A wonderful book. Post-apocalypse, an abandoned earth, mutants and monsters, Greek mythology, a charismatic hero - all the things we love about "Steel". The only thing is that it is rather a story than a novel (so don't expect the scale of "Dune". The mention of "Dune" is not accidental. These books simultaneously received the highest award of science fiction writers - the Hugo). And, of course, it should be understood that the book was written in 1965. And it is better to read it in the original. I have a lot of misunderstandings with the Ukrainian translation. Although, to be fair, it exists.

The post-apocalyptic setting in "Steel" is truly captivating. The idea of an earth left behind, filled with strange mutants and terrifying monsters, adds an element of mystery and danger. The incorporation of Greek mythology gives the story a unique depth and cultural backdrop. The hero, with his charisma and charm, easily draws the reader in and makes them root for his success.

While it may not have the grand scale of "Dune", "Steel" still manages to tell a compelling and engaging story. It's a testament to the author's skill that the book has endured and continues to be enjoyed by readers today. Whether you choose to read it in the original or in translation, "Steel" is a book that is well worth your time.

I'm extremely surprised to learn that this book has shared the Hugo award.

I had a similar impression of Lord of Light, but this book is even worse. It feels as if a high school kid is throwing inside jokes in public and keeps doing so continuously. Zelazny here frequently and suddenly throws in characters and anecdotes, and all of them seem to just hang in the air for me. I'm not overly knowledgeable in Greek myths to catch all of his references, but I'm not so super ignorant that I catch none either.

The same book, with the same storyline and the same characters, would be significantly better if it were written by Lem, Dick, or Le Guin. I think Zelazny can conceive very good and unique stuff, which is why I believe he got the prize, but he just can't write it effectively. The Amber series is an exception here, simply because the series is so long that you eventually manage to catch what he could have meant.

[Originally read September 20-21, 2010]

I should begin by stating that I didn't peruse the complete version of this novel. Instead, I read the abridged one that initially emerged in two installments in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. This is the actual version that won the Hugo Award. As much as I desired to locate the full version, my library system didn't possess it. So, I had to content myself with the abridged one, which I found in Volume 2 of the Collected Stories of Roger Zelazny: Power and Light.

Having said all that, I just completed the book. I'm fatigued, yet I still dragged myself out of bed and turned on the computer to pen this review. Because, damn it, Zelazny was so excellent that he's worthy of the extra effort.

I'm not entirely certain what to say about this book. If you had asked me six months ago whether I liked sci-fi, I would have told you to take your phaser and shove it up your (_(_). (Set phasers to: buns!) Okay, I might not have been that combative about it, but the concept of spaceships and aliens didn't truly appeal to me. Then I began reading Zelazny's brand of SF, commencing with Lord of Light, The Doors of His Face, the Lamps of His Mouth, and now this. I can now assert that I'm a sci-fi enthusiast, and it's all Zelazny's doing.

I believe the significant aspect of Zelazny's brand of SF is that it's not about the blasters, or the spaceships, or the strange alien races. It's about people. It's about how they interact with others, who may or may not be human. It's about what could occur if the Earth were slightly different, or if we were on a planet that was just a little distinct from Earth. I suppose it's more nuanced SF, and that's what makes it good.

Zelazny once again crafts a story that makes no damn sense to me for the first five pages, but transforms into a work of art by the conclusion. (And then, when I'm done, I reread those 5 pages and suddenly everything becomes clear.) While it's true that all of his protagonists seem to have a certain degree of resemblance, I'm fine with that because I like the archetype: an intelligent, powerful man who defends what he believes in and won't tolerate crap from anyone. But he also has a tender side, on occasion.

Conrad is made even more memorable than some of Zelazny's other characters simply due to his physical appearance. Two differently colored eyes, a fungus on his cheek that resembles a "map of Africa," a right foot that wears a reinforced boot because that leg is too short, and some other details I'm probably forgetting. Conrad just doesn't look like your typical hero, and that's part of what makes him so fascinating.

Although I was left a bit uncertain about precisely what's happening throughout the book, by the time the denouement arrived, I was quite satisfied with how things turned out. Mind you, that's not a spoiler because I like happy endings just as much as the tragic ones. So it could be either, and you won't know until you read it. =P

All in all, a great book. If you've read it before but haven't read the version from Power and Light, I'd recommend doing so. Power and Light (once again, the 2nd volume in the Collected Stories of Roger Zelazny) has some amazing notes at the end of the story that just add even more layers of delight.

Oh, and did I mention that Zelazny once again blended SF with fantasy and incorporated a heap of mythology (this time Greek)? Because he did. And it was awesome, just like it was in Lord of Light.

RIP, Roger. Thanks for all the great stories.

[Re-reading September 21-24, 2013]

Still an awesome book. Still love Conrad.

Maybe it was just not for me.

I really made an effort to read this book. I skimmed through those parts that failed to catch my attention, hoping to find something more engaging later on. I even went so far as to try reading the last 30 pages, thinking that perhaps there would be a revelation that would make it all click for me.

However, I just didn't "get" this one. I had initially thought that Conrad was a very interesting character, but I found myself unable to quite follow the intricate intrigue that surrounded the Vegan visitor.

It seems that this particular story didn't resonate with me on a personal level. Maybe it was the writing style, or perhaps the subject matter just didn't appeal to my tastes.

Nonetheless, I can appreciate that others may find this book highly enjoyable and captivating. It just goes to show that everyone has different preferences when it comes to literature.

I'll continue to explore other books in the hopes of finding that one that truly speaks to me.