Foundation and Empire

By: Isaac Asimov

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

The second novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series.

Led by its founding father, the psychohistorian Hari Seldon, and utilizing science and technology, the Foundation survived the greed and barbarism of its neighboring warrior-planets. Now cleverness and courage may not be enough. For the Empire - the mightiest force in the Galaxy - is even more dangerous in its death throes. Even worse, a mysterious entity called the Mule has appeared with powers beyond anything humanly conceivable. Who - or what - is the Mule? And how is humanity to defend itself against this invulnerable avatar of annihilation?

Filled with nail-biting suspense, nonstop action, and cutting-edge speculation, Foundation and Empire is the story of humanity’s perpetual struggle against the darkness that forever threatens to overwhelm the light - and of how the courage of even a determined few can make all the difference in the universe.

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

©1991 Isaac Asimov (P)2010 Random House

Great, but a little dated

Would you consider the audio edition of Foundation and Empire to be better than the print version?

Hard to say since I read the print version of the Foundation Trilogy as a teenager in the early '60s. Now, I would definitely give the nod to Scott Brick's reading.

The real problem, for me, is that 50 years have passed since I first read this and it is painfully clear that, as great a writer as Asimov is, he couldn't think outside the box with respect to the future of science. Other than the Faster Than Light concept of "Jumps" (that all SF writers resort to in one form or another when writing about interstellar travel), the science postulated for many millenia in the future, seems antiquated and quaint in 2012.

But in many ways, that was never really the point of the Foundation Trilogy. The evolution of cultures and very large social structures (and the attempt to successfully manipulate them is as fascinating now as it was way back when.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Beta is the most complex and interesting character to me. Since I already knew who the Mule was, I was more able to concentrate on her and her reaction to The Mule, and his to her. If you're reading/listening to the story for the first time, it's almost impossible not to get caught up in the mystery and miss the underplay.

Which scene was your favorite?

The killing of the Prince/Emperor is particularly gripping, especially as it's narrated. It's a turning point in Beta's understanding and Scott's reading is brilliant.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I'd say the description of Magnifico's first playing of the instrument for Beta and Ebling. What an experience something like that would be! I think it could only be approached by music or art that really touches your soul.

Continues the awesome sci-fi classic series!

Got the first book in the Foundation series to listen to on a cross-country trip with my 16 yr old son. He loved it so much we bought and listened to this second book as well. And to be cleared, he loved it so much we bought the next 2 books to listen to on our various road trips this summer. He just loves this series! Also forgot to mention in my last review that the first 4 books in the series are narrated by Scott Brick who is excellent!. So truly worth the credit!

Most Excellent!!

I have listened to Scott Brick narrate other works and he has never disappointed! This is one of my favorite series and he just makes it all the more brilliant.

almost as good as the origibal

wonderful and only barely falls short of its predecessor. amazing characters and a lively plot.

The book is one big cliffhanger

Basically, the book is one big cliffhanger and it's quite infuriating since it's also engaging.

Not as good as the first book

For me, this sequel was a disappointment.
The first book was intriguing, and compared to him, this one was boring and mostly predicted.
I probably won't read the third one.

A classic by Asimov

Any fan of Isaac Asimov or science fiction in general must read the Foundation Trilogy to attain a basic grasp of the work that followed.

Asimov is flipping amazing

If you're on the fence about whether or not to read asimov, just do it. He's a master storyteller. And even though some of his plot twists are common troupes now, he has done them in such a beautifully complex yet simplistic way that they are welcomed and satisfying.

Brilliant

Very good book read very well. I recommend this highly. It's continuing thought provoking story is amazing.

Can't wait for the third book

Great storytelling of the first part continues, and ends at a massive cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.