Exile... Bridge to Speaker For The Dead

Well, I was not entirely honest in my last post.  I have not yet read "Trading in Danger".  It is still sitting on the headboard of my bed.  The reason for this?  Books-A-Million had in stock "Ender in Exile".  This novel, by Orson Scott Card, tells the story of Ender and Valentine from the time they leave earth and runs through, and a bit beyond, Ender's discovery on Shakespeare (a small spoiler, but he actually came up with the name of the colony while en route).  My initial response?  This was a BAD-A$$ novel.  It was the perfect continuation of the story lines from not only Ender's Game, but also the Ender's Companion novels.  I won't say more, but if you are a fan of the series, and have not read this novel, go out and get it.  Right now.

I have also ordered the collection of short stories that Card published as well.  The collection is titled "First Meetings.  At least one of them, "Investment Counselor", is right along the lines of a continuing opening up of the Ender universe.  If you've read the series, I'm sure that by this point in my narrative, you can guess what and who that tale is about.  Or, if you read the after-word for "Ender In Exile", you certainly know.  I don't often read short story collections, but I am making an exception here.  Now, I can only say that I hope Exile isn't the final book written about the time between "Ender's Game" and "Speaker For The Dead".  Three Thousand (or thirteen) years does, after all, give one a lot of time for stories to tell, even skimming along at the speed of light.