I picked up the book last month while at Powell’s with Kiri.

This is a “parallel novel” to Ender’s Game, told from the Bean’s perspective. The first part of the book deals with Bean’s life on the streets of Rotterdam is well-written, Orson Scott Card-caliber, but more “social fiction” than “science fiction.” Had I stopped here, I would have given the book five stars.

The story began petering out for me when Bean and Ender crossed paths. I knew what was ultimately going to happen, having read Ender’s Game, but it was more difficult for me to care for Bean, especially as it seemed he was taking credit from Ender Wiggin. The last few chapters seemed to be fodder for more sequels.

Overall, it’s a good book, worth reading, but not as good as the original. I have heard Speaker for the Dead, the sequel to Ender’s Game, is the best of the series.