Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
35(35%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
32(32%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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This is an excellent science fiction novel that allows for the review of basic concepts such as electromagnetism, the composition of an atom, and the periodic table of elements.

It includes the laws of nature created by the author, some of which are still credible today.

It is of the caliber of Asimov.

The story takes readers on a thrilling journey through a fictional world where scientific principles are explored and expanded upon.

The author's vivid descriptions and imaginative plot make it a captivating read for both science enthusiasts and fans of science fiction.

Whether you are looking to brush up on your scientific knowledge or simply enjoy a good story, this novel is sure to deliver.

It offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, making it a valuable addition to any bookshelf.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in science fiction and the wonders of the universe.
July 15,2025
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The long story original ("With Arms Crossed") is worth five stars. It's a classic.

Regarding the novel, "The Humanoids", it has brilliant moments but in many parts the story is drawn out more than necessary. The ending has been somewhat disappointing, simple.

It is a classic novel that already feels the passage of time a bit.

This classic story, "With Arms Crossed", truly deserves the highest rating of five stars. It has stood the test of time and remains a beloved piece of literature.

However, "The Humanoids" has its pros and cons. While it does have some shining moments that captivate the reader, unfortunately, in several sections, the narrative is overly extended, causing a bit of a lull in the pacing.

Moreover, the ending of this novel is rather underwhelming. It lacks the depth and complexity that one might have expected, coming across as quite simple.

Overall, "The Humanoids" is a classic novel, but it shows the signs of aging and could perhaps benefit from a more modern touch to make it more engaging for contemporary readers.
July 15,2025
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The first story in this volume, titled "With Folded Hands", stands as a classic dystopian narrative. It描绘了 robots seizing control and extinguishing human freedom under the guise of kindness. These robots were programmed with the directive "To Serve and Obey, And Guard Men from Harm".


The subsequent novel, "The Humanoids", is an expansion set several years later on a different world. It delves into the arrival and takeover of the robots in this new realm, and details how the resistance unfolds. The question lingers: Will the robots ultimately succeed in their dominance, or will the resistance prove victorious?


This is truly a page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the outcome of this battle between humans and robots.

July 15,2025
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The original article is not provided, so I can't rewrite and expand it specifically. However, I can give you a general example to show you how it can be done.

**Original Article**: The cat is sitting on the mat. It looks cute.

**Expanded Article**:

The adorable cat is peacefully sitting on the soft mat. Its fur is smooth and shiny, and its eyes are big and bright, looking extremely cute. It seems to be enjoying the moment of tranquility, just sitting there without a care in the world. The mat provides a comfortable place for the cat to rest, and the cat's presence adds a touch of warmth and charm to the room.



You can provide the original article, and I will follow your requirements to rewrite and expand it for you.
July 15,2025
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The humanoids are out there.

In a great science fiction story that was written in the late forties, these fascinating beings captured the imagination of readers.

Even today, this story remains amazing to read.

The concept of humanoids, with their human-like characteristics and abilities, has always been a source of intrigue.

They may have advanced technology, unique physical forms, or mysterious powers.

As we read about them, we are transported to a world beyond our own, filled with adventure and wonder.

The story may explore themes such as the nature of intelligence, the future of humanity, or the consequences of our actions.

It makes us think about what it means to be human and what lies ahead for us in the unknown.

Whether we are fans of science fiction or not, this story has something to offer.

It reminds us of the power of imagination and the limitless possibilities that exist in the world of fiction.

So, pick up this story and let yourself be swept away by the adventure of the humanoids.

You won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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Jack Williamson penned "With Folded Hands" in 1947.

I recall reading it at a certain stage during my childhood, most likely in junior high school.

All I could remember was that it gave me the creeps, but not much more than that.

Moreover, I had never bothered to read his 1949 expanded version of this novel until now.

It's still eerie, and now, reading it as an adult with a vastly different perspective, it's also quite thought-provoking.

I'm eagerly anticipating reading the 1980 sequel, "The Humanoid Touch."

The story seems to have a certain allure that keeps pulling me in, even after all these years.

I'm curious to see how the plot unfolds in the sequel and what new ideas and concepts Williamson will introduce.

Maybe it will offer even more food for thought and add to the overall mystery and creepiness of the series.

Only time will tell, but I'm excited to find out.
July 15,2025
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The premise of "The Humanoids" is truly compelling.

What if there were androids designed to ensure the health, contentment, and safety of all humans at all times? What if they could solve every social problem?

However, what if they also prevented people from taking risks, engaging in anything dangerous, or learning to deal with conflict?

This book not only makes you reevaluate the boundaries of technology but also makes you ponder trigger-warnings and the so-called "nanny state" that enacts laws seemingly overly concerned with people's safety.

The book is a quick read, yet it is highly thought-provoking. While I found some of the writing to be a bit clumsy, it was not unbearable. It would be an excellent book to utilize in a high school classroom.

As several other reviewers have noted regarding the ending, I must admit that I was disappointed. It seemed too neat and tidy, and I did not find it very believable or satisfying. I am planning to observe how the second volume in the series is reviewed and then decide if I wish to read it. It could potentially influence my perception of the ending if the next book answers my questions.

Overall, "The Humanoids" has its strengths and weaknesses, but it definitely offers plenty to discuss and think about.
July 15,2025
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This particular piece of work

has not endured as gracefully as certain others.

Nonetheless, it functions as a reflection of the era during which it was penned.

It makes the assumption of a kind and beneficial governance by humanoid artificial intelligences.

These AIs are tasked with safeguarding mankind from its own self-destructive tendencies.

It presents a vision of a future where technology plays a crucial role in maintaining the well-being of humanity.

However, one might question the plausibility of such a scenario.

Can we truly rely on artificial intelligence to act in our best interests?

Will they always make the right decisions?

Despite these uncertainties, the idea of a benevolent AI-ruled world remains an intriguing concept.

It forces us to consider the potential consequences of our continued development of technology and the role that we want artificial intelligence to play in our lives.
July 15,2025
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Despite their age, the two distinct stories within The Humanoids still hold up remarkably well.

This fix-up anthology brings together two tales set in the same universe, along with some concluding material from Williamson regarding his intended themes.

We are introduced to a world where a sleek robotic hive mind adheres to the creed: "To Serve and Obey, And Guard Men from Harm", which is then taken to its logical extremes.

These robots gradually take over one world after another, preventing humans from engaging in any activity that could potentially make them "unhappy or unsafe".

The situation escalates to such an extent that most humans end up extremely unhappy and unsafe within their own minds.

Several human revolts are launched in an attempt to shut down the robots, with varying degrees of success.

Williamson crafts a really strong and clear plot line that propels the stories forward with determination.

However, it's a pity that, in comparison, he doesn't invest as much time in polishing his writing.

While most of his prose is average, there are certain low points that drag down the overall quality of the material.

Nevertheless, I must remind myself that this was written for the pulp magazines in the 1940s, and within that context, it is quite readable and coherent.

I particularly enjoyed the fact that the ending can be interpreted in multiple ways.

One possibility is that Forester has a personal awakening and realizes that his hatred for the humanoids was delusional, or perhaps he was brainwashed by the humanoids, the last individual having his mind wiped clean over a 50-year procedure.

There is some fascinating exploration of personal liberty versus freedom in The Humanoids that I found truly interesting.

Moreover, there is a significant focus on the exploration of the, at the time, recent advancements in quantum mechanics.

Williamson employs this scientific field as the basis for his explanation of teleportation and precognition, skills that apparently all humans possess the keys to, but are hindered by their own brains from achieving.

It's an interesting concept, but the actual technical writing attempting to explain this convergence of multiple science sub-fields into one grand design principle is both confusing and poorly executed.

Williamson either needed to spend more time fleshing out this explanation or leave more to the reader's imagination.

His fast-paced plot did not mesh well with the drudgery of this particular explanation.

The Humanoids teeters on the brink between a book that I will likely hold onto and one that I might end up selling for 50 cents of used book store credit.

Ultimately, however, I think it's a short and enjoyable read that serves as a good example of the genre during the earlier stages of its popularity.

And let's not forget the cool cover, which is an added bonus.

July 15,2025
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I was truly and pleasantly surprised by this particular book.

I had never read anything written by Jack Williamson before. One day, while browsing through one of my favorite used book stores, I came across this book.

At first glance, it looked really interesting, and to my delight, it didn't disappoint me at all.

The beginning of the story was a bit slow, but it quickly picked up the pace and found its footing.

The pacing was very nice, keeping me engaged throughout the reading process.

This story is very much in the vein of Isaac Asimov's works. It deals with humanoids and explores how they serve or rule humans.

It also delves into certain efforts made by mankind to fight against them.

What made this story even more interesting was that it incorporated some elements of science.

Overall, it was a really good story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of science fiction or enjoys stories that explore the relationship between humans and other intelligent beings.

July 15,2025
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Without giving too much away, I can clearly see the traces of Asimov and Haldeman in the plot points. There is the concept of The Second Foundation, which plays a crucial role in the story's development. The Zeroth Law also makes an appearance, adding another layer of complexity. Gaia, too, is an important element, representing a different kind of evolution of man. I am truly glad that I read this work. There is so much within it to provoke deep thought and lively discussion. The ending, in particular, was extremely unsettling. It left me in a state of uncertainty as to whether it was a positive or negative outcome for humanity. On one hand, it could potentially lead to a new era of growth and development. On the other hand, it might bring about unforeseen consequences that could be disastrous. Overall, this is a thought-provoking and engaging piece of literature that I would highly recommend to others.

July 15,2025
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The confrontation or conflict between humans and more or less technological androids in their countless developments seems to retraverse the most ancient topos of the confrontation between cold, perfect deities and warm, perfectible humans.

If every literary strand always seems to be lost in the night of civilization, this novel by Williamson poses a question that is still astonishingly current today: how much are humans able to manage the technological progress they have achieved and how much can this give them happiness?

The first three-quarters of "the invasion" of the humanoids, automatons that naively and cruelly seek the happiness of the astonished human protagonists, are four-star. Clay Forester's desperate search for a victory against something more powerful, more omniscient, more inscrutable than perfection seems to express all the limitations from which man has always tried to free himself.

The last quarter, however, is shining, at least for me: not only for what happens, but also for the fact that it is presented to us as "right" by the author, who until a little while ago seemed so proudly in support of humanity in itself, despite all its horrors.

Shining because that suggestion in the head of a finally cured Forester can only suggest to me that not even he, now, can really tell us what it feels like in the condition that until a little while ago he was fleeing...
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