Science fiction · Fantasy
Lord of Light
On a distant colony world, early settlers use advanced technology to pose as the gods of the Hindu pantheon. One of them, Sam, who rejects their rule, takes on the role of the Buddha to challenge them.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1967
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 328
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like myth-heavy science fiction with a playful, ornate style.
Skip this if you want straightforward storytelling, since the timeline jumps and the style is dense.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Lord of Light
- What is Lord of Light about?
- On a distant colony world, early settlers use advanced technology to pose as the gods of the Hindu pantheon. One of them, Sam, who rejects their rule, takes on the role of the Buddha to challenge them.
- Who should read Lord of Light?
- Read it if you like myth-heavy science fiction with a playful, ornate style. Skip it if you want straightforward storytelling, since the timeline jumps and the style is dense.
- How long and how fast is Lord of Light?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 328 pages, first published in 1967.
- Does Lord of Light have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death.
- Can I borrow Lord of Light for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Lord of Light; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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