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An interesting blend of SF & mythology that was fairly bewildering at first. It reminded me of the first book of his I read The Timegod* or something Roger Zelazny would write. There was a bit too much wandering without much action, especially at first. I'm also not very interested in, but was treated to, what he had for dinner most every night. The lands were interesting, especially the names. I caught quite a few of the historical references, but not others. I have to admit to almost total ignorance when it comes to Hinduism - too many strange characters who seem to change their personalities completely depending on the story & I've never been able to keep their hierarchy straight.

The themes of belief & fanaticism were repetitive, but that might just be me. It's something I've thought of a lot & made my mind up about decades ago. As an atheist, I know just how pervasive, stifling, & blinding religious beliefs can be.

This might be better on a reread since I'm sure I missed some things due to trying to figure out what was going on. Nice reveals toward the end. None too surprising, but that was for the best. The clues were there leading to them & it made for a better ending.

Not really a 4 star read if only because there isn't much in the way of humor or other leavening for the heavy themes. It's just somewhat depressing given the current political climate.

*The Timegod was originally titled "The Fires of Paratime" when it was first published in the late 70s, a far better title, IMO. When he got a new publishing company, they reissued it under a new title but without any significant changes.