Rating: 
Summary: A first time Zelazny reader (will not be the last)
Review: The only bad thing that I can think to say of this book is that is a bit disjointed (ok, a lot disjointed). But I'm used to reading John Barth and Philip K. Dick novels; they are good preparation for the jumpy narrative and time line. If you can stand to be perplexed for the better part of each chapter (as to exact time and character/s that your dealing with), than you'll absolutely love this book. If you're easily confused or are looking for a quick read, than you may want to look else where.
With that aside, I would compare the battle scenes to a more poetic Robert Jordan. You know...back when his novels had action in them. Zelazny truly has command of the language he uses to describe fighting.
I'm a Sci-Fi fan and I highly recommend this.
Rating:
Summary: I just read this book.
Review: This book starts off a bit slow, but it does build quickly. It can be hard to understand as well at times, but that's only because there is no distinction as to when it has flashed back and it has not. Just remember, most of the book is a flashback to before when the book begins. Most of this book is good, and just reaffirms that Zelazny is a pretty good sci fi writer. However, there is one section of this book, and when you read it you will know which part, that is just incredible. It makes you rethink everything that you had thought about all the characters before that moment, and it makes you want to reread just that part over and over again. That one part shows what Zelazny can do with a well thought out and planned out book. But I think he must love to confuse his readers a bit at first, get you all confused and not sure what's happening, so he can then just smack you with a great story. Nine Princes In Amber does this too, another great book. So just stay with this book when you start it, just keep reading it, even through parts that you may think are boring and have nothing to do with the plot. Believe me, they come into play later, they're just setting something up for later on. That's how he writes, never showing you his full hand until the end.
Rating:
Summary: Characters you'll love, a plot that moves...
Review: This is one of the greatest Science Fiction books ever written. Most of the reviewers and I agree on that. I'd like to point out three areas that make this book special. 1. Characters--Zelazny gives us a range of characters that we can love, sympathize with, and suffer with. Sam, of course. For me, though, Sugata--the assassin turned enlightened one was even more real and powerful. Yama the deathgod was, in many ways, the real hero. Ever-faithful Tak. I could go on. The point is that each of these characters is fully developed and realized. This isn't a one dimensional book.(2) the plot. It's exciting yet complex. The use of flashbacks makes it hard to follow from time to time (you have to read this more than once), but it's big and it draws you in. You want Sam to win even when you know he can't. (3) the religion--the intellectual and moral battle (as well as the physical and magical battles) between Hinduism and Budhism are so compelling that I researched both religions after reading this. I just re-read LORD OF LIGHT (all right, I'm not sure what number it is any more) and it's every bit as powerful as it was when I first read it decades ago. Zelazny's best--and that's saying a lot.
Rating:
Summary: Lord of the Fantastic
Review: Zelasny walked the thin line between Fantasy and SF probably better that any one. This book shows this like no other. I cant believe i spent all this years and never read his master piece.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Zelazny's Best
Review: Zelazny won the Hugo for this book; for once I agree the award was right. This is his most brilliant book, a terrific blend of mythos and technology. The former crew on this colony world rules the former passengers as gods rule peasants. Through technology, they have achieved many aspects of godhood, including reincarnation, terrifying weapons and psi powers by which they can kill with a look. The religion chosen for this more-than-theocracy is Hinduism. Former crew Sam, while he likes his worldly pleasures, revolts against his peers, and casts himself as Buddha against the theocracy (as well as filling prayer machines with slugs, allying himself with the indigenous creatures and engaging in enough apocalyptic battles to satisfy the most jaded Robert Jordan fan). As Siddhartha and the Mahasamatman he sows the seeds that threaten to bring down the theocracy. And he demonstrates that even the most insincere Buddha can have true converts, true believers, and that the power of religion transcends its uses. With a wonderful storyline, replete with flashbacks and plot twists, Zelazny crafts an absolutely terrific story. The book has no weak points. This was the first book to base a world on a technologically rationalized mythos. Zelazny attempted it later in "Creatures of Light and Darkness," using the Egyptian mythos, but the book is much less successful. "Lord of Light" is the struggle of Buddhism against militant Hinduism, where technology, not spiritualism, rules. But it's the plot, the characterization and Zelazny's wonderful ironic tone that make this an exceptional book. It's great to see this book back in print. Highly recommended.
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