In the 22nd century man has expanded out from Earth, establishing colonies as far out as the Antilla colony orbiting Jupiter. The inhabitants of the Antilla colony and others living at the end of the solar system are referred to as "Enders" by those occupying the inner regions of Mars and Earth--a word with connotations similar to "country bumpkin". But when an attack force of orbital frames from the independent military faction Bahram attacks the Antilla colony, a young Ender called Leo Stenbuck is thrust into the melee. After witnessing the deaths of his friends at the hands of a giant red frame, Leo stumbles upon a prototype frame called Jehuty. The onboard computer ADA explains that Jehuty is the reason why Antilla has been attacked, and Leo must deliver it to the transport ship Atlantis waiting to deliver it for use on Mars. As they struggle to get to the Atlantis, Leo and Jehuty must battle through hundreds of enemies and save the colony--home to thousands of innocents--from annihilation. Along the way, ADA must teach Leo the skills he will need to become a competent frame runner and complete his mission, and Leo must strive to teach ADA about humanity--respect for life, love and sacrifice.