Years ago, when a friend told me I should read “Ender’s Game,” a 1985 novel by Orson Scott Card, I was more than happy to take the recommendation.

“What’s that you say? It’s science fiction?” I asked. Maybe not such a good idea.

Despite my unfounded aversion to science fiction I decided to pick up the award-winning book. All of my misconceptions about science fiction drifted away with each page I turned. Not only was it commendable for the believability of the plot, but also for its highly developed characters.

The book is set in the future, decades after an alien war has devastated Earth. It centers about Ender Wiggin, an incredibly gifted child who is sent to an advanced military school in outer space at just six years old. He is monitored because of his promising intellect and is soon thrust into a leadership position that leaves the fate of humanity resting on his shoulders.

What made this book powerful for me was the exceptional evolution of the characters. Card does an outstanding job of putting the reader in the mind of Ender, who struggles with wanting to annihilate his enemies while remaining morally clear. Ender, along with the other children at Battle School are captivating, but most importantly, calculating. Every action has a consequence, and while they’re training to protect humanity, the most important actions are for self-preservation.

Considering that this remains one of my favorite books I’ve ever read (a bold statement, I know), you can imagine my excitement when I heard that Ender’s Game would be hitting the big screen. I was thrilled, especially upon hearing that the cast includes such greats as Harrison Ford, Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine, My Sister’s Keeper), Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit), Asa Butterfield (The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Hugo), and Ben Kingsley.

Then I started to worry a little. Despite its amazing cast and the impressive advancements in CGI today, can Ender’s Game live up to my expectations? Will the film be more than just a science fiction thriller, reaching further to explore the psyche of the characters? I guess those questions will only be answered when the film is released on March 15, 2013.

They say that actions speak louder than words, but in this instance I’m cautious to agree. Card’s written words have set the bar extremely high for this group of very talented actors and filmmakers.