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  • Second Foundation

  • Written by: Isaac Asimov
  • Narrated by: Scott Brick
  • Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (241 ratings)

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Second Foundation cover art

Second Foundation

Written by: Isaac Asimov
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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Publisher's Summary

Isaac Asimov's Foundation novels are one of the great masterworks of science fiction. As unsurpassed blend of nonstop action, daring ideas, and extensive world-building, they chronicle the struggle of a courageous group of men and women dedicated to preserving humanity's light in a galaxy plunged into a nightmare of ignorance and violence thirty thousand years long.

After years of struggle, the Foundation lies in ruins, destroyed by the mutant mind power of the Mule. But it is rumored that there is a Second Foundation hidden somewhere at the end of the Galaxy, established to preserve the knowledge of mankind through the long centuries of barbarism. The Mule failed to find it the first timebut now he is certain he knows where it lies.

The fate of the Foundation rests on young Arcadia Darell, only 14 years old and burdened with a terrible secret. As its scientists gird for a final showdown with the Mule, the survivors of the First Foundation begin their desperate search. They too want the Second Foundation destroyed, before it destroys them.

©1991 Isaac Asimov (P)2010 Random House

What listeners say about Second Foundation

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Zac
  • 2019-10-06

good narrator, good continuation of the series

Scott Brick is great. Nice to listen to and never over does the character. Decent continuation of the foundation universe

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Science Fiction with Mystery and Intrigue

Not a bad addition for the series. Not exactly a mystery fan, but it was enjoyable. Wouldn't recommend as an entry on it's own - more if you are following the series and want to have a more complete picture.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The grandeur of the story…in time and in scope.

A comment…the concept of cigar smoking was all present…so different from today. Asimov was visionary in the breadth of his story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Best Book In The Series

This entry in the 'Foundation' series exemplifies what Science Fiction is capable of offering: immersive, imaginative, plausible realities that provide a matrix on which to build a captivating plot... be it Action/Adventure, Horror, Drama, or something else. In 'Second Foundation', Isaac Asimov splices an entry in the 'Mystery' genre onto his concept.. surrounding a simple question - "Where is the Second Foundation?"
Asimov includes false leads, multiple suspects, investigative maneuvers, red herrings, twists & turns, and dramatic/climactic stand-offs worthy of an Agatha Christie novel.
A couple of characters are straight-up annoying (and the dialogue is often imperfect), but the book is otherwise well-conceived, well-paced, and well-executed.

My only comment on the presentation: listen to Scott Brick at 1.15X. His capable narration - marred by a naturally arrogant/"smarmy" attitude in his tone/timbre - sounds much more natural at that playback speed.

This 9/10-star audiobook may not be the best version available for the "Fifth" book in the series.. but it absolutely fits in your library. Can recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Ray
  • 2021-07-20

A satisfying conclusion

There is no need to review the book itself. By virtue of age there are several references that seem dated to my ears in 2021, yet the story still holds up.

I’ve read the books myself several times, this was the first time listening on audio.

Perfect nostalgia, and an excellent read. There is no need to review the book really, but the Voice of Scott Brick is a perfect addition to my experience of the story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

fun story 3rd book is the most engaging. listen

listen while you walk or cook. otherwise you may fall asleep 😴 . it is not boring, just the voice becomes a bit hypnotic.

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