Earth Afire

Written by Orson Scott Card and Aaron Johnston

Narrated by Stefan Rudnicki

One hundred years before Ender's Game, the aliens arrived on Earth with fire and death. Earth Afire by Orson Scott Card and Aaron Johnston is the story of the First Formic War.

Victor Delgado beat the alien ship to Earth, but just barely. Not soon enough to convince skeptical governments that there was a threat. They didn't believe that until space stations and ships and colonies went up in sudden flame.

And when that happened, only Mazer Rackham and the Mobile Operations Police could move fast enough to meet the threat.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Jun 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781427230973

Orson Scott Card

Orson Scott Card is best known for his science fiction novel Ender's Game and its many sequels that expand the Ender Universe into the far future and the near past. Those books are organized into the Ender Saga, which chronicles the life of Ender Wiggin; the Shadow Series, which follows on the novel Ender's Shadow and is set on Earth; and the Formic Wars series, written with co-author Aaron Johnston, which tells of the terrible first contact between humans and the alien "Buggers." Card has been a working writer since the 1970s. Beginning with dozens of plays and musical comedies produced in the 1960s and 70s, Card's first published fiction appeared in 1977--the short story "Gert Fram" in the July issue of The Ensign, and the novelette version of "Ender's Game" in the August issue of Analog. The novel-length version of Ender's Game, published in 1984 and continuously in print since then, became the basis of the 2013 film, starring Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley, Hailee Steinfeld, Viola Davis, and Abigail Breslin. Card was born in Washington state, and grew up in California, Arizona, and Utah. He served a mission for the LDS Church in Brazil in the early 1970s. Besides his writing, he runs occasional writers' workshops and directs plays. He frequently teaches writing and literature courses at Southern Virginia University. He is the author many science fiction and fantasy novels, including the American frontier fantasy series "The Tales of Alvin Maker" (beginning with Seventh Son), and stand-alone novels like Pastwatch and Hart's Hope. He has collaborated with his daughter Emily Card on a manga series, Laddertop. He has also written contemporary thrillers like Empire and historical novels like the monumental Saints and the religious novels Sarah and Rachel and Leah. Card's work also includes the Mithermages books (Lost Gate, Gate Thief), contemporary magical fantasy for readers both young and old. Card lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, with his wife, Kristine Allen Card. He and Kristine are the parents of five children and several grandchildren.

Reviews for Earth Afire

[poemyhero · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had wanted to read this book for a long while, as it's always on the "classics" list. Ender’s Game is one of those books that I found I hate and like. I don’t know if it was Card’s intention to make the reader feel as tired, frustrated, and hopeless as Ender felt while reading it, but that’s how I felt much of the time. It really wiped the energy out of me. I was hooked in the beginning and I began to fade about a quarter of the way through. Yet when I got to the ending I really liked it. I didn’t love how much it exhausted me. I did really like how everything tied in. I loved the points that Card was trying to make. I really really empathized with Ender’s character. I just adored Valentine. She was probably my favorite character. So I was both annoyed with this book and enjoyed it, if that makes any sense at all. I would only recommend it to other who have the patience to give it a chance,read, and absorb all that is in it, because there is MUCH to absorb. I will add that I do understand why it won the Nebula and Hugo Awards. Ultimately, it is one of those books that was frustrating for me to read, but looking back (and after having read the ending) I feel that it was well worth the frustration. As much as I hated being frustrated and as much as it drained the life out of me to read, I think that it was important to feel that frustration and exhaustion because it brought me closer to the character, Ender.

[clurb · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The first and still the best SF book I've read. Always gripping, no matter how many times you pick it up. The characters remain full of life and grow with each reading.

[aleahmarie_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nearly a century has passed on Earth since the last Bugger invasion. Violent and unprovoked, the alien attack was successfully repelled. The fear that their destructive arrival established in the people of Earth was not. Unwilling to be caught unprepared should another onslaught fall from the skies, the government of Earth has been establishing an army of elite soldiers -- all of them children.Ender is the Third child and an outcast from the start. His cunning genius and open empathy have made him a prime candidate for Battle School. Never mind that he is only 7-years-old.In this keystone of the science fiction genre, Card creates an intricate, futuristic world with well-developed and engaging characters. You'll find yourself aching for and cheering on young Ender as he struggles to distinguish friend from foe. A page turner.

[khrystibooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel raises very interesting philosophical questions. When do children become adults, and really what difference is there between children and adults? In whom do we put our trust and why? What is the nature of good and evil? Is war inevitable, and is "righteous" war ever really possible? I never felt completely secure reading this novel-like Ender, the reader is constantly second-guessing everyone's intentions. Brilliant twist at the end.

[mairz_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is great if you are just getting into Science Fiction because it is an easy read with a lot of interesting characters. I liked this book a lot because it took me to a new level of child labor. How cruel and intense is that? You love it right?

[sinshenlong · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Was recommended this book via forum when I asked about books with detailed action scenes *this was before I read dresden files and vampire hunter D of course). Anyway now that I finally sat down to read it as my first sci fi read in ages, I come to categorize it as one of the best books I've ever read. From the very first chapter I realized the concept was similar to a few ones I've seen before but in the thriller genre and instead of pretty boy teenagers, the genius was in the form of a 6 year old kid- that alone warranted me to finish this book. Plot: As said before the book is centered around 6yr old Andrew (Ender) Wiggin and his trials as a third born child in the family. The law at that time in the future was that no family is to have more than two children without government permission otherwised they'd be taxed heavily etc. However this family wasn't normal, as the first two kids were both geniuses and Ender wasn't any different. The world in this book is steeped in a war between the human race and this alien raced termed 'Buggers' who have far superior numbers, technology and intelligence than us humans. Well at least that's what was thought however mankind has invested years in creating this school which harvests child geniuses and prodigies and rear them from as early as eight to become the admirals and generals of their fleet to fight the Buggers. And this is where Ender's story begins, as a third whose very existence is to fight the Buggers and the fate of mankind rests on him. It may sound a bit typical from the premise but I assure you it is not. From the very get go there is a huge psychological thriller going on between the characters. For one Peter; Ender's older brother who is just as brilliant as Ender but perhaps crueler has had this secret wish to destroy his little brother and doesn't keep it a secret. While Ender's older sister Valentine shares the intelligence but has more compassion for most people especially Ender. * Bare in mind these characters are less than ten years old.* And this sort of isolation and jealousy continues as the story progresses and Ender develops more into the genius killer he is needed to be. With new characters setting their sights on the boy and pushing him to the limit. I could go much deeper but I'm trying to keep spoilers to a minimum.The books style is engaging too, with every chapter beginning with a conversation between military higher ups regarding Ender's education and a sort of insight on what twisted plans they have for the boy. And the chapter then deals with how Ender handles that plot and eventually how it helps him to grow as a soldier. I also loved the hidden meanings behind the dreams and games which Ender has, and how they relate to each character interaction he has and how he is influenced as a human being. It truly is a deep deep book. Only one thing bugged me really and stopped me from giving it a full 5 stars. The imagery was very very bland at times I almost felt like the characters were in a world of white. But then again the environment hardy mattered because I was so caught up in each person's mind and conflicts that I could care less where they were in my head. And as I mentioned the battles, I will say these are some brilliant strategies here and when Ender is ruthless and efficient its almost astounding. The recommendations were definitely not out of place in this one where battle was concerned. All in all its a great book, I'm going to measure all my sci fi reads with this unconsciously from now on. And I am resisting the urge to read the rest of the series simply because I have started too many other series already lol. 4 1/2 out of 5 stars !

[inserttitlehere · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm not usually huge on sci-fi novels, but this one is absolutely amazing, it hooked me immediately and I sped through it. It's an amazing read that I highly suggest to any reader, even those who strictly prefer other genres.

[endersreads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As popular with the soldier as is with the Nintendo fanboy, "Ender's Game" is THE Sci Fi novel of the 1980's generation. Orson Scott Card gives us a character to whom we all can relate, and who we all wish we were. There are so many facets of this novel that I could touch on. I believe the most notable to be the portrayal of internet medias used by Ender's brother and sister to take over the world. Could this be how it is done in our reality? Internet 2? Get busy reading this so you can move on to the other Ender series novels of Mr. Card's!

[colea1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In this sci-fi adventure, a young boy named Ender Wiggin is born to be the commander of a fleet against intergalactic aliens, the buggers. The buggers speak telepathically with their minds. They attacked twice already, and now the humans are determined to defeat them before they can strike again. Ender, only 6 years old, is sent to battle school, a space station that teachs children space combat. He learns quickly their, winning all his battles. Soon he is advanced to commander school, where, unknowingly, he is commanding the third invasion, killing the buggers. He finally destroys their home planet, ending the war, becoming a hero. Then, he and his sister, Valentine, travel to the bugger home planet to be the first to colonize and start a new life.

[level250geek · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The writing style is a bit thick and it's hard, at times, to keep track of who's who, but this ultimately a good book about the ethics of warfare, seen through the eyes of a teenage boy. Ender Wiggin is chosen to attend a special military academy where he learns how to fight an alien race that almost defeated humanity once before. His fellow classmates are other young boys and girls. The crux of their training is a game, not unlike paintball, that tests their physical dexterity and mental capacity. While you won't remember every minute detail, and there are parts of the book that get just a little weird, such as when Ender gets lost in a constantly-changing virtual world, teens who enjoy space opera but want something a bit more on their level or with a main character to whom they can relate will enjoy this one.

[crayolacrayon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ender's Game is a very good book to read when you feel like you need something a bit different from everything else. It has violent parts, though, and it would not be a good idea to let younger children read it.

[pyromaniac21_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ender's Game is a masterpiece. Card shows off his best work: flawless vocabulary, seamless transitions, two stories building on top of each other, extremely creative. The list goes on and on. I wish that all of his books could have been this good.

[mysteena · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I wanted to like this book because so many of my friends/family just love it. It was just too sad. I kept thinking of my own kids when Ender went through the different trials of his life, when he was the same age as Petey or Zack. I couldn't comprehend them reacting in a similar fashion. I'm sure there are genius children out there who might behave like Ender, but for the most part it felt too unrealistic. I know, it's sci-fi, it's not suppose to be realistic. But, to my mind, good sci-fi is based on some degree of reality. I just can't reconcile the children in the book with children that I know in real life. But, I gave it a try :)

[tonyasb · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read the book for the first time when my mother introduced it to me. I think it might have been about 10 years ago. I was very impressed. For a long time I had been reading nothing but Fantasy and this wonderfully constructed novel of children in space learning to be battle commanders fascinated me. As celebrated as this book is, I found myself drawn more to the Speaker for the Dead. Ender's story continues for many novels and in each one he is challenged in ways that seem impossible to live though much less continue living sanely. Speaker for the Dead drives home the message that was under the surface of Ender's Game: life is sacred, even if that life is the enemy. This is something I actually didn't truly get until this third reading. I understood it on the surface but just realized only recently how much the reinforces my own beliefs. Interesting considering my beliefs are nothing like the author's.

[phyrexicaid · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It might be literary pornography, but that didn't stop me enjoying it!

[caitlinspencer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Surprising and delightful!

[eceleste_13 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A favorite. The sense of relationships and meaning of leadership are riveting, even if Ender seems a few years too young to think the way he thinks. The twist at the end blew me away when I first read the book and took my son by brilliant surprise when I read it again with him more recently. A war story, packed with action, that somehow radiates a message of respect and peace. None of the sequels get quite as good. This book is special.

[bijubh_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Earth has beaten off the first invasion by an alien species called 'buggers'. A second invasion is feared and the military is gearing itself up to face them again. The main setting in this book is a 'Battle School', a space station where young children are subjected to a rigorous training program designed to select the best battle commanders.The primary objective of the battle school is to select a supreme battle commander out of the wet-eared kids sent to them. The protagonist is Ender Wiggin, a 5 year boy who is uprooted from his family and sent to the battle school. The book is a tale of the isolation suffered by Ender and how he evolves into the top candidate for the Battle Commander. Will Ender be able to come out on top? This is a gripping tale narrated with sensitivity and a must read, not only for fans of scifi but also for people not interested in this genre.

[warriorcat190 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful experence for readers of fiction, fantasy, and everythig else!

[girl_detective · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The book is a chilling meditation on the power adults have over children in the control of environment and information. It also ponders the relation between the military and the state, and what each person owes, or doesn't, as a citizen. Ultimately, it wonders what it takes to be a killer, and whether killing is an inevitable result, whether out of fear, self-preservation or power. Card's thorough and complex characterizations of Ender and his siblings, as well as the momentum created by a strong plot, make this an engrossing and provocative read for fans of science fiction and heroic myths, like the Harry Potter saga.

[_________jt_________ · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can't precisely recall the way Ender's Game made me feel when I first read it, how it interacted with my junior-high soul in a harmonious, symbiotic relationship, but I can remember that that feeling was very strong indeed. It holds up, too, after many repeated readings. It's so utterly right in every way.

[berbels_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my all time favorite books. Card has really grown as a story teller and his writing about interpersonal relationships pushed this into my top 10 books of all time. The struggles to adjust and conform and still do the right thing always resonate with me. Following Ender's growth to where he has to do what must be done was mesmerizing.

[bradsucks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best science fiction books I've read.

[horomnizon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

So many big ideas going on in this book focused on the story of a young boy who was created to save the world and now has immense pressure placed on him to do so. On a future version of Earth, they are preparing for a third war with alien 'buggers' and the humans are desperate to find a commander who can conquer them once and for all. So, after Ender's siblings prove too unstable (one too power-hungry, the other too compassionate), Ender is hoped to be a mix of the two.The training is grueling - even cruel at many times. We get a glimpse into the adults' minds through conversations about what to do with Ender next as he continually exceeds their expectations. Can Ender save the world? Should he? Will he ever have a real friend or see his family again?Many heavy issues going on about power struggles, inner strength, the importance of friendship, and some good old political commentary, too. Delivered in a fun-to-read story that keeps you on the edge of your seat to see what Ender will accomplish next or if he'll break down under the pressure.It's the first in a series of 11 books, but I have to say that it stands alone quite well. Not sure whether or not I'll pick up the others. I'm sure I would like them, but I already feel like I know enough of the story. (I probably will, though!)

[nead0530 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

i feel this a great book age appropate for 8th and 9th graders maybe up. this sci fi fantasy book is really great it is just full of action to make you sit on the edge of your seat

[prop2gether · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very readable story of a young man who is taken to school to learn to lead and fight--to save the human species from buggers. I enjoyed the reading, but the story had only one real twist and then the epilog set the characters up for the sequels which have followed.

[rrhowell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Not only did I like this book, but my oldest son read it to the family one year. He started on a long car drive, and his brother and sister stayed up until 1 in the morning to listen to him finish. I like it as the beginning of the series that moves on to Speaker for the Dead, but that is science fiction for adults (IMHO). The other series for which it is the starting book is much lighter and of a more "pot boiler" variety. Quick page turners. But Ender's Game is the starter for both, and it's not every novel that can say it starts two series.

[clstaff · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I can see why this book was a popular read for high school english classes. Well written book about human psychology. For some reason it didn't make me want to read any more of the series. The movie will be out around 2013, should be great. Can't wait!

[greggrimes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best books I have ever read. I will undoubtly read it again one day. This book really made me think. I have read sevearl other biiks by Orson Scott Card, but this was the best. Ender's Shadow was a close second.

[ewyatt_16 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This time around I listened to part of the audio tape, and it was well done. Ender is taken to Battle School, identified to be the best candidate of the children in his family to help lead the earth to victory against the buggers. Ender is pushed to his limits and beyond by the powers that be. He proves to be a brilliant strategist and leader, but struggles to connect with the others in battle school. He is filled with doubts about whether he is as rutheless and as capable of killing as his brother, Peter. Meanwhile Ender's older siblings are using their gifts to change the course of politics on earth.