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Book Summary InformationAuthor: Orson Scott Card Edition: Paperback Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2006-01-24 ISBN: 0765309041 Number of pages: 275 Publisher: Orb Books
Book Reviews of TreasonBook Review: Walking the earth, saving the world Summary: 5 Stars
An epic tale combining mystery and fantasy, Treason more than meets expectations--I'd even go so far as to say that it's one of Card's best. Although the storylines are completely different, Card visits moral dilemmas familiar to readers of the Ender series: is genocide an acceptable tradeoff for the salvation of an entire planet? Is the sacrifice of one individual justifiable for the greater good of an entire race? In Ender's Game, Card creates a cold and oppressive cage known as Battle School to confine young Ender. In Treason, Card creates a lush and diverse world for his protagonist Lanik Mueller to explore in his exile. Whereas Ender's growth is largely internal and self-driven, Mueller picks up extraordinary powers while walking the earth, meeting new people and learning new skills. Lanik is frequently forced to ask himself deeper questions about life, sacrifice, and identity, all the while understanding that the more he learns, the more complex and difficult his choices become. He starts the novel alone and a freak; saving his own skin is almost more than he can manage. He ends the novel with terrible powers and the responsibility that comes with them, forced to choose the best way to save a planet hurtling towards destruction and death. Unlike Ender, he is fully aware of the choice he must make, making his decision all the more anguishing and tragic.
Card takes many risks in creating a fantastic world that the reader must simply accept as is--this tale belongs more to the realm of fantasy than pure "science" fiction. Yet the risk pays off, making the reading experience all the more memorable. The reader is drawn in by the nature of the protagonist's grotesque transformation and the beauty of a world that stretches the imagination. The mystery and intrigue surrounding the planet's sudden power shifts keeps the plot moving nicely, and Card creates a strong and believable cast of characters to breathe life into the story, giving it a center and a soul. Finally, Card leaves the reader to ponder Lanik's decision in the face of a nearly impossible choice, in a world characterized not by black and white but by subtle shades of grey.
Treason will probably never garner the attention of a book like Ender's Game, but nevertheless it is an excellent and thought-provoking story. This book is a hidden gem in the canon of modern SF and fantasy literature that will reward the reader who takes the time to unearth it.
Summary of TreasonLanik Mueller's birthright as heir to planet Treason's most powerful rulership will never be realized. He is a "rad" -- radical regenerative. A freak among people who can regenerate injured flesh... and trade extra body parts to the Offworld oppressors for iron. For, on a planet without hard metals -- or the means of escape -- iron is power in the race to build a spacecraft. Iron is the promise of freedom -- which may never be fulfilled as Lanik uncovers a treacherous conspiracy beyond his imagination. Now charged with a mission of conquest -- and exile -- Lanik devises a bold and dangerous plan... a quest that may finally break the vicious chain of rivalry and bloodshed that enslaves the people of Treason as the Offworld never could.
Literature & Fiction Books
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Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbusby Orson Scott Card Tor; Published: 1997-02-15; Mass Market Paperback; BookBest price: $3.00Price in other shops: $7.99
The Memory of Earthby Orson Scott Card Tor Science Fiction; Published: 1993-01-15; Mass Market Paperback; BookBest price: $2.98Price in other shops: $7.99
Pathfinderby Orson Scott Card Simon Pulse; Simon Pulse; Published: 2010-11-23; Hardcover; BookBest price: $6.00Price in other shops: $18.99
Hidden Empireby Orson Scott Card Tor Books; Published: 2009-12-22; Hardcover; BookBest price: $4.84Price in other shops: $24.99
Seventh Son (Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 1)by Orson Scott Card Tor Fantasy; Published: 1993-06-15; Mass Market Paperback; BookBest price: $3.77Price in other shops: $7.99
The Lost Gate (Mither Mages)by Orson Scott Card Tor Fantasy; Published: 2011-11-29; Mass Market Paperback; BookBest price: $3.58Price in other shops: $7.99
The Worthing Sagaby Orson Scott Card Tor Books; Published: 1992-12-15; Mass Market Paperback; BookBest price: $3.99Price in other shops: $7.99
Pathfinder (Pathfinder Trilogy)by Orson Scott Card Simon Pulse; Published: 2011-10-04; Paperback; BookBest price: $6.73Price in other shops: $10.99
First Meetings in Ender's Universeby Orson Scott Card Tor Teen; Published: 2004-09-01; Mass Market Paperback; BookBest price: $3.62Price in other shops: $6.99
Shadows in Flight (The Shadow Series)by Orson Scott Card Tor Books; Published: 2012-01-17; Hardcover; BookBest price: $10.88Price in other shops: $21.99
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