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The Gods Themselves
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The Gods Themselves
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The Gods Themselves
Audiobook11 hours

The Gods Themselves

Written by Isaac Asimov

Narrated by Scott Brick

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this audiobook

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 Earth's survival.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateJan 14, 2014
ISBN9780804191050
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The Gods Themselves
Author

Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov was the Grand Master of the Science Fiction Writers of America, the founder of robot ethics, the world’s most prolific author of fiction and non-fiction. The Good Doctor’s fiction has been enjoyed by millions for more than half a century.

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Rating: 3.860596247219984 out of 5 stars
4/5

1,241 ratings52 reviews

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is one of Asimov's relatively few stand alone novels, and the one for which he received the most awards. Unfortunately, it isn't quite as good as I would hope a novel that won the Nebula and Hugo awards should be, although it is still quite good.The novel stems from, essentially, a physics trick - under what circumstances could the impossible isotope Plutonium-186 exist, and what would it mean if we could locate a parallel universe in which those conditions existed. The novel also explores what an alien society without any contact with humanity (and only limited contact with our universe) might be like.The first part of the novel is basically a story that asks what if we discovered a dangerous perpetual motion machine, and explores the political ramifications that might have. This section is interesting, but not particularly exceptional, mostly focusing on the fact that once people have something that is immediately beneficial, the long term negative consequences will usually be ignored.The second part of the novel is probably the best section, as Asimov tackles a universe with entirely different physics from ours, as well as a wholly alien culture. As a science fiction author who rarely included aliens in his works, and was clearly uncomfortable dealing with sex, he seems to have saved up a decade's worth of both for this book, creating some very unique aliens, an alien culture, and having a fair amount of alien sex. This is the best section of the book, and focuses on how the aliens deal with a huge ethical problem, and why they can also not turn their back on a process that provides immediate benefits but potential long term negative (and unethical) consequences.The final section of the book is the weakest, and really drags down the other two. In this section, the problems raised by the first two sections are wrapped up neatly and without inconveniencing anyone. As a matter of fact, the final solution makes everyone better off than before, and eliminates all the problems previously encountered. This ending is really too facile for the rest of the book, and essentially gives all the short-sighted characters in the first two sections an easy out.Still, the book is considered to be a classic of science fiction, and the second section of the book alone makes it worth reading. It isn't as good as Asimov's best work, and of his books, this is not the one I would have picked to win all the awards, but it is still a good book.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Asimov's masterpiece, rebutting charges that he couldn't write about aliens, sex, or women. The first part and last sections, on Earth and the Moon, are good; the middle portion, with the aliens, is brilliant.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Perhaps the most intelligent sci-fi book I've ever read.

    I'm not a physicist, but I did understand the premise, and it seems to me to be incredibly realistic and possible.

    And the design concept of the creatures in an alternate universe was brilliant.

    Asimov truly was a master.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    "Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens."Friedrich SchillerI admired it much more than I actually enjoyed it. Asimov's ideas are brilliant but his characters are somewhat bloodless and cardboard. Even when he tries to work against this it comes out all embarrassing. The third section on the moon is a pale imitation to Heinlein's 'Moon is a Harsh Mistress'. Given the timing on the publication that can't have been an accident. As to the Big Three argument, it's silly to throw Heinlein out at this stage. He dominated the actual science fiction writing of the late 30's and early 40's. His juvenile works in the 50's were incredibly important gateway works. Much of the NASA personnel that launched the moonshots got into science because of them. Bradbury didn't write nearly as much science into his fiction. You may prefer him (I don't) but he really doesn't fit the category in the same way that Heinlein does.Two thirds of it was pretty shoddily written - far too much exposition, and people behaving irrationally in order to move on the plot. The remaining third, though, is excellent - the section set in the parallel universe. Even then the work is now little more than a curiousity.Incidentally, I would highly recommend Roger MacBride Allen's Caliban series. These three books (Caliban, Inferno and Utopia) are based on the spacer vs settler conflict set up by Asimov, and are listed as being co-written by Isaac. In them the author(s) rewrite the famous 3 laws of robotics, as well as telling a much better story than old Isaac ever did.(Bought in 1994)Asimov started my love of science fiction when I bought "The Martian Way" in a Brasilian-Portuguese translation as an 11 year old on a wet and boring holiday in Portugal in 80s. I'll always be grateful for what he led me to but I have to say that, like most of the other so called "golden age" authors, he was long on ideas and short on quality of prose. Still without him would we have had George Turner or Ian M. Banks?"Nightfall" still remains for me the ultimate horror story. The prose is often dire but the yarns are great fun. For utter dire-ness of prose but a ripping and far-fetched yarn, you can't beat E.E. “Doc” Smith's Lensman series. I swear he used up the universe's entire stock of superlatives.NB: I have been told Gene Wolfe is much better then Isaac Asimov by a friend of mine. The problem with Gene Wolfe's "Book of the New Sun" is that we've got to deal with Wolfe's obsession with his hero's massive sword and women with small, high breasts... Ah well. I must get round to write a review on it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Gods Themselves is a story of two worlds that are struggling for power and survival, although they have never met. One world, the human's world, is so consumed with the need for free energy they are unwilling to give up their source of power, even though it may destroy all life in their Universe. The other world needs the energy pulled from the Earth's Universe because their own Sun is about to die. The scientists struggle against an unseen time clock to save their world.The story is an ingenious and prescient yarn that touches on the issue of our civilization’s insatiable need for cheap, plentiful energy and our inability to accept the environmental consequences of that dependence. It is told across multiple parallel universes and has a description of a para-race of beings that is staggering in its complexity; the novel is also a cautionary tale of scientific hubris and ego run amok and the cross-dimensional dissidents who try desperately to avert a crisis. With echoes of our own world’s current global energy crises and the environmental impact of our reliance on dirty energy sources, the book is an eerie reminder of the trade-offs we make in the name of progress and civilization.Frederick Hallam, a scientist, discovers a substance, plutonium-186, that should not exist under the physical laws in the universe. It becomes more radioactive over time, shooting out positrons. This substance is transmitted to Earth from a para-universe in which physical laws are much different. This substance provides cheap, seemingly endless, and nonpolluting energy. Increasing amounts of it can be attracted by use of a device called the Inter-Universe Electron Pump. In exchange for plutonium-186, Earth provides tungsten; in the para-universe, tungsten emits electrons and thus provides energy.The first section, “Against Stupidity,” details the Pump’s discovery from the point of view of Peter Lamont, who is writing a history of this scientific development. He decides that the Pump may transfer some of the physical laws of the para-universe to Earth’s universe (and vice versa), with the result that nuclear reactions in the Sun will grow stronger and the Sun will turn into a nova, wiping out all life on Earth. At the same time, suns in the para-universe will cool down.Lamont warns about the possible dangers, but his warnings are paid little heed. He attempts to communicate with the para-universe aliens, aided by linguistic expert Myron Bronowski. Ultimately, they succeed, receiving a message that appears to warn that the Pump is dangerous but also appearing to suggest that authorities in the para-universe will not stop the process. It is up to humanity to do so.The best part for this reader was the second section, “. . . The Gods Themselves,” where the locale shifts to the para-universe. The inhabitants include three types of alien children with different characteristics: Rationals, Parentals, and Emotionals. The Parentals give birth to the other two types, and one of each of the three types constitute a triad who occasionally melt together in a sexual process, experiencing pleasure but later not remembering all that took place during merger.There are also Hard Ones, other aliens who do not melt. A Hard One is the adult form of a Rational-Parental-Emotional triad, constituting a permanent melding of the mature triad. A Hard One named Estwald began the energy interchange with Earth’s universe because of a winding down of the energy sources in theirs. The Hard Ones know that this may cause Earth’s sun to explode, but they still will not stop the process because that explosion would result in emission of a huge source of energy for them. An Emotional (Dua) is troubled by this and warns the people of Earth’s universe of the dangers of the Pump. It is then revealed that Dua is part of the triad that makes up Estwald.In the third section, “. . . Contend in Vain?,” Benjamin Allan Denison, a scientist and past colleague of Hallam, becomes involved with a female Lunar tour guide named Selene. The Moons inhabitants have been unable to use the Pump there, but they wish to as a means of becoming more independent from Earth. Denison confirms that the Pump is a danger to the Sun’s stability but suggests that if there are two parallel universes, there must be more. The denouement of the story follows providing an adequate if not inspiring finish to this fine tale. Asimov's imaginative aliens and the suspense created by the scientists made this another classic from the prolific pen of Isaac Asimov.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I heard good things about The Gods Themselves. It won a Hugo, Nebula and Locus award for best novel in 1973. The premise is a delight for the hard science fiction fan: 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.Of course there's a catch. There's always a catch.It's a short and interesting read with believable aliens, who have a fascinating way of structuring their families. It didn't wow me, but I'm glad I read it.I recommend this book to all science fiction fans who either want to read more Asimov, or more classic SF.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    (audio) This book won the Nebula Award in 1972, and the Hugo Award in 1973. The book was made of 3 different sections that could have been mostly independent novellas.The first section is set on Earth where it is discovered that there is a parallel universe with different physical laws. Beings from the Para-universe start sending materials to our universe and we figure out how to utilize that material and send comparable material back. This exchange seems to provide an unlimited source of energy. But, as Heinlein says; TANSTAAFL (there ain't no such thing as a free lunch), the energy exchange seems to be changing the physical laws of our universe. Changes that could have catestrophic effects. Very hard sci-fi, with emphasis on the science.The second section is told from the pari-universe and was very different from the first section. It was an interesting discussion/exploration into alien life forms. It wasn't just bipedal beings with weird noses (I'm looking at you Gene Roddenberry). They too are realizing that the energy exchange is damaging their world too. But there are many that don't want things to change.The last section is back in our universe and is set on the moon. This one is more of a political story about how the lunar society has split apart from the Earth and the fallout from the pari-universe exchange and its reality changing effects. As you would expect from Asimov, this is a very believable story with science that is just this side of real. Recommend.8/10S: 1/21/18 - 1/29/18 (9 Days)
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Very very clever.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    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.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Interesting story about the interaction of science, power and politics.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    A Parallel Universe begins to interact with our own , first promising cheap energy, then revealing a Nova inducing peril.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This won the Nebula Award for 1972. Set in 2100, humans have encountered aliens who mate in threes and live on pure energy. On worlds beyond Earth humans have evolved physically and socially. On Earth an unlimited, non-polluting energy source has been discovered. Of course, there are problems. Asimov was a master of SF and this is one of his best.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a totally odd book. It's not for everyone and in my humble opinion is not Asimov's best work. It does give an interesting view into an alien universe. It comes together in the end and is a better then average story.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Frederick Hallam, a radiochemist of average intellect and fresh out of university, suddenly finds himself in communication with beings from a parallel Universe who had contacted him by locating a nearly forgotten bottle of Tungsten metal on Hallam's desk. Through his communication with these "para-Men", Hallam learns how to build an Electron Pump that allows energy to be transferred between the two universes cleanly and with no pollution. Hallam is hailed a hero and named Father of the Electron Pump, but his partner, Ben Denison knows otherwise. Denison is well aware that the design of the pump originated from the beings in the parallel Universe. However, when Denison tries to speak out, he is silenced and blackballed by the scientific community.Years later, a physicist named Frank Lamont uncovers dangerous information about the Pump, that it's very existence could destroy our galaxy, and interviews Hallam about it. Hallam is naturally outraged and moves against Lamont, pulling strings that nearly crush Lamont's career. As a last resort, Lamont approaches Senator Burt, head of the Committee on Technology and Environment, to discuss his evidence. Burt explains that if Lamont can prove his theories with unimpeachable math, the senator will do his best to take Hallam down. Returning to his laboratory, Lamont finds another message from the para-Universe: PUMP BAD PUMP BAD STOP STOP STOP PUMP!!!!Meanwhile, on a planet in the parallel universe, beings known as Soft Ones, mutable sentient creatures capable of shape shifting, work together with Hard Ones, solid bi-pedal beings that cannot touch the Soft Ones without enduring pain. Within the culture of the Soft Ones, there are three types, Emotional, Parental, and Rational. Together, they make a triad, what we might consider a family. Only the Rationals ever speak to the Hard Ones, as the Hard Ones are the most intelligent of all beings and only the Rationals can understand them. In one unusual triad, Odeen the Rational works closely with the Hard Ones on the Electron Pump while explaining his work to Dua, his Emotional mate. Breaking tradition and stereotype, Dua takes a deep interest in science. Meanwhile, their Parental mate, Tritt, is only concerned with taking care of the triad's children and becomes jealous of Odeen's attention to Dua.However, Dua defies all and makes her way into the caverns where the Pump is being constructed. Armed with scientific knowledge beyond that of any Emotional, she learns of the dangers of the Pump and sends a message of warning to our universe...Back in our universe, Denison arrives on the Moon (now populated for generations) in an attempt to rehabilitate his scientific career. He works with a device called the Pionizer, partly designed by Lunar scientists, that he hopes will compensate for the dangerous levels of energy being pulled into our Universe by the Electron Pump. In doing so, he encounters friction from the existing lead physicist, Barron Neville who sends his girlfriend, Selene, to spy on Denison.Can Denison finally disprove Hallam? What is Neville's true agenda on the Moon? With whom does Selene's loyalty actually lie?Asimov breaks the story into three parts, each containing several chapters. Part One: "against stupidity..."Part Two: "...the gods themselves..."Part Three: "...contend in vain?" ("Against stupidity the gods themselves contend in vain.")While the entire book is a fine example of hard SF, it is truly the final section that is most laden with scientific discourse between the characters of Denison and Selene and finally, Lunar administrator Gottstein, Denison, and Neville. In that way, the story turns dry at times, but it was actually a pleasure to read an "old school hard SF novel" by one of the masters. The Gods Themselves is a well paced, intelligent story with imaginative development of the aliens in the para-Universe. It's no surprise that it took the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1972 and the Hugo Award the following year.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Interesting ideas, but the dialogue was so wooden as usual. Without going into specifics and spoilers, the third part was terrible. Boring and unmotivated. At no point did I care what Baron Neville thought or planned, which made the denouement pretty dull. Also I can't fail to mention the lack of good female characters. Selene is portrayed as being not much more than her breasts, and yet OF COURSE she falls for the unattractive older genius, charmed by his propriety. As someone else here said, unfulfilled fantasy much?It felt like three mediocre-to-good short stories patched together into a novel. The middle part was by far the best -- pretty stilted but really interesting ideas. I would have liked to know more about the para-world, instead of the pathetic Lunas. And for a much more challenging and interesting portrayal of public nudity, try the festival on one of the Galilean satellites in Kim Stanley Robinson's "Galileo's Dream".
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    a marvelous thought exercise in thinking of a different intelligent life form, NOT a little green man with some humanoid appearance.
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    The same dead wooden plodding dialogue and narrative that I remember from the time I read Foundation. It is as workman like as an instruction manual.Only longer.I have put myself through this as I am reading all the remaining Nebula winners I haven't yet come across in general reading. How this won when it had been proceeded by highly literate works I do not know, same for its Hugo and Locus win.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Somewhat confusing, but interesting concepts.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Very interesting novel. The science was a bit over my head and apparently fairly accurate (in the sense of theories and accuracy). This book- written over thirty years ago- still has some resonance in our times. The theories are just as fair as any we have for our existence. I enjoyed the "para" world and its inhabitants- in fact this was my favorite part of the book.The book is not without its flaws, but for a fan of science fiction it was pretty good. As this is my first Asimov novel I can't compare it- but it does make me want to read more of his stuff.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Second attempt at reading this book resulted in me wanting to rip it up and burn it! The second section is just annoying- not Asimov at all!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Asimov's masterpiece, rebutting charges that he couldn't write about aliens, sex, or women. The first part and last sections, on Earth and the Moon, are good; the middle portion, with the aliens, is brilliant.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    It's said that against folly, the gods themselves toil in vain. And this book is a wonderful example. Penned decades ago, the morals of the story are just as true as they are today. Mankind discovers a parallel universe, and through the contact with a universe with completely different physical laws, a source of unlimited power comes forth. The only cost is that our universe gains electrons, while theirs gains protons. It would take billions of years for this to have a significant effect, like causing Sol to go all neutron star and whatnot.Except that there's a squeaky voice who doesn't agree with mankind's eager acceptance of this panacea power plant. And we all know what happens when one little guy scientist starts spouting science that's contrary to popular opinion: we label him a fraud, a quack, or a charlatan, and so soil his reputation so badly, he has trouble getting a job cleaning up after horses.Meanwhile, in the alternate dimensions, which not only has different physics, but also has a creature with three different genders, we meet an Emotional (basically, a female of their kind) who is ill content with being just an Emotional. She learns of this power exchange between the worlds, and discovers that it's really, really bad for the people in our dimension. She has some strong feelings, but she finds, that like those crackpot scientists who say that too much of a good thing is bad, she's all alone on the soap box.I found this book to be quite unique, as far as science fiction of its era goes. You can tell that not only is Asimov a brilliant physicist, but he's also a very creative author, if you're not easily frustrated by characters skimming the surface of theoretical physics on occasion.If you enjoy Golden Age Sci-Fi, then your reading is not complete without the Gods Themselves. Also recommended for fans of Asimov's other works.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    It has been a very long time since I read this book but I remember loving it. It is science fiction but based on a lot of true chemistry facts. Some of the chemistry parts are hard to follow but the overall story is quite well put together. The author presents three stories that are intertwined together into one amazing major story. Whether you like science fiction normally or not, I would definitely recommend this story about technology, advancement and love.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I love this book. It shows an alien culture that is truly alien. It is not an alien invasion story. Its about sharing technology and discovery and reminding ourselves that not everyone, human or not, has our best interest in heart.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Absolutely positively MEMORABLE! A classic right along with Dragons Egg by Robert L. Forward. I read it the first time in the late '60's or early '70's and again in 1999 or 2000, and plan to read it again. It stands out in my memory even more clearly than the Foundation Series. With the new developments in string theory, speculation about hidden dimensions, and parallel universes with different physical laws, its more timely than ever.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Not my favorite Asimov book, though this is supposed to be a 'classic'. Like a lot of classics, this is deep, mysterious and confusing.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    this book is ok. Its pretty creative, and i like most of the characters, but there are parts that kinda drone on.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Having read a lot of science fiction over the years, and being a big fan of Isaac Asimov, I can't for the life of me imagine how I neglected to read this masterpiece. Winner of both the Hugo and Nebula Awards, in my opinion, this is Asimov's best work and one of the finest science fiction works I've encountered. The book is written in three distinct parts, seperated by location, though the time frame is more or less contemporaneous (circa 2070). The first section of the novel sets the stage and takes place on Earth. Through contact with a parallel universe, with radically different physical laws, a source of free and plentiful energy is discovered, a revolutionary development for human society. However, there is no such thing as a free lunch, and the remainder of the novel deals with complications arising from the ensuing Electron Pump. The second part of the novel is simply mind blowing. In it, Asimov has created an alien culture (beings occupying the aforementioined parallel universe) that is so fascinating and complex as to be well deserving of the awards which this novel has garnered. Were this 50-75 page chapter released as a short story, it would be deserving of the title, "Best Science Fiction Short Story Ever Written". The last two pages of the chapter contain two different, shocking plot twists that will literally cause goose bumps. Finally, the third chapter of the story results in an elegant resolution of the crisis presented in the first two. Set on the Moon, Asimov creates a lunar colony, that while not entirely original, has aspects I've not seen before. The creativity, while not up to the standards of the second chapter (how could it be) is nevertheless top rate. The story involves complex physics, which Asimov explains well and simply enough to be understood by the average non-scientific layman. This science fiction work is among the best novels I've ever encountered in any genre. I've read that Asimov considered it his best work, and I agree completely. If you're not a science fiction fan, take two hours and read the second chapter alone, as a short story. It will be well worth your time.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book kicks so much ass! Not sure what really draws me in but I've re-read it a few times now and definitely will again. I love parallel stories that intersect. I love the holycrap-we-gotta-save-the-earth storyline.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    A fine book with an interesting twist on multiple universes and how these universes could interact. Asimov introduces some keen ideas that make the book worth reading. The big theme of the book seems to be how arrogant humanity is.