The Foundation saga continues, with Hari Seldon's predicted crises unfolding just as envisioned, until suddenly, there seems to be a spanner in the works. Enter the Mule, a mutant, who throws Seldon's predictions into disarray. The only option available to the first Foundation is to try and establish contact with the mysterious (and hitherto unmentioned) second Foundation. Bayta, a woman from the Foundation world, and Toran, her fiance, from the Trading worlds, must journey to Trantor, that former seat of the Empire, and seek answers. They are joined by Ebling Mis, a psychologist (not nearly as brilliant as Seldon), and Magnifico, a court jester the young couple encounters on the planet of Kalgan.

A bit predictable, this was nonetheless an extremely interesting read. The Mule is a fascinating addition to the mix. A mutant who causes mutations in plans, annexing planets with utmost ease, the Mule remains hidden for most of the story. Things are only going to get more interesting in the next book.