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The Naked Sun: Robot
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The Naked Sun: Robot
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The Naked Sun: Robot
Audiobook7 hours

The Naked Sun: Robot

Written by Isaac Asimov

Narrated by William Dufris

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

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Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this audiobook

A millennium into the future, two advancements have altered the course of human history:  the colonization of the Galaxy and the creation of the positronic brain.  On the beautiful Outer World planet of Solaria, a handful of human colonists lead a hermit-like existence, their every need attended to by their faithful robot servants.  To this strange and provocative planet comes Detective Elijah Baley, sent from the streets of New York with his positronic partner, the robot R. Daneel Olivaw, to solve an incredible murder that has rocked Solaria to its foundations.  The victim had been so reclusive that he appeared to his associates only through holographic projection.  Yet someone had gotten close enough to bludgeon him to death while robots looked on.  Now Baley and Olivaw are faced with two clear impossibilities:  Either the Solarian was killed by one of his robots--unthinkable under the laws of Robotics--or he was killed by the woman who loved him so much that she never came into his presence!

LanguageEnglish
Release dateJul 15, 2014
ISBN9780804191227
Unavailable
The Naked Sun: Robot
Author

Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov was the Grand Master of the Science Fiction Writers of America, the founder of robot ethics, the world’s most prolific author of fiction and non-fiction. The Good Doctor’s fiction has been enjoyed by millions for more than half a century.

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Rating: 3.932977939832445 out of 5 stars
4/5

1,313 ratings44 reviews

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The Naked Sun is the sequel to The Caves of Steel, once again featuring Elijah Baley and R. Daneel Olivaw as they attempt to solve a seemingly impossible murder. Unlike The Caves of Steel, which was set on Earth, this time the pair head to Solaria, the most extremely "spacer" or all the spacer planets.As before, the mystery in the novel is well-crafted, and the process of solving it is well-written. Much of the book serves to contrast the conditions on overcrowded impovershed Earth where the bulk of the population is hostile to robots, agoraphobic, and live in an almost communal manner to those on wealthy Solaria, with strict controls limiting the human population of the entire planet to twenty thousand, robots outnumber humans tens of thousands to one, and where face-to-face human contact is regarded as obscene.As usualy for Asimov robot novels, the plot revolves around the meaning and application of the Three Laws of Robotics, and some frightening implications those laws have that had not been previously considered and which are fully explored much later in Foundation and Earth. The mystery also allows Asimov to explore the problems of Earth culture (exposed by Baley's contact with the Solarians), and the troubles faced by the dysfunctional Solarian culture specifically, and the spacer culture in general.While this book isn't quite as good as The Caves of Steel, it remains one of Asimov's best.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    To his chagrin, Detective Elijah Baley must leave Earth to investigate a murder on the sparsely populated outer world of Solaria where crime is practically nonexistent and robots far outnumber their human masters. In fact, humans on Solaria have evolved into isolationists, communicating with one another solely by holographic projection, otherwise known as “viewing.” The mere suggestion of physical contact or even close proximity is taboo—even for married couples. This custom only complicates Baley’s investigation into the murder of biologist Rikaine Delmarre. Allegedly alone in his lab at the time, Delmarre was found bludgeoned to death with his wife, Gladia, lying unconscious beside him and a malfunctioning robot standing over them. Gladia is the prime suspect simply because she was the only person Rikaine would permit to see him. Certainly, the robot could not blamed, as robots cannot kill humans. Baley is not convinced, especially since no weapon has yet been found. What of the robot? Solarian robots are constructed with positronic brains, programmed with the Three Laws of Robotics—a robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law. Further inhibiting Baley’s investigation is his innate fear of the outdoors, resulting from a lifetime in the enclosed, underground cities of Earth. However, Baley forces himself to cope as he journeys across Solaria with his partner, R. Daneel Olivaw to interview various people in Delmarre’s life. A robot indistinguishable from a human, Olivaw was assigned to the investigation from the planet Aurora, another of Earth’s colonies. With all of these impediments—and more—Baley must delve into Solarian sociology and psychology in his quest to compile the evidence needed to bring the murderer to justice. The Naked Sun is the second of Asimov’s four robot novels starring Elijah “Lije” Baley and R. Daneel Olivaw (who also appears in Asimov’s Foundation series). The story’s title is derived from the fact that, in Asimov’s future, citizens of Earth live underground and have developed a dislike of the outdoors and have not set eyes on their own sun in many generations. While Asimov has never been known for the depth of his characters, the human sociological idiosyncrasies of Baley, as juxtaposed against those of the Solarians, added another level of tension and complexity beyond a mere murder investigation.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Updated rating on this based on a current re-read of this series. This was a much better story than I previously remembered and really enjoyed the story line presented. Please be aware if you pick this one up that the terminology and vocabulary used are pretty well out of date but for me this didn't deter from the story told.

    Recommended for any fan if Isaac Asimov...
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    If the rest of the Robots/Empire/Foundation series is even close to the quality of Caves of Steel or Naked Sun, I'm in for another 14 amazing books in a row. Another terrific detective story, and the world of Solaria was so well thought out. Asimov really was a genius, I was completely hooked from the first page. Bayley is a great protagonist, not flawless and a bit prejudiced. Asimov weaves from internal dialogue, to external dialogue, to world building and rational thinking and sci-fi themes effortlessly. Others look amateur by comparison. Excited for Robots of Dawn!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I had fond memories of this novel from having read it as a teen, but a recent re-read left me with mixed feelings. It's an intriguiging mystery, and the exploration of some of the consequences of the famous Three Laws of Robotics is interesting. The ending is both clever and affirming. On the other hand, the Solarians strike me as completely unbelievable both as individuals and as a society.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Plainclothesman Elijah Baley is sent to the world of Solaria to solve a murder mystery. Solarians have huge estates all to themselves and do not see each other in the flesh -ever. Except for the rare occasions during their multi century life span when intercourse is required, and even then it is only with great fear and reluctance. Needless to say then, that Solarians cannot imagine anybody coming close enough to another human being to kill.Baily must use all his skill and intellect to solve the mystery together with Daneel, the humanoid robot, who has once more joined forces with Elijah.This book is a joy to read and leaves one with a lot of food for thought.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I really do like this book - the world-building is solid, the mystery well-set up, the pacing fine. The futuristic concepts woven into the story are far-reaching and there is no doubt that Asimov had a creative intelligence that approached genius. The famous "Laws of Robotics", the social strain that would be caused by overpopulation, colonization, and the acceptance (or lack thereof) of robots, the setup of the City itself... Unfortunately, more than most, Asimov could not shake off the social paradigms of his time. The characterization of Baley and of his society is hopelessly outdated, mostly because of Asimov's apparent inability to see women as equal contributors to society.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is the second (or third, if you count I, Robot) in Asimov's robot series and the second in the R. Daneel Olivaw series. Once again, this is a science fiction detective story. Baley's growth as a person, his changing beliefs - these were as much the story as the mystery. I enjoyed the mix. Asimov created a world and a society rich in flawed characters, unique customs and diverse history. His story quickly enveloped the reader in the world. I recommend to anyone interested in the AI vs. Human concept, and anyone interested in excellent classic science fiction.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Yes, I am binging in the series. I like mysteries and science fiction, so this is right up my alley. One thing is gained by reading these in rapid sequence and that is the near-deliberate contrast between Earth (The Caves of Steel) and Solaria. They are at opposite ends of the spectrum for what human society has become regarding social interaction. Earth people are crowded in on each other; Solarians try their very best to never be present in the flesh with another person, although "viewing" is quite acceptable.I wonder what Asimov would think today as people text or chat with friends who are in the same room. Would he wonder if Solarian culture was coming about among the younger set? What as video chatting becomes more the norm? The social question nags at me.However, the mystery was enough to keep me going along with Elijah and Daneel as they try to get to the bottom of the murder of a prominent Solarian. The solution and end both satisfied me.If you like science fiction and mysteries, start with The Caves of Steel and follow up with this one. While it can be read as a stand-alone, some richness is lost.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    When a robot has been discovered as the culprit in a murder, Earth detective Lije Bailey and his partner, R. Daneel Olivaw head to the scene to figure out what really happened.Set on the anti-Earth world of Solaria, Lije and Daneel must deal with anti-earth sentiment while trying to find the true culprit, or at least the reason behind a robot's seeming dismissal of the Three Laws of Robotics.Second in a series featuring Lije and Daneel, this book is sure to please Asimov fans as well as anybody who appreciates a good science fiction mystery.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I love Asimov's robot mysteries! I recommend this one and _Caves of Steel_ especially.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Goofy, fast moving, fun. I think that the title is a bit of a pun, there is a bit of robot nudity and a bit of human nudity in this, as well as a sun just sitting there in the sky.It was entertaining how our hero had to adjust to a planet which didn't have a single, universal time for all locations.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the second of Asimov's full length robot novels featuring Earth detective Elijah Bailey and Robot Daneel Olivaw. Another re-read from my youth, this is one of my all time favourite novels. It's the perfect blend of brilliant dialogue and detective ratiocination by "Partner Elijah", as Olivaw (out of action for over a third of the novel, but still a great character) calls him. Set almost entirely on the planet Solaria, where human individualism and dependence on robots has found its ultimate expression, the characters are rather more memorable than those in its predecessor novel, The Caves of Steel, and their ways of thinking, contrasting with those of Elijah and his fellow Earthmen, are vividly and memorably drawn. Wonderful stuff.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I'm liking these more and more as I read through the list of the Foundation canon and wonder why I never got into them 35 years ago. A couple more robot novels and I'll start the Galactic Empire trilogy that amazingly I also never read.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    It's a great combination of standard Asimov robot formula and detective noir for most of the book, but Asimov replaces the plot with a string of noir cliches at the end, forsaking his characters, though not entirely.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Beautifully written, gripping, and compelling
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    An enjoyable detective story though the setting is hard to believe. I agree with some other review that I read that the timeframe provided for such a drastic change to the structure of society is unrealistic.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Very good detective story.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Another classic scifi detective novel. Quick read but very good. flag
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Perhaps the best of this wonderful series, in which New York detective Elijah Baley must travel off earth to a spacer world. (The spacers -- humans whose ancestors abandoned earth to form a galactic empire -- have become much more powerful than the crowded millions who remain on Earth). Off earth, he must cooperate with the robot detective, R. Daneel Olivaw, with the very strange society of the spacers, and with the gorgeous Gladia. I loved this book fifty years ago, and I still do.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Future detective tale with a twist--the detective is a robot. Which is good, because people in the future really don't like to associate much with each other given the germs involved. This is the sequel to I, Robot.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Elijah Baley, a New York plain clothes policeman, is sent to the planet Solaria to solve a murder. Solaria is sparsely populated by humans, who are physically and socially isolated from each other. Its main industry is building robots, which it supplies to other planets, and which vastly outnumber the human population of the planet. Baley has to overcome his fear of the open while also contending with the locals fear of someone else's presence. He is assisted by the humanoid robot Daneel Olivaw from the planet Aurora, who was his assistant in The Caves of Steel, and who the locals believe is human. Eventually, he overcomes his and the locals' fears and solves the case. This is another great crossover detective story from one of the masters of science fiction.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Asimov meets Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A fantasy murder mystery, complete with Holmes-like confrontation at the end. Major problem: the humans on this planet are assisted by robots and endowed with major paradigms that prevent solving the crime. The imported New York detective and his robot sidekick deduce the criminal from the facts--"elementary, my dear Watson." One more story in Asimov's robot world...where's the next?
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Naked Sun is really not a bad follow up to The Caves of Steel, both of The Robot series. The book features Earth and New York City detective Elijah Baley and Aurora humanoid robot, friend, and detective R. Daneel Olivaw traveling to Outer World Solaria to solve a murder. Solaria is a very odd world that has essentially no crime at all. It's a world of 20,000 people and 200 million robots spread out on several thousand gigantic estates around the planet. People are hermits and refuse to "see" anyone else at all, instead "viewing" them holographically when they need to interact. The only time there are human interactions are basically when children are growing up and even though they are cared for by robots, there are occasional times they are needed by people and although these caretakers are disgusted by this, they do their duty. Additionally, most people are married, though not all. Some of these people live together, but in sprawling estates in their own areas so that they don't encounter each other ever -- except on rare occasion when "intimacy" is allowed and required. Finally, rare medical attention, when not being given by "viewing," is administered by seeing, although it can be traumatic. There's one doctor, one sociologist, two fetalogists (child caretakers), 10 roboticists, and just not too many of any one type of profession. There's one or two policemen, but I'm not sure why.So a leading scientist described as a "good Solarian" was murdered in his estate. The problem was, who could have done it. He was with his robots, but everyone knows that the First Law of Robotics won't permit robots to harm humans. The only other option was his wife, Gladia Delmarre, who he never would have allowed into his presence in his laboratory, but as she was the only human with access, she's the guilty party as far as Solaria is concerned. Unfortunately, there's no murder weapon, no motive, no confession, nothing. So, since Baley (and Olivaw) did such a great job solving the Spacer murder on Earth the previous year, he was requested to come try to solve this murder. And he goes against his wishes. Because like all Earthmen, he's terrified of open spaces and of light, such as sunlight. Remember that he lives in a giant city under ground full of people and going to a planet where everything is on the surface and there are so few people and so many hated robots is hideous to him. But it's his duty, so he does it. And in the process, the lead investigator who invited him to Solaria is murdered in his presence while viewing and he himself is attacked with an assassination attempt, so it becomes quite personal. And as he investigates, the obvious murderer to everyone becomes the less obvious person to him, as he looks at other possibilities. To be perfectly honest, this isn't the hardest mystery to solve. I had it figured out about halfway through the book, but it was still enjoyable to see how things played out and besides, that wasn't what this book was about. This book's strengths lie in its look at sociological views of human evolution and technology, in this case, robots. The Solarian sociologist who is the acknowledged expert knows nothing. He is self taught and doesn't care to study anything by anyone on any other worlds, no matter how advanced or helpful their work may be. The physician, too, seems woeful in his abilities. Solaria, in its efforts to become the perfect human world and society, is freaking falling apart and disintegrating and they don't even realize it. But Baley does. He sees and understands. The only humans left on Solaria are admittedly the "leisure" class and they are practically useless and helpless. This is what we'll come to with the aid of robots? Hopefully not. The sociologist shocks Baley by telling him Solaria is based on Earth, but he's right to a certain degree. They are simply opposite extremes of each other. As in the last book, Baley had become convinced that in order for Earth to survive its population explosion and diminishing resources, it had to once again advance into outer space and again colonize new planets, he's now further convinced of the necessity for that and when he returns to New York, he makes a point of expressing that to the powers that be, hoping that someone, somewhere will see the light.The actual solving of the murder is pretty dramatic and somewhat satisfying, if also fairly simplistic and to a minimal degree, somewhat predictable in terms of who the culprit is. My two main complaints about this book are we don't see as much of Daneel Olivaw as we did in the preceding book, and that's a shame, and I also find it very hard to believe that Solaria has devolved so much in the 200 years of its colonization so that people are now so disgusted with human contact that they can't even tolerate it at all and can't even say the word, "children," for instance, and can barely tolerate the notion of intimacy with anyone, including a spouse. How can people, in 200 years, grow to despise being in contact with each other so much that some, this happens, would rather commit suicide? It stretches the imagination and I find it somewhat unbelievable. But whatever the case, it is what it is, so I guess you have to go with it.I thought hard about giving this book five stars because I thought it was pretty original and quite enjoyable, but I'm giving it four because the actual mystery is rather simplistic, as I said, and because there are some elements of the book, as noted, that seem rather unbelievable. It's not bad though and I certainly recommend it to anyone in search of a decent sci fi mystery to read. And it's not essential that one have read the first robot book to read this either; it can be read as a stand alone novel. Recommended.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    When it comes to it, these are really much better detective/sci-fi stories than the ones in the book from Nic that I read a few months ago. It's all about setting up a situation, with rules that are known to everyone involved, and then solving the puzzles that are involved.Asimov, in fact, really prefers coming up with scenarios in which he can test the rules of robots against the minds of people; it means that the writing style for these books tends to be pretty spare, with lots of dialogue. This one is no exception; it's thus a very easy read, and the world is easy enough to picture, but you can come up with some of the details on your own, which I like.The story itself for this one was good enough, I s'pose, although again, the mystery itself is guessable. When you're not a mystery writer by trade, it must be hard to figure out how to fool people best. But if you want to figure out all the logical implications of robots that are constructed in a certain way, Asimov is your man. This wasn't quite as good as the first one, but it was still fairly good. It's worth a read, anyway, and it won't take you long.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Elijah Baley is once again given an almost impossible assignment. Who killed a man where close physical proximity is athenama? Daneel is also sent along to help out Elijah deal with both the spacer culture and keep an eye on him so he doesn't have problems living outside his comfortable 'cities'. Elijah hopes he's up to the task, though not everyone else does.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Read The Caves of Steel before this one!Elijah Baley takes off to Solaria to solve a crime. Of course, the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns. A fantastic book for any SF reader.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Science fiction. And mystery. An earthman, a police detective, is sent to Solaria to solve a murder in a place where the robots outnumber the humans thousands to one, and the humans only interact via "viewing" (holograms). His partner is the robot he worked with before, who's masquerading as a human. A sequel to I, Robot.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    While dated by today's standards, this book is still a worthy addition to to any bookshelf to represent Science Fiction. "Naked Sun" stands alone, but it is a sequel to "Caves of Steel". Together, these two books helped define our vision of robots. Isaac Asimov was still a relatively new science fiction author when this story was published, but the brilliance of his writing was already evident. It is because of his writing style that I still read and re-read Naked Sun.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The mystery component seems to take a back seat in this sequel to "The Caves of Steel"; it becomes more a study of a potential society, such as has evolved on one of the Spacer planets. Perhaps for this reason I wasn't quite as engaged as I was in the first novel, but it was still a fine continuation, a quick fun read, and I'm looking forward to the next, "Robots of Dawn".