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The Gods Themselves

By Isaac Asimov

(55)

| Paperback | 9780553288100

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Book Description

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 Continue

7 Reviews

doesn't change my point of view

i was curious to read this book, partly because of the title, partly because is Asimov's vintage.
i have a bias against Asimov. I've read the foundation N-logy, and found it tasteless, boring in many cases, ridiculous in other cases.
but that could be translator's fault, at least partly. i read the ... (continue)

i was curious to read this book, partly because of the title, partly because is Asimov's vintage.
i have a bias against Asimov. I've read the foundation N-logy, and found it tasteless, boring in many cases, ridiculous in other cases.
but that could be translator's fault, at least partly. i read the robot stories, and could not like them. i read other novels and yet could not like his work.
so i read this book in English, knowing that i could miss some, being English not my mother tongue.
in my opinion, this book shows that Asimov can write a story without using the foundation material or the robot material.
i think this book shows the good and bad of Asimov. the prose is easy and readable, but the thread is kind of dull.
there's an entire part of the book, part 2, that takes place in the 'para-universe', that could be taken out without affecting the story (so why is there?). at the end, it looks like it's a 3 short novels put together than a whole novel. and like i said, one novel could be dropped without losing much.
being that the book is segmented, and there are different characters in each part, the development of characters is not what you would expect in a novel.
i also think that the story could lend itself to make some good point about man, energy, the exploitation of nature, but there's none. pollution disappears quickly in the book, and even the other problem is solved 'easily' once it is understood. this is Campbell's world, not a story from the 70's.

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Andrew "Ender" Wiggin said on Nov 13, 2011 | Add your feedback

One of the best books by Asimov, if not the best.

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Casolino Marco said on Nov 9, 2011 | Add your feedback

The favourite book of the author (according to wiki), touching on subjects he rarely wrote in his other novels: aliens, sex, even homosexuality. Readers like Asimov, and SF fans in general, would enjoy the book.

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Iserlohn said on Oct 12, 2011 | Add your feedback

After reading so much Philip K. Dick it was odd to start reading this book as Asimov spent so much time explaining not only the changes in the world, but how they got that way and why. This is definitely a science fiction book for those who like science. There is virtually no action, and while the e ... (continue)

After reading so much Philip K. Dick it was odd to start reading this book as Asimov spent so much time explaining not only the changes in the world, but how they got that way and why. This is definitely a science fiction book for those who like science. There is virtually no action, and while the existence of our universe is threatened this problem is solved through the application of science and maths!
The book is divided into three parts, each with a different setting. The first on Earth as the parallel universe and it's potential is discovered is quite interesting. The second, set in the para-universe is a bit odd. There is almost too much exposition about the three main characters and the way their race works and not enough mystery or danger. The second section is set on the moon. Oddly people on the moon tend to go around naked or nearly naked (which is something one would expect much more from Heinlein than Asimov). But despite the obvious sexual charms of the main woman, she also has a brilliant mind to match. Unfortunately despite her brilliance she is relegated to a lesser role and the men take all the credit for her work. (Because she can't grasp the maths!)
This was a fairly interesting book, though I felt it was a bit too long in places. Quite good but definitely not the best Asimov I've read, despite what the blurb on the back said.

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Robot-mel said on Jul 23, 2010 | Add your feedback

As usual, Asimov blends hard science with exciting plot in one cover.....Not as grand as the Foundation series, but nevertheless a good novel.
I really cannot imagine he is explaining the cause of big bang in this way....

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林木森 said on May 31, 2009 | Add your feedback

Part of a boxed set including I, Robot; The Gods Themselves; Pebble in the Sky; The End of Eternity; The Stars Like Dust recievd as a birthday or Christmas present in 1973.

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Becky said on Nov 10, 2008 about the Mass Market Paperback edition | Add your feedback