I can’t remember which book I like more, the first or this one. This story is a bit more choppy than the first, telling different stories in different parts. It felt made for a periodical rather than the form of the novel. That said, by the end Asimov had me gripped to finish. And he spoke with the same galaxy-building and cultural criticism you become so found of in the first. Not overall disappointing with somethings improved (some amazing characters) and somethings lost (continuity). ( )

After prevailing in conflict against the neighboring small kingdoms Foundation finds itself in direct conflict with the remnants of the Empire (first true military push from the old Empire) and new force, the Mule, much more potent and unpredictable (even for Seldon's plan) against which only the mysterious Second Foundation can prevail.

Asimov manages to paint a wonderful picture of ever-changing society, from use of the religious control of the masses to the rise of mercantile state to finally strong merchant mini-empire that manages to forget its own roots and saw discord between itself and free states that are opposed to haegemony. As we follow the Foundation's heroes through the ups and downs (where heroes from the past get called criminals by the current government because of their resistance to ever creeping corruption) we are shown how society changes and how unexpected opposition in times of strife can endanger even the most meticulous plan.

Story ends on a cliff-hanger, Foundation is at its lowest since its creation and the Mule, mysterious mutant psychic, although denied the information on Second Foundation is not ready to let it go.Cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Recommended to fans of SF and epic space opera. ( )

In the end, this book had more variety than its predecessor Foundation. Nevertheless, the ending is weak, strongly suggesting a reliance on at least another book to complete the series. However, a successor does not alone justify Foundation and Empire's existence. I will read the third book, Second Foundation, but any satisfaction that book gives will never repair the reading of this one. ( )

Me Gusto mas Fundacion. Algo llamativo fue la ultima pagina del libro, nada que ver con la historia sino la forma. ( )

Childishly written and full of the most ridiculous improbabilities.

I enjoyed Foundation, but I did think it was front loaded. If humanity is labouring under a misapprehension and being manipulated why are we being told stories about various random people? Why do the stories matter? I think Foundation and Empire suffers throughout from this problem that afflicted just the second half of Foundation.

So here we have two stories. The first, The General, is the worst. It consists of various incredibly boring scenes where two characters sit about talking. I use the term characters advisedly. Off-scene some events take place but we don’t see any of it happen. Why tell a story about the fall of an Empire without showing it, and saying why it matters, without making it a human story? The Second story, The Mule, is perhaps better. There are some elements that tie in to the greater series. I almost two starred it, but that really would be grasping at straws. The General was so bad that in comparison anything else might seem worthwhile.

Asimov’s whole approach to his material is ill thought out and poorly conceived. ( )