"The story line is loaded with action and philosophy"
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
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted August 12, 2002
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