Nerds That Geek Book Review: 'Ender's Game'

Written by Scott Edwards

Every parent knows that their child is destined for greatness. Some people will let their kids grow up and figure out what they want to be great at, while others force them into the field of their choosing. Neither way can be said to be wrong, but if an outside group comes in and tells your child that they are going to be doing one thing and only one thing for the rest of their days, most parents would be more than a little upset.  

Andrew is the third born in the Wiggin family and with population controls in place, and only two children being allowed per family, Andrew is technically the property of the government. Now, the Wiggin children are an interesting mix since the first born, Peter, is an overly aggressive boy, killing and threatening to destroy whatever he wants, whenever he wants and the second born, Valentine, who is more somber than her older brother, has a very sharp mind, while Andrew seems to be an even mix between the two. The International Fleet, IF, has been keeping tabs on young Andrew ‘Ender’ for several years and had his monitoring device, which is attached to all children, removed and were astonished to find the strength that he possessed. Fighting back against some bullies at school, Ender beats one boy senseless and continues to pound on him after the fight is over.  

When questioned about why he continued to beat the boy while he was down, Ender tells the IF commander that he wanted to win the future battles. This makes young Ender the perfect candidate for Battle School training and he is shipped away from his family. Although Ender does not have any regrets leaving his parents or older brother Peter behind, he is very distraught in leaving his sister Valentine. The two had a special bond growing up, since she would protect him from his older brother when he was on the prowl to hurt someone, and Ender now knows that nobody else will protect him when the two are separated, and he will have to fend for himself.

Arriving at the Battle School, Ender is not received well by the other students as they do not want him to participate in any training exercises or mock battles. With the IF command not allowing anyone to get near the young boy either, Ender is going to have a long and lonesome stay, but somehow he is still able to make a couple of friends. Passing every test that is thrown at him, along with being able to overcome many obstacles put in place to harden him, Ender finally burns out and is granted leave to return home. When meeting with his sister Valentine, she notices a change in her baby brother, he is hardened and has lost the innocence of his youth. Ender could not remember who he was previously before going off to the school, and is starting to understand the reasoning behind his treatment at the school, but did not want to do it anymore. Even though his sister does not want to encourage the traits have been bred into her brother, she asks him to continue, for there is something serious on the horizon that he will need to protect her and the world from.

Ender’s Game is a futuristic military tale that focuses around young Andrew ‘Ender’ Wiggin as he is put through the hardest training in order to save the world. Being forced to accomplish everything put in his path, Ender embraces the challenges for some time without failing once. With his mind and body being put to the test on a daily basis, Ender is able to come up with new plans of attack for each unbeatable situation that is put in front of him. Showing very little remorse early on, Ender starts to understand what is expected of him and wants to find a way to make every victory a flawless victory. With everything being piled against him by Command, Ender is able to create friendships and maintain them even when all of the cards are against him. Knowing that he cannot live his life alone, the need for companionship seems to be more important to him than just saving the world.  

A very good read as you follow young Ender as he grows up right in front of your eyes. With the IF Command trying to prepare the boy to save the planet, you cannot help but to feel bad for Ender as everything they do to him would drive a normal child to insanity. The power that this boy has, mentally and physically is astounding and you can see why he is chosen to be the world’s savior. Ender’s Game should be added to anyone’s bookshelf that enjoys a little science fiction, a little psychological testing, and a strong character study along with space battles. Happy Reading.

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