Speaker For the Dead is an excellent sequel to Ender's Game. The importance of the religious theme may appear scary at first, but whatever his personal beliefs are, Card doesn't get carried away.

The book relies on a strong development of the characters, as Card explains in his introduction. While I think the story start in an excellent way, it becomes weaker after the arrival of Ender on Lisutania. For example, given his powerful friend Jane, his famous sister Valentine, and his overall knowledge of the universe, one would expect him to act more like a hero. He does have a gift for understanding people and discovering the truth, but beyond that he often appears empty. Also, one would have expected that a single fact had led to the demise of Pipo and Livo, but the final explanation is disappointing. And I keep wondering why Ender did not try to get in touch with his sister right upon his arrival on Lusitania? After all, he had a free long distance plan thanks to Jane.

All in all though, the story remains captivating and quite consistent.

-Erik Bruchez

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