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Liked It2 of 2 members found this review helpful “(Over the next two years, I am writing an ongoing series of essays here that I call the "CCLaP 100," whereby I read for the first time a hundred books considered by many to be classics, and then write reports here on whether or not I think they deserve this title. For the complete list of books,...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“I thought the story of the para-universe was interesting but found the 2 sections on the earth's universe to be boring. I was really disappointed with the last third of the book (the moon story).”
Brenda H wrote this review 8 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“It is 2070 , an isotope which cannot possibly exist has resulted in the invention of a device which has resulted in the resolution of the energy crisis. It is the electron pump- a source of unlimited energy at no cost. It performs a transfer of electrons with a parallel universe resulting in the creation of unlimited energy in both the universes. One man, Peter Lamont has found proof that the pump is a threat to mankind's existence. Yet, the establishment is unwilling to support him and labels him a lunatic. In the para-universe, a being Dua is also bent on trying to stop the pump and struggling against her own people to do the same. Proof must be found and for that a former fallen radio chemist, Denison goes to the lunar colony to carry out his experiments. He is assisted by a Lunarite tourist guide, Selene who seems to know more than she shows. Will mankind be convinced to turn off the miraculous source ? Will an alternate solution be found? Can Dua succeed? What is Selene's hidden agenda?
elizabeth k wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Quite an engrossing read from Asimov. Though the beginning is a bit tedious , you do get hooked by the end. Also worth mentioning is Asimov's portrayal of the Para-beings and the Lunarites. Ultimately, it is what goes on in people's minds that forms the crux of the story.”
“Very interesting concept. I liked how he took a completely off-the-wall random possibility of another way of life and made it be so normal and matter-of-fact like it was an everyday thing.”
Kevin J wrote this review Friday, October 16 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Brilliantly crafted”
Ratapon K wrote this review Monday, August 31 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Good i loved the use of alternate realitys, that explain the use of such strange and amazing science”
Mark F wrote this review Wednesday, July 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“very good sci-fi book”
axel a wrote this review Wednesday, July 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Full of good ideas but without follow through. Clearly some excellent short stories linked almost half-heartedly into a novel.
yvette k wrote this review Saturday, June 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Not a waste of time, with themes worth considering and characters that it is a pleasure to get to know - even for a short time before Asimov abandons them and moves on the next...”
“One of the best described alien societies.”
Ella R wrote this review Friday, April 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
0 of 65536 members found this review helpful“Not for everyone but excellent speculative story by Asimov. "I'll stop the world and melt with you!"”
obilon wrote this review Wednesday, August 27 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“This is the book that convinced me Asimov was being overly arrogant in refusing to edit his work.
Aphreal wrote this review Friday, October 3 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
It's divided into three sections that really feel like they have little to do with each other.
The first is very scientific and requires a decent understanding of physics and chemistry. I found it pretty dry, but it set up some interesting ideas.
The second part is the gem of this book: a narrative set in another dimension with beings completely alien to our understanding of life who are nevertheless very sympathetic and fascinating.
The third part is where the book really fell apart for me. After determining at the end of the second part that the very existence of our dimension was imperiled, the third portion of the book picks up a minor character from the first part and turns into a soft-core porn love story set on the moon. The narrative appears to have lost the plot and focuses more on how the guy can have sex with a low-g woman without breaking her bones.
I was thoroughly disappointed by this novel. It had such potential and just squandered it. ”
