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Book 1 – Foundation: A

Isaac Asimov’s epic Foundation series begins with the book by the same name. It is the chronicle of humanity in the far future which faces not only the collapse of a galaxy-wide empire, but the subsequent chaos and dark age following the loss of civilization. Within that environment comes the greatest mind of science, Hari Seldon, who uses the laws of psychohistory (the study of the reactions of large numbers of people to economic, social, political and psychological stimuli) to reduce the thirty-thousand years of darkness to a mere one-thousand – with a stronger, more vibrant and benevolent empire at its end. As such, the short stories within the book focus far more on social and psychological conflicts than on grand space battles. The result is a tale that is exceptionally important for exploring the human equation – but one that may move a bit too slowly and be a bit too dry for a reader expecting a sci-fi epic more along the lines of Star Wars or The Matrix.

In other words, Foundation is much more psychological than it is kinetic.

Book 2 – Foundation and Empire: B+

Foundation and Empire is the second book in Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series. With the Foundation firmly established as a strong entity – in terms of both economic and military might – there’s seemingly only one thing to stand in its way: The remnants of the original Galactic Empire. This book, then, chronicles the fate of the Foundation in the face of seemingly unstoppable force. But there is a twist. Foundation and Empire is split into two shorter novellas. The first, titled “The General,” is about what happens when General Bel Riose of the Empire decides to conquer the Foundation. The second, titled “The Mule,” is about a mutant, wholly unforeseen in the Seldon Plan, who threatens the entire future of the Foundation.

Book 3 – Second Foundation: C

Second Foundation continues Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series and, in effect concludes his original “trilogy” (two more sequel books and a few prequel books would follow, but years later). As such, the book focuses on tying up loose ends and putting the Seldon Plan firmly back in its proper place. Just like its predecessor, Second Foundation is split into two shorter novellas. But, of course, with the Foundation beginning the book under the occupation of The Mule, and the Second Foundation as yet unrevealed, the process would, clearly, be a difficult one for the Foundation and its citizens. But while there is some satisfaction in the final resolution to the book, ultimately, though, it doesn’t quite live up to the standard set by the first two installments.

Book 4 – Foundation’s Edge: B-

Foundation’s Edge continues Isaac Asimov’s epic Foundation series into new and wildly different directions. It’s a book that spends a great deal of time on behind-the-scenes interactions between various characters and factions and slowly builds toward the ultimate (and inevitable) confrontation which will decide the fate of the galaxy. It’s not a perfect book. There’s perhaps too much time spent on the minutiae of minor story elements. But what makes the book a success (and an improvement over the last installment) is its ability to create a compelling premise, as well as break the “Foundation Formula” once and for all.