Shadow of the Hegemon

Rating:
Summary: Not just another retelling of Ender's Game
Review: This book, although highly readable and recommended, is somewhat of a departure from Scott's usual sci-fi space-traveling "hero's journey" of the Ender series. "Shadow of the Hegemon" is more of a earth-bound story, where space and interstellar xenocide fade into the background amidst the usual suspects in the fight for world domination.

Following Bean's story would, in and of itself, make a great novel. We also follow Petra and a few of the other battle school graduates as they show that they have matured past being just child genuises used as pawns by adults to save humanity. In this story, we finally see them using their own resources as they act alone to save themselves.

Peter Wiggin, formerly known as the sadistic brother of Ender, becomes a fully rounded character, both impossibly arrogant and charismatic. In my opinion it is this interaction between Bean and Peter Wiggin and what they accomplish together which is truly the gem in the midst of this high-stakes story of world diplomacy. And it is this relationship, and Peter's subsequent rise to power that sets the stage for this story's obvious continuance.

Rating:
Summary: Card does it again!
Review: When I picked this book up, frankly, I was worried. Several months ago, I read Ender's Game, and loved it. Not long after that, I devoured Ender's Shadow with gusto, becoming ridiculously enamored of the main character, Bean. But... how could this book, Shadow of the Hegemon, possibly live up to the high standard of the earlier novels?

Well...it did! Card weaves a thick, suspensful plot about the political intrigue on Earth after the Formic Wars. We learn more about each character, their personalies, their secrets, their motives. Sort of an insight of why they do what they do. Petra and Peter in particular become far more in focus than in Card's other books. The storyline was surprisingly good, and not at all predictable.

Do I recommend this book? Of course. But first, read Ender's Shadow, which is equally good (if not slightly better). Card's a great writer for people who don't like SF books, and those that know they do. Don't worry. You won't be disapointed.

Rating:
Summary: Good work by Card- Yet again
Review: Great work. Good plot, good characters, and a good base for future books. This book is similar to "Speaker for the Dead" in setting up a solid base for a series of books. This book went in depth, showed the development of youth, and issues which affect us every day. I can't wait to read his future books.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing! Mr. Card has done it again
Review: I didn't think anything could ever top Ender's Game, but this book showed me just how wrong I was. It was great to finally see what happened back on Earth after the Bugger War and with Ender gone. Also, seeing more of Peter, Petra, Bean, and so many other characters that were overshadowed by Ender in the first book and never mentioned later in the series, was a real treat! I can't wait for the next book to come out but until then I'll be reading this one again and again.

Rating:
Summary: Almost preachy, but an excellent read
Review: Shadow of the Hegemon is a fascinating book that held my interest the entire way through. I read it in one day because I couldn't put it down.

The pace was good and I fell in love with the characters all over again. Only one thing seemed strange to me. The flow of story was interrupted a few times by long conversations and reflections that seemed like the author was slipping in his religious views. The passages didn't fit with the characters at all and for a few pages, I thought I had accidentally picked up a book from the "Left Behind" series. I hadn't noticed this before in the other Ender books. Maybe it was because Card was simultaneously writing "Sarah: Women of Genesis".

Those pages were definitely bearable because the strategies and power struggles were totally engrossing. Judging from Card's skill as a writer, the reflections probably serve as development for future books. I didn't necessarily disagree with the content, and he has earned the right to do whatever he wants in his writing.

If you liked Ender's game and Ender's shadow, don't hesitate in buying this book.

Rating:
Summary: Orson Scott Card does it again.
Review: When Orson Scott Card wrote this book he had a few limitations. First, he no longer had the magic of the Battle School to aid him. Second, he had to work around limitations he may or may not have meant to put in previous books. Last, he was writing a sequel, and that is always dangerous.

Orson Scott Card, though, did a great job of overcoming all these limitations. The book made earth into the Battle School, and brought in even more elements. No longer were these kids all living in a world of their equals. They were now in a world of stupid Adults, and power-hungry nations.

At first, I was afraid that a certain flaw in Bean's genetic makeup would severly limit this story. But, again, Orson Scott Card worked in the genius he used when he wrote Ender's Shadow. He made the book even more enriching, using Bean's limitation to further the story, and make it even more understandable. Few authors have this almost magical ability that Orson Scott Card has.

Orson Scott Card was taking a huge risk by writing a sequel to a parrallel novel. He had absolutely never addressed what had happened on Earth, besides in one of his sequels mentioning that Peter had become Hegemon of Earth. He could have potentialy destroyed the characters that we all coveted so dearly in Ender's Game. Just making Petra one of the main characters was an incredibly risky move. Luckily, though, I'm almost completely sure that Orson Scott Card was aware of all this. He was very careful to keep the characters realistic while also using their genius to make the story all the more interesting.

Orson Scott Card has shown us again and again his ability to make an engaging world out of just some words on paper. He has been able to suck us into a world that we do not want to leave. He has made us wish that Ender had really existed, almost made us wish that WE were the geniuses made to destroy an alien species. When he writes, he almost makes us believe that we are part of the book, that we ARE its characters. And this is why this book is so successful. Orson Scott Card does it again.

Rating:
Summary: Orson is on a ROLL.
Review: What an amazing book! Much alike Ender's Shadow, I didn't expect to be stunned and amazed! The book is centered around Bean, Peter, and Petra, through a series of politcal ploys. Also much alike Ender's Shadow we are given a deeper look at Bean. I must say this book is perfect for Ender fans, though as everyone has said before, don't begin the whole series with this book.

Rating:
Summary: no words can describe
Review: If your not a fan become a fan so you can enjoy this novel, and if you are a fan read this right away. thats is all i can tell you. that and "share this dragon if you do lucky end for them and you".

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Summary: Different... But an Excellent Addition To The Ender Universe
Review: I was apprehensive when I heard another Ender book was hitting the shelves, having enjoyed all of the original series as well as Ender's Shadow - I didn't want anything to ruin the previous books. But I needn't have worried.

Orson Scott Card has done a remarkable job filling in gaps in his original story line. For those who were curious what was happening on Earth while Ender was settling a new colony in Speaker for the Dead, this book will be very enlightening. Card does an excellent job describing the events that take place following Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow. Some of the true strength in the novel is that it plays on the same themes (leadership, morality, spirit and determination) that made Ender's Game such a strong and powerful novel. And the good news is that Card states in the afterward that there's more to come. Until then, enjoy Shadow of the Hegemon.

Rating:
Summary: Another masterpiece by Card
Review: This book was amazing, I bought it today and finished just a few minutes ago. I loved this book and gained a lot of insight from it about more of the characters of "Enders Jeesh". In comparison with Cards other books it still is up there, it of course was not as good as Enders Game, but still none the less was an excellent book. I however feel that readers should read Enders Shadow now available in paperback addition before reading Shadow of the Hegemon. Reading Enders Shadow provides much needed information on Bean and other characters that are not explored as greatly in Enders Game. So readers enjoy all your Card readings and I highly recommend making Shadow of the Hegemon one of them.