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outcolder's review against another edition
5.0
Although the post-humans-setting-themselves-up-as-familiar-ancient-gods-all-from-the-same-pantheon thing seems to crop up regularly in SF, I think this might be a very early example of it and also has the advantage that the pantheon here is from Hinduism instead of the usual Greek/Roman or Norse stuff. What is really cool though is the pace of the plot and the fun characters, and the way the backstory is revealed. There are fun SF reasons for why and how reincarnation and karma and all that work. I also think the message in here about religion in general is great, with the heroes against the gods but promoting the messages of various prophets and especially buddhas.
There is some gender and sex fluidity in here, because there is a mess of body-swapping going on. In the front matter of this edition there is a quote from [a:Joanna Russ|52310|Joanna Russ|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1423801257p2/52310.jpg] about how great the book is, and I would like to find the rest of her review because I bet she gets more into that side of it. It isn't all wonderful... it's still totally binary and there is at least one reference to lesbianism that left me thinking it could have been cooler, but considering this book is from the sixties or something you kind of have to give him points for even having a lesbian character at all even if it is not exactly the nicest plot point in here.
but, again, bottom line, it's super fun to read.
There is some gender and sex fluidity in here, because there is a mess of body-swapping going on. In the front matter of this edition there is a quote from [a:Joanna Russ|52310|Joanna Russ|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1423801257p2/52310.jpg] about how great the book is, and I would like to find the rest of her review because I bet she gets more into that side of it. It isn't all wonderful... it's still totally binary and there is at least one reference to lesbianism that left me thinking it could have been cooler, but considering this book is from the sixties or something you kind of have to give him points for even having a lesbian character at all even if it is not exactly the nicest plot point in here.
but, again, bottom line, it's super fun to read.
michinio's review against another edition
5.0
One of those rare books, that you want to re-read, immediately after completion! Amazing mix of sci-fi and fantasy, blended with spiritual motives. And though it's full of fresh humor, in which Zelazny is always great, it's not satire - no spiritual or religious beliefs and practices are offended.
Highly recommend to any mature sci-fi lover! :)
Highly recommend to any mature sci-fi lover! :)
shashanks's review against another edition
3.0
Guess I understand why George R R Martin likes it so much.I like George's writing better.
cloudsinthecupboard's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
cthulhucore's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
One of the all time greats of science fiction. Still stands head and shoulders above much contemporary sci-fi. If you can read this blind, do so. Knowing too much about removes the bite
wouterk's review
5.0
When I started reading this book, I was thinking 'ah its a variation on a mythological story, and it will be a comfy read, nice and interesting'. But as this book progressed I've grown to love every bit of it, especially when the fit hit the shan.
I must disclaim first that I have insufficient knowledge of the rise of Buddhism and especially about Hinduism as a religion to understand everything that is happening here. But that already brings me to the first positive, is that this book made me very curious to know more about both. I have read some works that touch upon the Hindu pantheon as well as Herman Hesse's Siddhartha, but that just scratches the surface and I'll go and look for some more thorough historical context somewhere soon.
The story sets in a world where the Hindu Gods are controlling the world but also the humans by keeping them from technologically advancing and forcing worship in exchange for reincarnation. Our protagonist Sam (also known as Siddharta, Buddha and many other names) opposes these Gods and is an accelerationist (one who thinks humans should be able to advance and knowledge of the gods should be shared). So basically he (re)starts Buddhism to oppose the Hindu gods and trickery and battle within the pantheon of Gods ensue.
In this book Zelazny creates a world that is at the same time understandble but also mysterious. It presents technology as ever present and powering the gods. It presents religion as a repressive means to control the world. Kudo's for making a dark one with zombie's representing Christianity (and no that is not symbolism, one of the Hindu Gods that approaches the Dark One to provide assistance literally says he is a Christian sympathizer). Yet, at the same time Zelazny implies all these religions are concepts that have been reused time and time again throughout history, but also in different worlds, which is reminiscent of the 'multiverse' that Zelazny creates in his Chronicles of Amber.
I could go on, but do not want to spoil the story. Yes, I told you all this and it still does not spoil the story at all. The book really zooms in on the human condition, humanizes gods, but also deifies humans. It makes for many interesting thoughts about religion, fate and life. Rather than read my babbling about it, go read it <3
I must disclaim first that I have insufficient knowledge of the rise of Buddhism and especially about Hinduism as a religion to understand everything that is happening here. But that already brings me to the first positive, is that this book made me very curious to know more about both. I have read some works that touch upon the Hindu pantheon as well as Herman Hesse's Siddhartha, but that just scratches the surface and I'll go and look for some more thorough historical context somewhere soon.
The story sets in a world where the Hindu Gods are controlling the world but also the humans by keeping them from technologically advancing and forcing worship in exchange for reincarnation. Our protagonist Sam (also known as Siddharta, Buddha and many other names) opposes these Gods and is an accelerationist (one who thinks humans should be able to advance and knowledge of the gods should be shared). So basically he (re)starts Buddhism to oppose the Hindu gods and trickery and battle within the pantheon of Gods ensue.
In this book Zelazny creates a world that is at the same time understandble but also mysterious. It presents technology as ever present and powering the gods. It presents religion as a repressive means to control the world. Kudo's for making a dark one with zombie's representing Christianity (and no that is not symbolism, one of the Hindu Gods that approaches the Dark One to provide assistance literally says he is a Christian sympathizer). Yet, at the same time Zelazny implies all these religions are concepts that have been reused time and time again throughout history, but also in different worlds, which is reminiscent of the 'multiverse' that Zelazny creates in his Chronicles of Amber.
I could go on, but do not want to spoil the story. Yes, I told you all this and it still does not spoil the story at all. The book really zooms in on the human condition, humanizes gods, but also deifies humans. It makes for many interesting thoughts about religion, fate and life. Rather than read my babbling about it, go read it <3
graslund's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
azuoliukas_wordpress_com's review against another edition
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
1.0