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Review Summaries
"
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.
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
"
Harriet Klausner, Resident Roger Zelazny Scholar
"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. "
Ron , Resident Roger Zelazny Scholar
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Overall Review
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Plot
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
Has magical/special powers?
Yes
Magical/mental powers of main character:
- fire/lightning/weather cntrl
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Cynical sense of humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- very athletic
Main Adversary
Identity:
- an organization
Age:
- long-lived adults
Has magical powers?
Yes
Magical/mental powers of main antagonist:
- can talk to animals
- fire/thunder/weather cntrl
- mind reading
- mind control
- can fly
- can cast all sorts of spells
- Invisibility
- can read emotions
- is very quick
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- a moderate amount
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
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- generic/vague references to death/punishment
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