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fantaseareader's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
garylamb's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
libellum_aphrodite's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite part of this book by far was that, on Earth, nearly every large scientific breakthrough was driven by someone's desire to prove another guy wrong. Not the most noble of motives, but one that is probably a driving force more often than we acknowledge.
* Hallam chases the mysterious Tungsten because "Denison's 'How would you know?' with the clear and unmistakable emphasis on the 'you,' was ample motivation for all that followed."
* Lamont wants to prove that the Electron Pump endangers our universe, but his main motivation is not as much to save the world, but to deflate the reputation of the credit-snatching asshole Hallam, saying "I'm going to show him up. I'm going to strip him."
* When Denison later proves the risk from the Pump AND a solution in one fell swoop, he wishes he could see the look on Hallam's face.
I was a bit disappointed that he didn't circle back to para-Universe and what happened to Odeen / Tritt / Dua / Estwald. Besides wishing for a bit more on the interesting and unusual world (which I pictured as a Flatland planet), I really wanted to know what, if any, resolution there was between Dua and Estwald's contradictory attitudes to the Pump.
* Hallam chases the mysterious Tungsten because "Denison's 'How would you know?' with the clear and unmistakable emphasis on the 'you,' was ample motivation for all that followed."
* Lamont wants to prove that the Electron Pump endangers our universe, but his main motivation is not as much to save the world, but to deflate the reputation of the credit-snatching asshole Hallam, saying "I'm going to show him up. I'm going to strip him."
* When Denison later proves the risk from the Pump AND a solution in one fell swoop, he wishes he could see the look on Hallam's face.
I was a bit disappointed that he didn't circle back to para-Universe and what happened to Odeen / Tritt / Dua / Estwald. Besides wishing for a bit more on the interesting and unusual world (which I pictured as a Flatland planet), I really wanted to know what, if any, resolution there was between Dua and Estwald's contradictory attitudes to the Pump.
hakimbriki's review
5.0
Fascinating, daring, clever and beautiful are adjectives that spring to mind after reading The Gods Themselves.
The first segment introduced a bunch of very important characters brilliantly. I have to admit I found it hard to get into (physics is not my forte), I took notes and did some research to better understand the subject matter, which I found to be very enriching.
The second segment is hands down the best portrayal of an alien race I have ever come across. It is so different, original, weird and yet it's wholly believable and consistent, thanks to Asimov's amazing ability to make science fiction concepts seem real. I read somewhere that the author himself said this section of the novel was the best thing he ever wrote. I wholeheartedly agree. It's perfect, definitely worthy of the awards it won.
The last segment is not quite as delightful as the two others but a few very interesting points were developped in it, based on real science, s'il vous plait! Moreover, a very strong and very interesting female character was introduced in this segment, which I particularly loved. I believe the ending was fitting and very satisfying, although I really wanted it to be longer.
If you haven't read the book please do so. I hope it will enchant you the way it enchanted me.
The first segment introduced a bunch of very important characters brilliantly. I have to admit I found it hard to get into (physics is not my forte), I took notes and did some research to better understand the subject matter, which I found to be very enriching.
The second segment is hands down the best portrayal of an alien race I have ever come across. It is so different, original, weird and yet it's wholly believable and consistent, thanks to Asimov's amazing ability to make science fiction concepts seem real. I read somewhere that the author himself said this section of the novel was the best thing he ever wrote. I wholeheartedly agree. It's perfect, definitely worthy of the awards it won.
The last segment is not quite as delightful as the two others but a few very interesting points were developped in it, based on real science, s'il vous plait! Moreover, a very strong and very interesting female character was introduced in this segment, which I particularly loved. I believe the ending was fitting and very satisfying, although I really wanted it to be longer.
If you haven't read the book please do so. I hope it will enchant you the way it enchanted me.
shawniebooks's review against another edition
2.0
I found most of this book tedious. I enjoyed the alternate universe towards the end, of course, just as Asimov moved us along to another part.
tonyleachsf's review against another edition
4.0
Super enjoyable classic sci fi, except for the tired trope in the third act of earth human lusting after naked, attractive interplanetary women.
(I suppose it wasn’t so tired a trope in 1972 but in any case it dates the novel and distracts from the rest of the plot).
(I suppose it wasn’t so tired a trope in 1972 but in any case it dates the novel and distracts from the rest of the plot).
jessdreamsofnightmares's review
5.0
The book splits into three different parts with a focus on different main characters- some characters from earth and others from a para-universe. Loved how Assimov uncovers the all-too human motivations that lead to scientific discoveries (revenge, stubbornness, curiosoty, fear, love), and the deep entanglement of ration and emotion.
grayjay's review
3.0
Humans have discovered an energy source that is abundant but may blow up the universe in the future. Can the few scientists who know convince people that this risk is great enough to give up the energy for? Does our desire for comfort in the present take precedent over the cost for future generations.
This novel by Asimov feels particularly resonant in our time, even though it pre-dates the climate crisis by half a century.
These is also a significant amount weird sex and gender dynamics material going on both with humans and with aliens.
This novel by Asimov feels particularly resonant in our time, even though it pre-dates the climate crisis by half a century.
These is also a significant amount weird sex and gender dynamics material going on both with humans and with aliens.