The reviewer found Foundation to be an engaging science fiction novel with a captivating world and well-defined characters, despite feeling disjointed due to its origins as a collection of short stories. They praised Asimov's imagination and the human portrayal of both villains and heroes, but noted the lack of a complete overarching story.
The reviewer recently embarked on a science fiction reading spree and was drawn to Isaac Asimov's Foundation series, often hailed as the best in the genre. The story is set in a future where humanity has spread across the galaxy, focusing on Hari Seldon's prediction of the Empire's fall and the subsequent struggles of the planet Terminus. The reviewer initially found the plot confusing due to its non-linear timeline but became increasingly engaged as they adapted to the narrative structure. They appreciated the book's origins as separate short stories, which added a unique flavor to the novel, despite feeling a lack of a complete beginning, middle, and end. The characters were well-defined, with clear distinctions between villains and heroes, and a human touch that made them relatable. The reviewer praised Asimov's imagination and the captivating world he created, but noted that the book's structure as a collection of short stories detracted from its overall coherence. They gave the book a rating of 4 out of 5 and expressed high hopes for the rest of the series.
Quick quotes
The story itself begins with a man called Hari Seldon and his calculation that the Empire that humanity has created will crumble within 500 years.
However, once I had picked it up and got my bearings as to where I was, I started to get really interested!
Asimov’s wonderful imagination and the captivating world he builds here will keep you reading.