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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
Ugh. I found this just so boring, I couldn't get further than halfway through book 2.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I am really, really impressed by this trilogy. Setting the cringeworthy dialogue aside the Foundation Trilogy is a masterful series that is both intellectually interesting and just dang fun to read. (Be warned, this book is golden age sf, so expect some casual sexism).
Don't feel intimidated. This book may be old, but it is timeless. Not hard science style.
My mother passed this book down to me when I was young, and every couple years since then I take the time to read through again. I think many people who have reviewed this book are missing the point; IMO, Asimov did not want character development and milieu to be the concentration of the reader. Instead he wanted the reader to concentrate on the social, economic, and political commentary ripe throughout the book. Analytic minds rarely make decisions without purpose. Allowing the reader to know the vague direction of the plot leads to more time spent analyzing the commentary without getting distracted by certain characters or unimportant details. I do not think that the lack of women should affect one's perception of the series, especially when the book does not contain any commentary on gender roles.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Worth reading, if you enjoy science fiction. As this was 'the original' and we've experienced much more sci-fi since The Foundation Series, it's easy to spot classic sci-fi setups when reading this, that that you can see were simply borrowed from the original.
It helps to go into this series understanding that it was a series of short stories that was later condensed into 3 novels, which is why it doesn't read like a novel. The first book, The Foundation, tells the tale of three heros that help move the Foundation forward. Great stories, smart moves, likeable characters, however, the book itself ends rather abruptly.
The second book, Foundation and Empire, continues the story of the Foundation's development and describes how it faces its greatest threat, The Mule. Great storyline, terrific characters, fabulous surprise ending.
The third book, Second Foundation, introduces yet another threat to the development of The Foundation. I didn't care for this one quite as much as the other two, however, another great, surprise ending, and it all wrapped up neatly.
My only issue with The Foundation Trilogy is that, even at the outset of the first book, we are promised an absolute conclusion and Asimov doesn't deliver. He left the story here and, I guess, left the reader to come to his/her own conclusions. Definitely read the series, just be forewarned of disappointment.
It helps to go into this series understanding that it was a series of short stories that was later condensed into 3 novels, which is why it doesn't read like a novel. The first book, The Foundation, tells the tale of three heros that help move the Foundation forward. Great stories, smart moves, likeable characters, however, the book itself ends rather abruptly.
The second book, Foundation and Empire, continues the story of the Foundation's development and describes how it faces its greatest threat, The Mule. Great storyline, terrific characters, fabulous surprise ending.
The third book, Second Foundation, introduces yet another threat to the development of The Foundation. I didn't care for this one quite as much as the other two, however, another great, surprise ending, and it all wrapped up neatly.
My only issue with The Foundation Trilogy is that, even at the outset of the first book, we are promised an absolute conclusion and Asimov doesn't deliver. He left the story here and, I guess, left the reader to come to his/her own conclusions. Definitely read the series, just be forewarned of disappointment.
More political and world driven than I like.
Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2018 | Task 3: A classic of genre fiction
Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2018 | Task 3: A classic of genre fiction
adventurous
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No