I read Ender's Game, I don't know how many times, in fact in Afghanistan I passed the book around to fellow soldiers who don't read, usually at all. When skeptical, I would read passages that resonated with soldiers, which was enough to get them hooked more often than not. Anyways, I was not even aware there were sequels till recently, I burned through Speaker, Xenocide, and Children in less than a week. The depth and excellence, it gives me something to ponder as I work my meaningful and yet simple job. I literally just finished Ender in Exile, and saw in the afterword that this forum even existed. What of the "Shadow" series? when does most of it take place and where does it factor in?
anyways, Mr. Card does a great job always. especially when he writes things like this that ring true in my heart
"His forehead was creased and furrowed. His breathing was quick and light. He was a soldier, and if anyone had asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up, he wouldn't have known what they meant." --Ender's Game
Posted by kacard (Member # 200) on :
Welcome. Kind words about Ender's Game are always especially appreciated when the come from soldiers. I will certainly pass your words on to Mr. Card.
As to your question -- the Shadow books all take place on Earth after Ender's Game. They are about what happens to the other soldiers in his jeesh and the conflicts after the formic wars are over.
Posted by ArmyShadow (Member # 13103) on :
Do they talk about Bean and Petra's stolen children, somehow after reading the quartet, i feel like i may have jumped a gap somehow reading Ender in Exile. But I'll certainly have to dive into that. I suppose a great commander is nothing without a great Jeesh
As for saying anything to Mr. Card, Who I am sure has heard from many soldiers, If nothing else my sincere gratitude i wish to convey most of all. Soldiers that would never think to pick up a book of their own volition, read Ender's Game when I showed them why they ought to and how close to home it hits for all of us. It's as if The Speaker wrote for IF Marines, but in real life.I mean as far as training and the general attitude before and after war goes.
Posted by DustinDopps (Member # 12640) on :
Yes, the Shadow books give all the details on Bean and Petra's children. You should definitely read them.
Posted by vineyarddawg (Member # 13007) on :
In essence, the entire Shadow series is about the stories of Bean, Petra, their children, and Peter. I highly recommend it, though the "Speaker" books are still my favorites.
Posted by ArmyShadow (Member # 13103) on :
the only reason i'm even skeptical is just because i hate Peter, Like most readers probably do. But Bean was straight, and Petra was okay as well. Ill definately check it out. Just Saying, I think Xenocide was my favorite. Made me think a lot about a lot of things.
Posted by Joel0903 (Member # 13134) on :
I'd say read them in the order the were published. EG SFD Xenocide COM The first 4 Shadow novels Ender in Exile - This should be read after the Shadow Series The short stories collection First Meetings (not required, but they're interesting and include the original (not very good) 1978 short story Ender's Game Shadows In Flight Shadows Alive
The First Bugger War novels can be read separately, if you wish to read them, as none of the other books have any bearing on them.
Posted by Joel0903 (Member # 13134) on :
Oops, First Formic War. I'll probably get sued by some PC nutter now for being politically incorrect.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Xenocide is my favorite too. Be pleased, sir-- we are a minority.
Posted by millernumber1 (Member # 9894) on :
While Children of the Mind is my favorite of the Speaker books, I really liked Xenocide. I haven't quite figured out where all the "It's the worst book in the Speaker series" thing comes from.