Name: The Gods Themselves
ISBN: 9781857989342

Isaac Asimov

In the year 2100, mankind on Earth, settlers in a lunar colony and aliens from the para-universe, a strange universe parallel in time to our own, are faced with a race against time to prevent total destruction of the Earth. The invention of the Inter-Universe Electron Pump has threatened the rate of hydrogen fusion in the sun, leading, inevitably, to the possibilty of a vast explosion -- and the vapourisation of the Earth exactly eight minutes later . . .

The Gods Themselves

Matthew Royal

I like Asimov's development of an interesting concept to its logical extreme. This story reminds me of "Waldo" by Robert A. Heinlein, but Asimov isn't content to accept a phenomenon as observed and use it (engineering); he wants to understand why it exists (science) and then predict interesting consequences.

I loved this book. I was just thinking that it was like three books in one, and then later read that it was actually originally published as three individual parts.

I enjoyed parts two (...The Gods Themselves...) and three (...Contend in Vain) the most. Part one (Against Stupidity...) was also very interesting, but in more of a preamble way that set up the rest of the story.

Parts of the story were a little predictable, but in a way that still felt satisfying. In Part Two, for example, I quickly suspected that <SPOILER>the Soft Ones might be a premature version of Hard Ones and even that Estwald was somehow a version of Odeen.</SPOILER> But it always felt like Asimov was giving me 

 enough information to be curious and make lots of guesses and theories, with some eventually turning out to be satisfyingly correct. 

I was a tiny bit disappointed by something in Part Three. <SPOILER>The way the moon tunnels were described, and the nature of Intuitionists, seemed to have so many parallels to the Hard Caverns in the para-universe, as well as the existence of Emotionals there. I was really really expecting some exciting reveal linking the two universes somehow (maybe our universe would somehow 

 the para-universe as the laws of nature were transmitted, for example?) </SPOILER>

The final reveal or "goal" of some citizens of the Moon was a little disappointing in comparison to that misguided, excited expectation. <SPOILER>There was no great reveal as to the link or relationship between the two universes. In comparison, "We just want to yeet ourselves away from Earth kthxbye" just seemed a little anticlimactic. </SPOILER>

Overall, I think I liked the book enough to want a physical copy. The last physical copy of a book I got was Robot Dreams many years ago, so for me that's saying something.

Liza 

I loved this book. I was just thinking that it was like three books in one, and then later read that it was actually originally published as three individual parts.

I enjoyed parts two (...The Gods Themselves...) and three (...Contend in Vain) the most. Part one (Against Stupidity...) was also very interesting, but in more of a preamble way that set up the rest of the story.

Parts of the story were a little predictable, but in a way that still felt satisfying. In Part Two, for example, I quickly suspected that <SPOILER>the Soft Ones might be a premature version of Hard Ones and even that Estwald was somehow a version of Odeen.</SPOILER> But it always felt like Asimov was giving me just enough information to be curious and make lots of guesses and theories, with some eventually turning out to be satisfyingly correct. 

I was a tiny bit disappointed by something in Part Three. <SPOILER>The way the moon tunnels were described, and the nature of Intuitionists, seemed to have so many parallels to the Hard Caverns in the para-universe, as well as the existence of Emotionals there. I was really really expecting some exciting reveal linking the two universes somehow (maybe our universe would somehow become the para-universe as the laws of nature were transmitted, for example?) </SPOILER>

The final reveal or "goal" of some citizens of the Moon was a little disappointing in comparison to that misguided, excited expectation. <SPOILER>There was no great reveal as to the link or relationship between the two universes. In comparison, "We just want to yeet ourselves away from Earth kthxbye" just seemed a little anticlimactic. </SPOILER>

Overall, I think I liked the book enough to want a physical copy. The last physical copy of a book I got was Robot Dreams many years ago, so for me that's saying something.

Alfredo santos

This was my first Asimov and it definitely lived up to the Hype. I searched around for what to read first and stumbled unto this, Caves of steel, and the Foundations Series. I chose this because of the blurb. 

I loved his style, the caracters and also the explanation and break down of complex scientific theories / terms that makes you not only understand but also makes you imagine the whole implcations. Later on they become an essential part of the story.

I can sense that there are many layers in this book and I can assume that is part of his signature and charm. From the relevance of social interaction no matter the universe or species, sci fi theories all the way to a social or environmental critique. This little bubbles of complexity, layers, and relevance of subjects makes you feel submerged in the novel, always feeling empathetic because you can withdraw certain similarities to our current world situation. 

I can honestly say I really enjoyed this book. I finished it in less than 3 days, didn't feel long, kept me very interested and the overall ending had enough "twists" to finish with a small big bang.

Ivan Vega

Smart and believable characters, smart dialogue, smart settings, great story. Hard to find such sci-fi these days.

The Gods Themselves (S.F. Masterworks)

Diana Platgalve

What a fantastic read for those obsessed with the Universe!

Isaac Asimov elegantly reveals when science can become a foe by introduction of so-thought unlimited energy source gained from space. Scientists and inventors often cannot account all variables, therefore introducing at first unobservable problems. Once the effects are noticeable and measurable, it is hard to admit that new scientific achievement could actually end the world (or whole Universe). Science, turns out, is all too human.
The introduction of para-Universe, who experiences direct effects of unlimited energy exchange, gives the moral tone, however, the introduction of alien triads, keeps it very out of our imagination. Alien “melting” is an exploration of sexuality and an attempt to own it. 
This book melts together various complexities we experience here on Earth. But I agree with Isaac Asimov, that, if there is other forms of life outside of our planet, they could be dealing with similar complexities. 

Stunning exploration.

In the twenty-second century Earth obtains limitless, free energy from a source science little understands: an exchange between Earth and a parallel universe, using a process devised by the aliens. But even free energy has a price. The transference process itself will eventually lead to the destruction of the Earth's Sun—and of Earth itself. Only a few know the terrifying truth—an outcast Earth scientist, a rebellious alien inhabitant of a dying planet, a lunar-born human intuitionist who senses the imminent annihilation of the Sun. They know the truth—but who will listen? They have foreseen the cost of abundant energy—but who will believe? These few beings, human and alien, hold the key to Earth's survival.

A Novel

raviyah anderson <3

The Gods Themselves is a science fiction fan’s dream. While there is a little confusion with how Asimov portrays other worlds, he still writes it beautifully and it’s definitely worth the read. 

Ben Nathan

This was definitely a book in 3 very distinct parts. Part 1 was the most "watch these white men be assholes, but they're smart so at least it's interesting, but they're SOOOOOO white" and mediocre. Part 2 was all about the other universe and that was AMAZING! I can't stress how much I loved this part. Part 3 felt like a continuation of part 1, but in a good way as the characters were much more nuanced and there was a killer female part. As much as I liked the ending, I wanted more of part 2.

Only a few know the terrifying truth -- an outcast Earth scientist, a rebellious alien inhabitant of a dying planet, a lunar-born human intuitionist who senses the imminent annihilation of the Sun. They know the truth -- but who will listen? They have foreseen the cost of abundant energy -- but who will believe? These few beings, human and alien, hold the key to the Earth's survival.