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297th out of 962 books
—
105 voters
Laddertop, Volume 1 (Laddertop #1)
An original science fiction manga by the bestselling author of Ender’s Game and his daughter
Twenty-five years ago, the alien Givers came to Earth. They gave the human race the greatest technology ever seen— four giant towers known as Ladders that rise 36,000 miles into space and culminate in space stations that power the entire planet. Then, for reasons unknown, the Gi
Paperback, 192 pages
Published
September 27th 2011
by Tor/Seven Seas
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Laddertop, Volume 1 by Orson Scott Card and Emily Janice Card
3.0 to 3.5 stars
(A night at the Card's)
(Emily walks in to talk to her Uncle Orson, she's got big plans)
OSC: (startled) Oh, hi Emily. What are you doing here so early?
EJC: (black sheep of the family doesn't begin to explain her) Hi Unkie Orson, I had this great idea for a new book I want to write, but I think I need your help and your connections of course.
OSC: You know I'd do anything for family, what's the pitch?
EJC: So, I was thinki...more
3.0 to 3.5 stars
(A night at the Card's)
(Emily walks in to talk to her Uncle Orson, she's got big plans)
OSC: (startled) Oh, hi Emily. What are you doing here so early?
EJC: (black sheep of the family doesn't begin to explain her) Hi Unkie Orson, I had this great idea for a new book I want to write, but I think I need your help and your connections of course.
OSC: You know I'd do anything for family, what's the pitch?
EJC: So, I was thinki...more
When the Givers came to Earth, they made a gift of four towers that stretch from Earth to space stations. These space stations provide power for the whole world. Then the Givers disappeared. The towers were built in such a way that the only people who can fit to maintain them are children. Competition to get into Laddertop Academy is intense, and of the few who are invited, even fewer will make it to space. Robbie and her friend Azure have both been accepted to the Academy, but only one of them...more
Before I go any further, I'm going to admit that I listened to the audiobook edition (which was fantastic with a full cast of narrators and sound effects (the weird techno transition music was highly distracting however)) so I have no ability to comment on the effectiveness of the manga format for this story. However as Emily Janice Card had a hand in adapting it to audio, the whole package is very cohesive rather than the 'choppy' effect that usually happens whenever a highly visual/illustrated...more
Jan 07, 2012
Kayt
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Children who like comics/manga
Shelves:
graphic-novels
It is 2012, why aren't we done with this nonsense? The whole "psuedo-manga = automatic awesome!" thing is so 2005. Also, Trollface was apparently used as the template for half the adult males.
This only deserves one star, but I'm adding an extra one because younger readers probably won't mind as much.
There was an interesting story in there, somewhere. The idea of the aliens and technology is cool, but SO much of the dialogue is stilted or just bad, and the book skims over so much to get the kids...more
This only deserves one star, but I'm adding an extra one because younger readers probably won't mind as much.
There was an interesting story in there, somewhere. The idea of the aliens and technology is cool, but SO much of the dialogue is stilted or just bad, and the book skims over so much to get the kids...more
I'm sorry to bring Ender's game here--I probably wouldn't have noticed so much had it not been PRINTED on the COVER that it was by the same guy...but then...everything just seemed to be IN Ender's world. Very aggravating sometimes when I clearly see the similarities, even if they are brought to life through the drawings. I wasn't hoodly-doodly for the drawings because...it was...not..manga drawings really. It was a really Americanized form of manga that even graphic novels can recreate without b...more
(originally reviewed on starmetal oak book blog)
I feel like it will be hard to review this book because it's just the beginning of a larger story. For a first volume, though, I enjoyed it and found it to be interesting enough to persue.
The story, at least from what I hear (I never read Ender's Game), is similar to that book in that it has a young protagonist that goes into training in space. In this case it's a girl names Roberta ("Robbi") and the story follows how she is accepted to a school...more
I feel like it will be hard to review this book because it's just the beginning of a larger story. For a first volume, though, I enjoyed it and found it to be interesting enough to persue.
The story, at least from what I hear (I never read Ender's Game), is similar to that book in that it has a young protagonist that goes into training in space. In this case it's a girl names Roberta ("Robbi") and the story follows how she is accepted to a school...more
LADDERTOP starts off on Earth with an application competition to an elite academy which trains children for working 36,000 miles up at the top of a tower. This first volume goes through the competition, election, training, and transportation through the tower of the chosen children. The Earth scenes look modern day but the story takes place 25 years after aliens visited Earth, built the towers, and then disappeared.
Robbi and Azure are best friends who are both in the competition. Robbi is the qu...more
Robbi and Azure are best friends who are both in the competition. Robbi is the qu...more
Oct 30, 2011
Greta is Erikasbuddy
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Grandparents who want to buy their kids manga
Shelves:
book-publisher-sent-me-to-review,
comics
It's unclear to me if "LADDERTOP" is based in the future or not. But 25 years ago this alien race that we call the GIVERS gave it to us.
Laddertop consists of four big towers (ladders) that go up to the Space Station that is called 'Laddertop'. Clever, huh? Cuz you get to the top of the Ladder.
So, think of a primitive Deep Space 9, maybe. THat's what I was thinking of. Or maybe a more advanced MIR.
11 year old girl, AZURE really wants to be picked to go to Laddertop. It's been her dream for like e...more
Laddertop consists of four big towers (ladders) that go up to the Space Station that is called 'Laddertop'. Clever, huh? Cuz you get to the top of the Ladder.
So, think of a primitive Deep Space 9, maybe. THat's what I was thinking of. Or maybe a more advanced MIR.
11 year old girl, AZURE really wants to be picked to go to Laddertop. It's been her dream for like e...more
I am no comic book/manga/gamer/sci-fi expert. At all. My comic book experience only goes back to the Archie comics and Garfield comic books. So I don't know if I am especially qualified to review this book on a technical level. I don't know the lingo or definitions of what makes a book a comic or a graphic novel, or a manga. But I do know what I like and I'll base this mini-review on that.
When I started reading, I thought I would be lost. I felt the synopsis gave me enough of a base to go on an...more
When I started reading, I thought I would be lost. I felt the synopsis gave me enough of a base to go on an...more
So often I read an audio book and think, "This would be wonderful if it had multiple voices and a few sound effects!" When I noticed this "enhanced" audio book on my library's site, I happily downloaded it even though I'm rather disinclined to read Orson Scott Card due to some previously read and disliked books.
In the beginning, it worked. The voices helped make it interesting and I was driving along, enjoying the story. Then, it just stopped being fun and started being dull. This is how it sou...more
In the beginning, it worked. The voices helped make it interesting and I was driving along, enjoying the story. Then, it just stopped being fun and started being dull. This is how it sou...more
Ender's Game meets Contact, plus alien-created, Harry Potter-esque sorting hat. This graphic novel felt like it had a lot of rich detail that, in my limited experience, doesn't often find its way into such works.
I liked little things like their selection of the code word Grampa "because he's cool"--seemed like a Card-family inside joke and/or a tip of the hat to and appreciation of Grampa Card. The nickname Nine for the character Ixchab was also very clever. The fact that Azure thinks Robbi is...more
I liked little things like their selection of the code word Grampa "because he's cool"--seemed like a Card-family inside joke and/or a tip of the hat to and appreciation of Grampa Card. The nickname Nine for the character Ixchab was also very clever. The fact that Azure thinks Robbi is...more
First, let me say I got this book from Goodreads as an advance reading copy.
I had some issues with this book- most of which are probably best considered quibbling. I don't read manga as a rule, so I'm not familiar with the artistic conventions of the genre- which might have improved my experience. I wish the artwork had been in color- this would have made identification of the different characters much easier, and would have improved the experience.
The biggest problem with the book is that it...more
I had some issues with this book- most of which are probably best considered quibbling. I don't read manga as a rule, so I'm not familiar with the artistic conventions of the genre- which might have improved my experience. I wish the artwork had been in color- this would have made identification of the different characters much easier, and would have improved the experience.
The biggest problem with the book is that it...more
This book was very gratifying to read because it was exactly what it appeared to be when I impulsively pulled it off the Meltdown Comics shelf: Orson Scott Card story told manga style.
All the OSC stock are intact: politicking adults, mysterious aliens, and perceptive children in militaristic space environs. The typical manga iconography we all love is there as well: SD/chibi caricatures, and speed lines that read like I'm watching Sailor Moon.
Mad drama is set off the bat, but not in a Kardashian...more
All the OSC stock are intact: politicking adults, mysterious aliens, and perceptive children in militaristic space environs. The typical manga iconography we all love is there as well: SD/chibi caricatures, and speed lines that read like I'm watching Sailor Moon.
Mad drama is set off the bat, but not in a Kardashian...more
Interesting. At the moment, at least it feels like a variation on Ender's Game with a heroine instead of a hero, but the distinctions are sufficient and the characters interesting enough to make it fun in its own right. It is after all, only superficially similar to Ender's Game. Card's style works well in the comics medium as he's talk heavy anyway. (Not mean to be a critique, just my impression.)Young kids, of both sexes, are selected to go work on a space station created by aliens, while the...more
This book is exactly the reason why I hate all of his works after Shadow of the Giant. Why would he be invovled in a project like this, even if it is to help ot a family memeber. Does he not know it is ripping the exact premise from his masterpiece, Ender's Game. If someone came to me with a idea similar to one of my works, I would throw the person out the door, and never speak or see him or her ever again. I just think is willing to publishing anything to appeal to the masses in order to make m...more
I read Laddertop (Vol. 1) this morning. It's a manga series that seems to be aimed primarily at an audience of pre-teen girls. I'm not in the target demographic (being a 36-old male), but I still thought the central mystery is very intriguing. I'm interested in seeing where OSC and Emily decide to go with it.
Certain story elements are clearly reminiscent of Ender's Game (e.g., kids training in zero gravity; dream visions sent from an unknown alien race). This is probably unfortunate, as a lot o...more
Certain story elements are clearly reminiscent of Ender's Game (e.g., kids training in zero gravity; dream visions sent from an unknown alien race). This is probably unfortunate, as a lot o...more
I won an ARC of this book through Goodreads and was so excited to start reading it. I was curious about it being a graphic/comic book and found the artwork to be great. I read a lot of manga and could see similarities in the artwork. I was pleased that I could really tell each character apart.
The story line in this one just gets the story going. There are a lot of unanswered questions, but I am not surprised since this is volume 1. I am interested in reading more. I do hope though that this isn...more
The story line in this one just gets the story going. There are a lot of unanswered questions, but I am not surprised since this is volume 1. I am interested in reading more. I do hope though that this isn...more
Graphic novel about two best friends who want to be accepted to the Laddertop Academy, a space training station. This Academy accepts only the best - and the shortest - people who undergo training and then testing to be selected to work in space. Much of the technology comes from alien lifeforms that humans do not fully understand. One of the girls makes it to the work selection while the other does not, but there is something special about her. Interesting first book, I would really like to rea...more
Pretty interesting little comic / story, but is sadly just volume 1. There is good set up for an intriguing story that I want to catch more of, but have no idea how long I'll have to wait.
Yes, it's a little like Ender's Game, but I came in with low expectations and things look like they have some good places to go--looking forward to more about the aliens, Robbi's importance in the scheme of things, etc.
I'll probably keep reading at least the next one once it's out, or I might just grab wikipedi...more
Yes, it's a little like Ender's Game, but I came in with low expectations and things look like they have some good places to go--looking forward to more about the aliens, Robbi's importance in the scheme of things, etc.
I'll probably keep reading at least the next one once it's out, or I might just grab wikipedi...more
I was really impressed by this book. I grabbed it off the shelf at the library because it's by Orson Scott Card. I wasn't expecting much, but was really taken off guard by how invested I got in the story. This is only the first volume, and of course it ends with a cliffhanger so I'll definitely be looking for the new ones as they come out! There is a lot of mystery as to what's really going on with the story right now, so I look forward to when the next volume comes out and maybe some of the mys...more
LADDERTOP VOL. 1 by Orson Scott Card & Emily Janice Card is a fun foray into sci-fi graphic novels. If you’re a fan of Orson Scott Card it’s definitely worth picking up.
Robbi is chosen to go work in The Ladder, a structure left by aliens that extends up into space. Only children can fit into the webbing-like tubes in order to do maintenance and keep the Ladder in working order. Anyone who’s read the Ender books will definitely start feeling nostalgic in reading LADDERTOP. Though different al...more
Robbi is chosen to go work in The Ladder, a structure left by aliens that extends up into space. Only children can fit into the webbing-like tubes in order to do maintenance and keep the Ladder in working order. Anyone who’s read the Ender books will definitely start feeling nostalgic in reading LADDERTOP. Though different al...more
Robbi is a young girl (in Middle School, I think) who ends up getting into Laddertop Academy because her mother secretly sent in her application. Her best friend Azure wants to go so badly, and they both get accepted to the academy for training. While there, Robbi has a string of strange experiences connected with to the mystery surrounding the aliens that gave Earth the Laddertop towers. No one really knows anything about the advanced technology, how to change it, how to fix it, and definitely...more
For those who like Japanese comic books (manga), this will be right up your alley. I didn't really focus on the word "manga" when I signed up for this giveaway, so I was a little surprised when I opened the book and realized it was a comic book. I was pleasantly surprised with the story! Yes, it is only volume 1, but it is still intriguing enough to wonder what the mystery behind the Laddertops are. I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway and I'm glad that I did.
(Review of ARC - advance reader copy)
Really enjoyable story about kids being selected and trained for work in a space ship/building created by aliens called Givers. The story reminded me a bit of Ender's Game. I was really engaged by Roberta and Azure's friendship and journey to Laddertop Academy. At the end of this volume, I definitely wanted to know what happens next. Highly recommend for upper elementary through junior high.
Really enjoyable story about kids being selected and trained for work in a space ship/building created by aliens called Givers. The story reminded me a bit of Ender's Game. I was really engaged by Roberta and Azure's friendship and journey to Laddertop Academy. At the end of this volume, I definitely wanted to know what happens next. Highly recommend for upper elementary through junior high.
This was a fun read. I got this for my manga-loving daughter too. I thought she would like it - but the subject matter did not interest her.
But, I loved the subject matter and I am anxiously looking forward to the next installment.
Some of it is reminiscent of Ender's Game (young kids being sent to do work that only they can do). But, it is a totally different story and the protagonist is very interesting.
But, I loved the subject matter and I am anxiously looking forward to the next installment.
Some of it is reminiscent of Ender's Game (young kids being sent to do work that only they can do). But, it is a totally different story and the protagonist is very interesting.
This was really cute! I'm not normally one for hard science fiction. As soon as space travel and aliens are involved, I start to get wary. I found this surprisingly enjoyable, and very kid-friendly. I'll be interested to see where this goes.
EDIT: I feel I should mention that I have actually never read Ender's Game, since several people are saying there are similarities.
EDIT: I feel I should mention that I have actually never read Ender's Game, since several people are saying there are similarities.
It's an intriguing start to a series. Just enough to meet the characters and get a taste of plot. I don't read a lot of manga, but it wasn't a big distraction once I figured out how to tell a few of the similar looking characters apart. It's a quick read, so if you're looking for a longer distraction, make sure you have multiple volumes.
My main complaint is that this book is really just setup for what has the potential to be a really exciting series. True to other Orson Scott Card books, the interesting questions have been posed and the characters have each started to blossom into their own unique personalities, but there are really no resolutions given in this series starter.
I actually didn't mind it. It was the first manga I've ever read and I sat down and read it in about an hour. The problem is there wasn't really a closing point and obviously that is due to the fact that it is the first book in the series. I'm thinking that the series will expand into a clever story and hopefully we'll get some answers
This book suffers from first-book-in-a-series syndrome: it lacks a cohesive story, instead simply setting up for the projected story arc. As such, annoyingly lacking in answers, as it tries to suck you in for future volumes.
It failed.
Also, I didn't think that the manga-style art was the best choice for this book.
It failed.
Also, I didn't think that the manga-style art was the best choice for this book.
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Orson Scott Card is the author of the novels Ender's Game, Ender's Shadow, and Speaker for the Dead, which are widely read by adults and younger readers, and are increasingly used in schools.
Besides these and other science fiction novels, Card writes contemporary fantasy (Magic Street, Enchantment, Lost Boys), biblical novels (Stone Tables, Rachel and Leah), the American frontier fantasy series Th...more
More about Orson Scott Card...
Besides these and other science fiction novels, Card writes contemporary fantasy (Magic Street, Enchantment, Lost Boys), biblical novels (Stone Tables, Rachel and Leah), the American frontier fantasy series Th...more
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14 oct. 13:17