Forward the Foundation

By: Isaac Asimov

Narrated by: Larry McKeever

Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Here, from a grand master of science fiction, is the long-awaited final novel of the greatest science-fiction series ever told. Completed just before his death, Forward the Foundation is the crowning achievement of a great writer’s life, a stirring testament to the creative genius of Isaac Asimov.

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.

Listen to all of Isaac Asimov's Foundation series, including (in chronological order):

Prelude to FoundationForward the FoundationFoundationFoundation and Empire Second FoundationFoundation's EdgeFoundation and Earth

©1993 Nightfall, Inc (P)2011 Random House Audio

Terrible Narrator - Great Book

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harry

Would you be willing to try another one of Larry McKeever’s performances?

No

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes

Any additional comments?

The narrator is terrible, he sounds like a computer. Too bad its not the same narrator as the prelude book.

Narration was hard to stomach

While I liked the story, the narration is horrible. I had a hard time believing it was an actual person (it is slightly better at 1.25x speed).

I enjoyed every minute of it

This is one of my favorite Asimov books. I absolutely love the characters and the story. The story is exciting, heartwarming, thoughtful and surprising.

A must listen

Now I understand Elon Musk passion for space great listen. Highly recommend purchase.Get It Now

A wonderful addition to the Foundation Series

This book lays the "foundation for the entire series.. I read it last and yet it was immensely satisfied ng. Extremely well narrated.

Great story, poorly read

Sadly, Scott Brick did not read this book as he has for all but two of the Foundation books. In both instances where he did not read, the monotone and uninspiring performances by Larry McKeever detracted from Asimov’s work. I normally binge listen Asimov books but I find myself nodding off when McKeever reads. When science fiction is read aloud, it should provoke the hearer to the conviction that the reader believes what he is reading and endangering the hearer to suspend his belief and immerse in the story. Brock does that; McKeever falls short. Still, what a great story!

This guy sucks

I get the story was written in the 1930's but did Audible have to resurrect a newscast zombie from the 30's to *read it*? Seriously, this guy is about as dry as Death Valley in the summer and as flat at the Great Salt Lake. Maybe I've been spoiled by Kevin Pierce - who would not be a good reader for this - but being a reader for a book this famous is supposed to have some degree of feeling and nuance, Not over pronouncing his consonants at the end of every word ("N-a", "M-a" being the two most egregious!) really only serves to annoy and distract anyone who actually wants to **listen to the damned book** I'd give the performance a big fat 'zero' but I don't have that option!

I've not gotten to the rest of this series but if McKeever is reading, I'll spend my credits and my money somewhere else,..

Great Story, Terrible Narrator

I’m enjoying this book series but this narrator sounds like a robot! I had to force myself to continue listening. I still have 8 hours left and debating buying and reading the book instead.

Sounds like a 1980’s computer read

I thought it was just my perception, but as with other reviewers, the narrator leaves a lot to be desired.

Update: speed up narration on your device

If you speed up the narration to 1.25 (audible app) it’s actually palatable. Love the story - love the narrator’s voice - but his dialogue is so robotic and slow I just couldn’t handle it as it was recorded.