rot0708

Sometimes I can be embarrassed to admit that I'm reading a fiction book, especially one that is mostly popular among teenagers, and ESPECIALLY one that is a 600 page science fiction book in the middle of a series. They just don't seem like appropriate reading material fpr intellectually well-rounded people. But I have to say that this series--and Xenocide in particular--would be appropriate for those who are looking for a good discussion of ethics and human nature. Humanity believes that it is wrong to destroy other forms of life; and yet when they are presented with a challenge their first reaction is for those in power to become militant with the attitude of shoot first, ask questions later. Card shows an excellent, fictional-yet-believable example that history does in fact repeat itself. He also starts hashing out a position on the ethics of genetic manipulation, which he will return to much more fully in the Shadow series. Not only are the moral quandries captivating, the plot is exciting and keeps you hoping for the best the whole way through. In spite of the facts that the sheer length of the book means that it will drag through some areas and the end is only a set up for the next novel, this book is a good read and a solid addition to the series.

2023-01-07 00:35