Earth Unaware

Interesting read that moves along quickly while introducing a host of characters. It's clear this is a collaborated effort and not purely Orson Scott Card, but it's still a good book that's true to the Ender series.

This book introduces us to story lines that are involved in a first contact with aliens.

Not my rating. The Enginerd loves it and wants more.

Story: 8 / 10
Characters: 7
Setting: 9
Prose: 8

Note that this book is part of a series and does not have an ending.

I very much wanted to give this novel 3.5 stars but goodreads doesn't allow it. A very enjoyable story where we get introduced to two very interesting characters. The writing is superb as it always is with Orson Scott Card (and Johnston in this case). However, this novel doesn't quite end. It's very clear that its just a set up for the next several novels in the series.

The main characters are mostly memorable. Victor is very likable and believable. Lem Jukes' insecurities and struggle to get out from under his father's shadow is very entertaining. We are also introduced to Mazer Rackham, but he doesn't get much ‘screen time' (he gets much more in book two).

Overall it was extremely enjoyable prequel to Ender's Game but doesn't get quite as personal as Ender's Game or nearly as philosophical as Speaker for the Dead.

3 1/2 stars.