Storyline: 2/5 
 Characters: 2/5 
 Writing Style: 2/5 
 World: 2/5 
 This was a real disappointment. I decided to read the Galactic Empire series in the order they were published. I was pleased with and enjoyed Pebble in the Sky. I was looking forward to another like it. This failed in almost every category. The story wasn't that interesting, the plot twists were awful, Asimov's characters continue to remain shallow (although this was perhaps his best job with characters), the dialogue was atrocious, and this showcases that quick, underdeveloped pacing typical of space operas. 
 The scientific bits would have been intriguing in 1951. Written before the actual Space Race, Asimov provides a lot of detail regarding what would be necessary for astronauts. Whether it be dried, condensed food or water reclamation techniques, Asimov must have been aware of or predicting the necessary technological advances. Those moments of the book kept this from being irredeemable, but they are also difficult to appreciate in a 2016 world.