I began reading Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card this past weekend, and, predictably, I can’t put it down. Brilliantly written, ties in beautifully to the Enderverse yet remains completely fresh.
Particularly well written, and heartbreaking, is the depiction of Bean’s childhood on the streets of Rotterdam. Brutal, harsh, and utterly believable even though my mind wants to reject this point of view from its cozy, sheltered outlook on the world.
Go read it.