Foundation and Empire

Written by Isaac Asimov

Narrated by Scott Brick

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Apr 20, 2010
• ISBN: 9780307749727

Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov was a Russian‑born American writer and the author of nearly five hundred books. He is credited as one of the finest writers of science fiction in the twentieth century. Many, however, believe Asimov’s greatest talent was for, as he called it, “translating” science, making it understandable and interesting for the average reader.

Reviews for Foundation and Empire

[jgoerzen-777395 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was another good read -- kept my attention well. I am a bit miffed because the ending is something of a cliffhanger for the third book in the series, and I won't have the chance to begin it for a few days.

I appreciated the characters became a bit more well-developed in this book than in the first Foundation novel. The political situations were fascinating and had me reading up on Roman history more than once.

[jpalfrey-459036 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

In this book, the Foundation has to fight two empires: first, the declining but still strong Galactic Empire from which it was born; second, the new empire created by the Mule, a mutant with a special power of his own.

The first part is essentially a continuation of the previous book: the Foundation faces another threat anticipated by Seldon, although this time it suffers real damage and loss of life in the encounter.

In the second part, Asimov has come up with an interesting and imaginative way to rupture the Seldon Plan, and in principle I suppose this is the most inventive book of the trilogy.

However, the second part involves yet more damage and loss of life, and so it’s a rather melancholy book, and I find it subjectively less enjoyable. The people of the Foundation were brought up to think themselves winners, blessed by Seldon’s Plan; they didn’t anticipate that the way ahead would be so hard.

In the first part, I dislike wasting time on the unnecessary journey to Trantor, although I understand why it was included: to show people trying hard to avert disaster, and not just relying on Seldon’s Plan to save the Foundation. They decided, reasonably enough, that the Plan reckoned on people taking intelligent steps to save themselves.

In the second part, the Mule himself is a good creation, but all the doom and gloom among his opponents give the story a downbeat feel. His aim, to bring about a second Galactic Empire earlier than Seldon’s Plan could have achieved it, seems a worthy one; and yet his empire is held together only by himself, and after his death it disintegrates. So he disrupts Seldon’s Plan without achieving anything useful, and in the process the Foundation becomes more aware of the existence of the Second Foundation, which causes further problems as explained in the next book.

[aidan767 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I can’t remember which book I like more, the first or this one. This story is a bit more choppy than the first, telling different stories in different parts. It felt made for a periodical rather than the form of the novel. That said, by the end Asimov had me gripped to finish. And he spoke with the same galaxy-building and cultural criticism you become so found of in the first. Not overall disappointing with somethings improved (some amazing characters) and somethings lost (continuity).

[zare_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

After prevailing in conflict against the neighboring small kingdoms Foundation finds itself in direct conflict with the remnants of the Empire (first true military push from the old Empire) and new force, the Mule, much more potent and unpredictable (even for Seldon's plan) against which only the mysterious Second Foundation can prevail.

Asimov manages to paint a wonderful picture of ever-changing society, from use of the religious control of the masses to the rise of mercantile state to finally strong merchant mini-empire that manages to forget its own roots and saw discord between itself and free states that are opposed to haegemony. As we follow the Foundation's heroes through the ups and downs (where heroes from the past get called criminals by the current government because of their resistance to ever creeping corruption) we are shown how society changes and how unexpected opposition in times of strife can endanger even the most meticulous plan.

Story ends on a cliff-hanger, Foundation is at its lowest since its creation and the Mule, mysterious mutant psychic, although denied the information on Second Foundation is not ready to let it go.Cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Recommended to fans of SF and epic space opera.

[chip1o1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A continuation of the foundation series which shows how humanity grows towards barbarism if left unchecked without the search for knowledge. The containment of important information and not spreading it leads to the same results as people growing complacent with their modern tech.

[agustingg · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An excellent trilogy, I enjoyed reading it very much; later, Asimov wrote more chapters. (Translated from Spanish)

[Hoja de musgo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In this book, the advancement of the trilogy is felt, as it no longer limits itself to recounting each Seldon crisis as if it were a history book, but rather we follow characters who are key to the victory or defeat of the Foundation. This plot is much more structured like a novel, with fixed characters, hooks at the end of each chapter, and surprising twists. I continue to love Asimov's ability to capture certain truths on a historical level and how he manages to represent them in his texts, how these historical facts often become patterns followed by civilizations and that (sometimes) lead them to their destruction. I loved it and can't wait to read the last one. (Translated from Spanish)

[wordandbeauty · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I can’t remember which book I like more, the first or this one. This story is a bit more choppy than the first, telling different stories in different parts. It felt made for a periodical rather than the form of the novel. That said, by the end Asimov had me gripped to finish. And he spoke with the same galaxy-building and cultural criticism you become so found of in the first. Not overall disappointing with somethings improved (some amazing characters) and somethings lost (continuity).

[lukerik-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Childishly written and full of the most ridiculous improbabilities.

I enjoyed Foundation, but I did think it was front loaded. If humanity is labouring under a misapprehension and being manipulated why are we being told stories about various random people? Why do the stories matter? I think Foundation and Empire suffers throughout from this problem that afflicted just the second half of Foundation.

So here we have two stories. The first, The General, is the worst. It consists of various incredibly boring scenes where two characters sit about talking. I use the term characters advisedly. Off-scene some events take place but we don’t see any of it happen. Why tell a story about the fall of an Empire without showing it, and saying why it matters, without making it a human story? The Second story, The Mule, is perhaps better. There are some elements that tie in to the greater series. I almost two starred it, but that really would be grasping at straws. The General was so bad that in comparison anything else might seem worthwhile.

Asimov’s whole approach to his material is ill thought out and poorly conceived.

[daniel_m_oz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The 2nd of the epic sci-fi Foundation trilogy and also the The 12th in what can be seen as the "extended" 15 book Foundation Series. This book sees how Hari Seldon's plan is implemented and how it struggles with the chaos of the declining Empire.

[endolith · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

oh my god i did not see that coming.

i thought for sure the bad guy was actually from the other place and was actually the fulfillment of prophecy, but noooooo he was the other guy! and he was trying to find the other place! it all makes sense now.

you got me, asimov. good job, bro.

[mariabv2012 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I just finished reading the second part of the trilogy and I am left wanting to know what happens, so I will have to read the third one to clear up my doubts.

I found this second book harder to finish; at first, I couldn't find the thread, with many characters and time jumps... but from halfway through, things started to make sense and almost at the end, it completely hooked me, and the ending left me on edge. I will have to read the third one soon.

Happy reading!
September 20, 2023 (Translated from Spanish)

[mbmackay · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Book 2 of the Foundation trilogy. More great creative writing by Asimov in this classic of scifi. The trilogy is legendary, and re-reading it reinforces the reputation.

[jenapona · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Without a doubt, Asimov was able to maintain the quality he achieved in the first installment. A very engaging novel and accessible to anyone. (Translated from Spanish)

[aquiles1200 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is probably the best science fiction book I have ever read. It is not said of Asimov that he is one of the fathers of science fiction for nothing. (Translated from Spanish)

[Breogan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

After 80 years, it has not lost any of its relevance. (Translated from Spanish)

[ClaraMaio · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have loved this trilogy; it's one of my recurring reads every few years. I still need to read the prequel and the sequel. The psychohistory and the way Hari Seldon "predicts" the future and the behavior of large numbers of people statistically. In that way, he "plays" a kind of game to steer the future of humanity. (Translated from Spanish)

[Cronicadelibros · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first book of the robot and foundation sagas that somewhat disappoints me. This time it is only divided into two parts, which represent two new eras in the evolution of the story. The first part is in line with everything written previously. The second part is excessively long, with some sections even boring and lacking any interesting events, apart from being quite predictable, to carry the story to the last book of the trilogy.

Like Foundation, there are some mentions, concepts, and places that, if the two previously written prequels have not been read, the story loses depth and you might get a bit lost. (Translated from Spanish)

[gurzi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Undoubtedly, Asimov is one of the greatest references in science fiction and galactic future. It was hard for me to get into the book, and many times I left it for two days because the narrative style and the information provided throughout were challenging for me, but that doesn’t take away from the applause for the amount of detail he left and the interconnection he achieves throughout the story, which was basically prophesied by Hari Seldon. Very good book. (Translated from Spanish)

[whatsleepsbeneath · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I don't think Foundation and Empire hits quite as hard as the first book in the series. But it was intriguing enough to keep me engaged and keep me wanting more. The mystery of The Mule is intense, but when his secret is revealed, I can't help but feel the book lost a lot of its steam. His existence undermines the idea that no individual can challenge the pillars of psychohistory, which is the truly unique thing about Foundation in the first place. I have confidence that the Second Foundation, so far insulated from The Mule and his uprising, will be able to right the ship and bring Hari Seldon's plan back into focus. I hope.

[jfe16 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thanks to psycho-historian Hari Seldon, the Foundation, aided by its superior science and technology, survived the barbarism of its neighboring warrior-planets. But now the scientists and scholars inhabiting the small planet must face the Empire, which, although it is dying, remains the mightiest force in the Galaxy.

As General Bel Riose prepares to turn the Imperial fleet against the Foundation, their only hope lies in the predictions of Hari Seldon. But Seldon’s probabilities, based on sizable populations and sweeping socio-economic trends, could not have anticipated the rise of one man. The mutant, known as the Mule, wields extraordinary power with his ability to mold emotions and shape minds.

Will the Foundation stand? And, if not, what will become of the Galaxy?

Isaac Asimov’s creative and complex world-building highlights this second book in the Foundation series. Populated with interesting characters, the narrative bristles with both suspense and tension. Imaginative plot twists keep the pages turning and pulls the reader into the telling of the tale.

Two related stories play out in the unfolding story. First is The General, followed by The Mule. The Foundation, thanks to its superior science, had taken over the planets surrounding it and defeated the corrupt warlords. But, pitted against The Mule, the Foundation fell.

And the fall of the Foundation set in motion the search for the second, secretly-established Foundation that lies at the opposite end of the Galaxy. “Foundation and Empire” continues the story and becomes part of the grand epic of science fiction.

Highly recommended.

[tobinelliott · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This one seemed to have a bit more story, what with the coming of the Mule. The writing is still really rough, though a touch less preachy this time around. The dialogue continues to grate.

Onward to the last of the original trilogy and, I suspect, where Asimov should have left the series end.

[Roc97 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow
This book clearly gives the crown of science fiction to Asimov, who tells not just the story of a character, not even of a group of people... but of an entire galaxy!
Incredible! Highly recommended! (Translated from Spanish)

[delarayromero · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It is the first book I read by Asimov. Just like the great classic Science Fiction novels, it remains as relevant and surprising as on the first day. It's short, easy to read, and immediately draws you in with its description. When I finished reading it, I felt that I had read a great book by a great author. I didn't want it to end. (Translated from Spanish)

[Elsecretariopuntual · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Hook. (Translated from Spanish)

[Enaut · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don't even remember what it was about; I read it ages ago, but when you start with the first volume of the Foundation, you can't stop until the end. And they are all super addictive. (Translated from Spanish)

[MiguelLac · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Second part of the Foundation trilogy, less brisk than the first and slower. The context of the universe where the story takes place has changed, and that is noticeable in the narrative. Still, it ends leaving everything up in the air, making you eager for the third part. (Translated from Spanish)

[El lector utópico · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Entertaining read and unexpected plot twist. Today I will start reading the last book of this trilogy which, curiously, consists of five books. (Translated from Spanish)

[sami7-951065 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As expected from Asimov, a very well written political-sci-fi that introduces just enough loose ends all throughout the books just to have them tied up neatly at the end.

[Manuelillidge · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my favorite books. It accompanied me in my adolescence and I discovered the world of Science fiction. Undoubtedly one of the best works in its genre. Thank you, Asimov. (Translated from Spanish)