Tyrann

by Isaac Asimov

French language

Published Dec. 30, 1996

ISBN:: 978-2-290-00484-5

(4 reviews)

The Stars, Like Dust is a 1951 science fiction mystery book by American writer Isaac Asimov. The book is part of Asimov's Galactic Empire series and takes place before the actual founding of the Galactic Empire, before even Trantor becomes important. It starts with a young man attending the University of Earth. Biron Farrill is the son of the greatest nobleman on the planet Nephelos, one of the Nebula Kingdoms. The story starts with the news that his father has been caught conspiring against the Tyranni. The Tyranni, who come from the planet Tyrann, rule a minor empire of 50 planets near the Horsehead Nebula. Tyrann suppressed science and space navigation training in the kingdoms to help maintain control over its subject worlds. The ruler of Tyrann in the story is called the "Khan," suggesting that Asimov took the Mongol dominion over the Russian principalities as a model, much as …

8 editions

Bob reviewed Tyrann by Isaac Asimov

Du Asimov avec ses qualités et défauts

3 stars

J'ai ouvert Tyrann par hasard après avoir trouvé le livre en bouquinerie et j'y ai trouvé exactement ce que j'attendais d'un livre d'Asimov : des bon côtés avec de l'aventure spatiale, des explications scientifiques très fouillées, de bons plots twists... et les mauvais côtés avec des personnages assez plats, et des rôles extrêmement genrés où l'unique personnage féminin du livre a un rôle de potiche (sans doute pas sans rapport avec le sexisme connu de l'auteur) Bref, ça se lit bien en vacances et ça me rappelle pourquoi je cherche de la science-fiction plus politique.

Thom reviewed The Stars, Like Dust by Isaac Asimov

Review of 'The Stars, Like Dust' on 'Goodreads'

2 stars

This early novel by Asimov is a fun bit, with the right amount of plots and counterplots. The characters are pretty flat, and the reveal subplot doesn't fit at all - the author agreed, and considers this his worst novel. If this is the worst he wrote, then he is truly one of the masters.

The plot loosely fits within the Foundation empire - but it seems doubtful that Asimov was planning for all this when he wrote it. Probably better to say that the elements were kicking around and this doesn't fit too badly. I thought the idea of "ruling families" was a bit like warlords, or for that matter the big ranches in old westerns.

Bonus - first appearance of the Visi-Sonor and the Neuronic Whip.

Will probably read the other two early Asimov novels soon. 2½ stars.

Foni

rated it

Jun 23

Foni

rated it

Jun 23