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Orson Scott Card

Xenocide

Orson Scott CardFiction | 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

Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lusitania • Future

Publication Year

1991

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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