Book Trauma

I want half stars!!!!I went back and forth between 2 and 3 at least 3 times then settled on 3 stars.One of the reasons I read science fiction is just so I can suspend belief if even for a little while. A six year old leaving to become a soldier begs one to suspend all belief. I just couldn't. While the story was good I just couldn't buy child soldiers that acted like adults. Not to mention the blatant subtext of eroticism. How many times do we need to be reminded that they are naked. If it's innocent then mention it once and have done with it.The book is set in dystopian world which I gravitate towards when picking a science fiction book to read. Card does a great job of delineating the selection process and the effect it has on the kids themselves and the families involved. He also portrays kids for the little monsters they can be. There's the usual bullies, loners and followers and they all pretty much act as you'd expect including the hero.It's too bad that the hero is so perfect.Spoiler Time!I was far from surprised when we learn that the last set of games weren't games at all but "the real thing!"He also NEVER loses. I realize he is supposed to be a prodigy and that as a child he's not already set in his ways but six? It's a shame because the story truly gets interesting towards the end and you get a glimpse behind the fear and propaganda.