Roadmarks

Roadmarks is a novel written by Roger Zelazny during the late 1970s (published 1979).

Related Topics:
Novel - Roger Zelazny - 1970s

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It postulates a road that travels through time, with a nexus placed every few years where a handful of specially gifted people are able to get on and off. While there is a plot involving a series of assassination attempts on the protagonist, the novel's main strengths are the unique nature of the setting, character development, and the short vignettes on each of the would-be assassins.

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The book has withstood the test of time reasonably well because there are few references to technology. There are two semi-sentient electric devices that appear, that are implemented as physical books (with printed pages) that may be something of a stretch for a 21st century reader.

Related Topics:
Technology - 21st century

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Presumably to emphasize the 'time travel' theme, all the chapters are named either Chapter 1 or Chapter 2. After Chapter 2, it just rolls over to one again, etc.

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There are a number of interesting humorous touches and allusions in the story. These include a dragon who falls in love with a tyrannosaur, an ancient Sumerian who buries artifacts later to be found by himself as archaeologist, and a brief appearance by pulp hero Doc Savage and his enemy John Sunlight.

Related Topics:
Dragon - Tyrannosaur - Sumerian - Pulp - Doc Savage - John Sunlight

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