These are the books I have either read or hope to read soon.

Friday, December 16, 2005

The Great Book of Amber by Roger Zelazny

At the suggestion of Rich, Today I'll be reviewing Amber series by Roger Zelazny.

"Nine Princes in Amber" is the first in a series of ten books chronicling the ever-feuding bloodlines of the House of Amber -- the true kingdom of Order in the Universe -- and the struggle with its eternal nemesis: the Courts of Chaos. Corwin, the anti-hero is used as the basis for the first five books, while Merlin, his son narrates the second set.

The first book starts off with Corwin, an amnesiac who is almost killed. The first half of the book details his struggle to regain his memory, while the second half shows how he tries to gain revenge against his manipulative and power hungry royal family. It turns out he is one of many offspring of Oberon and since Oberon has gone missing, his brother Eric has taken the throne. Corwin was exiled as a threat to the throne.

Corwin is long-lived (eternal?), powerful (magical), and wry. He's a typical antihero who has to deal with powerful foes (in this case his extended family). As a prince of Amber, Corwin can travel between Amber, Chaos and all of its shadows by manipulating reality. All other existence (including Earth) are just shadows of Amber, the immortal city from which every other city has taken its shape. He can also use magical playing cards to communicate and travel instantaneously.

The second series follows Corwin's son Merlin as he struggles to find Corwin. Of course, Merlin has to deal with the same political backstabbing his father had to deal with. But Merlin gets to do more, as a prince and master of both Amber and Chaos, his track will take him back and forth into the light and the dark.

Many readers have complained that the series goes on too long and the ending is disappointing. None, however, would deny that it's filled with fascinating ideas, complex characters, and action-adventure. Don't miss a chance to make up your own mind. --Nona Vero


You can read more reviews on Roger Zelazny's powerful Amber Series at Amazon. Just click on the book above.

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ah, that doesn't do justice to the book.
Here's one reviewer:
If you have not read the books, I envy you...for you will have the pleasure of the first time read of one of the best books ever written!

another:
Being the first of the series of a great exporation into a new world, it's the fantasy worlds equvilant to the Matrix. You never know what to expect!
A third:
I have read this book at least 4 times and I it never grows old.

Or go to the SFSite and read a review:
http://www.sfsite.com/10b/ca91.htm

Enjoy, it's GREAT!

12/17/2005 4:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Also highly recommended is The Dresden Files, a series of tough-guy private eye/detective/wizard Harry Dresden, who battles werewolves, vampires, and other wizards by Jim Butcher. It's also coming soon as a SciFi Channel series. Superb stuff. If the TV series is half as good as the books, it'll be great.

12/17/2005 5:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well? What do you have to say about it other then what its about?

Rich - I've heard mixed reviews about Zelazny. Mostly that his shorts are rather dull. But I have not read him as yet. In fact he's not even on my 'to read list' but he does interest me greatly.

10/23/2006 10:04 AM  
Blogger Tahlia said...

Okay so you haven't posted for literally years but I thought that you might like to take a preview peek at my new YA fantasy novel, 'Lethal Inheritance’. You’ll find it at http://publishersearch.wordpress.com

6/20/2010 9:07 PM  

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