Many years ago, I read this series of books when they came out in paperback, while Asimov was still alive. I had forgotten how entertaining they were. All the classic elements, including continuity between different authors in the series exist. A must read for people who like a substantial, yet easy to read book. Definately not for those with a short attention span or someone who would rather see the movie then read the book.

First of all you have to understand that Asimov had planned for this book to be written and set out guidelines for the authors to follow. Michael P. Kube-McDowell and Mike McQuay have done an excelent job of honoring the foundation/robot universe and their interpretations only improve the depth and color of the story. I think Asimov is smiling on this one.

The saga of Robot is continued in this novel, which can only be described as exellent, with a dose of brilliant, and a side of superlative. The story of Robot City is expressed through the further development of the characters Derec, a man who crash landed in the aptly named Robot City, a city run and inhabited entirely by robots. Having lost his memory in the crash landing, he takes the name of Derec, which is the manufacturer of his jump suit. Throughout his journey, he meets the mysterios Katherine. After a bout of being captured by extraterrestrials, and such other madcap antics, Derec and Katherine are deposited in Robot City together. It is here that the plot begins to thicken, and the character development becomes signifigant. This volume of the series is a perfect book for any science fiction fan, and perfectly expresses the three laws of Robotics and their applications in the real world.

This book had some very good aspects to it, but it also has some flaws, some of which I find disturbing. "A Ready Defense" does a good job of defending the gospels on issues like the historical existence of Jesus, the validity of the New Testament, and specific issues about the Gospels frequently raised by skeptics. McDowell points to historians of Jesus' day writing about him and the whole Jesus Movement. It tries to defend the reliability of the Bible. Finally, it answers questions such as "how could Jesus be raised on the 3rd day when he was in the tomb for 1 1/2 days?"). McDowell's book does a fair job of being what it claims to be: "a ready defense" for Christians confronted with objections to their faith. McDowell is great at digging up dirt on other religions, especially Mormons and Jehovah's Witness'. He does a good job of showing reasoning flaws of these groups and several others. Unfortunately, though, McDowell concentrates so much on the negative sides of other religions that I feel he slanders them at times. This unfair portrayal of other religions is especially true in his analysis of Islam, Buddhism, and other Oriental religions. He tries to show that these religions are entirely incompatible with Christianity, a view that I think is nonsense. If someone were to use McDowell's view of other religions while trying to convert others, he or she would offend many people. Even though this book treats other religions unfairly, it is nevertheless a good resource tool for Christians. You just have to pick and choose which material you accept!

Josh McDowell combines the skill of a research scholar with the ability of a seasoned writer. This book is a must for those seeking to know not just what they believe but (maybe more importantly) why they believe it. This book has been a thorn in the side of heretics and atheists alike because it dares to say that Christianity is different, unique and the ONE truth. Unlike other publications, Josh reasons from logic and evidence as to why you should believe. If after reading this, you still choose NOT to believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven... it will certainly not be for a lack of clear, articulate, scholarly evidence. It is a must read for every Christian as well as serious skeptics.

This book is a great resource to use to strengthen your faith.... Sceptics who dismiss this book are doing so by preconcieved bias;notions based on finite knowledge, which ,at best, makes their skepticism, silly, weak(no sited sources) opinions. After reading this book, if sceptics were objective,they would at least conclude from the impressive evidence, that the bible is a masterpiece;one of the wonders/mysteries of the world! Evidence includes: 1) Archeology- Atheist ,in the past, who have said the people and places in the bible are fairy tales, have egg in their faces. Archeologists over the past 100 years have found that those people and places, in the bible, do exist..Check it out in the library , partner.2) Legal expert Simon Greenleaf- Former atheist, who tried to discredit the resurrection story. He used only the valid testimonies from witnesses. Greenleaf came to the conclusion that Jesus's resurrection is the the best supported factual event in all of history.3)All prophecies that are fulfilled in bible- this proves the bible was not written by Men;God also chose which books to go into the bible by influencing men- to keep it HIS word. The council ,led by GOD, weeded out books which are deceptive counterfits.4) Much more evidences- Regardless of the fact sceptics remain unconvinced, I applaud this book as a success. After reading it christians, no sceptic will be able to shake your faith in CHRIST JESUS. My advice to the skeptics- is to do your own research on all topics.Visit the library partner-- Christians, this work is a winner worth 5+ stars. Order it today!! ~Rob

So, it may not be the best story ever written, but it does carry on the Asimov Robots storyline. If you can quote the three laws of robotics, you gotta read this whole series. It will not knock your socks off or anything, but you will enjoy it.

A good work. If you are Asimov's fan you will find a new murder investigation involving the 3 robotics laws of Asimov, this time in a new planet inhabited exclusively by robots. There is other interesting themes: New alliens species, a radical tool for stelar traveling (more radical and without technical explanations- or speculations). If you are a new asimovian robots reader, you will enjoy this book and will find a good introduction for the 3 robotics laws.
The more i liked: A amnesiac man interacting with unknown robots who can not lie and with a attractive girl.
Te murder resolution is not so good like in asimov books.

This was the first sci-fi book I read ever, in fact it's the first "real" book I read when I was young. I fall in love with Asimov at this very moment. I love the story. This was my first contact with the three laws of robotics I love so much. I think it's a good book to learn more or introduce you to Asimov style. I lose my original copy of this book 10 years ago al least. I just brought this electronic copy. I start read it and feel the same joy today. A must read.

Anonymous Sender is a most excellent read. They story IS complex and DOES take an intelligent reader to follow, but the chase is well worth it. From the Drug lord trying to make his business grow, to the reluctant hero of a "Big Town" man trying to find peace in "Small Town, USA"; the characters are extremely well developed.
For a first time "out of the gates", McDowell has won his race.

I first read this book when it was release back in 1996. I reread it a few weeks ago, and the book is still fantastic. I would not hestitate to suggest this book to anyone who likes Clancy or Ludlum. Interestingly enough, Mr. McDowell has another book that has been completed, but not sold. I've read the manuscript and it is better than Anonous Sender, as much as I liked that book. Keep your fingers crossed that this one gets out.

McDowell is an author to watch!

I very much enjoyed this novel, as did my family and friends when I shared it. The characters were well developed for a first effort, and certainly better than those of many "experienced" authors. There was a good deal of action, and at root, I identified with the main character. What more could one ask for? Well thought out and presented, with references to parts of American history often forgotten or glossed over. I only wish the author would give us another effort:)

This book just doesn't give me the ammo I need to defend Christianty. I realize it isn't meant to be too deep but it doesn't do a good summary job either.

I've used this for my high school Sunday school class. It's an excellent work for students and others wishing a basic grasp of why Christianity is historically provable. People may reject Christ because they do not wish to be accountable to a Living God, but after looking at the evidence, at least they have to admit that the facts are there. The resurrection did happen.

Anything by McDowell will be great additional reading. Also the novel "Hillcrest Journal" is a great read for students and parents. It helps to open the door to thinking about where one is heading in life--an excellent novel for Christians and non-Christians.

McDowell hits home with youth by presenting apologetic ideas in an easy-to-understand mini-devotional. I have recommended this book to my high school students for five years now, and many have really enjoyed it. (Those who didn't enjoy it said it was too simple, so I merely recommended that they read Strobel's The Case for Christ/The Case for Faith--student editions. For the hard core who feel these are still too easy, I recommend Lewis' Mere Christianity.) I just gave the book to my fourth-grade daughter, and in a month she has completed half of it with comprehension, meaning that it probably will not work too well with a post-teen audience. But for those teens who do want to know more about their faith, this is a great place to start.

This is Josh McDowells shinning moment. Only he could see whats coming, analyse the problem and articulate the solution. This book is well researched, well written and timely. If you truely want to understand and help the youth of today this is a must read...

In this book, Josh explores some of the major problems that our youth are facing today. Such as, premarital sex, lying, stealing, cheeting, etc... Josh tells us through a series of fictional families and situations that are all too real, why it is actually wrong to lie and cheet and steal. This is an excellent book for parents or even youth leaders as my self who want some ammunition to combat these problems that are plaguing our society!

As a teacher in a Christian high school, I see daily the problems in our youth recognizing right from wrong. I am not one who takes a lot of stock in statistics and McDowell spends a lot of space giving many, yet the stats show the need of our young people to recognize right from wrong. McDowell gives practical, Biblical suggestions which lead the reader back to not only the Word of God but to God Himself for the answers to what is right and what is wrong. The book not only speaks to how to help our young people but also challenges us adults to take a real good look at ourselves before we embark on trying to help others. This should be required reading for all youth workers!

I really enjoy Josh McDowell's work. Not because it reinforces my opinions or because it helps me defend or find my faith, but because it is so entertaining. Unfortuately, that was not really the intent. This book, like most by the esteemed Mr. McDowell is more a joke to an educated reader than anything else. In it, he presents Postmodernism as the biggest threat to Christianity ever. Bigger than Satan, bigger than Rome. It is the biggest threat ever.

He further goes on to contend that tolerance is not really what most of us consider it to be. Rather, it is intolerant not to believe his faith, because it is so obviously (to him at least) correct, and not accepting it is wrong. If you can read that with an open mind, you can see why this book is so entertaining. Like most of McDowell's recent work, this is mainly a collaborative effort, and I ended up wondering if he didn't really just allow his name to be put on it for recognition's sake. It is totally plausible that it is ghostwritten. However, I think that these are actually McDowell's opinions, because the same rhetoric stands out from this as does from The Evidence that Demands a Verdict with regards to postmodernism. From his redefinition of words with common meaning to his logical fallacies that cause you sto slap your head in wonder and bewilderment, this book is a farce, but an entertaining one.

At this point, I would like to quote South Park. There is an episode where a nameless teacher with a hand puppet (you all know who he is) engages in some outrageous and completely inappropriate behavior in order to get himself fired. At the very end of the episode, where he has broken every law of decency known to man, he rages at the audience telling them that liking something is acceptance and that putting up with something even though you don't like it is tolerance. You tolerate things that you don't like because it isn't your right to make decisions for other people.

In that vein, I can't decide that you shouldn't buy this book. Point of fact, I wouldn't decide that if I could. That is the behavior of people who are afraid of ideas, which leads to facism and fundamentalism. I would like to point out the importance, though, of thinking for yourself. The only reason that I gave this book a two instead of a one was the inestimable entertainment value I got from watching Josh McDowell point fingers and scream like some psychotic Islamic fundamentalist/terrorist. Granted, that is some powerful imagery, but I think that the author would understand why I use it.

Read the book, buy it or don't, just keep an open mind.
Harkius

Since I live in L.A., I see the "new tolerance" first hand. From having to "tolerate" illegal aliens and them literally invading our country and demanding that we become a bilingual society to homosexuals who insist that we give them a legal right and allow them to get married. It is a very frustrating time that we live in because of that. For standing up to what is right and bibilical, we are told that we are "racist" or "prejudice". Every christian should take a look at this book. It isn't written perfectly but it does bring out the fact that this new politally correct society is totally destroying our country and our basic values. We need to become a nation again under God. And now as I am writing this review, we are having difficulty electing a president one holding the "liberal tolerant" views and the other having more of the traditional moral standards. I'm praying that the right one is chosen for the sake of our country.

Most Christians acknowledge that the world does not tolerate Christians. This book is an excellent tool that can be used for teaching your family to live as God has commanded, even when the world around us denies us the right to live as Christians.

The "New Tolerance" is not true tolerance. It is acceptance and appreciation for whatever you want to believe, think and do. One cannot be a Christian and believe in the "new Tolerance" movement. One must uphold the truths written in the Bible and live as such.

This book offers hope of a brighter future, assistance in how to live in a world that does everything BUT tolerate Christians and guidance on how to teach your children to survive in this world.

From the eyes/connections of a senior veteran Microsoftie you can learn for yourself how business is done and has been changed by technology. A great communicator, Mr. McDowell clears the eyes of the foggy headed, old thinking business manager to the wonders and money savings of tech. A must read for any modernizing or future thinking executive looking for success. This is one of those books that are a cheap investment in the future profitability of your company. Your employees should read it too!

Excellent book for those in industry, as well as anyone who wants to better understand how profoundly technology can impact business success.

I have a clear understanding in my mind of all the things my company can do to help businesses evolve strategy with our IT products and why that is important, but I have had what I believe to be a somewhat difficult time articulating the "whys and wherefores." This book provides lucid, clearly compelling explanations and examples that crystallize the message of the power of information technolgy.

McDowell and Simon make strong cases for how information technology should not be used simply to do things better than you have done them before, but instead to use it to do things you have never been able to do before. If you don't fully understand technology and want some non-technical explanations of why you should be using it, this book was written for you.

... I bought this book. I have a foot fetish, shoe fascination. I make shoes. I love this man. I came away from this book feeling that this man was very shallow.

The photos were disappointing. Those of us with shoe obsessions won't be satisfied with this book. The shoes shown aren't original; the manner in which they are shown isn't either.

Perhaps I was too hungry for something as original as Manolo.

For the Carrie Bradshaw in all of us! Carrie taught the world how to say Manolo and now we are all obssesed it's a great keepsake for the shoe attict in all of us women!

I have a step-mother who is impossible to buy for, truly hard.
She has everything and buys whatever she wants.
So last year I know she likes to read, although rarely see her do so, and know she loves shoes. She is no Imelda but has gone into the 2 closet phase for shoes alone.
I put two and two together and found this book. She loved it. In fact still loves it and re-reads it all the time.
A great gift, I scored many points with the creativity factor on this one. Even my fiancee was impressed.

This is in reply to 'worst of catagory', whose review was arrogant. I feel anyone could critique the book however they want it, but to bash the reviewers is pretty low. It is almost ignorant to think your opinion is the only one shared because "Mr. Ian McDowell has had his friends do some work online to help his push his works." People do like his work, and people who are in no way affiliated w/ McDowell-like myself- do like his book(s).

McDowell's angle of the book wasn't a "lack of knowledge", it was a morbid and intriguing twist on the story. I found it great to read because it wasn't the same old predictable tale rehashed over and over again.

Ian McDowell is one of the best writers of this time and I consider Merlin's Gift (his sequal to Mordred's Curse) to be a masterpiece in itself.

I bought these books when they first came out and was delighted in the phrasing and talent of Mr. Mcdowell. Recently I re-read them and am still pleased. These books are keepers and I look forward to more writings by the author.