Shadow Puppets (Ender's Shadow Series #3)

The Bean and Petra Love Story

Shadow Puppets is a good book. Not as good as Shadow of the Hegemon. The book gets way too mushy and lovey dovey at times. Card spends an exorbident amount of time with Petra trying to convince Bean that he should impregnate her, and just when you think Bean is going to put his foot down for good, he is persuaded by an old man who, in a way, helped to create him. Durring Bean's persuasion to have children, it seems as if Card is preaching to people that thier only as good as their progeny, and are nothing if they do not bequeath upon the earth their offspring. The rest of the book is very good, bordering on excellent, with the exception that Card should have expanded on Virlomi's and Suri's roles. They were so important in Shadow of the Hegemon, and then they took such a back seat position. A must read for Card fans.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Sad to read a book so poor from Card

I hate to have to write a review for this book but I feel it is necessary. I have been a fan of Orson Scott Card for years and have ready everything that he has written. Unfortunately this book is a serious disappointment in both plot and, more pointedly, in dialogue. As the Battle School children are getting older they sound more and more like spolied children. Card should focus on his 'genius child' theme and avoid the children as they grow up, and should certainly avoid trying to write romance in any way shape or form. His moralization sounds weak and his characters are no longer believeable.Of course, even with this book being a bomb and it looking like the entire series has fizzled out, I still would recommend reading this book if you have gotten this far in the series. You wont like it, but how could you avoid reading it?

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Shadow puppets

This book will make a great movie someday!

Best Book I've ever read!

I just love how Card describes details! He inspires me to read more of his books! It's just so exciting to read Bean's a.k.a Julian Delphiki and Petra Arkanian's dilemmas. I recommend this book to everyone and Orson Scott Card's Fans!

Not bad...

Early on while reading 'Shadow Puppets,' the 7th volume in the Ender series (even if Ender never actually appears within its pages), I started thinking that Orson Scott Card had written what would have been called, in the old days, a potboiler. But in contemporary terms it might be closer to the mark to think that Uncle Orson has started putting Geoffrey, Emily, and Zina through college. I also assumed that following up on 'Ender's Shadow' and 'Shadow of the Hegemon,' this latest novel would complete the 'Bean Trilogy' and resolve the conflict between Bean and Achilles. However, this is something that 'Shadow Puppets' does and does not do. Certainly that is one of the threads of the this novel, as is the mortality of Bean's existence, his relationship with Petra, and Peter's efforts as Hegemon to stave off further Chinese incursions around the globe. But although we keep returning to Bean and Petra I never really get the feeling they are the true focus of the story. There are are a lot more players this time around in Uncle Orson's story, and actually the ones I found most interesting where John Paul and Theresa Wiggin, who finally prove to us once and for all where their three mega-children got their talents and abilities. Card worries in his afterward that he was making too many previous minor characters (i.e., battle school veterans) more prominent in this story, but I actually found that to be one of the better things about 'Shadow Puppets'; I especially liked Virlomi's simple but effective way of creating a spirit of resistance in India. Ultimately, I found 'Shadow Puppets' intriguing. Card finished writing this novel during the war in Afghanistan and his thoughts on what Islam might look like in the future and the honorable way to fight a war are quite interesting. This underscores Card's strength as a writer, that even when it seems he is telling a story in which not much happens, he still offers food for thought. There is a lot in here about families and familial relationships.The books ends with a bang, if you will, instead of a whimper, but it is not a big bang, which is certainly in keeping with Card's tendency toward underplayed conclusions: the ending is never the big moment you have been awaiting, but rather with how you live with the aftermath of the big moment once it is done. Granted, this is the least of the novels in the Ender series, and a minor effort from Card all things considered. But we are still talking Uncle Orson here, and even in his lesser works he never totally disappoints his readers.

Disagree

I think that this book is marvelously written. It is amazing how well Mr. Card knows world events. I think most people who rated this four stars rated it that because this is so new to the genre. The characters we all know and love as children are getting older. And this is m reasoning for why people cannot relate.

Card doesn't quite hold to his regular standards

I found that I couldn't really connect with the characters much at all in this book; something I've never been able to not do in Mr. Card's novels. I think if he had fleshed out the story more it would have been a much better book. Instead it feels rushed and not on the same level as Ender's Shadow or Shadow of the Hegemon.

A Good Read

Shawdow Puppets is the 7th installment in the Ender's Game series. The Third in the Ender's Shadow series. This book follows the paths of Julian Delphiki a.k.a. 'Bean' and Petra Arkanian. In Shadow Puppets Bean and Petra decide to try and have a kid, despite the fact of the Anton's Key, an altered gene found in Bean, would posses a danger for the children. This book has the usual Orson Scott Card writing all over it with, hard ethical dilemmas, and great story telling. I recommend it to anyone.

BEAN isn't dead THANK GOD, or Allah

I've always enjoyed orson scott card books. They sort of give you that wishful thinking that you could be there. Orson Scott Card can put a compelling story togther took me just a day to read it. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THESE BOOKS READ THEM HIGHLY RCOMMENDED

Overall Enjoyable

Shadow Puppets has once again provided a compelling read for Ender fans, especially those who enjoy the Bean/Petra pairing. Any romantic will enjoy the couple's early bantering and later romance (which is extremely PG-rated). However, there are some problems, for example, I agree that Virlomi and Suri should have been used more- OSC opens a new plotline with Suri's infatuation with Virlomi and never carries it through. On the other hand, the political aspects of the book are interesting and do not so much take a negative view of China but show that any nation, no matter its history or prestiege, can become an aggressor in certain circumstances. A brilliant touch is Peter's relationship with his parents being strengthened and Peter's subsequent change- for the first time Peter Wiggin shows the ability to unite the world, (with his parents support). All in all, an addition that deserves a place on the shelf, if not with Ender's Game itself, then certainly with Ender's Shadow and Shadow of the Hegemon.

Terribly unfair

What is this book but China-bashing? Orson Scott Card basically says that it's okay for the Muslims to go ahead and rule the world and crush China in the process but not China. I'm usually a big fan of Card's but I think in this book he has been terribly unfair. "The Middle Kingdom is not about tolerance." Speaking of the Muslims landing troops in China as "a public relations victory." It's made me very angry. After all, it's the United States that's going to attack Iraq for no reason and not China who wants to conquer and oppress the world. And something else I have never understood about this series: why especially do the main characters have to be children? Most of the times you don't even notice because they all act like adults anyway.

I disagree with the others.

In this novel the author, Orson Scott Card, focuses on secondary characters from ENDER'S GAME. ................ Peter Wiggin (a.k.a. the Hegemon, among other alias names), Julian Delphiki (a.k.a. "Bean"), and Petra Arkanian must deal with Achilles de Flandres. Achilles, if you recall from the previous books, was a genius. Mentally, however, he was very unstable. He wanted nothing more than the deaths of Peter, Bean, and Petra. Second on Achilles's list of things-to-do was to conquer all, starting with the Hegemony! ............ Suriyawong, Virlomi, Hyrum Graff, and Volescu appear as secondary characters. They were not just for show or used as "fillers" though. Each had vital roles in the book and possibly in the next. (My hope springs eternal.) .............. ***** If you have not read the previous books, I highly recommend that you begin at the beginning, with ENDER'S GAME. Not only because all in this series is fantastic, but also because you when previous characters or events are mentioned, you would totally understand the reference and feel more a part of Card's vast universe. This author does not insult the intelligence of his readers; therefore, he will not go into deep detail on past events. He just mentions a person or event and carries on with the current story. I love that in an author! ................ Orson Scott Card made a fan of me with ENDER'S GAME. Of course, since I enjoyed it so much, I handed it over to my husband and the "Ender's Bug" (as I call it) bit him too. Card quickly made his way from my list of "Good Authors", to my list of "Favorite Authors", and currently resides on my "Elite List" which contains only four names (and one of them are deceased). I tell you that so you may understand that I do NOT consider myself to be overly dramatic when I say, "If you love Sci-Fi, you MUST read this series!" .......... Orson Scott Card rules the Sci-Fi universe! ***** REVIEWED BY DETRA FITCH

Good Plots, Good Book

Shadow Puppets is a good book and I would recommend it to anyone. The plotline is good and there is the underlying Bean and Petra line. The subplot is almost more interesting than the real plot, but the climax more that makes up for the lack of action. If you're a fan of fast paced, action-packed books don't read this. If you enjoy a more intellectual read every now and then and enjoy being forced to think about what you are reading then get in your car right now and pick up this book.

there was very little romance

this book was sadly a drop off from the rest of the series. It begins pretty good but it is as though he lost where he was going and just wrapped up everything. I saw very little actual romance in the story, but I would be surprised if Card could actually make a decent book to follow this one. He has basically but not entirely ended the seires. He should have just written the first half of the book and waited for an idea before finishing it.

interesting side installment in the Ender¿s Earth series

Ender Wiggins led the victory over the Formics, but his brother Peter is named the Hegemon, leader of the waning worldwide government, a victim of its own success. Peter learns that the Chinese are afraid and weary of his rival Achilles, who has helped them expand their boundaries. They incarcerate the dangerous Achilles, but Peter rescues his enemy only to realize rather quickly that his foe is crazier, deadlier, and more devious than he imagined. Achilles takes power from Peter.

Peter¿s strongest ally Bean leaves to start a family with Petra before he dies, which is sooner than later. Bean and Petra agree that their children will not carry Anton's Key in their genes, as that is what is causing Bean¿s premature death. However, Achilles has his own plans for these unborn offsprings that include speeding up the deaths of the parents.

SHADOW PUPPETS is an interesting side installment in the Ender¿s Earth series though the title character is not the prime player as this novel focuses on Peter, Bean, and Petra. The story line is loaded with action and philosophy with Orson Scott Card contemplating the relationships between parents and children, among siblings, friends, and lovers, and amidst major religions. Though at times pontificating over the need of servicing one¿s community, the latest entry in this popular series proves the author still holds four aces when it comes to engaging the reader.

Harriet Klausner

Shadow Puppets Delivers the Greatness Expected and More

We all expected Shadow Puppets to be great. You won't be let down. Shadow Puppets faithfully delivers a page turning story, continuing the adventures of the characters we love and the characters we love to hate. With unexpected surprises at every turn, Shadow Puppets continues the story of Bean, Petra, Peter, and even the beloved friend of Ender, Alai. Immediately at the beginning of the book trouble begins as Peter takes on a task beyond his control, forcing Petra and Bean into hiding, and therefore creating one of the main premises of the book. Fear, Love, Desperation, Elation, and Sorrow is all there. Every step of the way this book will lead you down a path that won't soon be forgotten. If you enjoyed Ender's Shadow and Shadow of the Hegemon, this book is not one to miss.

A worthy novel in an amazing series.

While in my opinion, OSC has taken a step backwards while writing the Shadow books (a parallel series to Ender's Game, and its sequels), I found this book very interesting. I didn't like Shadow of the Hegemon (the 2nd book in the Bean saga) very much, I found this one to fix everything that was wrong in it. Shadow of the Hegemon, was flawed because the premise behind the story seemed so unbelievable. In a real world, a character such as Achilles would not be able to manipulate the world as he did in Shadow of the Hegemon. He wouldn't be able to even get a meeting with a high ranking official. Shadow Puppets however, revolves around greed, and how ones greed can come up to hurt that individual. Greed is a very real situation, and its common in governments around the world, so the premise itself for Shadow Puppets, was already an improvement over Shadow of the Hegemon. The improvements of course, did not stop there. This book included everything you come to expect from a book from Orson Scott Card, internal struggle, dealing with death, dealing with change, and most of all getting to know yourself (something we all are constantly doing). I've read complaints about Bean and Petra 'growing up too fast', but I think that these people fail to realize how much dealing with death changes a person. There isn't a person out there, who has gone un-touched by death, nor is there a person who was unchanged by their experiences. Shadow Puppets was a great book, and a great improvement over Shadow of the Hegemon (which was still a good book). If you are a fan of Card's this is a must read. If you are a fan of sci fi in general, this is a good read. But most of all, if you enjoy fast moving, but deep stories, this book is for you. While its not as deep as Ender's Game (or any of its sequels) there are still passages that make one think. I highly reccomend this book.

Awsome Book

This is yet another great book but OSC. But..it wasnt as good as most of his previous books. If you have read all the other books in the Bean series this is a must reader!!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Card does it again!

Another great installment in the Shadow Saga, a possibly better spin-off from the Ender Saga, starring Julian Delphiki(Bean), Petra, and Peter, against the devious Achilles. A must read.

Another winner from CARD!!!

Great novel, in the follow-up series by Card of the Ender Saga. GREAT DIALOGUE!!! It's great fun to watch the characters grow up. Card's writing is deep and insightful and as always, he is a master storyteller.