Ender's Game is often listed near the top of most lists for the greatest sci-fi novels ever written. However you might quickly find out that this is really a military, or even a sports novel more than a sci-fi one. It's also different from many other sci-fi novels in that while many deal with ideas (Foundation) or perhaps focus on creating an interesting new world entirely (Dune), Ender's Game seems to rest its laurels on its narrative, especially the exciting battle room sequences, and characters we can easily like. These are the two strongest points of the book.
The Achilles Heel of this novel is the incessant juvenile dialog that feels pulled out of the cut scenes of a Call of Duty video game. The characters are calling each other 'farteater' or engaging in eye-rolling conversations along the lines of:
"We're pushing him too hard!"
"He's the only chance we've got."
"I hope you're right about him."
"If I'm not, God help us all."
(Facepalm)
Ender's Game uncomfortably juggles between the profound and the trivial, and the result is a novel that has a satisfying climax and a few interesting thoughts to consider--but not a novel that leaves me wanting more (and there is much more...this is part of a series).
Its low prosaic value cements its place as a young adult novel that crackles and pops more than it does simmer and linger.
In spite of what I personally feel (and do remember, I am the guy that gave that boring women's novel Persuasion a five star review), it's important to mention that virtually everyone else I know who read this book loved it.
Many right now may be squawking the tired and usually obvious adage 'the movie's not as good as the book.' For me? -- Even the source material has some flaws.
For you? -- It's worth checking out for its legacy and reputation as such a widely acclaimed and beloved book.
3/5
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