THE SILMARILLION by J.R.R. Tolkien

THE SILMARILLION by J.R.R. Tolkien

Tolkien, J. R. R., Tolkien, C., & Nasmith, T. (2004). The Silmarillion. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

GENRE: Fantasy

ANNOTATION: Welcome to Middle Earth! – The history, the myth, and the powers that be in the world of hobbits, elves, wizards, and more!

SUMMARY: The story begins with creation itself, what follows is a kind of systematic mythology, told as epic history. Conflict between good and evil is literally instantiated in the physical form of gods and angels. As the other children of the creator (Eru) appear, the decisions of his first creation will rule and the line between counsel and coercion will be tested. The very foundations of the known world will move with wealth and war – as centuries fall away, elves and dwarves give way to men. This story is a world unto itself.

EVALUATION: 5 - The book promotes basic themes of good and evil, and often warns of ‘unintended consequences both for good and ill. Tolkien argues for an objective morality without confusing confidence in belief with certainty in consequence. As with the best fiction, it is at once depth psychology, potent myth, and compelling history.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: Though not part of the Lord of the Rings Series and published much later, this book provides a guide to the fantasy world, Middle Earth.

ENDER'S GAME by Orson Scott Card

ENDER’S GAME by Orson Scott Card

Card, O. S. (1991). Ender's game. New York: Tor.

GENRE: Science fiction

ANNOTATION: Little Ender Wiggin quickly ranks up in Battle School excelling above all others. But can one boy really defeat the Buggers and save his planet?

SUMMARY: Andrew "Ender" Wiggin is the result of genetic experimentation. The world has been at war with an alien race they call Buggers for a hundred years. The only battle commander to ever defeat the Buggers has aged and they are actively searching for a suitable replacement. Ender's older siblings, Peter and Valentine, were observed for years. They seemed to have potential to be sent to battle school but they turned out unsuitable. In hopes for a child perfect for the task, the government allowed and asked Ender's parents to have a third child. At the age of six years old, Ender has been observed and deemed suitable to attend Battle School, making him the youngest student they've ever had. He knows if he accepts the assignment he will not see his family again for many years. But Ender knows why he was born and feels it is duty. He is accepted and boards ship to fly to another planet where he will begin his training. As soon as he leaves Earth he finds himself the object of one manipulation after another. It seems even the adults are picking on him. He soon finds that they are only trying to make him stronger and separate him as a leader. Battle School and the war games they simulate there get harder and harder. Ender is under a great deal of pressure. Will he be able to step up and command his team to save Earth from the Buggers when the time comes? Does he even want to? Ender grows and learns and makes many difficult decisions.

EVALUATION: 5 - The plot is carefully woven and brilliantly executed. The depth of character development and subplots make the book even more enthralling and realistic. The author draws the reader into another time.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: This is the first in a 9 book series called “Ender’s Game” or “Enderverse.”