The Gods Themselves

Originally published: 1972
Author: Isaac Asimov
 

Genres: Classic Science Fiction, Space Opera, Science Fiction, Adventure

 
One more gem from the greatest science fiction author of the century. This book is a masterpiece. Even if you are not a fan of science fiction, this book is still for you. I think this story is one of the most imaginative stories ever and it is not at all complex or hard to understand. Just read it and treat yourself.
 
A clever idea and concept behind the story and how it was executed. But remember it is not a fast-paced spaceship chasing, blaster shooting adventure. It is about the lifeline of a universe at stake story involving physics, but don’t worry all of it is explained in a very simple way.
 
You are going to get emotionally attached by the end of this book but strangely this book can be three different books because it consists of three chapters and all of these chapters can be read as three separate stories. AND no robots in this book. Instead, a device (with variants) is one of the most important items in the three universes in this book.
 
One of the best stories by Isaac Asimov and it shows. A lot can be said about this book because I found no flaw in it except it is kind of slow for the people who want just action. The world-building, the characters, the creatures, and the parallel universes, all are done with detail and you can feel the work put into this story by the author.   
 
An excellent read for everyone.
 
Synopsis:
“In the twenty-second century Earth obtains limitless, free energy from a source science little understands: an exchange between Earth and a parallel universe, using a process devised by the aliens. But even free energy has a price. The transference process itself will eventually lead to the destruction of the Earth's Sun—and of Earth itself.

Only a few know the terrifying truth—an outcast Earth scientist, a rebellious alien inhabitant of a dying planet, a lunar-born human intuitionist who senses the imminent annihilation of the Sun. They know the truth—but who will listen? They have foreseen the cost of abundant energy—but who will believe? These few beings, human and alien, hold the key to Earth's survival.”
 

Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
 
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The Robots of Dawn

Originally published: 1983

Author: Isaac Asimov

Book 3 of 3: The Robots Series

Genres: Artificial Intelligence & Semantics, Classic American Fiction, Hard Science Fiction, Classic Science Fiction, Space Opera, Science Fiction

Review

Once again a novel with science fiction and mystery combined at the background of a murder and the search for the murderer. This book concluded the trilogy of The Robots series.

The mystery is good and keeps you guessing…the ending was nice and I liked it. Very well written. You can actually read it as a solo but I don’t recommend it, because you need to know some background of the characters and cultures.

This book is twice as long as the first two books in this series and you get to see the full use of the three laws of robotics by the author. You are going to read all of this between the difference of cultures that are as strange as they are far from the earth and even the earth society is changed its ways of living. But one thing is always great in Isaac Asimov’s novels and that is his vision of the future.

Again a great connection to Asimov’s universe that he created by somehow combining most of his stories with some kind of link between them.

Hundred percent recommended but I must remind the reader that this one is not on the level or class of the previous book in the series called The Naked Sun.

Synopsis:

“A millennium into the future two advances have altered the course of human history: the colonization of the Galaxy and the creation of the positronic brain. Isaac Asimov's Robot novels chronicle the unlikely partnership between a New York City detective and a humanoid robot who must learn to work together.

Detective Elijah Baiey is called to the Spacer world Aurora to solve a bizarre case of roboticide. The prime suspect is a gifted roboticist who had the means, the motive, and the opportunity to commit the crime. There's only one catch: Baley and his positronic partner, R. Daneel Olivaw, must prove the man innocent. For in a case of political intrigue and love between woman and robot gone tragically wrong, there's more at stake than simple justice. This time Baley's career, his life, and Earth's right to pioneer the Galaxy lie in the delicate balance.”

Rating: 100/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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The Naked Sun

Originally published: January 1957

Author: Isaac Asimov

Book 2 of 3: The Robots Series

Genres: Artificial Intelligence & Semantics, Classic American Fiction, Hard Science Fiction, Classic Science Fiction, Space Opera, Science Fiction, Mystery

This book is the second in the Robots Series and same as the first book it was first published as a series in “Astounding Science Fiction” from October to December 1956 and later published in the book form in 1957.

This book is a murder mystery and a science fiction combination with returning main characters from the previous book. The book focuses on the unusual traditions, customs, and culture of a new planet and it is not earth. But the population uses robots for everything as with many of the planets in this future of millennia ahead of our time.

You are going to find out about the first law of robotics by Asimov and what it can do to a robot. This book is a mixture of a lot of this author’s talents like the well-planned story, mystery, and world-building. Plus don’t forget his great ideas are always present on every page.

Don’t forget to read the first book “The Caves of Steel” before you read this book because they are directly connected and you may not get some stuff that is happening in this one.

This book has it all that you can expect from a science fiction book from the classic era with twists and surprises with cleverly invented technology that was impossible at the time but now feels real and in our grasp very soon.

It is one of the better stories and mysteries from this series that needed an open mind and out-of-the-box thinking to solve. A good read that makes you want to think of all the unusual stuff and cultural issues that this story has to offer. A must-read that may make you want to read all of Isaac Asimov’s books because his worlds and universes suck you in these books even they are just fictional and usually contain a lot of talking and drama.

Synopsis:

“A millennium into the future, two advancements have altered the course of human history: the colonization of the Galaxy and the creation of the positronic brain. On the beautiful Outer World planet of Solaria, a handful of human colonists lead a hermit-like existence, their every need attended to by their faithful robot servants. To this strange and provocative planet comes Detective Elijah Baley, sent from the streets of New York with his positronic partner, the robot R. Daneel Olivaw, to solve an incredible murder that has rocked Solaria to its foundations. The victim had been so reclusive that he appeared to his associates only through holographic projection. Yet someone had gotten close enough to bludgeon him to death while robots looked on. Now Baley and Olivaw are faced with two clear impossibilities: Either the Solarian was killed by one of his robots--unthinkable under the laws of Robotics--or he was killed by the woman who loved him so much that she never came into his presence!”

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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The Caves of Steel

Originally published: 4, February 1954

Author: Isaac Asimov
Book 1 of 3: The Robots Series
 
Genres: Classic Science Fiction, Hard Science Fiction, Space Opera, Science Fiction
 
Once again an amazing book series by the visionary author Isaac Asimov. He wrote many books about robots and AI and I read them all. The robots in these books feel alive and real unlike mindless monsters in many other books and stories and that is what makes these books so different from the rest.
 
This book was first published in Galaxy Magazine as a serial from October to December of the year 1953. While reading books from this era you need to understand that these authors had no idea about mobiles and some other technologies that we use now, but still, they were able to create amazing futuristic worlds and universes with humanoid robots and spaceships to cross galaxies in a blink of an eye.

The name of this book is a reference to what the cities of the earth are supposed to feel and look like in the far future and it is not a bad concept. In the Foundation series, you are going to find this concept in one of the main planets also and it was kind of a way to connect the books. Indeed, both these universes are the same and everything that is happening is happening at different times in the same universe.   

 
The only problem when reading these old books is the treatment of women and kids but especially women are not acceptable in these times. It is not the fault of the writer because he wrote these books in those times when it was normal behavior and society was okay with it. The way to read these books is to understand this issue and don’t think much about it. Just pay attention to the main story and have fun.
 
This book is a murder mystery and a science fiction combination and you can actually find clues left by the author for you to find and solve the mystery with the characters. That was a good idea by the author unlike the authors who purposefully hide detail from the readers and that is a very cheap trick to create fake mystery.
 
You are really going to enjoy this book and the series and you’ll get to read about the integration of robotics’ three laws by Mr. Isaac Asimov in this book. Now, these laws are a part of real-life AI laws and you need to read about these laws before you start your journey into the AI world.
 
 
Synopsis:
“A millennium into the future two advancements have altered the course of human history: the colonization of the galaxy and the creation of the positronic brain. Isaac Asimov’s Robot novels chronicle the unlikely partnership between a New York City detective and a humanoid robot who must learn to work together.  
 
Like most people left behind on an over-populated Earth, New York City police detective Elijah Baley had little love for either the arrogant Spacers or their robotic companions. But when a prominent Spacer is murdered under mysterious circumstances, Baley is ordered to the Outer Worlds to help track down the killer.  
 
The relationship between Life and his Spacer superiors, who distrusted all Earthmen, was strained from the start. Then he learned that they had assigned him a partner: R. Daneel Olivaw.  Worst of all was that the “R” stood for robot—and his positronic partner was made in the image and likeness of the murder victim!.”
 
 
Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
 
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Forward the Foundation

Originally published: 1993

Author: Isaac Asimov

Book 7 of 7: Foundation

 

Genres: Classic Science Fiction, Dystopian Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure, Galactic Empire Science Fiction

 

This book is the second of two Foundation Series prequels. It's written in the same style as the original novel "Foundation," which is divided into chapters with time gaps/jumps between them.

 

This book was the author’s last book before his death and I am really sad for it because he was a genius and knew what he was doing. If you observe the main character Hari Seldon, then you are going to notice that he was like a literary alter ego of Isaac Asimov and I think it is true because he was way ahead of his time and had many similarities with the author and you can call this an autobiography of the author because if you read what Hari Seldon is doing and saying is actually what Isaac Asimov was thinking and wanted to say to the world.

 

Some of the stuff from this book feels so real in these days and one of the examples is the mobs in Washington DC storming Capitol Hill. I think some of these great authors had time machines or they had future vision because lots of the stuff I read in those books is coming true with every passing moment.  

 

I am giving full ratings because it was the last work of a great writer and the main character is basically what I think is the author himself talking about his real-life thoughts and observations of his society through a character in his book.

 

You can start the series with this book also and it will be enough to make you understand the main plots and what is going on in the next books. But it is just a suggestion because if I am a reader who is reading a series, then I want to read all the books from that series, and it must be in a sequence.

 

Well written and gripping, a must-read for all the fans of this series. I hope we can continue sharing these books with our next generations because we are almost in times that were mentioned in these books.

 

Synopsis:

“The second of two prequel novels in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series

 

THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE UPCOMING APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION, COMING 9/24/21

 

As Hari Seldon struggles to perfect his revolutionary theory of psychohistory and ensure a place for humanity among the stars, the great Galactic Empire totters on the brink of apocalyptic collapse. Caught in the maelstrom are Seldon and all he holds dear, pawns in the struggle for dominance. Whoever can control Seldon will control psychohistory—and with it the future of the Galaxy.

 

Among those seeking to turn psychohistory into the greatest weapon known to man are a populist political demagogue, the weak-willed Emperor Cleon I, and a ruthless militaristic general. In his last act of service to humankind, Hari Seldon must somehow save his life’s work from their grasp as he searches for its true heirs—a search that begins with his own granddaughter and the dream of a new Foundation.”

 

 

Rating: 100/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

 

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Prelude to Foundation

Originally published: 1989

Author: Isaac Asimov

Book 6 of 7: Foundation

Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure, Galactic Empire Science Fiction

This novel is one of the two prequels of the Foundation series and you are going to read about the main or spiritual hero of this saga in this book and his name is Hari Seldon. This time it is not few pages or a chapter or two, instead, it is a full story and life of this character. I must remind you that this is the prequel to the original trilogy of the Foundation series, but that name is present in all the books of this series.

It is advisable to read at least the first three books in the series before reading this to feel the difference between Hari’s life before all his accomplishments. One other thing that you can do is to start the series from this book and think of it as the first book in the series. That way you may feel the grandness this character achieves in later books. The choice is yours but both ways are kind of a great idea to start on this epic journey if until now you read none of these books.

It is about a genius who has no idea about how great he is and once all the great powers want him and his idea, then he starts to realize what he can actually accomplish. It is a fun and enjoyable read in a hard science background.

As with the last book, the author shows that this books universe is connected with the Robots series and basically it doesn’t matter in the books but it feels good to know that all of that was happening in the same universe while this character was doing something, it was indirectly connected to some other character in some other book that we loved.

Overall a good story and buildup even we already know what this man is going to do in the future but still, it feels good to read about his life and how much he changed and had a realization of his greatness in building a future for humanity. As always brilliantly done by a brilliant author.

Synopsis:

“The first of two prequel novels in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series

THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE UPCOMING APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION

It is the year 12,020 G.E. and Emperor Cleon I sits uneasily on the Imperial throne of Trantor. Here in the great multidomed capital of the Galactic Empire, forty billion people have created a civilization of unimaginable technological and cultural complexity. Yet Cleon knows there are those who would see him fall—those whom he would destroy if only he could read the future.

Hari Seldon has come to Trantor to deliver his paper on psychohistory, his remarkable theory of prediction. Little does the young Outworld mathematician know that he has already sealed his fate and the fate of humanity. For Hari possesses the prophetic power that makes him the most wanted man in the Empire . . . the man who holds the key to the future—an apocalyptic power to be known forever after as the Foundation.”

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Foundation and Earth

Originally published: 1986

Author: Isaac Asimov

Book 5 of 7: Foundation

Genres: Classic American Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopian Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure, Galactic Empire Science Fiction, Science Fiction

This book is going to lift the curtain from a lot of mysteries and answer many questions plus this time we are going on a journey to find a planet that was supposed to be the birthplace of humanity and was called Earth.

This story can be followed from the Foundation's Edge but can be a standalone book if you want but I suggest readers must read all the books in the series before reading it to be able to know everything that is happening or names that are being used.

The way this book is written is like it was going to be the final book of the Foundation series because of the way all the loose ends and expeditions from that era in the story concluded but thanks to the author for not ending the series as he planned. Later he published more books, extending the series and I am glad for that because I love reading long series that is part of an even bigger universe like this book universe is connected with the Robots series, it was one of my most favorite book series and I wish there were more books from that series. (Next, I am reviewing the Robots series.)

This book is way different from the other book in the series and the plot is not as complicated as it was in other books related to main Foundation plots. It is like a spaceship plot generator and you are going to read about so many famous things and missions that were later copied or twisted in other space-related books and movies. The story is great and I liked it even more once I realized the Robots series is a part of this universe.

You are going to imagine characters from famous movies while reading this book. It is not that the author stole anything, he is the pioneer and others follow him.

Just two more books to go from this series and then time for Robots series, I am really excited about reviewing that series and I recommend it, same as this series.

Synopsis:

“The fifth novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series

THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE UPCOMING APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION, COMING 9/24/21

Golan Trevize, former Councilman of the First Foundation, has chosen the future, and it is Gaia. A superorganism, Gaia is a holistic planet with a common consciousness so intensely united that every dewdrop, every pebble, every being, can speak for all—and feel for all. It is a realm in which privacy is not only undesirable, it is incomprehensible.

But is it the right choice for the destiny of mankind? While Trevize feels it is, that is not enough. He must know.

Trevize believes the answer lies at the site of humanity’s roots: fabled Earth . . . if it still exists. For no one is sure where the planet of Gaia’s first settlers is to be found in the immense wilderness of the Galaxy. Nor can anyone explain why no record of Earth has been preserved, no mention of it made anywhere in Gaia’s vast world-memory. It is an enigma Trevize is determined to resolve, and a quest he is determined to undertake, at any cost.”

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Foundation's Edge

Originally published: 1982

Author: Isaac Asimov
Book 4 of 7: Foundation
 
Genres:  Classic American Fiction, Classic Science Fiction, Dystopian Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure, Science Fiction, Galactic Empire Science Fiction
 
This book feels fresh and well written than all three books before it. I think the reason is the times it was written, and the other thing is the writing experience the author had at this time.
 
Reading this book is not what you were expecting to read, because it is not like the last three books. This time it is more character-driven, unlike the past books that were all about technology plots and twists. Still, it is a part of the main series and starts after the five hundred years of an event from the last three books but I am not mentioning the event just in case someone didn’t read the previous books.
 
It is well written as you can expect from a master like Mr. Isaac Asimov and grips you for most of the time but in the end, some people may not like it but that entirely depends on who is reading. The main reason is the technology that is introduced but I loved it because I knew the hints and the way these were copied in other books and even a lot of games. It is written in almost the modern era so you can actually feel the transformation of tech in this book to our daily lives now and what we can see coming in our future.
 
This time it is about an enemy thought to be extinct but still in control from the shadows with strings to power in hand. I felt a technology war is going on and we are going to see which side has better tech plus a new concept that is being used in many movies and science fiction ever since this book came out. We already found out about mind control or mind manipulation, but this time this concept increases to the point of planetary level and that is what I liked a lot.
 
Even with this great plot I believe in free will and that may be the reason some of the readers may feel conflicted and that is all I can say about this subject. Comment or message me about your thoughts on this matter after reading the book.
  
 
Synopsis:
“The fourth novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series
 
THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE UPCOMING APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION, COMING 9/24/21
 
At last, the costly and bitter war between the two Foundations has come to an end. The scientists of the First Foundation have proved victorious, and now they return to Hari Seldon’s long established plan to build a new Empire on the ruins of the old. But rumors persist that the Second Foundation is not destroyed after all—and that its still-defiant survivors are preparing their revenge. Now two exiled citizens of the Foundation—a renegade Councilman and a doddering historian—set out in search of the mythical planet Earth . . . and proof that the Second Foundation still exists.
 
Meanwhile someone—or something—outside of both Foundations seems to be orchestrating events to suit its own ominous purpose. Soon representatives of both the First and Second Foundations will find themselves racing toward a mysterious world called Gaia and a final, shocking destiny at the very end of the universe.”
 
The only reason I am not giving a full rating is the way it may not feel good to some readers at the last parts of the story.
 
Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
 
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Second Foundation

Originally published: 1953

Author: Isaac Asimov

Book 3 of 7: Foundation

Genres: Classic American Fiction, Classic Science Fiction, Dystopian Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure, Classic Short Stories, Science Fiction Short Stories

This book basically completes the original trilogy but was not the end of the Foundation series as we can find four more books from this series after this one.

A lot is happening in this book and the story turns around and you are facing the main issues of the first book but that is intended and intentional by the author because he wanted to complete all loose ends at the end. A new way of controlling and manipulating is invented. I am only hinting on the stuff that is going on but I am not using exact words to describe anything here for the benefit of the readers who still didn’t read the first two books. The author never lets you get a hint of what is actually happening until the end and that is what I like about these books.

A message for the female readers… as you know these books are from a time when reading or seeing a female in these science fiction stories was very rare and in these books, it is the same. I found two girls worth any mention and I am sure you are going to enjoy reading about them but don’t forget, they are in a male dominant society unlike what our society is now... for example smoking is in all the meetings and is a norm, or a man disapproving of an idea just because it was given by a woman.

For me, it was something that a female reader can use to get inspiration instead of feeling bad or getting mad. Yes, some parts may feel cringe-worthy in these times but you can learn what it was like for the women in those times even if they were shown to be in modern society thousands of years in the future.

This book ends the first trilogy grandly and is one of the most crafted and fixed stories out of the first three books. It is compelling and interesting even after so long and many rereads for me and that is because of the great writing of the author who was able to spin a science fiction saga that doesn’t feel outdated even after so much advancement in our society and actual scientific knowledge.

I was confused at the announcement of the TV show but I know they can do justice to the books and going to show the action side of these stories instead of the main drama and talking from the books.

When I was a kid I thought it is different from all other books and when I grew up and read it again, then I realized what makes it so different. It is written in a way that the characters are just tools to tell us a great story of ideas that are grand like the universe.

Synopsis:

“The third novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series

THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE UPCOMING APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION, COMING 9/24/21

The Foundation lies in ruins—destroyed by a mutant mind bent on humanity’s annihilation. But it’s rumored that there’s a Second Foundation hidden somewhere at the end of the Galaxy, established as insurance to preserve the knowledge of mankind. Now a desperate race has begun between the survivors of the First Foundation and an alien entity to find this last flicker of humanity’s shining past—and future hope. Yet the key to it all might be a fourteen-year-old girl burdened with a terrible secret. Is she the Foundation’s savior—or its deadliest enemy?

Unforgettable, thought-provoking, and riveting, Second Foundation is a stunning novel of adventure and ideas writ huge across the Galaxy—a powerful tale of humankind’s struggle to preserve the fragile light of wisdom against the threat of its own dark barbarism.”

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Foundation and Empire

Originally published: 1952

Author: Isaac Asimov

Book 2 of 7: Foundation

Genres: Classic American Fiction, Classic Science Fiction, Dystopian Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure, Classic Short Stories, Science Fiction Short Stories

At the moment I am writing and rewriting the start of this review but can’t, it is not because my brain is frozen, it is actually the classic case of not writing about something that gives away the story of the previous books when writing about a series. I have so much to say but problem is, it all involves how to connect this book with the previous book.

Let’s see what I can write without spoilers for the previous book. The most beautiful thing about the first book was the word “Foundation” because it represented something great and it was used as a name for something that I think is better for you to find out by reading the first book.

In the first book, a guy was able to calculate and formulate a system that can fix the issues of the generations to come but he had no idea a man can come and change or get in the path of all his calculations. Who is the hero and who is the villain or both are the hero or the villain, it is up to you to decide. I think this is better, I told you nothing and everything at the same time.

After reading the second book, I felt the author had a change of plan for this story because the first book didn’t have much tension or drama so he introduced this other main character or he already was planning from the start because in my mind he was a great thinker and a writer. Anyway, the pace suddenly changes in the second half of the second book.

Reading these books feels like you are watching a great science fiction drama in theater but I think the upcoming TV show is not going to be just a drama and talks in closed rooms because the trailer shows a lot of action. But don’t worry the books are not boring if you can understand what is going on. I can give an example…just think of Disney’s movies and think of the adventures or missions the main party goes to; these missions are like kids going to a park compared to what these book’s missions are.

The first book is a compilation of five disconnected stories with the main goal but this book has only two stories but gets a lot more concentrated on the main goal. I am sure the people who read the first book and liked it are going to like this one even more.

This book is kind of two books in one but again the main background story is the same. The first one may bore you a bit, just because it is more related to the first book, but the second book is really exciting and different. If you read the robots series from the same author then you may relate to it but they have nothing to do with each other except the style.

You are going to find twists in this book also and may find the final twist with mixed reactions; it actually depends on how you felt about the books from the start. You find all of the important elements that make up a page-turner here and some of those elements are plot, character-building, world-building, narrative, dialogue, suspense, action, and much more. The first story is slow but it has all these elements as well but in the second part the reader gets to read all of this at a fast pace.

Whatever you say about these books but you must admit that Mr. Isaac Asimov was way ahead of his times and had a great mind. I read almost all his books and loved all of the movies that played in my head while reading those books. I was not able to read his autobiography until now, but surely going to read it as soon as I get my hands on it.

Synopsis:

“The second novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series

THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE UPCOMING APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION, COMING 9/24/21

Led by its founding father, the psychohistorian Hari Seldon, and utilizing science and technology, the Foundation survived the greed and barbarism of its neighboring warrior-planets. Now cleverness and courage may not be enough. For the Empire—the mightiest force in the Galaxy—is even more dangerous in its death throes. Even worse, a mysterious entity called the Mule has appeared with powers beyond anything humanly conceivable. Who—or what—is the Mule? And how is humanity to defend itself against this invulnerable avatar of annihilation?

Filled with nail-biting suspense, nonstop action, and cutting-edge speculation, Foundation and Empire is the story of humanity’s perpetual struggle against the darkness that forever threatens to overwhelm the light—and of how the courage of even a determined few can make all the difference in the universe.”

This book and series are not for everyone and that is why I can't give full points to this one. But still, it is hundred percent recommended.

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Foundation

Published: 1942

Author: Isaac Asimov

Book 1 of 7: Foundation

Genres: Classic American Fiction, Classic Science Fiction, Dystopian Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure

First thing, this book is a masterpiece and one of the greatest science fiction book series that expands generations and thousands of years. If you like grand schemes and larger than life ideas that can bring huge change for the entirety of a race and can change the way whole humanity lives and thinks, then this book is surely for you, but if you want nonstop action then it may feel slow and boring even it is not.

You may feel as if you read it before or it may feel familiar; the reason is that this book and its ideas were stolen and copied in many other books and movies but don’t worry this is the original daddy of them all.

It won the Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series" in 1966. The story of this series expands millennia and tells the story of an intergalactic empire’s rise and fall and the struggle of rebuilding it. The way generations pass and adventures start and end is so huge that you may never grasp it till you actually read it.

This book is not for everyone, even if you saw the trailer of the adaptation of this book series and are planning to read this book, I must warn you that it is really a book that belongs to a genre that is called hard science fiction and may bore you in some parts. But still, I recommend this book series to everyone because you can actually learn something about society and humanity from it.

This book is actually not very easy to read and one of the main reasons is the time jumps. These jumps are intentional and the author intended the book to be like this. Later you are going to understand, and all of it will become clear. The only issue is that you can never fully get used to the characters because of these time jumps. And then in many cases, you won't even read a word about these past characters.

A few days ago I saw the trailer of a TV show and realized it was the adaptation of this book series and it made me very happy, I hope they stay with the original material. After watching the trailer, I knew it is time for a review of this book series because now people who don’t know the author are going to learn about him and this is a perfect time to introduce this great author to the whole world.

This book was a birthday gift from an aunt who knew I love reading science fiction. I read it and was amazed by it. Later I bought the whole series and read it in a span of three months.

This book is like a collection of viewpoints of different people on one subject. Some you are going to love and some may feel boring or bad to you. But if you understand the purpose of all this then you’ll surely enjoy it and what it is showing you is the world that is being rebuilt.

I noticed one amazing thing about all these great science fiction authors, all the futuristic worlds they built in the books all those years ago still feel real and not at all outdated in these times. It is proof of the vastness of these authors’ minds and writing prowess. Mr. Isaac Asimov was no exception and he wrote so many of my favorite books.

As a kid, I loved reading about robots and was fascinated by the robots series by the author. Review of that series coming as soon as I am done with this series.

Synopsis:

“The first novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series

SOON TO BE AN APPLE TV+ SERIES, COMING 9/24/21 • Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read

For twelve thousand years the Galactic Empire has ruled supreme. Now it is dying. But only Hari Seldon, creator of the revolutionary science of psychohistory, can see into the future—to a dark age of ignorance, barbarism, and warfare that will last thirty thousand years. To preserve knowledge and save humankind, Seldon gathers the best minds in the Empire—both scientists and scholars—and brings them to a bleak planet at the edge of the galaxy to serve as a beacon of hope for future generations. He calls his sanctuary the Foundation.

The Foundation novels of Isaac Asimov are among the most influential in the history of science fiction, celebrated for their unique blend of breathtaking action, daring ideas, and extensive worldbuilding. In Foundation, Asimov has written a timely and timeless novel of the best—and worst—that lies in humanity, and the power of even a few courageous souls to shine a light in a universe of darkness.”

This book and series are not for everyone and that is why I can't give full points to this one. But still, it is hundred percent recommended.

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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