Delmak-O is a dangerous planet. Though there are only fourteen citizens, no one can trust anyone else and death can strike at any moment. The planet is vast an largely unexplored, populated mostly by gelatinous cube-shaped beings that give cryptic advise in the form of anagrams. Deities can be spoken to directly via a series of prayer amplifiers and transmitters, but they may not be happy about it. And the mysterious building in the distance draws all the colonists to it, but when they get there each sees a different motto on the front. The mystery of this structure and the secrets contained within drive this mind-bending novel.
Embark on a mind-bending journey with Philip K. Dick's "A Maze of Death: SF Masterworks," a First Edition/First Printing paperback from Gollancz, published in 2013. This SF Masterworks edition revives a classic of existential science fiction, plunging readers into the paranoid and unpredictable world that only Philip K. Dick could create. On the desolate planet of Delmak-O, survival is a treacherous game. Just fourteen colonists cling to existence amidst constant suspicion and the ever-present threat of death. The vast, largely unexplored landscape is inhabited by enigmatic, cube-shaped beings who deliver cryptic pronouncements in the form of anagrams, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. Communication with deities is strangely accessible through prayer amplifiers and transmitters, but the wisdom (or wrath) gained is far from guaranteed. Dominating the horizon is a mysterious building, an irresistible beacon that draws each colonist toward it. Yet, upon arrival, they each perceive a different motto emblazoned on its facade, fueling the paranoia and uncertainty that permeate Delmak-O. "A Maze of Death" delves deep into themes of identity, reality, and the nature of belief. As the colonists grapple with their environment, their relationships, and the secrets of the enigmatic structure, the novel unfolds as a complex psychological puzzle. Readers will find themselves questioning everything alongside the characters as they navigate a labyrinthine world both internal and external. This edition, part of the esteemed SF Masterworks series, showcases Dick's signature blend of philosophical inquiry, social commentary, and thrilling narrative. It offers a potent dose of the anxieties and uncertainties that define much of his work. "A Maze of Death" is not just a science fiction novel; it's an exploration of what it means to be human in a reality that is constantly shifting and unreliable. Dive into this masterpiece and lose yourself in its intricate and unsettling maze! Perfect for fans of classic science fiction and readers interested in existential and psychological themes. Don't miss this opportunity to own a First Edition/First Printing of this Philip K. Dick classic!