Heather

Almost immediate DNF for me, but my reasons not to read may be your reasons to pick it up... I know that this is a murder mystery, and dark turns are to be expected, but for me, personally, the first chapter was just too much all at once. I think it was well crafted, in that it was very visceral for both positive and negative emotions, but again, just too intense for what I can take. Trigger Warnings for Prologue and Chapter 1: talk of suicide/contemplating suicide, violence, implied SA. I've read other Patterson books and don't by any means think he's a bad writer, I was just not nearly prepared for what this book dished out page one. But that may be just what you're looking for, so I won't write it off for other people.

This book is easily my favorite of the Ender quintet, though for a time I wondered why this book specifically was the one I would consistently go back to. Part of it is my love for observant characters (including extraordinarily observant characters that seem almost psychic, like Andrew/Ender or Sherlock Holmes), but the other part is how much of a reward this story is for the pain of Ender's Game. It truly is the second half that shows the first book is a story half-told.

[Spoilers for Ender's Game here] While EG is brilliant, it follows the systematic breaking down of a boy's mind and body (to the point where he actually, physically collapses). SftD is the opposite - the systematic, hard-won but surprisingly gentle rebuilding of a man who is uncertain if he deserves the new chance at a second life he's offered. The most impressive part to me is the extreme yet believable nature of Andrew's compassion. I feel the connection between him and the Piggy named Human, and the brotherhood forged between them in a single meeting comes through.

My love for this book actually makes the later books harder to love, because where Andrew ends up is where I want him to be able to stay... but while I'm in this story, it's a beautiful life to see.

One of my favorite comfort reads to go back to over and over - while there are some big differences between this book and the Disney adaptation so many know, it gave me an even richer story to enjoy, with surprises and characters I came to love dearly (no pun intended). An older writing style might take a little getting used to for any not expecting it, but it's well worth it. Beautiful descriptions, wonderful mix of cozy & peaceful vs exciting and tense, this is a brilliant journey to go on, with a layered, satisfying conclusion. I can't say it enough, one of my favorite reads I've ever found, and I'm so glad I did!