I first read Zelazny while I was still at school, ordering his Amber series one book at a time. I still consider the Amber series to be the best science-fiction ever written.

It was notoriously difficult to find his other works (my last find was in a 2nd hand bookshop in Fremont, Seattle). Thankfully, someone has had the bright idea of republishing his other works. One of these was Lord of Light: a Hugo award winning earlier work. It takes a look at perception of religion. As I read, I couldn't help thinking about Anne McCaffery's Dragonflight series.

Both take a look at what happens a few centuries after colonizing a planet. Whilst McCaffery deals with more practical issues, Zelazny has chosen to focus on religion.

I don't know if the writers of Babylon 5 (Vorlons, Rangers rebuilding Earth) or Stargate SG-1 (the Asgard and the Gou'ald) were Zelazny fans, but their concepts of technology making men gods certainly echoed. In this book you get to see it from the gods' point of view.

Sam is a familiar protagonist, reminding me of Corwin in the Amber series. He's understated. He's sneaky. He has his own agenda. I liked him immediately. :)

Hinduism and Buddhism feature prominently, so it may be helpful (but not necessary) if you know a little about them. However, I suspect you will have at least heard the names of the gods.

Which faith is best going to serve the populace? Should knowledge be shared or should the mortals prove themselves worthy first? Why choose Hinduism or Buddhism to shape a new world? What happens when the gods disagree?

A thought-provoking book by a great author.