“I’ve watched through his eyes, I’ve listened through his ears, and I tell you he’s the one.”

From Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game.

As the world has begun exploring more of the solar system, the biggest challenge is the deadly battles that repeatedly pop up with the alien species known as buggers.  After mankind narrowly defeated a bugger asteroid base, Earth’s armies are able to capture some bugger technology and bring those advances back for human use, modification, and training.  Andrew “Ender” Wiggins is the youngest of three children and is exceptionally bright and strong, so Ender is surprised to be offered a place at Battle School by Colonel Graff.  Leaving behind his supportive sister, Valentine, Ender joins the other Battle School cadets in various battle strategy and zero gravity training, all of where Ender quickly excels.  Ender is placed in charge of a group of new recruits and the young leader soon leads his soldiers into victory, which places him at odds with some older cadets.  When he’s promoted to Command School, Ender is introduced to bugger war hero Mazer Rackham who directs the cadets simulation trainings.  Ender’s initial command simulations go well, but as the battle simulations grow harder, he struggles with loneliness and depression.  However, when Mazer announces the final simulation, Ender decides to risk everything with his practice command to pass his training, but Ender quickly learns that his training will cost him more than he ever imagined.

The inspiration for the 2013 movie of the same name, Card’s sci-fi war adventure is full of thrilling action, captivating characters, and shocking twists that has set the standard for decades.  Despite when the story was published, the story still has a pretty impressive futuristic feel.  Ender’s Game is a fascinating start to the series and a must-read for science fiction fans of all ages.