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  • Second Foundation

  • By: Isaac Asimov
  • Narrated by: William Hope
  • Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (926 ratings)

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Second Foundation

By: Isaac Asimov
Narrated by: William Hope
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Summary

WINNER OF THE HUGO AWARD FOR BEST ALL-TIME SERIES

The Foundation series is Isaac Asimov’s iconic masterpiece. Unfolding against the backdrop of a crumbling Galactic Empire, the story of Hari Seldon’s two Foundations is a lasting testament to an extraordinary imagination, one that shaped science fiction as we know it today.

The First Foundation has been defeated, crushed by the formidable mental powers of the Mule. But whispers of the mysterious Second Foundation, the only hope of defeating the Mule, are beginning to spread…

Surviving members of the First Foundation also fear the secret powers of the Second Foundation, vowing to find and destroy it. However, the location of the Second Foundation remains shrouded in mystery. Finding it will lead the Foundation to the opposite end of the Galaxy, where the fate of Seldon’s two Foundations awaits.

©2019 Isaac Asimov (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
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Critic reviews

"One of the most staggering achievements in modern SF." (The Times)

"Isaac Asimov was one of the great explainers of the age. It will never be known how many practising scientists today, in how many countries, owe their initial inspiration to a book, article, or short story by Isaac Asimov." (Carl Sagan)

"Asimov displayed one of the most dynamic imaginations in science fiction." (Daily Telegraph)

What listeners say about Second Foundation

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great

a worthy completion of the first trilogy, well written and narrated. won't continue with the rest for now, this was enough, maybe later.

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  • Overall
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Classic

From beginning to end of all 3 books the story is fascinating and well read.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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A satisfying conclusion to the original trilogy

The third book of Asimov's seminal Foundation trilogy follows the format of Foundation and Empire with two novellas linked this time by the mysterious Second Foundation. It flows far easier than books 1 and 2, and the strong characters within it (notably Arcadia, a precocious teen girl) help drive the surprisingly modern narrative forward. Bar a few misfires at future technology (it was written in the late 1940s), it has a refreshing contemporary tone which made it an easy and enjoyable read, albeit with deep themes.
There's entire study guides written on the series, but suffice it to say the themes of predestination, societal control, individualism, decline of institutions, and the political powers of religion feature between the three books.
the narration was great, and engaging.
I don't think I'll go onto the sequels and prequels of Asimov's latter years, but rather appreciate the work that originally made his reputation.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Classic sci-fi

This trilogy is a classic of sci-fi, finished in 1947.
Covers a period of over 400 years and many interwoven time lines. The range, scope and detail are very impressive - the story absorbing and interesting.

Isaac Asimov did not pick up on the communications revolution which has occurred over the last 70 years,

So a novel covering hundreds of years, great; complex story with interesting threads and surprises.

A recommended trilogy.
The only down side is the American accent in the performance.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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an old favorite

Always loved this book from when I first read it - many years ago. For my money this is where the Foundation saga really took off. Extremely well read - with the voices just as I imagined.
I hope Audible brings out more in this series.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant and horribly relevant.

Hardly aged a bit since reading this maybe two decades ago. Now it’s essential orientation in an age of psychological warfare.

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A great story

A fantastic story. I loved every minute of it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Ending of a great classic sci-fi trilogy

This was the third book I listened to read by William Hope and all of them, including this one, were fascinating. The actor really did a great job giving unique voices to roles and using his skills to make this book a little like a radio play, which he managed on his own.
The story itself needs no recommendation, as there is a reason why Asimov is treated as one of the best sci-fi writers of all time. The Foundation Trilogy just justified this and I would recommend the 3 books to all, who likes a great story from a great performer.

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Phenomenal story, narration takes getting used to

Absolutely riveted after finishing the first book and adjusting to Hope’s accent. I found the way that Asimov had focused on the evolution of the plot and the plan to be fantastic. Character development is unnecessary and that found it refreshing. That’s not to say that there weren’t memorable characters...

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Outstanding

As this is my 3rd audible book and I have listened to them in 4 days and they have been the Foundation books. since they have all been read by the outstanding reading of William Hope, I'm now worried that the next book is going to go down hill.
I love reading the series years ago and when I first started listening to them I was at the start worried that they would be a great let down.
But after hearing the 3 books, I must admit that they got the right person to read them and they were worth every penny.
I hope that if you read the books years ago, or if your new to the series that you give it a try as I'm very sure that you will love them just as much as me.
And if they do the later books William Hope will read them as I would definitely like to hear them

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