The Rod of Light
![]() First edition | |
| Author | Barrington J. Bayley |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Terry Oakes |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Publisher | Methuen Publishing |
Publication date | October 1985 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 193 |
| ISBN | Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value). |
| Preceded by | The Soul of the Robot |
The Rod of Light is the thirteenth science fiction novel by Barrington J. Bayley and his only sequel (to 1974's The Soul of the Robot).
Plot summary
[edit | edit source]The book continues the story of Jasperodus, who is now in conflict with Gargan, a ruthless robot attempting to make his own soul.
Literary significance and reception
[edit | edit source]Rhys Hughes described the Jasperodus series as slighter than average for Bayley, covering ground more thoroughly explored in John Sladek's Roderick series.[1] Similar opinions were expressed by John Clute in The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction.[2]
Dave Langford reviewed The Rod of Light for White Dwarf #73, and stated that "Concepts by Jorge Luis Borges, action by Doc Smith, sense of humour Bayley's own."[3]
Brian Stableford said that since the novel builds on the themes of The Soul of the Robot, it was less inventive than much of Bayley's work but "still a delight to read."[4]
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ "The Rod of Light", Fantasy Review 88, February 1986
