Second Foundation

 

The final book in Isaac Asimov's trilogy follows the Mule's conquest of the First Foundation and his inevitable search for the Second Foundation, supposedly at the other end of the universe. However, the Second Foundation are a more challenging foe to the Mule's telepathic powers, given they have had centuries to develop their own mental and telepathic capabilities.

Part One immediately engages the reader as they follow the Mule's hand-picked investigators, Pritcher, a 'Mule-converted' General, and Channin, an ambitious, talented, but 'unconverted' investigator. They play a psychological cat-and-mouse game with the Mule and the Second Foundation, ultimately leading to the Mule's downfall.

Part Two moves forward some centuries, where the First Foundation has reaffirmed its foothold over the new empire. Still, the mystery of the existence and whereabouts of the Second Foundation remains. A scattering of evidence remains from the Mule's unsuccessful search, enticing further investigation. A small group of First Foundation scientists begin to uncover evidence that the Second Foundation not only exist but are actively tampering with the minds of the First Foundationers.

And so, the group of scientists recommence a galactic search, including unwanted assistance from Arkady, the adolescent daughter of one of the scientists, Darell, ultimately learning of the Second Foundation's true fate.

The third novel in the trilogy is an easy and intriguing read that ultimately rewards the patient reader with the outcome of the new galactic empire.