Issaac Asimov
I think Asimov could be best described as the man who found a way to ruin one of the best science fiction series of all time. Don't get me wrong, I loved the series, Unfortunatly the "sorry it was just a clever trick of the second Foundation" ending gets tiresome after the third time.
The following reviews cover the books that I own. No more shall follow since I detest robots in the Asimov universe.
Foundation (1942-1945)
The Galactic Empire, after 20,000 years of peace is falling apart. The great Hari Seldon predicts 30,000 years of anarchy to follow before the rise of order again.... unless he can establish the Foundation. Which shall hopefully shorten the era of chaos to a mere 1000 years.
This is one of the greatest SF books of all time. I recomed every SF fan read this book!
Foundation and Empire(1952)
After 150 years the Foundation has been able to expand its borders and establish a trade empire which excels at producing miniaturized technology. However the dying embers of the Galactic Empire are planing to make one last stab. And if that wasn't enough some freak calling himself the Mule is intent on destroying everything Hari Seldon has built, using only his mind.
The first part of the book kicks ass. Unfortunatly the second half, while not that bad, sets us up for the first instalment of "sorry bub, it was all in your mind."
Second Foundation (1953)
After the Foundation's battle with the four kingdoms, the Empire, and the Mule it is well on its way to becoming the second Galactic Empire. Now it must face the Second Foundation and possible defeat, or not.
Even through all the crap this book shines in comparison to the final two books. This in my opinion is the last book in the Foundation series and should be treated as such.
Foundation's edge (1982)
Finnaly, after 500 years of turmoil the Foundation is on the verge of galactic control. Unfortunatly the Second Foundation has managed to survive as well.
This book is shit. The 30 year rift between this book an the last is so obvious. Asimov was going through the spiritual phase all old SF writers end up at the end of their career.
Foundation and Earth (1986)
Golan Trevise is still uncertain if he made the right decision when he choose Galaxia. Now he is on a quest to find Earth, and possibly the answer to his question.
If you though Asimovs last pile of dookie was enough he tops himself yet again! Now we find out that the shadow hand controling the Second Foundation has yet another mysterious entity controling it! This book make a nice coaster.