Prelude to Foundation

By: Isaac Asimov

Narrated by: Scott Brick

The first of two prequel novels in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series

THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION

It is the year 12,020 G.E. and Emperor Cleon I sits uneasily on the Imperial throne of Trantor. Here in the great multidomed capital of the Galactic Empire, forty billion people have created a civilization of unimaginable technological and cultural complexity. Yet Cleon knows there are those who would see him fall—those whom he would destroy if only he could read the future.

Hari Seldon has come to Trantor to deliver his paper on psychohistory, his remarkable theory of prediction. Little does the young Outworld mathematician know that he has already sealed his fate and the fate of humanity. For Hari possesses the prophetic power that makes him the most wanted man in the Empire . . . the man who holds the key to the future—an apocalyptic power to be known forever after as the Foundation.

solid tale

The start of psychohistory. The plot is a chase away from an enemy and an ally with a secret identity. The cultures of Trantor are interesting.

Wonderful Series

I love The Foundation Series. there is so much more that Asimov could have written yet he wrote over 450 works. I highly recommend that anyone who loves Science fiction read the Foundation series

a well told tale told well

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The performance is top notch - very engaging. The story (which I was not familiar with in advance) is quite good if perhaps a little light on character backstory/development but the plot and setting/imagery is outstanding.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Prelude to Foundation?

The reveal of the shocker at the climax - I didn't see it coming.

What does Scott Brick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voicings of the characters convey a wide range of emotions (more than the text alone could) without devolving into cartoonishness.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I actually laughed out loud as I was driving (alone) when the shocker was revealed during the climax.

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to the rest of the Foundation series!

loved my return to the Foundation series

It has been many many years since I read the Foundation trilogy. I had not gotten around to reading any or the books beyond the first three. What a pleasure to pick it back up with a brand new beginning!
Great book, wonderful performance. Now on to the rest of the series...

So Many Questions Addressed

This was a perfect accompaniment/prelude. Asimov addressed/answered so many matters without making them too obvious. This story was a great journey.