The Gods Themselves

288 pages

English language

Published Feb. 23, 2000

ISBN:: 978-1-85798-934-2
Goodreads:: 41821

(2 reviews)

In the twenty-second century Earth obtains limitless, free energy from a source science little understands: an exchange between Earth and a parallel universe, using a process devised by the aliens. But even free energy has a price. The transference process itself will eventually lead to the destruction of the Earth's Sun--and of Earth itself. Only a few know the terrifying truth--an outcast Earth scientist, a rebellious alien inhabitant of a dying planet, a lunar-born human intuitionist who senses the imminent annihilation of the Sun. They know the truth--but who will listen? They have foreseen the cost of abundant energy--but who will believe? These few beings, human and alien, hold the key to the Earth's survival.

7 editions

Thom reviewed The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov

Review of 'The Gods Themselves' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

A story in three sections, and the first is barely science fiction. Mostly politics, with a MacGuffin that gives free energy - or is it free? This book won a Nebula, a Hugo, and the Locus SF award, and was regarded by Isaac Asimov as his favorite book.

The second section is a very alien world, with the connection only visible near the end. The third section brings the whole story together quite well, though I found myself thinking of [b:The Moon is a Harsh Mistress|16690|The Moon is a Harsh Mistress|Robert A. Heinlein|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348768309s/16690.jpg|1048525], written six years earlier. Do all lunar colonies have intrigues and rebellions?

Keeping this from five stars for me was all the dialog to tell the story. There isn't a lot of action. How many other books did Asimov use a three part structure for? It turns out this was published serially in Galaxy Magazine, so that …

A story in three sections, and the first is barely science fiction. Mostly politics, with a MacGuffin that gives free energy - or is it free? This book won a Nebula, a Hugo, and the Locus SF award, and was regarded by Isaac Asimov as his favorite book.

The second section is a very alien world, with the connection only visible near the end. The third section brings the whole story together quite well, though I found myself thinking of [b:The Moon is a Harsh Mistress|16690|The Moon is a Harsh Mistress|Robert A. Heinlein|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348768309s/16690.jpg|1048525], written six years earlier. Do all lunar colonies have intrigues and rebellions?

Keeping this from five stars for me was all the dialog to tell the story. There isn't a lot of action. How many other books did Asimov use a three part structure for? It turns out this was published serially in Galaxy Magazine, so that at least makes sense here. I am not sure I would have continued past the first in that format, it so lacked in sci-fi.

I am glad that it ended up on my list in book form, and also glad I finished it.

dare

rated it

Jan. 1, 1992

The Gods Themselves

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