a monotone voice droning on, each chapter starts out almost like a radio drama. After all, the book is written to be read. And though there is plenty of action detailed, it is fascinating to take this journey through the mind of a brilliant child. In many ways, the journey of the mind and behavioral development is more fascinating than any high octane action sequence.

Bravo, Orson, on your complimentary achievement to Ender's Game. Although the author says that Ender's Shadow could be read separate from Ender's Game and be enjoyed, I would highly encourage would-be fans to read Ender's Game first so you can enjoy the thrill of discovery. Trust me; you'll understand. And then attempt to quence your thirst for more by reading Ender's Shadow.

A five star book--across the board!

I listened to Ender's Game way back, maybe as my first Audible book. Then I listened to it a second time somewhat later. Recently, I was preparing to go on a road trip and really felt Ender's Shadow was a good choice, particularly after reading the reviews. Well, we were rivited to our seats over may miles of driving the Pacific Northwest, and in the evenings, I kept thinking of Bean and his adventures, wanting to get back to the book as soon as I could.

I also feel that you should read Ender's Game first. As I listened to the "Shadow" book, things kept coming back to me that I had forgotten. It all fit together so nicely. You realize just how much "mindwork" Card puts into his stories (incredible) and how in depth he takes his characters. This book was very intense for its entirety. It was enjoyable all the way through with a very satisfying ending. I had tears of joy in my eyes at the close. If you loved Ender's Game, I predict you will love this one just as much. I heartily recommend it.

And--words from the author, at the end of the book, discuss the upcoming movie called Ender's Game. Turns out it is a combination of both of these books. Upon further research, I learned it will be released in a month or too. Really, just can't wait to see Ender and Bean on film. The second best thing after the awesome listening experience!

Better than I expected.

This book pulls you into the story from the start. No long explanations about who the buggers are, no back stories to review, no long chapters dedicated to creating the world. Right into a story. In my opinion that shows real talent and an author that knows how to engage the reader. Character development takes precedence over describing the environment. I enjoyed the book enough to finish it in two days. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is a few things that seemed improbable and some repetition of the story during battle school. I’ve already recommended it to some friends.

speechles...

Its so good, all I can do is immediately start the sequel. Bye..........bye bye bye

Better than Ender's Game

In my opinion, this book is far better than Ender's Game. Orson Scott Card wrote this many years after Ender's game and one can tell he has improved an an author.

Amazing book

This book has the story and character and mystery every book needs and readers will love this amazing title.

Still the best..

This is still my Favorite!! The best telling of Ender and battle school ever. You never have to read Ender's Game to enjoy this story. After reading and listening to both, I still feel Bean is the more entertaining character. Street life, battle school, final battle.. Bean, while not perfect, almost is...

Ending was awesome. Fantastic moving story. Grea

Mercy

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

– Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV)

Paul’s admonition to the Colossian believers is a call back to the gospel. One of the true tests of a believer is how they respond when faced with the pain of offense. If our identity is in the love that the Father showers upon us, then we are able to reflect the nature of the Holy Spirit to others. This is not a display of our benevolence, but an exercise in our personal awareness of our daily need for Jesus. To hold grudges against each other shows that we have forgotten our own need for mercy.

Read

I agree with all the reviews that say this book is powerful enough to stand on its own. However, reading "Shadow" first would spoil some of the most affecting moments in "Game" and deny you layers of context as you read "Shadow". Read both books, and read "Game" first.

Great Follow Up Story!

This book is written such that you DO NOT have to read Ender's Game first, which was a very interested twist.

I would still suggest Ender's Game first, however.

After being disappointed with the Speaker of the Dead trilogy, this book was a refreshing and pleasant surprise.

If you can suspend disbelief and buy into brilliant 6-12 year olds battling a threatening alien species on behalf of all of earth (and I did), this is and Ender's Game are must reads!