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moreyceyer's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
tzurky's review against another edition
3.0
This book started out extremely promisingly and ended on a very high note. In the last couple of pages it finally fulfilled its promise of adding new concepts and ideas to the series instead of using them as mere backdrop for an unrelated mystery.
But I’m not going to lie, I found the middle both unnecessary and atrocious. As unspecific and unspoilery as possible: to a large extent, this story is fan fiction of itself (slash fiction to be specific), the quality of which is dubious at best and the ridiculousness of which is even lampshaded in the beginning of the narrative and repeatedly throughout. And yet it nevertheless occurs... sigh. And because the author knew this and presumably wanted to get paid for it, he contrived to link this part to the overall plot in a manner which I am going to describe as ‘logical but not reasonable’ to borrow his own terms.
To be clear: I don’t have a problem with slash fiction. I do have a problem with such fiction when it doesn’t fit with the rest of the story and the type of story and work it appears in and is on top of this not only boring and trite but downright insulting not only in its positioning of characters but also in its complete disregard of the characters’ previously (very strongly) established personalities. The fact that the actions are out of line with the sensibilities and nature of the characters is even repeatedly mentioned. Finally, it borrows entirely to much from the gender & genre conventions of classic noir detective novels, which is all the more ridiculous in a sci fi work one of whose major themes is the examination of the range of human sexuality. In short: no thank you!
But I’m not going to lie, I found the middle both unnecessary and atrocious. As unspecific and unspoilery as possible: to a large extent, this story is fan fiction of itself (slash fiction to be specific), the quality of which is dubious at best and the ridiculousness of which is even lampshaded in the beginning of the narrative and repeatedly throughout. And yet it nevertheless occurs... sigh. And because the author knew this and presumably wanted to get paid for it, he contrived to link this part to the overall plot in a manner which I am going to describe as ‘logical but not reasonable’ to borrow his own terms.
To be clear: I don’t have a problem with slash fiction. I do have a problem with such fiction when it doesn’t fit with the rest of the story and the type of story and work it appears in and is on top of this not only boring and trite but downright insulting not only in its positioning of characters but also in its complete disregard of the characters’ previously (very strongly) established personalities. The fact that the actions are out of line with the sensibilities and nature of the characters is even repeatedly mentioned. Finally, it borrows entirely to much from the gender & genre conventions of classic noir detective novels, which is all the more ridiculous in a sci fi work one of whose major themes is the examination of the range of human sexuality. In short: no thank you!
rohand0's review against another edition
3.0
Probably the least fascinating Robot book. While the consequences and conclusion for our character is well done the exploration of Aurora is boring. It's moderate views might be more realistic but make it a boring world. The foibles of the romantic behavior of Aurorans is a focus of the topic but at the same time a dull exploration. The politics of the world and situation also made for less interesting reading. Our conclusion is also unsatisfying but was obviously added to link Robot to Foundation.
I want to concede that I did enjoy the book. It's still entertaining to read, but just lacks against the other Robot series and the mystery is dull.
I want to concede that I did enjoy the book. It's still entertaining to read, but just lacks against the other Robot series and the mystery is dull.
tigermouse1944's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
ozzyfeeney's review against another edition
5.0
Inquisitive whodunit book. A creative twist at the end. Not bad, all things considered.
caffeineauthor's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
kirtreads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
The flaws of Asimov are really on display in this one. Check your content warnings before reading.
He has always had issues with writing authentic women and that continues in this book. There are quite a few problematic sexual issues that arise in this novel that detract from the storyline.
However, the ending set up so well the remainder of the foundation series I still enjoyed it. It was a fun read, it paved the way to continue the series and I can see why it is a classic. It wasn’t my favourite in the series, but it was still fun. As long as you can get past the weird sex issues, I would still recommend reading it.
He has always had issues with writing authentic women and that continues in this book. There are quite a few problematic sexual issues that arise in this novel that detract from the storyline.
However, the ending set up so well the remainder of the foundation series I still enjoyed it. It was a fun read, it paved the way to continue the series and I can see why it is a classic. It wasn’t my favourite in the series, but it was still fun. As long as you can get past the weird sex issues, I would still recommend reading it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest, Infidelity, and Sexism
ashleympeacock's review against another edition
4.0
Although I quite enjoyed the conclusion, this story was slow to start and frustrating to read. As Gladia says to Baley, "I know you must have everything repeated and repeated." Baley's endless needling was annoying at the beginning, even though we see it in every book. The story picked up somewhere in the middle, to the point where I didn't roll my eyes every time he asked a question, and I'm glad I stuck through it, as the conclusion was definitely satisfying, if hard-earned.
girish_gupta's review against another edition
5.0
The best of the lot is saved for the last.
You don't read these books, you glide it through them with an ever increasing thirst of getting more and more. Elijah, Daneel, and Giskard, make sure that you never feel bored of this book. The pace, the characters, the events, the development are poised in a perfect way. One cannot help but feel an awe towards Isaac Asimov.
I feel this is a book(or rather series) should be read by everyone. There is much more to this series than robots.
You don't read these books, you glide it through them with an ever increasing thirst of getting more and more. Elijah, Daneel, and Giskard, make sure that you never feel bored of this book. The pace, the characters, the events, the development are poised in a perfect way. One cannot help but feel an awe towards Isaac Asimov.
I feel this is a book(or rather series) should be read by everyone. There is much more to this series than robots.
matkin's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0