just as with the second book in this installment, i didn't spend too much time thinking on what was coming next until i sat down and began reading. and again, i was thoroughly intrigued, piqued and anxious once i saw where the tale wound. this trilogy stands as one of the most complete and satisfying series i've ever read.

with some serialized works, i'm left questioning why the author/publisher elected to divide the piece so. the untrusting side of me usually leans towards some form of monetary reward, for them not the reader. but, not in this case. while length and cohesion-wise this book could have snugly fit into a single volume it works so remarkably better broken into distinct chunks as it is. the divisions are mandatory and assist in preparing the reader for the next phase of this journey. amazing.

additionally, i consciously meter how much i'll read of an author, not wanting to OD on a single human or even genre, but i could not be more ravenous for asimov's chili. the reading staff in my brain are already on edge, tapping toes and furrowing brows wondering why management isn't launching headlong into the next asimov-offering. i need them to understand there are reasons, although when the throwing shit and name-calling begins, this administration may be pulling the first of the robot series from the stack. we'll see.