Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov

Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Golden age classic!

Not an elegant writer, and one with a wealth of talky-talky characters - this the final book of the original Foundation books wraps up (or DOES it?) the story of the two Foundations created to restore an Empire to the galaxy. As ever, Asimov shines in creating intricate logical arguments and counter-arguments as characters wrestle with solving problems. Sometimes it feels more like a murder mystery than a space opera.

IT was an interesting contrast to read Alphabet Squadron in the middle of this Foundation re-read.
While a work-for-hire set in the midst of a huge media franchise, Alphabet Squadron felt more "real" and gritty in its depiction of action and characters.

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Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov

Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

More fun in the Foundation series. Again - bits are clunky, but still a wealth of fresh ideas.


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Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed

Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whoa. Gritty - more real than I expected.

Freed gives us the story of the forming of a motley crew - the eponymous "Alphabet Squadron," of the title. Drawing on decades of the GFFA, he creates a breathtakingly moving story of the swirl motives and backgrounds driving the team.

Funny - after finishing this, I went back to reading "Second Foundation," the classic by Asimov. While Asimov is certainly groundbreaking, I was surprised by how ... two-dimensional his book seemed in contrast. (Not a slam on Asimov - just a recognition of the depth of what Freed crafted.)

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