|
 |
Book
Review: The Great Book of Amber
by Betsy Gallup
If you have never read anything by Roger Zelazny, you are in for a
treat. Zelazny's Amber Chronicles consist of ten books revolving around the
Princes of Amber and their struggle against one another for the throne and
against the forces of evil for the survival of Amber.
This fantasy is based on the premise that Earth is only one of many alternate
realities to the real world of Amber. Zelazny successfully takes the
reader back and forth from Earth the the alternate dominions with skill and
magnificent detail without the overpowering technical aspects of scientific
explanations some sci-fi/fantasies feel necessary.
The story is told through the adventures of Corwin--one of the nine princes
vying for the throne. The reader learns the history of Amber and the royal
family as Corwin recovers with a bout of amnesia. Where Corwin's tale
ends, his son's begins.
This series of ten books is suitable for all ages. The style is simple
yet imaginative and the plot grows more consuming with each page.
The characters are flawed but likeable as is the illustrious world of
Amber. The action moves steadily forward without becoming
overwhelming. I read the first book from cover to cover before I was even
aware of it.
The Amber Chronicles are not new releases. They were published over a
period of more than twenty years. I recommend purchasing the paperback The
Great Book of Amber as published by Avon Books for your first reading
experience as you can pick up all ten books in one volume at a good
price.
The individual books are listed below with the copyright date.
- Nine Princes of Amber, 1970
- The Guns of Avalon, 1972
- Sign of the Unicorn, 1975
- The Hand of Oberon, 1976
- The Courts of Chaos, 1978
- Trumps of Doom, 1985
- Blood of Amber, 1986
- Signs of Chaos, 1987
- Knight of Shadows, 1989
- Prince of Chaos, 1991
Interested in more information about Roger Zelazny or the Amber
Chronicles? Visit these websites.
I do not find all of Zelazny's works as entertaining as the Amber books, in
fact, I have read two that I totally despised so do not assume if you like this
recommendation that you will like everything he writes. I do have one more
recommendation to make.
A
Night in Lonesome October is a supernatural fantasy told through the eyes of
Snuff, the pet of one of the supernatural beings who have gathered for a
Halloween ritual. He takes you through his life as a dog dealing with the
pets of the other supernatural beings like the vampire, the witch and the evil
vicar.
You may have trouble locating a copy of this one, but it is well worth the
hunt.
by Betsy Gallup
Published with Zocor Publishing, January, 2003 |
|
