The Currents of Space

Details

Author: Isaac Asimov
Published: 1952
Pages: 239

Started: February 28, 2025
Finished: March 04, 2025

Short Review

I found out halfway through The Currents of Space that not only is it the second book of a trilogy whose first book I hadn't read, but that it was also the last book of the trilogy to be written! Confusing chronology aside, the novel stands alone quite well, and I had no issues following it.

In typical Asimov fashion, the book is almost entirely plot-driven and is best described as a political sci-fi mystery. The characters, though lightly developed, remain interesting, especially the protagonist, Rik. Having had his memory wiped by a psycho-probe, he slowly recalls fragments of his past—fragments that foretell doom for the planet he inhabits but isn’t native to, with revelations that could unravel its colonial society.

Asimov's writing here is tighter and more mature than in his Foundation novels, and the book features the kind of final twist that characterizes many of his short stories. A decent and memorable romp, but by no means his best work.