Book Review: Children Of The Mind

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Children Of The Mind     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Orson Scott Card
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Series: Ender Wiggin # 4
Tor, Aug 2002, $15.95, 347 pp.

Ender Wiggin continues to redeem his life following the genocide he once caused. Ender resides on the planet Lusitania, home to the indigenous Pequeninos, a human settlement, and the Hive Queen he saved.

Ender soon finds life is a circle as the weapon that he used thousands of years ago has come to destroy his adopted home. The Starways Congress has sent a fleet to destroy the planet out of fear of a virus traced back to Lusitania. They also want to kill Ender's friend, Jane the computer for they are afraid of her ability to control communications. Jane tries to save the sentient races of Lusitania before the Congress shuts down her intergalactic Net. Meanwhile Ender makes a last stand by creating replicas of his brother Peter and his sister Valentine.

The conclusion of the Ender’s series is a strong entry that readers will appreciate if they have read the previous novels. The tale provides the Orson Scott Card’s powerful philosophy of involvement inside a strong redemption story line. However, many threads tied up in this novel will mean nothing to new readers, as this book is not a stand-alone. Still CHILDREN OF THE MIND is a fine finale (with new dangling threads) to a wonderful series.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner