Also re-read Lord of Light, by Roger Zelazny. Like the Postman, Lord of Light is another of my top 10 books, though I actually gave up on it the first time I tried to read it. It tells the story of planet colonized by human space farers, who have access to high technology, including the ability to transfer consciousness to a different body when their current one grows old. Many of the first colonists have also developed mutations, granting them exceptional abilities, such as the ability to start fires, to kill with a glance, control electricity etc. The first colonists populate the planet over many generations, establish the Hindu religion, and in keeping with their mutant abilities set themselves up as gods, using the planet as a battlefield and playground. In order to maintain their technological edge, they destroy any settlements where simple inventions are made. The main character, Sam, one of the first colonists, has tired with the god's excesses, and treatment of the planet's population, and embarks on a quest, which spans many lifetimes to remove the ruling hierarchy.
The narrative structure is non linear, which might make it a little harder to follow on a first read, but Lord of Light is very engaging, combining elements of science fiction and fantasy. Think Arthur Clarke's statement that "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." Though writing quality is a very subjective thing, to me, the quality of the writing is exceptional, and the narrative is very well thought out, to the point that even small details are very memorable. The array of characters, mostly self proclaimed gods are well developed, convincing, and their interactions are interesting. Sam, like The Postman's Gordon, is a likeable idealist, willing to risk everything to improve the lot of the little guy, and even though he's a bit of a scoundrel, you find yourself rooting for him from the start. Highly recommended!
