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ddclarke's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This was a really interesting book, and not what I expected. A natural progression of Arthur C Clarke's magical science maxim, this book clearly had a lot of influence on Gaiman, and maybe on Sanderson too?
Interesting stuff, but a product of its time in appropriation and writing style.
Interesting stuff, but a product of its time in appropriation and writing style.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia
Minor: Rape
pinahuiztle's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
A good action-adventure romp that initially seems to promise a bit more. Most of the novel is a flashback with the first chapter being nearly the last to occur chronologically, but unfortunately Zelazny loses steam on the home stretch and very little of note happens once the narration does catch up with events for the final chapter. With one or two memorable exceptions (which still aren't going to shock anyone with their brilliance, but are at least well-executed) there really isn't much character development happening in this book. The characters aren't exactly flat, but they are not very believable as people. Several of the most important characters are morally grey, hypercompetent know-it-all cynics, which does get tiresome; the antagonists with a discernible personality are mostly gleeful amoral hedonists or bloodthirsty maniacs.
The Hindu mythology-inspired setting was unusual for the time. For good plot-related reasons this aspect is a bit superficial, however, and to some it may read like shameless Orientalism. Personally I felt it was pulled off well enough.
To give credit where it's due: Zelazny writes the hell out of a fight scene. It actually made me check if he was a martial artist himself (he was). The prose can be awkward and overwrought, but occasionally hits its stride and turns out some gorgeous passages.
I must add the caveat that even for older sci-fi this book treats its non-male characters pretty questionably. See content warnings.
The Hindu mythology-inspired setting was unusual for the time. For good plot-related reasons this aspect is a bit superficial, however, and to some it may read like shameless Orientalism. Personally I felt it was pulled off well enough.
To give credit where it's due: Zelazny writes the hell out of a fight scene. It actually made me check if he was a martial artist himself (he was). The prose can be awkward and overwrought, but occasionally hits its stride and turns out some gorgeous passages.
I must add the caveat that even for older sci-fi this book treats its non-male characters pretty questionably. See content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Minor: Deadnaming
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