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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
One of my favorite novels ever, and definitely the best of Zelazny.
This is a world where once-human immortals took on roles of Hindu gods like RPG players, using its mythology to keeping the planet's populace ignorant and low-tech in the name of maintaining stability. Their fundamental belief: Technology/knowledge = evil. If the populace wanted to keep "reincarnating" -- that is, having their consciousness transferred from one body to the next, rather than into a lower animal, an insect, or even be destroyed utterly -- they better toe the line and behave.
How to escape tyranny masquerading as religion that controls all aspects of thought and life itself? One man rebels by taking on the role of Buddha down at the grass root, dispersing Buddhist belief and thoughts, and in the process a true Buddha emerges from among his ardent followers. Conflict ensues, between the two religion, between exoteric and personal faith, between and amongst the gods, and rebellious mortals throughout the centuries.
This novel also raises several questions: Does the genuineness of a prophet matter, if he inspires true faith and emancipation? Is knowledge in essence good, even if it leads to war and strife? Can ignorance truly be bliss?
An exploration of Buddhist and Hindu philosophy set among a pseudo-historic and ultra-high technology. Excellent!
This is a world where once-human immortals took on roles of Hindu gods like RPG players, using its mythology to keeping the planet's populace ignorant and low-tech in the name of maintaining stability. Their fundamental belief: Technology/knowledge = evil. If the populace wanted to keep "reincarnating" -- that is, having their consciousness transferred from one body to the next, rather than into a lower animal, an insect, or even be destroyed utterly -- they better toe the line and behave.
How to escape tyranny masquerading as religion that controls all aspects of thought and life itself? One man rebels by taking on the role of Buddha down at the grass root, dispersing Buddhist belief and thoughts, and in the process a true Buddha emerges from among his ardent followers. Conflict ensues, between the two religion, between exoteric and personal faith, between and amongst the gods, and rebellious mortals throughout the centuries.
This novel also raises several questions: Does the genuineness of a prophet matter, if he inspires true faith and emancipation? Is knowledge in essence good, even if it leads to war and strife? Can ignorance truly be bliss?
An exploration of Buddhist and Hindu philosophy set among a pseudo-historic and ultra-high technology. Excellent!
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cool concept but way too cluttered and confusing on first read, at least for my peabrain
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5/5. This is a very interesting book that blends science fiction, fantasy, and mythology brilliantly. The story is epic in scope, and many of the characters are well realized. It’s not a particularly easy novel to read, as the narrative can be confusing at times. In particular, the chronology of the first chapter is unclear at first. The reader is put into this imaginary world without much initial info dumping, and it takes some times to get a sense of what is going on. However, it is worth sticking with it, as some points that might be hard to understand initially become clearer later.
It seems to me, however, that Yama is more interesting and dynamic as a character than Sam. He is more conflicted, and changes more throughout the story. I wonder how the story might have read if Yama were the main POV character.
Nonetheless, overall this is a great book and well worth reading.
It seems to me, however, that Yama is more interesting and dynamic as a character than Sam. He is more conflicted, and changes more throughout the story. I wonder how the story might have read if Yama were the main POV character.
Nonetheless, overall this is a great book and well worth reading.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Mesmerizing from first to last page.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Любимейшая, наверное, моя книга у Желязны. Нравится даже больше, чем "Хроники Амбера". Очередные рассуждения на тему того, что "трудно быть богом", причем в данном случае это не фигура речи. Антиутопия в антураже чарующей индийской мифологии. Не смотря на то, что написано почти 60 лет назад - все еще очень интересно, а местами и актуально.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
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:
No