Lord of Light

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Summary: His followers called him Mahasamatman and said he was a god
Review: I have read hundreds of science fiction novels and this has to be among my favorites: poetic, imaginative, myth-making.

Hail, Lord Of Light!

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Summary: One of the greatest books I have ever read
Review: This masterpiece of science fiction is one of the best books I have ever read, if not THE best. I lent my copy to one of my friends and haven't got it back. For about 10 years, I have been searching the book, only to learn that it is out of print. This is one of the few books that should never be out of print. If you can find it, buy it and read it. You will be transformed.

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Summary: Should be considered a literature classic!
Review: This book is not only one of the best Sci-Fi/ fantasy books, but a work which compares well with those considered contemporary classics. It is as if Terry Gilliam and Kurt Vonnegut got together to combine the story of Buddha and the rise of organized religion at the same time. If you enjoyed "Slaughterhouse Five" by Vonnegut, I think you will really enjoy this.

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Summary: a must for every collectiom
Review: This book just cries for a continuation. once started it is difficult to put down. I am lucky that i have the orginal paperback edition, that despite many readings is still in good condition. It helps if you know a bit about Indian religions.

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Summary: One of the Best
Review: Without question one of the finest SF novels ever written, by one of the absolute masters. If you have never read this book, find it and buy it and read it and read it again. This is such a rich, rewarding novel that once is simply not enough to appreciate the brilliance that flashes from every facet.

Heaven is a much more interesting place now, and the world is a bit more mundane, with his passing.

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Summary: Magical mystery tour of eastern religion meets fantasy!
Review: Luckily for me, I had a truly adventurous Oriental Religions instructor at San Jose State who made this amazing book required reading. The book unfolds on many levels, and through many readings I am still uncovering new revelations. Roger Zelazny was the best of many gifted sci fi and fantasy writers emerging in the 60's and 70's. I had the profound pleasure of meeting him at a book signing and found him to be bright, modest and interested in his readers. I still have my signed, tattered copy and can recommend this book along with Creatures of Light and Darkness, Jack of Shadows, Eye of Cat, Doorways In Sand, Dream Master et al. Other novels, including the Amber Series, A Night In the Lonesome October, This Immortal and many others, can be enjoyed, shared and collected...thank heavens for the prolific out-pouring! I truly hope this wondrous tale is reprinted, as well as many others. I almost envy those who have never been touched, nay, transported to the multi-layered worlds of Zelazny! They have so much reading (and thinking) pleasure in store...

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Summary: Not just the best of the genre, but a classic of literature
Review: In a furturistic world somewhere in time and space, refugees from a lost Earth have established themselfves as masters of an alien planet. The original pioneers have achieved immortality of the mind through a process of thought-transference into specially grown and enhanced bodies and, over the course of centuries, have come to be regarded as Gods by the descendants of their original bodies. Only in the city of the Gods has the original Earth technology survived and progressed , while the bulk of the populace lives in a medieval world. But not all the "Gods" approve of the way they have chosen, and a multi-factional civil war erupts, involving Gods, men, demons (the original inhabitants of the planet) and the very forces of nature themselves. This book is one of the most riveting of any I have ever read, and I do not limit that to the Science Fiction genre. This is one of the great works of literature, and it is a tragedy that it is no longer in print. If you can find a copy, buy it, irrespective of price. You'll be glad you did.

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Summary: Essential in any serious sci fi collection
Review: Any Hugo/Nebula Award winner is always worth reading, but Lord of Light stands out even in that illustrious list. Have bought it at least half a dozen times since first reading it 25 years or so ago, as keep lending it, not getting it back. Can still quote chunks of it. The scope is huge, the writing is elegant and spare. Wish I'd written him that fan letter way back then. Why is this excellent book out of print when the (to my mind) inferior soap series Amber is still available? Other 5 star books to check out if you like this one - THE PLAYER OF GAMES by IAIN M BANKS, NOVA by SAMUEL R DELANEY, THE LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS by URSULA K LEGUIN, NIGHTWINGS by ROBERT SILVERBERG, SNOWCRASH by NEAL STEPHENSON, VURT by JEFF NOON, THE JAGGED ORBIT by JOHN BRUNNER.

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Summary: Masterful. Memorable characters in an imaginative setting.
Review: This is my favorite Sci-Fi title and one of only two novels I have ever read twice. I'm sorry to see that it is out of print.

Essentially, the tale is about a society ruled by technocrats who have taken on the aspects of gods (specifically from the Hindu pantheon) in order to maintain thier vast power, which includes a form of immortality and adulation from the very populace which they keep technologically stagnant. However, with the help of the god of Death and his own unusual attribute, one of thier number sets out to break the stranglehold.

The narrative remains thoughtful and human despite the otherworldly setting. The colorful characters leap off the page. If you manage to track down a copy, I recommend it highly.

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Summary: Zalazny's best novel
Review: This book should put back in print! It is one of the greatest novel in SF History. This, along with the first Amber series are his best works. I only regret that I never had a chance to tell him how great he was before he passed. Get this book and you will thank me.