Book Cover

The Stars, Like Dust

Book 1 in the series:Galactic Empire

Save:
Find on Amazon

'The Stars, Like Dust' by Isaac Asimov is a science fiction novel set in a galactic empire oppressed by tyrannical rulers. The story follows the young nobleman Biron Farhill as he embarks on a galactic adventure filled with intrigue, political manipulation, and a quest for freedom. The book incorporates elements of romance, adventure, and suspense, with twists in logic and a patriotic undertone. Despite some cliched plot elements and dated aspects, the novel explores themes of rebellion, chivalry, and love in a futuristic setting.

The writing style of 'The Stars, Like Dust' is described as typical of Asimov's work, with some readers praising the large-scale socio-political themes, individual storylines, and the right balance of action and idealism. While the book may not be considered Asimov's best work, it is seen as a fun and entertaining space pulp adventure that prefigures some subplots of his renowned Foundation series. The novel is commended for its blend of suspense, betrayal, spaceships, and plot twists that engage the reader in a galactic tale of intrigue and rebellion.

Characters:

Characters are depicted as largely archetypal, with lacking depth and development, typical of early sci-fi narratives.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style reflects early sci-fi conventions, featuring simple prose and criticized dialogue, with sporadic moments of humor.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Biron Farrill as he navigates a dangerous political landscape, facing betrayals and uncovering secrets about his father's death.

Setting:

The setting is a distant future characterized by tyranny and rebellion, featuring interplanetary locations central to the narrative.

Pacing:

Pacing is mixed, with a slow start leading to a more engaging conclusion, although some moments feel rushed.
But it wasn’t that which awakened Biron Farrill and dragged him out of a heavy, unrefreshing slumber. He turned his head restlessly from side to side in a futile struggle against the periodic burr-r-r...

Notes:

The Stars, Like Dust was published in 1951 and is Asimov's second novel.
Many readers find the characters wooden and lacking depth.
There are complaints about the dialogue being unrealistic and stilted.
The plot involves a young man named Biron Farrill who discovers a conspiracy involving his father's execution.
The story takes place in the Galactic Empire, but it is more of a standard adventure with political intrigue.
Asimov's vision of future technology, such as journalism, appears outdated and simplistic.
The book contains a romantic subplot that many find cheesy and clichéd.
Asimov himself considered this one of his least favorite works.
Some believe the ending was forced by the publisher, lending it a patriotic tone that feels out of place.
Despite its shortcomings, some readers appreciate its nostalgic value as early science fiction.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of oppression, violence, and dated portrayals of gender roles.

Has Romance?

There is a moderate level of romance in the story, focusing on the relationship between Biron and Artemisia.

From The Publisher:

From science fiction grand master Isaac Asimov comes a stand-alone novel set in his renown galactic empire

Biron Farrell was young and naïve, but he was growing up fast. A radiation bomb planted in his dorm room changed him from an innocent student at the University of Earth to a marked man, fleeing desperately from an unknown assassin.

He soon discovers that, many light-years away, his father, the highly respected Rancher of Widemos, has been murdered. Stunned, grief-stricken, and outraged, Biron is determined to uncover the reasons behind his father's death, and becomes entangled in an intricate saga of rebellion, political intrigue, and espionage.

The mystery takes him deep into space where he finds himself in a relentless struggle with the power-mad despots of Tyrann. Now it is not just a case of life or death for Biron, but a question of freedom for the galaxy.

"This little novel will transport you back to a simpler time, when story lines we are jaded towards today were fresh and intoxicating, and that gosh-wow! sense of wonder covered science fiction like a layer of fine, gold dust." -SFReviews.net

Ratings (2)

Loved It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (7):

Read It (4)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (2)

About the Author:

Isaac Asimov, author of the Foundation trilogy and many other novels, was one of the great SF writers of the 20th century, and his hundreds of books introduced many thousands of readers to science fiction. Born in Brooklyn, he lived in Boston and in New York City for most of his life.

 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.