Lord of Light – Roger Zelazny

Again, like Light I found the first few chapters a challenge, but once I got a bit deeper into the story I was hooked. What’s not to like about a scenario where humans have colonised a new planet with their own offsrpring and exert control by being Hindu Gods and quashing any new technology? Enter Sam…

“His followers called him Mahasamatman and said he was a god. He preferred to drop the Maha- and the -atman, however, and called himself Sam. He never claimed to be a god. But then, he never claimed not to be a god.”

(George RR Martin wrote the intro for this reprint and says that this short para drew him into the book. Another reason I liked the idea of Lord of Light – if George RR likes it… it must be good.)

Sam is one of the ‘Firsts’ who doesn’t agree with the status quo, wants to bring heaven down as it were and you are drawn into his struggle, a karmic society with reincarnation, prayer machines, ‘sky’ chariots and a raft of mad aliens – all written in a semi religious buddhist/hindu context.

I like Diary of a Phanatique’s review and synopsis of the plot. Another interesting review from SFsite too.

Now I need help, I started the book knowing that there is a massive pun . I’m rather embarassed to say I missed it. If anyone would like to illuminate me that would be fab.

I love the cover, the illustration of the lotus is fantastic. The Gollancz crew did a great job on the covers of this series.