Lord of Light in Building a SciFi/Fantasy Library

Dec 13, 2015 Tani rated it really liked it

Shelves: male-author, scifi, 2015-novels

I'm always wary when I go into an older book, especially when it's a scifi book written by a male author. Sometimes, reading these things as a woman is like getting slapped in the face repeatedly. For that matter, sometimes reading these things as a modern reader gives the same feeling, and I'd actually never heard of this book, so I wasn't at all sure what to expect.

Having read it, I can now comment on both these. As a woman, don't expect awesome ladies. There are some ladies, but they're mos I'm always wary when I go into an older book, especially when it's a scifi book written by a male author. Sometimes, reading these things as a woman is like getting slapped in the face repeatedly. For that matter, sometimes reading these things as a modern reader gives the same feeling, and I'd actually never heard of this book, so I wasn't at all sure what to expect.

Having read it, I can now comment on both these. As a woman, don't expect awesome ladies. There are some ladies, but they're most ineffectual and don't really fare well in the story. As a modern reader, though, I was pleasantly surprised. The theme is one that remains relevant, and the story telling is good.

This book is based heavily on Hinduism and Buddhism. I'm nominally familiar with Hinduism, and slightly more so with Buddhism. Given that, I can't really comment on the authenticity of what Zelazny says. But that's not really the point of the story. The story itself is more about the freedom to live and grow, and fighting against near-impossible odds. Those are usually pretty fun things, and I didn't think this book was a disappointment in those aspects.

The writing style itself reminded me of Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha. The main character has about five or six different names, and the characters speak in that poetical fashion. The descriptions are simultaneously simple and foreign-flavored. I thought it was very readable, which is always a point in the author's favor.

The main character of Sam was also very fun. His fight against the 'gods' was full of strategy and trickery, which I enjoyed. He fights, not just on a physical level, but also on an ideological level, and it was a pleasure to read about his methods. I won't say he was a character I had a strong emotional connection with, but I liked him regardless.

Zelazny has been an author on my list for a long time, but this is the first I've read from him, and I was quite impressed. After reading Lord of Light, I would definitely be open to reading more by him. ...more

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May 01, 2011 Bradley rated it it was ok

Confusing andannoying, I really did not care for this book. I liked the Amber series much better than this tripe garbage. =)

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Sep 09, 2008 NebulousGloom (FK) rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 27, 2007 Peter rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, sciencefiction

This wasn't the greatest choice of book to read while finishing my masters degree, because it could be quite dense--and I found myself having to re-read sections to make sure I had everything straight. One of the strengths of Zelazny's characters is that they are complicated, and change their minds. Characters that are Sam's friends become his enemies and vice versa. This complexity, though, is what gives richness to his work. recommended. ...more

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