Speaker for the Dead

Orson Scott Card

Winner of both the Hugo and Nebula awards.

One of the greatest stories in the history of science fiction continues...

'Every volume of the Ender saga comprises some of the most hauntingly brilliant writing of the decade.'

'Almost impossible to put down.'

'The Ender saga stands as one of the very few serious moral tales set among the stars... enthralling... an extraordinary talented author.'

Review by Nigel (010202) Rating (7/10)

Review by Nigel
After the Xenocide of the Buggers by Ender man has spread throughout the galaxy colonising the planets left behind. During this expansion intelligent alien life is discovered on the planet Lusitania. The Piggies are technologically primitive creatures and Starways Congress, ruler of the hundred worlds, allows the planet to be colonised and the aliens studied. However, nothing must disturb the Piggies development and the colonists must do everything in their power to prevent anything happening that may harm them.

This all changes however, when you find Ender is alive and on his way to Lusitania, even though he is now 3000 years 'older'. Ender, now a Speaker for the Dead, is called to Lusitania to speak the life of the planets xenologist, killed by the Piggies.

However the indigenous species has a few tricks up its sleeve and Man is not as clever as he thought.

Reading this book straight after Ender's Game I was a little surprised to find it set 3000 years later with completely new characters. I was expecting a sequel expanding on the character of Ender after the ending of the previous book. When you get into the story however, it is just as good as Ender's Game and when Ender turns up it all drops nicely into place. Very good.
Nigel (1st February 2002)