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Xenocide

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1991

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Book Brief

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Orson Scott Card

Xenocide

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1991
Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lusitania • Future

Publication Year

1991

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Orson Scott Card’s Xenocide, the story unfolds across two planets: Lusitania and Path. On Lusitania, humans, Pequeninos, and the last Formic hive queen coexist with the deadly descolada virus essential to Pequenino life but lethal to others. On Path, genetically modified humans display superintelligence alongside obsessive-compulsive behaviors. The novel tackles ethical dilemmas in science, cross-species coexistence, and religious and moral questions, with characters striving to address the descolada threat and uncover their own origins. Violence and a depiction of an attempted suicide are present.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Challenging

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.0

166,514 ratings

65%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Orson Scott Card's Xenocide is praised for its philosophical depth and intricate plot development. Fans of the series appreciate its exploration of complex themes like morality and the nature of consciousness. However, some readers find the pacing slow and the narrative dense. Despite these flaws, it remains a compelling read for dedicated followers of the Ender Saga.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Xenocide?

A reader who would enjoy Xenocide by Orson Scott Card is likely a fan of intricate science fiction narratives that explore complex ethical and psychological themes. Similar to readers of Frank Herbert's Dune or Isaac Asimov's Foundation series, they appreciate well-developed characters, political intrigue, and philosophical questions regarding humanity and alien species.

4.0

166,514 ratings

65%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Ender Wiggin

The protagonist whose persistent drive to connect and support others is central to the narrative. He struggles with self-awareness and maintains relationships with diverse characters, such as Jane and the family he marries into.

Ender's sister, known for her intelligence and impactful sociopolitical writings under the penname Demosthenes. Although deeply compassionate, she often remains in the background as an observer.

A unique form of intelligent life that originated as an interactive computer program connected to Ender's past. She evolves into an independent entity with a strong will to protect others.

Once the eldest of his siblings, his time traveling alters his age, causing him to return as the youngest. Miro's life is marked by his fight for interspecies communication rights and his struggle with physical disabilities.

The matriarch of the Rebeira family, known for her past traumas and current manipulative traits. Her work and interpersonal relationships are often tangled in emotional complexities.

A dedicated scientist and Novinha's daughter, who focuses on combating the descolada virus. As a xenobiologist, her intelligence shines in collaboration with others.

One of the youngest Rebeira siblings, he is a physicist whose aggressive and hot-headed nature complicates his decisions. His actions are pivotal in intensifying the story's conflicts.

A xenobiologist who often clashes with her family, known for her contrarian nature. Her decisions drive crucial plot developments.

A godspoken individual from Path whose devout beliefs heavily influence her actions. Her character arc takes her from skepticism to a strong devotion to the gods and Congress.

Coming from the servant class on Path, she displays intelligence and ambition beyond her social status. She grows throughout the story, balancing her insecurities while contributing innovative ideas.

Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lusitania • Future

Publication Year

1991

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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