Who Would Like This Book:
If you like your post-apocalyptic futures served with a healthy dose of myth, mystery, and quirky wit, "This Immortal" is a unique treat. Zelazny weaves Greek mythology into a science fiction tale, giving us an enigmatic, possibly immortal hero and a ruined Earth crawling with mutated creatures and hidden agendas. Fans of classic, genre-blending SF (think myth-meets-martini with a sci-fi chaser) and those who enjoy subtle worldbuilding, layered characters, and allusions galore will feel right at home.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This book can feel confusing if you prefer straightforward plots and clear-cut worldbuilding. The dialogue gets cryptic, characters act mysteriously, and the Greek mythology references can be downright bewildering if you aren't already in the know. Some readers found the narrative disjointed and were put off by uneven pacing or dated gender roles. It’s not as epic or fleshed out as Dune (despite sharing a Hugo), so if you’re looking for the same grandeur, you might be disappointed.
About:
In a post-apocalyptic Earth devastated by nuclear war and ruled by an alien species known as the Vegans, the novel "This Immortal" by Roger Zelazny follows Conrad Nomikos, Earth's Minister of Culture, Arts, and Monuments, as he reluctantly becomes a tour guide to a powerful Vegan visitor. The story delves into themes of Greek mythology, blending ancient myths with a modern, post-apocalyptic setting, and raises questions about Conrad's true identity and the intentions of the alien visitor touring Earth.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of violence, death, and complex character dynamics which may be challenging for some readers.
From The Publisher:
"Vivid and elliptical... If you've ever asked yourself what would have happened if Philip Marlowe had been Odysseus... here is a clue to the answer."-New Worlds THE HUGO AWARD-WINNING FIRST NOVEL EVER WRITTEN BY THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE CHRONICLES OF AMBER Conrad Nomikos has a long, rich personal history that he'd rather not talk about. And, as Arts Commissioner, he's been given a job he'd rather not do. Escorting an alien grandee on a guided tour of the shattered remains of Earth is not something he relishes-especially when it is apparent that this places him at the center of high-level intrigue that has some bearing on the future of Earth itself "Roger Zelazny was] the compleat New Wave author, so daring he could pen nothing without perturbing some creaky icon... so strong a writer, so moving in the sweep of his plots and imagery."-David Brin.
Ratings (5)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (3) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (12):
Read It (6) | |
Want To Read (4) | |
Not Interested (2) |
2 comment(s)
Dnf.
What a crazy book! It was not perfect in terms of writing. There is too much repetition in parts, some sections were too long, I didn't always like the main character, and the drug part seemed kind of pointless. Also, the albino part was unpleasant. However, it still had that really semi-mystical Zelazny feel, which I really like, and the plot tied things up in a way that I found satisfying. I need to read more of his books.
What can you read after
This Immortal?
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