Ender's Game

Title: Ender's Game

Author: Orson Scott Card (The first of the Ender Quintet)

Genre: Science Fiction, Classic, Dystopia

Review: This book has been on my to-read list for what seems like forever. However, I'm not going to lie, the movie that was just recently released may have spurred me forwards, even if just a bit. I was not disappointed.

I'm used to seeing lists of classic books that you need to read in the science fiction genre, especially if you are going to be writing that type of style. Which I do. Thus, the thought that I should be reading this has been going through my head for what seems like forever. I really, really enjoyed it. It's one of the best books that I've read in a while, and that's saying a lot, as I am pretty easy to please when it comes to books.

Ender's game follows Ender, a six year old boy, as he is recruited and constantly trained in Battle School. He faces many difficulties, including being hated by the other boys and girls at the school because of his young age. This book spans many years, and ends when he is twenty-two years of age. There are several sub-plots having to do with the people that are training him, as well as his brother and sister that remained on Earth. As I was nearing the end of the book, I was crossing my fingers for an amazing ending, and I must say I wasn't disappointed. There was a major twist near the end of the second to last chapter, and I'm pretty sure my jaw was dropped for most of the last.

Even though I enjoyed this book a lot, I wouldn't recommend it for kids that are more on the younger side; there are quite a few mentions to nudity, and a bit of language throughout. The entire book is also centered around wars and battles, and there are several direct deaths that you see happen. However, if you're okay with these things, then Ender's Game is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, an amazing read, and I would highly recommend it.

The Hound of the Baskervilles

Title: The Hound of the Baskervilles

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle - The third of four Sherlock Holmes novels

Genre: Classic, Mystery

Review: I have always been a big fan of Sherlock Holmes. The way he is portrayed throughout his countless movies and television shows has always left me breathless and begging for more. The way he could solve a case using seemingly pointless facts was amazing to me. I always wanted to be just like him. However, I have just gotten around to actually reading one of the original books, and I'm certainly glad that I did. The book was interesting and intriguing, and I especially liked the point of view it was written in; first person, but from Watson's perspective. It give it more depth, and clearly shows Watson's admiration for his friend.

The Hound of the Baskervilles, though it was the third Sherlock Holmes book written, is perfectly able to be read on it's own; characters are introduced as if you had never heard of them before. This case concerns the Baskerville family, and the legend surrounding them. It is rumored that a giant hellhound has cursed the family, and will be the cause of their deaths. It was all a myth, until Sir Charles dies suddenly, seemingly from shock, with the footprints of a large hound mere feet away from the body. 

The book is well written and paced, and never once did I think that it was becoming boring. One of the most amazing things about how this book was written was the way that Doyle was able to surprise you, through the character of Holmes. He reveals a major twist, as if it is nothing at all; like we all should have known it to begin with. And, in retrospect, it makes sense. I really enjoyed reading this book, and, beyond a shadow of a doubt, would recommend it to anyone looking for an interesting classic to read.