The Currents of Space (Galactic Empire)

A beautiful thing this is to hear and to read. I like the way Asimov frequently makes earth the central pivot of his stories.

Legendary author Isaac Asimov has written a tale full of murder and political intrigue along with some great science fiction. The Trantorian empire is closing in on it's conquest of the galaxy. But, the planet Sark stands in the path of this conquest. Sark is an independent planet but, more important, is its sale of kyrt. Kyrt, a cotton-like substance, is the foundation of most of the materials in the galaxy and is only available from Sark. Sark doesn't produce kyrt by itself. Instead, kyrt is grown on the planet Florina. Sark uses the population of Florina as cheap slave labor to produce kyrt. Many have tried, but none have succeeded in growing kyrt anywhere but on Florina. These imitations are more like plain cotton and nowhere near the quality of kyrt. Due to this relationship, Sark has become extremely powerful and wealthy, while Florina has suffered under the rule of Sark. But, a man has entered the picture with information which could prove devastating to Sark, Florina, and Trantor. This man claims to have knowledge that Florina and it's valuable supply of kyrt is in danger of being destroyed. This leads to an exciting story of murder, political manuvering, and intrigue. I'm a big fan of science fiction, but this is only the 2nd Asimov novel that I've read, the other being the classic "Nightfall", which I also recommend. I thought this book was good, but I had some difficulty following the story. I thought Asimov introduced too many characters in such a short book, too. However, I did enjoy the story and I plan on reading "Pebble in the Sky" and "The Stars, Like Dust". Asimov is one of the masters of science fiction authors, and this book is a good choice for fans of science fiction.

A twisty, suspenseful plot; memorable, sympathetic characters; and inspired world-building. The ending is unforgettable! “Words are like leaves, and where they most abound/Much fruit of sense beneath is rarely found” - A. Pope (Added to comply with 20-word minimum)

I am and have always been a great fan of Isaac Asimov. I recently re-read the Currents of Space and again found it has an interesting story line but lacks briefity. The characters are lifelike and interesting, but too complicated. Dr. Asimov has always had some element of "detective" work in his books, but sometimes the dialog with "suspects" goes on way too long. You begin to lose yourself in a complicted web that seems to go nowhere. I found myself skipping entire paragraphs trying to get to the point and go on with the overall story. Another aspect is the existence of independent civilized planets which are not part of the Galactic Empire. This seems unlikely in a universe where the imperial planet Trantor governs over a million worlds. Think of that! A milllion worlds. More realistic would be hundreds. t's worth the read, but be prepared for a long one.

The complex story keeps you intrigued, although a bit confusing at times (hard to keep the several threads that develop in parallel updated in a clear way). And the end was unexpected although a bit rushed in my opinion

Re-reading this childhood favorite after 60+ years, I was astounded by how prophetic Asimov was! While still a fun read, the social economic and political underpinnings are relevant today!

I am reading Asimov's Robot-Empire-Foundation books for the first time in the order suggested by the author. Given that Asimov was a less experienced writer for his Empire books, "The Currents of Space" is good to great, and much better than some of the published fan fiction that is passing for reading matter these days. The Empire books do add to the reader's understanding of life leading up to Foundation days. While I suppose there is some violence, I'd put it much closer to NO violence. I am just starting the Foundation books (7 total) with "Prelude to Foundation," and I am not experiencing a particularly noticeable change in the quality of Asimov's work. Good reading.

I first read Asimov when I was 16. I have read and re-read almost all of his SF. However, I had not read the Galactic Empire series. Starting the 3rd book today. The plots, characters, even the science is remarkable. I would suggest to any one that they read this three book series, the robot novels and then tackle the Foundation series. You will be amazed!

Another classic from Asimov.

Good read

中学生の頃に読んで、推理小説的な面白さがずっと印象に残っていた１冊ですが、親戚の子に薦める前にと思って読み直して、社会制度とか、ほとんど忘れていたことに気づきました。恒星間旅行の時代に貴族？ 農奴？ とも思うけど、優秀な人間は登用する代わりに子孫を残せないようにするとか、かなりすごいです。 『宇宙の小石』、『暗黒星雲のかなたに』と並ぶ銀河帝国シリーズの１冊で、これらの２作が（遠い未来の話とはいえ）大時代的というか古色蒼然感があるのに対して、今の時代感覚に近いというか、違和感が少ないです。ただし、女性の描き方を除いて（『暗黒星雲のかなたに』ほどではないけど）。 私は普段は原作至上主義ですが、子ども用のリライトはかなり改変されているのが普通な現実に鑑みて、現代女性の実像（好奇心が強かったり、知性が高くても、結局は社会や大局が見えていないおバカさん、なんかじゃないわよ）を反映した翻訳出してくれないかなと思います。原作のままだと、こういう女性像を植え付けることになるのではと躊躇してしまうので。

I have an outside postbox in (outside!) my flat so the book might have arrived a day before I noticed. Which is very good. Delivery was promised for Sat, March 5; it was here on 4th March. Excellent stuff. The Post Office must be on performance enhancing drugs!

I have read and reread many novels by this esteemed author, but somehow missed The Currents of Space. It proved to be as enjoyable as any other he has written. I have a new hardcover copy of the Foundation Trilogy which I read again recently, so it awakened the urge for an unread item in the close series. Fans will not be disappointed with this novel, just as I was pleased to dive into it. Somehow, when reading these books, I seem to soar right through them before the end is nearly reached. Any author who can write a book which will be read many times over, and enjoyed each time by the same person, deserves the highest accolades. Sadly, there are few novels by Asimov which are new to me, but I still have a shelf with numerous books form the Foundation and Robot series to enjoy again.