Customer Reviews

Aurora: Isaac Asimov's Robot Mystery (Isaac Asimov's Robot Mysteries)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Okay, if you have any personal integrity whatsoever you've already read Mirage and Chimera, the previous Tiedemann titles in this Asimov's Robot Mystery series. They were both great reads, but this is the one that (being a SFWA member) I'm giving a Nebula recommendation to. (And I usually don't do that for so-called "sharecropper" novels.) Why? Because this novel goes way beyond the mystery/action level of the previous books, and brings the background into play in very interesting ways. Without discussing the plot, I'll only say that it also brings the Asimov "universe" up to date with the concerns of modern SF readers. Questions like "Where's the nanotech?" and "What about AI's?" and "What happened to the Spacers?" are dealt with, or ominously foreshadowed. Most importantly, the questions raised by the existence of Bogard are not swept under the rug or reduced to a mere plot point to be conveniently tied up later. Bogard raises fundamental questions about the Three Laws, and robotics in general, and Tiedemann faces up to them and lets them play out. Good stuff.

Minor SPOILER included in review, turn back now or....
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I really didn't think Mr. Tiedemann could continue to please after the two parts of this story (Mirage and Chimera) proved to be so entertaining.....but I was wrong, Aurora was an excellent conclusion to this trilogy. I only dinged it one star (the first two got 5 stars) because a character I really liked and hoped to see again dies...oh well.

I whole-heartedly recommend this series!! Worth every penny!

...so I gave it 3 stars. This book shares the same problems as the others: way too many characters, subplots, conspiracies and "same old same old". Derec and Avery once again get blamed for the crimes they try to solve, because (of course) all the cops on the case are in the pay of the bad guys, yada yada.

Can't anyone come up with an original plot?

A major character does die, and my reaction was "finally"! That shows how little identification I felt with these cardboard characters.

But I did appreciate the fact that this book went into a lot more detail about the Spacers, the cyborgs and Nova Levis. Finally a character actually does go to Nova Levis!! (This was the one plot-strand that kept my interest.) Also it seems that the robot Bogard is a lot more than we might have thought. Which is treated as little more than an afterthought by this author.

I really can't think of these novels as being in Asimov's "universe", as the dynamic between Spacers and Earthers doesn't at all resemble that of Asimov's novels. Nor do they stand up well by comparison, as Asimov's mysteries are neatly solved and everything explained in the end with crystalline logic, whereas in this series we are left with only a murky understanding that "everyone was corrupt and part of a vast conspiracy that endeavored to spread confusion while they took over the galaxy."

My Asimov collection will be constantly re-read and will always have a treasured place in my bookshelf, but the Tiedemann series will be going to the Book Swap at the next opportunity.

Three book of the Tiedemann mystery series based on Asimov's Robots. Must be read as part of the trilogy. Intrigue, gagetry, politics, woven well into a story that takes place after Elijah Baily while Fastolef was still in power. Ending was a suprise. Where was Daneel?

The book was in very good condition. Will reread and reread. Very pleased with this purchase and will do it again.

Tiedemann brings Asimov's robot universe to life in unexpected ways. The complex twists and turns of the story keep your attention riveted.

Once you pick up this book, or any other of Tiedemann's work, you can't put it down until you reach the end. I's like getting a box of chocolates, you can't have just a little bite, you want the whole thing.

This book, in particular, delves into subjects and themes that are both cutting-edge and timeless. His characters seem real, with real problems and attitudes. Even his robots are imaginative and have personalities that capture the imagination and leave you wanting more.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone that loves great SF.

It is physically uncomfortable trying to read this book... even with my reading glasses.... the type can't be larger than 7 point, and we're talking about 422 pages! I had read the first in the series and liked the bits about the "Bogard" robot. I confess that I skipped the middle book, but I figured I would still enjoy reading the conclusion of the trilogy. Well, maybe I would if it didn't involve going half blind in the process... but it just doesn't seem worth it!