[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by rollercoaster

I started reading first meetings and as soon as I reached the 3rd story, alarm bells started ringing in my head. So I didn't read it and will go by your recommendation. I would recommend reading the first two stories of 'First Meetings' before Ender's Game as that worked very well for me.

I don't remember why I decided to place those two stories where I did. Even though they came before Ender's Game I think I felt at the time that they gained a little context if read after Ender's Game. Reading Ender's Game first also set the hook for the series.

These two stories were Orson Scott Card's way of trying to back-fill a little context/character development about the parents well after the fact. As you move into subsequent novels you'll see that these short stories were almost required reading prior to continuing the series.

Originally Posted by rollercoaster

I am at the last chapter of Ender's Game which also has a novel by the same name (Speaker for the Dead). I assume this chapter wont affect/spoil the novel by the same name.

I believe that chapter is part and parcel of the first book and should be read as part of it.

The series is definitely a fun read.

Originally Posted by dwanthny

I updated/clarified the recommended order of reading.

I recommend reading them in the following (Chronological) order, the whole series is an excellent read and fits together best this way. The below books indented were recently released books that fit best as indicated, but they can be read after the main series as well.

Ender's Game
Ender's Shadow

A War of Gifts: An Ender Story
This short story takes place during Ender's Game. It was obviously a Christmas gift to Orson Scott Card's readers a couple of years back. I enjoyed this book. It is not critical to moving forward with any series but reading it after Ender's Shadow might be a good spot as it starts you thinking about Earth's future events.

First Meetings in Ender's Universe
Read the 1st two stories now. These two stories actually predate Ender's Game and could be read first, but gain a little context if read now. They do add depth to characters in the following books and should be read prior to continuing.
The Polish Boy
Teacher's Pest

Shadow of the Hegemon
Shadow Puppets
Shadow of the Giant
Ender in Exile

First Meetings in Ender's Universe
Read the 4th story now.
Investment Counselor

Speaker for the Dead
Xenocide
Children of the Mind

First Meetings in Ender's Universe
Read the 3rd story (optional) this is the original Ender's Game short story. You could read this now to see how Card developed/changed the characters between this short story and his novel. Do Not read this prior to the novel of the same name.