Isaac Asimov

Vincent DiFate

In the year 12,020 G.E., Hari Seldon arrives in the domed city of Trantor and begins to develop his theory of psycho history, which predicts the rise of a power greater than the Empire

Prelude to Foundation

Travis Todd

In the year 12,020 G.E., Hari Seldon arrives in the domed city of Trantor and begins to develop his theory of psychohistory, which predicts the rise of a power greater than the Empire. Reissue.

A solid entry. But I was expecting more of my foray into the pre-Foundation, Empire-era. And especially of meeting Hari Seldon. It’s another page-turner, sure, but I can’t shake the feeling this is Asimov on autopilot.

Frederik De Bosschere

Ĉeňdoł

I first read the book back in middle school, I honestly didn’t remember much about the story from that time. Seeing that Apple launched the show, and seeing the mixed reviews, I decided instead of watching I will read the entire series. My attempt in middle school only saw through the first, this one, with little memory of the story.

This time rereading it - I have to admit it, it was absolutely captivating. The adventures through different sectors of the worlds, the different cultures, even with ‘short’ visits, the worlds were described in succinct and vibrant ways.

The climax of everything didn’t come until late in the book, but when it hit, it really hit. So much so that it was as good as a cliffhanger perfectly crafted from a top movie series. At that time I had to force myself to put the book down as it was late into the night.

I’m glad to continue on to the next book in the series.

Roberto Guti

The first of two prequel novels in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE UPCOMING APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION It is the year 12,020 G.E. and Emperor Cleon I sits uneasily on the Imperial throne of Trantor. Here in the great multidomed capital of the Galactic Empire, forty billion people have created a civilization of unimaginable technological and cultural complexity. Yet Cleon knows there are those who would see him fall—those whom he would destroy if only he could read the future. Hari Seldon has come to Trantor to deliver his paper on psychohistory, his remarkable theory of prediction. Little does the young Outworld mathematician know that he has already sealed his fate and the fate of humanity. For Hari possesses the prophetic power that makes him the most wanted man in the Empire . . . the man who holds the key to the future—an apocalyptic power to be known forever after as the Foundation.

Matt

High Fidelity

3.9⭐
Even though opinions are mixed about whether or not this should be read before the foundation trilogy I decided to give it a try. What I got is lots of world-building and great concepts, an abundance of characters with many traits and flaws only some are likable. Tech and systems are really on point, nothing too much. 
I don't know much about the original trilogy but I don't feel like this ruined it for me (we shall see).
It was just one big hectic adventure with old school but lovely writing and a great plot twist.

Fraser Simons

This was interesting, but maybe more interesting if you know Foundation, which I do not. The first half of it dragged substantially, to the point where I almost DNF’d it. Thankfully it got substantially better when stakes actually manifested and cultural aspects at various locals are introduced, and were actually fairly interesting. There are a couple twists that also brought it together. The structure felt so weird to me. It was tedious and then ramped up dramatically. It was welcome but jarring. I’ll continue with the series but does feel like conceit and plot wise, not all that much was actually accomplished for such a lengthy novel?

Shameera Nair Lin

Simply captivating from start to finish, although I've heard that the other books in the Foundation series are superior.

The first of Asimov’s sci-fi books that I read and the last he wrote. It has a distinctly vintage feel, like 1950s pulp sci-fi, which obviously matches the series that started in that era. The worlds and characters are rich and complex and the story keeps a quick pace with a few major twists. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.