Author: Isaac Asimov
Awards
Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1972, Locus SF Winner in 1973 and the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1973.
Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1972, Locus SF Winner in 1973 and the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1973.
The Gods Themselves is a 1972
science fiction novel written by Isaac Asimov. Asimov is widely considered one
of the masters of hard science fiction. Isaac
Asimov was a professor of biochemistry at Boston University, best known for his
works of science fiction and for his popular science books. Asimov was one of
the most prolific writers of all time, having written or edited more than 500
books.
Dust Jacket Summary
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? By exchanging matter with Earth, they seek to exploit these differences in physical laws. The exchange of matter provides an alternative source of energy in their dying Universe. However, the exchange of physical laws will have the ultimate result of turning the Earth's Sun into a supernova, and possibly even turning a large part of the Milky Way into a quasar which, in turn, provides more energy for the para-Universe. These few beings, human and alien, hold the key to the Earth's survival.
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? By exchanging matter with Earth, they seek to exploit these differences in physical laws. The exchange of matter provides an alternative source of energy in their dying Universe. However, the exchange of physical laws will have the ultimate result of turning the Earth's Sun into a supernova, and possibly even turning a large part of the Milky Way into a quasar which, in turn, provides more energy for the para-Universe. These few beings, human and alien, hold the key to the Earth's survival.
What I liked
The book isn’t so much a single novel as it is three novellas with a common element. I enjoyed the second and the third parts much more than the first part. The second part delves into the alien culture and life that is unique to anything I have read in the past. I really wish Mr. Asimov would have continued the story further because when it got interesting he just stopped.
The book isn’t so much a single novel as it is three novellas with a common element. I enjoyed the second and the third parts much more than the first part. The second part delves into the alien culture and life that is unique to anything I have read in the past. I really wish Mr. Asimov would have continued the story further because when it got interesting he just stopped.
Some may disagree with me but I
found the third part the most fascinating.
Mr. Asimov cultivates what life would be like on the Moon for
humans. He is so thorough is in his explanations
that it would be difficult to disagree with any of the conclusions. Plus, there is political intrigue and a rivalry
with Earth that totally fleshes out the story.
By far, my two favorite characters of the entire novel where Denison and
Selene. I really, really wish this would
have novel on to itself.
What I didn’t like
In spots, the story drags and the climax completely fizzles out. Yet, the biggest complaint I with the novel is that, at times, the dialogue reads like an article for a science journal. While the science is interesting it does not make for good reading and will cure your insomnia.
In spots, the story drags and the climax completely fizzles out. Yet, the biggest complaint I with the novel is that, at times, the dialogue reads like an article for a science journal. While the science is interesting it does not make for good reading and will cure your insomnia.
Last word
A completely unique story that does a splendid job of fleshing out an alien species and life on Luna but is dragged down at times by techno babble.
A completely unique story that does a splendid job of fleshing out an alien species and life on Luna but is dragged down at times by techno babble.
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