Ender's Shadow

A Return to Battle School.

This book takes us back to the Battle School events in Ender's Game, but retold from the perspective of a secondary character, Bean. You may wonder why you would want to read the same story again, but the manner in which it is written is excellent and at no point did I feel like I was going over old material. The back-story of Bean is gone into in detail which introduces new, interesting characters. The story from when he arrives at Battle School is very much Bean's and the author has ensured that Bean develops his own identity in the school and his own story before even meeting Ender.

This is the first in the "Shadow" series and of the five Enders books I have now listened to, this is just behind Ender's Game which is firmly the best. OSC uses his monumental skills to tell another great story, with great character, plot and dialogue. The narration team are as always exemplary.

You do not need to have read the Ender's series first, but I would strongly recommend it.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Brilliant version

I didn't particularly enjoy this book when I read it. But this is an example of how excellent narration can improve the whole audiobook experience. The different voices are excellent and work well together, adding an extra dimension to the book and making me wish my commute home from work took longer. I don't know how this was recorded but the quick interchange between voices at times sounds very real as though they were having a direct conversation. The occasional use of music adds to the atmosphere.

This book is a perfect example of what an audio book should be and I hope that the same excellent production is in place for the rest of the Ender series of books.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A "parallax" novel of Ender's Game

Story: This is an interesting story, basically retelling Ender's Game from one of the supporting character's view. Bean is by far my fave from Ender's Game, so a whole book devoted to him? I'm in there :) His back story is fleshed out, and Bean is far more aware of the whole political dynamic, which gives a whole new flavour to the story. So whilst you know exactly what happens, there's enough new material for those who are familar with Ender's game; but for those who haven't read it; it's self contained enough that it shouldn't need the knowledge of what's coming to make sense.

Audio: The full cast recording, was more like "three cast parts". But it really worked: the dialogue between Graff and Sister Carlotta was excellent, in particular. I had a bit of a flub at the end, where the audio seemed to skip back half a chapter, but then it carried on without any issues. Excellent narration.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Deeper insight to Enders game

Being a big fan of both Enders game and Enders shadow, the two compliment each other wonderfully and adds a whole new outlook to battle school! out of enders game and shadow I’d say this one if my favourite and sets up a great intro to the ‘shadow saga’

Exilent return to form

What did you like best about this story?

Going back through the story of Ender's Game from another perspective gave a huge amount of depth to the original story as well.

Any additional comments?

The fact that this covers the same time line as the book Ender's Game doesn't make the book any less enjoyable due to any 'spoilers' if you've already read Ender's Game.

I found i was a little disappointed at the end of the 4th book in the Ender's Game series Children of the Mind. Because of this i was hesitant to try this book. I'm really glad i did though as i found this book to be one of my favourite books since discovering audible.

Fantastic!

I was very worried that it would be a reflection of Ender's Game. It was not. Bean is such a complex, interesting character that having an opportunity to listen to his story. Very well read. As thrilling as Ender's Game and though we lose the impact of the Xenocide at the end, realizing that there was much more going on than what we saw through Ender's eyes was thrilling. 10/10 would recommend.

Absolutely Fantastic.

I loved Ender's Game, This runs extremely well alongside it. performance of each is great and easily flows from one character or group of characters to another. The way that it is narrated explains the story well, the characters and the images. I know it says that it does not matter in which order you listen tomorrow read these to books, but I personally think that you get the greatest impact if you read/listen to Ender's Game first.

Not a sequel but a dual book

If you read enders game already, then you will really enjoy this. Totally different and as good.

Bean's Story is a compelling aternative to Enders

Where does Ender's Shadow rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Pretty high. If you like Enders game, this will be an interesting book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bean and then Petra. Its good to see Bean again having liked his character in the original Enders Game.

Good story but not as good as Enders Game

What did you like most about Ender's Shadow?

The desperate struggle of a boy who feels totally abandoned and alone to stay alive and win at everything he does.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Good narrator

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, not as gripping as Ender's Game