Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
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Themes
Synopsis
On Lusitania, Ender finds a world where humans and pequeninos and the Hive Queen could all live together. However, Lusitania also harbors the descolada, a virus that kills all humans it infects, but which the pequeninos require in order to become adults. The Starways Congress so fears the effects of the descolada, should it escape from Lusitania, that they have ordered the destruction of the entire planet, and all who live there. With the Fleet on its way, a second xenocide seems inevitable.
Is Xenocide appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
Contains themes of planetary destruction, genocide, and complex moral questions about annihilating entire species. Violence is discussed rather than graphic, with emphasis on ethical dilemmas and consequences of war.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include genocide, mass death, and death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be gripped by the impossible choice: save humanity or protect alien species facing extinction.