ROADMARKS

Rating:
Summary: Another Classic from Zelazny
Review: A beautifully wrought tale of a mans spiritual journey to the realization of self.

I think sometimes people do not catch Zelazny's work because they do not see the undercurrents at work in his writing. In most of his best work there are two levels to read upon.

I hope, most fervently, that I can achieve that kind of greatness in mine someday.

Rating:
Summary: Non-linear time and reality trip.
Review: Awesome! This book tells a fairly simple story, but it's setting and mood are great. Plus, Zelazny tells it in a non-linear fashion, perfect for a time-travel story. Well suited to the hypertext age. Despite some of the cheesy elements, images from this book stay with you. It's a good short read, although a little jumbled. But that only makes it worth going back to the second time.

Rating:
Summary: Average Zelazny yarn...
Review: For a blazing read, please look into this book. I finished its 185 pages in two days. It's just too bad that it was a weak read. The plot, while reminiscent of Philip Jose Farmer's "Riverboat" series (which contained a cast of characters/real people from history all living at the same time), isn't very focused. Zelazny never quite figures out whether he is going to focus on the time-traveling 'Road' and who created it/why it is there, or whether he is interested in the idea of talking about famous people or places from times past. The chapters bounced around like a cat on a lit hibachi, and only coalesced in the last 70 pages of the book. This time vasolation was clearly meant to play on the idea that the characters are playing with time, but this created a chaotic narrative for the reader, making it difficult to remember what happened earlier in the book. While I thought this was an enjoyable book with some truly humorous pages and some interesting takes on time travel, overall I cannot give it more than 3 of 5 stars. An overall disappointment for a strong Zelazny supporter such as myself.

Rating:
Summary: RATHER GOOD STUFF HERE - ESP IF YOUR A ZELAZNY FAN
Review: I first read this one in 1979, and was rather taken with it at that time. I truely enjoyed it. Recently, I came across it in a box of books in my attic, dusted it off (good grief, a mouse had had it's way with it - groan) and read it again. As with my first reading, I enjoyed it just as much. Now I do admit to being a big Amber fan, so maybe that is part of what did it for me. I also enjoy time travel stories. The book is written in a light fashion, a fashion meant to be enjoyed and to entertain and does this well. I suspect it may not be everyones cup of tea, but for Zelazny fans, it will be a treat. I very much recommend this one...if you can find it.

Rating:
Summary: Too Short!! I Wanted More!!
Review: I recently reread Roadmarks. I had forgotten what a great (but short!) book it is. Highly recommended for all science fiction and fantasy fans, and even those who like a good road story.

It has lots of famous cameos - whom not all I could identify -- and some great twists and turns. I only wish it had been longer or had spawned a sequel! This is an extremely easy book to read, and has a great lead character with the requisite mechanical side-kick. It's so good you'll wish the book was twice as long.

Rating:
Summary: Best Story
Review: I wish that there was a series such as the Amber books that take up the stories of the road. I like a hero with out too many super powers. Its sad that with the author gone this can never be. But this book is a stand alone version of the best of Zelazny. You should definetly give it a read.

Rating:
Summary: The Long and Wonderful Road of time...
Review: The book tells the story of a highway, not too far from here, that doesnt take people to destinations....it takes them to the future and the past. Red and his Robot sidekick (who is hilarious) are trying to evade 10 Assasins sent to kill them as they travel through time in their old pickup truck while looking for the road exit that leads them where they want to go... A Fun little book that a person can polish off in 3 hours or so and will enjoy it more that a movie for the same investment of time.... If you are a slower reader, have no fear... the highway of time in this book is Forgiving and will be waiting as long as it takes..

Go to the Used bookstore/Online Auction and buy this Masterpeice!

Rating:
Summary: The road goes ever on and on...
Review: Well! Have I got the show-and-tell story for you! I finished reading this book while riding on a lo-o-ong stretch of rural interstate highway, which I heartily commend to anyone reading this book! You'll never look at highways the same! (see below)

So... The story revolves around the notion that out there, out on those dreary long roads and highways which we travel daily, bored out of our minds, there are a few hidden turnoffs and exits which those who know how to find them can access. These byways and underpasses lead to a completely different sort of roadway: a roadway in which Time stands still and exits now correspond to time zones measured not in hours but in centuries. And so the book involves time travel by a hero...

I personally do not think this book is great, - maybe just outstanding. I did feel the ending was a little too applepie and Waltons' Mountain for my taste.

The basic premise is wunderbar, but it does read like a great idea clothed in old pastiches from other Zelazny yarns: new wine in old wineskins. Any way, I do recommend it and did enjoy it - picked it up for a buck at a used bookshop.

Reading time: about 5-6 funfilled and disorienting hours.