A review by rdmathison
The Dream Master by Roger Zelazny

4.0

Diving into Zelazny's oeuvre for the first time with The Dream Master was quite the experience. One cannot help but marvel at the masterful world-building, woven together seamlessly in a narrative that is both compact and expansive. In a book not extensive in its page count, the universe painted by Zelazny is intricate, surreal, and deeply immersive.

Charles Render stands out as a character of depth and intricacy. His profession, his internal struggles, and his evolution as a person make him a magnetic presence. Zelazny's skill in crafting a character who is both deeply flawed and deeply human is, without a doubt, praiseworthy.

Eileen, on the other hand, is a study in contrasts. She exudes an aura that is both magnetic and unsettling, which leaves readers with an itch of discomfort, a testament to Zelazny's ability to evoke powerful emotions with subtle shades of nuance.

However, this work is not without some rough edges. While the journey through The Dream Master is enthralling, the finale seems incredibly abrupt, leaving the reader with a hunger for closure. Given the depth and complexity of the narrative that precedes it, the ending could have benefited from a more resounding resolution.

In summary, The Dream Master was, for me, an impressive introduction to Zelazny's genius. The book showcases his strength in character development and world-building, even if the conclusion doesn't quite live up to the promise of the preceding pages.