Foundation and Empire

Foundation and Empire • Isaac Asimov

⭑ 6.7 Stars

This series and its author both perplex me in the strangest ways. On one hand, I find it fascinating how Asimov is able to consistently move the plot forward at such a rapid pace without leaving the reader confused about the narrative. On the other hand, while it’s clear the characters and environment are well defined, I continually feel as if I’m only able to visualize a small fraction of the intended attributes before I’m forced to move on with that rapid pace. It’s as if I have one still frame of a movie, but can’t make out the specific details of anything within that frame - character, scenery, or otherwise.

In fact, Part 1 of this second entry is a complete blur to me now, having just finished a very distinct Part II that threw its readers for multiple loops, leading to a recognizably loud plot twist at the end. That said, Asimov did not take the easy route in proceeding the narrative forward as I expected him to, and have been hooked well enough to continue with the series!