Lord of Light - Roger Zelazny

Just for the sake of hypothesis let us suppose that a small group of humans possessed of high technological prowess arrive on a planet populated by a wide variety of native lifeforms, some of which are hostile, and manage to tame said lifeforms and become rulers of said planet. What, then, would be their next move? It’s obvious, isn’t it — name yourselves after a bunch of Hindu Gods and use reincarnation technology to realise the beliefs of Karma, ruling from on high to an underclass of ordinary humans, each of which seeks, through living a worthy life, to be reincarnated into a more important life; perhaps, one day, even joining the gods themselves. ...

I picked up this book thinking: Oooooo this looks interesting, and then left it on my shelf for a few months collecting dust. Then in a period of new things to read drought, picked it up, and began to read it. The book's opening is confusing, and if you have no idea of Hindu culture (like me)it's down right odd. Bbut persevere, it works out in the end and surges to become one of the best stand-alone sf books I've read in a long time. The book centres around a planet which is Indian-ethnic, but despite having travelled from Earth, it's people live in the ancient tradition of Hindus. Not only do they believe in the Hindu gods however, ...

A million light years away from a long dead earth, there exists a colony planet. A band of men have gained the ultimate goal: a complete mastery of technology and immortality. They chose to live their lives in the fashion of Gods. the Gods of Hindu pantheon. There is Shiva - the lord of destruction, Vishnu- him of protection; Brahma -the god of creation;Yama-the god of death; Ratri- the goddess of night... but their hold over the planet is about to be challenged. Challenged by one man who was once Siddharta but now known as Mahasamatman- or just Sam. He is the Lord of Light. In this galaxy spanning saga, Roger Zelazny provides the reader with ...