Amber by Roger Zelazny

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Submitted by Kreschyboy@gmail.com 
(Dec 20, 2007)

The Amber Chronicles has always been a favorite of mine. While I do agree that the first book is the best of Corwin's story, I think the story holds interest throughout the series. Zelazny's amazing descriptive language crafts a word so real that one feels a part of the story, but so surreal at the same time that even those with the greatest imaginations will sometimes find themselves unable to grasp the epic scale of the series. I strongly recommend this series to any fantasy reader; it will send you on a wild ride you can't quite prepare for.

-Kreschyboy

Roger Zelazny – The (first) Chronicles of Amber

Comprising:
Nine Princes in Amber (1970)
The Guns of Avalon (1972)
Sign of the Unicorn (1975)
The Hand of Oberon (1976)
The Courts of Chaos (1978)

I have never read anything like it. The Chronicles of Amber are so original that they deserve to be on this list for that reason only. They deal with alternate realities, sneaky princes (alliances and betrayal every day) and an engrossing tale of revenge, reminding one of The Count of Monte Cristo.
Zelazny’s characters are always colorfully depicted. In a short time, he introduces a dozen different personalities, all interesting. His writing can be described as quite fanciful, but not overly so. He does get into a bit of metaphysical talk near the end, but then again, the premise of the story is grand. Perhaps encompassing more concepts than he anticipated when he started. It is however an accomplishment that he kept it a cohesive whole.

While all books are hugely entertaining , the level of quality is not evenly spread. Zelazny uses all his energy and skill on the first book, Nine Princes in Amber, and makes it (probably) the best thing he has ever written. Just like in Lord of Light, you will find scene after scene of great material, and so it is the perfect book to begin a series with. After it, you simply have to read the rest. But in the second and third books, he slows down and the story becomes somewhat bland. Only near the end, the pace and joy of the first book is approached. But let this not refrain you from reading the Chronicles. They remain lovely.

Recommended.

Hey, this is by far the best fantasy series I've read.
You come to love and/or hate the characters in these books that you cant stop reading them. After I read this series I WANTED MORE. I cant say enough. Zelazny's writing style is so damn interesting and it works. I wish he would have never stopped producing Amber books.

Chris

Where to begin with a classic?

Well, these books are everything one could want form a fantasy series. I would recommend them to anyone.

Character Development - 09/10
The main characters in these books are the relatives of Corwin. Their relationships are very complicated and none of them are capable of truely trusting one another. I don't think Zelazny could have created better characters if they were physically present infront of him. Their real intentions are slowly revealed throughout the books and first time readers will be in for a real shock as they find out.

Story - 10/10
Told through the eyes of Corwin, the story behind Amber is a very complicated one. He awakes in a hospital bed with severe amnesia and no recollection of anything prior to that moment. He learns of a place called Amber (the one true world that casts infinite shadows of itself) and also learns that he is somehow a part of it.
His story is rivetting, magical, and above all else unique. The ideas are completely original and Zelazny has inspired many authors in times gone by. These books are no doubt some of my favourites, and I will certainly be reading them again.

Enjoy!

If you like a gritty, dark and original fantasy series where the good guy isn't a nice guy, such as Stephen King's Dark Tower books, or Frank Herbert's Dune series, then Roger Zelazny's Amber series belongs on your bookshelf. The first part of the series follows the travels of Corwin, an ancient and nearly immortal prince, as he plots to take back his rightful throne that his brother has seemingly usurped from him. Around him, his equally ancient and powerful family members scheme and form loose conspiracies to further their own ends. Imagine medieval versions of Michael, Madeline and Ops from La Femme Nikita - ice cold, intelligent, powerful, and deadly.Magic, adventure, and byzantine plots are plentiful as Corwin excercises his power to walk through dozens of different worlds - all shadows of his one true homeworld, Amber.If you are one of those people who has read through the most popular series like the Dragonlance, Lord of the Rings, Xanth, Shananara, etc., and is looking for something you haven't read that is of the same caliber, then read the first book of the Amber series - Nine Princes in Amber. You will never read another fantasy book as good for as long as you live I swear to GOD.