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Lord of Light Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of Lord of Light




Eos, May 2004, 12.95, 304 pp.
ISBN: 0060567236

Humanity defeats the native “energy” beings who populated the orb and establishes a colony on the planet with a Hindu like societal order. Using advanced technology, the crew of the ship transfers their minds into a new body when theirs is near death. They also develop other advances that enable them to form a group with god-like powers. Beneath them are the colonists and even further below in this pyramid of power are the natives. No one bucks the leadership as not only can they reincarnate but can convert others into animals.
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One of these techno-Gods, preferring to be called Sam rather than Mahasamatman, feels that the mistreatment of others is morally wrong. He thinks that he and his peers should share their technology with the lower strata. His peers insist those beneath them are incapable of dealing with godlike powers and need their hand to guide them. Sam never claimed the mantle and though he hates what he feels he must do, heads a revolt against his ruling brothers and sisters as he wants to establish a different world order.

This is a deep science fiction novel with religious and social overtones. The story line is loaded with action, but also takes its time to defend critical arguments set forth by author Roger Zelazny. The cast fosters the concepts of the plot so that development is targeted more towards an idea than a character. Still with all that this is a cerebral tale that will have readers pondering a host of subjects from comparative religions to white man's burden to fostering American style democracy in Iraq, etc.

Harriet Klausner


The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner




This is in my opinion one of the finest books ever written, it discusses the uses of religon, the inner thoughts of a messiah and the overthrow of a society that oppresses the technological advances and afterlife of everybody on the planet.
The review of this Book prepared by Ron



Chapter Analysis of Lord of Light

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Plot & Themes

Composition of Book Descript. of chases or violence 10%planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives 20%Feelings, relationships, character bio/development 30%Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places 40% FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?    -   science fiction story Political power play    -   Yes Political plotlets    -   factions fight within govt for control    -   overthrowing govt/kingdom Repressive society story    -   Yes Repressive because:    -   controls your mind Is this an adult or child's book?    -   Adult or Young Adult Book Religious overtones?    -   Yes

Main Character

Identity:    -   Male Age:    -   long lived adults If magical mental powers:    -   fire/lightning/weather cntrl

Setting

Terrain    -   Jungle    -   Mountains    -   Forests A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body:    -   humans in a futuristic society    -   humans in a primitive/fantasy society    -   inhabited by friendly aliens    -   unfriendly aliens    -   neutral aliens    -   big overbuilt futuristic city    -   very controlled society Planet outside solar system?    -   Yes

Writing Style

Accounts of torture and death?    -   generic/vague references to death/punishment

Books with storylines, themes & endings like Lord of Light

Roger Zelazny Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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