Caliban

The Spacer colony on Inferno stands on the brink of climate collapse as it's inhabitants - living in luxury among their robot keepers - have ignored terraforming issues to the point where they've been forced to call in Settlers to help save the planet from disaster. When Inferno's leading roboticist, Fredda Leving, is assaulted and nearly killed, sheriff Alvar Kresh and his robot partner Donald must face the unthinkable...that a robot is the most likely suspect in the attack. Kresh must chase down Caliban, stand between extreme elements of both Settler and Spacer society deal, and play diplomat...and it all might not matter as Leving is about to turn society upside down with a challenge to the millennia old Three Laws of Robotics.One of the most engaging things about Asimov's original robot mystery novels was his ability to execute a vivid story and any number of plot twists with a minimum of characters and worlds that were often spartan in detail. Allen is nearly as successful in Caliban, which rings true in both tone and characterization to those classic Asimov novels. In addition, the exploration of "new laws" (and Caliban, a "no laws") robots is well done and provides a fresh take on the classic "Three Laws of Robotics."Chronologically in the Asimov universe, Caliban takes place (relatively) shortly after Asimov's Robots and Empire and before the Empire novels. Spacer worlds are in a decadent decline (with Solaria having been completely abandoned at this point) and Settlers continuing to colonize and expand into the universe. Caliban successfully continues to enrich Asimov's universe and is recommended to any fan of Asimov and sci-fi enthusiasts in general (although some knowledge of Asimov's previous work would be recommended).

Published in '93, talking about climate change (on a Spacer world) and relevant to today. Took Asimov to the next level. Grammar is sometimes clunky (like this review) but the ideas presented make this book a page turner. I would LOVE to see this turned into a movie.

The book is pretty good, but the print is smaller than desired and the paper is not excellent. It is not a library copy.

To the extent there is violence, it is referred to in the past or happens out-of narration. The characters speak of the events, but there is not a direct view. It is not a shoot-em-up. It is a mystery, in the same way Asimov's robot series occurred. But with a different writer.

Its been kind of a struggle getting through this book but always good to be back in the foundation/galactic empire/robot universe

Roger MacBride plays with words in this book that enhances Isaac Asimov's Caliban. A fun read! Great Characters, Interesting story.You MUST buy the other 2 parts of this Trilogy. Have Fun!!!

If you liked or loved the robot novels by Asimov, this series is in the same style and you will probably enjoy it. Caliban is a great read.

Wanted it for my library. I have read it before and enjoyed it.

Caliban is the first of a spin off trilogy to Issac Asimov's robot series so though you could read them as a stand alone set I advise you read the others first as much of the background history will be a lot clearer. So ideally you should read these first:(Quadrilogy)1 - Caves of Steel 2 - The Naked Sun 3 - The Robots of Dawn 4 - Robots and Empire Despite having Asimov's name on the cover this book was actually written by a different sci-fi author, Roger Macbride Allen, and what a fantastic job he does. Not only does this feel exactly like an Asimov robot book but Allen also throws in unique ideas that actually challenge the legendary three laws of robotics resulting in a clever and gripping novel.The book is set on one of the 50 spacer worlds Inferno where a robot powers up over an unconscious woman in a pool of blood. His name is Caliban and he is different from other robots, he leaves the lab to discover where he is, who he is, to learn. Sherrif Kresh is called in to investigate the attack, Dr. Leving, the victim is suffering from amnesia due to the head blow and all Kresh knows is there is a possibility, though he thinks it's impossible, that a robot did it and he must find Caliban.Though a detective novel, Caliban explores aspects of human nature and how technology effects it much like previous books in the robot series. There are a variety of characters with different viewpoints and backgrounds including Caliban himself and to be honest I found it hard to put the book down once I started reading it.I was usure about reading it as I only found out about the series after I finished Asimov's robot series by pure chance but it continues on flawlessly. Sadly I think this is one of those books that's genuinely great but few people will have heard of. I had to buy some old paperbacks as it isn't, and probably never will be on the kindle.I highly recommended it though, onto the next book in the series,  Isaac Asimov's "Inferno" + Allen writes in an Asmovian style perfectly while exploring new ideas.+ Interesting characters and plot.+ Excellent pace.+ Technology and humanity's use of it is an interesting sub theme. Caves of SteelThe Naked SunThe Robots of Dawn Robots and EmpireIsaac Asimov's "Inferno"

Reviews for books are ridiculous, but heres the skinnyNot Asimov, Asimov's work and universe, but if you want more of his style...that wont happen. Instead youll find Macbride very easily and expertly makes the material his own, weaving it with his own style - his own take. I find the tableau's he creates, both of individuals and of events are fascinatingly vivid.

This was for my fiance for his birthday - he loves it, and it's another added to his Asimov collection!

I enjoyed this robot story. Caliban has a personality, despite being a "robot". This is wonderfully innovative. Asimov was a master at writing stories about robots; nobody even came close.

Asimov und der Autor sind Kinder des 20 Jahrhunderts. Die rasante technische Entwicklung hat vieles in den Beschreibungen überholt.Aber grade die Vereinfachung/Reduzierung auf das asimovsche Weltbild macht diese Serie wieder spannend.Die Geschichte um den Roboter, der nicht den drei Gesetzen unterliegt ist spannend und macht nachdenklich, wie wir auch heute unsere Welt organisieren wollen, im Hinblick auf die Mensch/Maschine-Schnittstelle.