A War of Gifts

A War of Gifts

"A War of Gifts", a story by Orson Scott Card, is set during the time frame of the novel, "Ender's Game" (also by Orson Scott Card). It takes place while Ender is part of an army at the school he trains at to battle the Buggers. It introduces a new character along with developing another one from "Ender's Game" that readers didn't get to know really well. The story focuses on religious and culture diversity at the school. It also shows Ender facing the challenge of helping another student (trainee).

It's not as deep in plot as the other novels in the Ender series are, but it's still a good story to read adding some character development to lesser-known characters. I think it's a good example of how well Orson Scott Card writes. I mainly recommend this story/book to adults (especially those who like the novel, "Ender's Game"). I personally would allow my kids to read it when they are teenagers, but probably not when they are younger than 12 or 13. The reason why is because it has a few crude words. I don't think it has more four or five. That is the only thing I dislike about it.

Overall, I rate this story 4 stars out of 5. The reason why is because like the story, the character development, and overall Card's writing. If y'all loved the novel, "Ender's Game", I'm sure y'all will love this story.

Enjoy!

Goodreads.com has this summary:

Orson Scott Card offers a Christmas gift to his millions of fans with this short novel set during Ender's first years at the Battle School where it is forbidden to celebrate religious holidays.

The children come from many nations, many religions; while they are being trained for war, religious conflict between them is not on the curriculum. But Dink Meeker, one of the older students, doesn't see it that way. He thinks that giving gifts isn't exactly a religious observation, and on Sinterklaas Day he tucks a present into another student's shoe.

This small act of rebellion sets off a battle royal between the students and the staff, but some surprising alliances form when Ender comes up against a new student, Zeck Morgan. The War over Santa Claus will force everyone to make a choice.