Roger Zelazny's Chronicles of Amber

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The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny is highlighted as a favorite fantasy series, characterized by its blend of sword and sorcery with a hard-boiled detective fiction style. The narrative revolves around a family of demigods engaged in power struggles over the throne and the preservation of their kingdom. The series, consisting of ten books, is noted for its compelling storytelling and complex characters, particularly Corwin, Merlin, and Benedict. The reader expresses a fondness for the first two books, "Nine Princes in Amber" and "The Guns of Avalon," which are revisited every eighteen months. The Great Book of Amber is mentioned as potentially intimidating for new readers, especially those unfamiliar with the series' themes of familial conflict and rivalry. The discussion touches on the accessibility of the series compared to classic literature, suggesting that its themes may not resonate with everyone, particularly those looking for lighter or more family-oriented narratives.
Khatti
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All right Mr. Holland, two can play at this game! My favorite fantasy series is the Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny. The series is more sword & sorcery than high fantasy, and it is written in a style that's reminiscent of hard-boiled, detective fiction. It deals with a family of...well...demigods who start out fighting over the throne 'cause Dad is gone, and end up fighting to keep their home kingdom intact. So does anyone other than me miss Corwin and Merlin and Benedict? Does anyone have any thoughts on facing the Pattern or just ambling through Shadows?
 
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"It was just one damned thing chasing another."
 
An excellent trilogy somehow crammed into only ten books.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
An excellent trilogy somehow crammed into only ten books.

Nine Princes in Amber, and The Guns of Avalon, I read about every eighteen months. I think the last time I read the first five books altogether was 2003. I haven't read the second set since the Eighties.
 
I bought the Great Book of Amber for my wife. I think it intimidates her.
 
Noisy Rhysling said:
I bought the Great Book of Amber for my wife. I think it intimidates her.

Did she get through War & Peace, and The Brothers Karamazov in College? This is a lot easier going. Perhaps it's the fact that I went through all ten book individually that makes it less intimidating for me. Also, The Amber Chronicles isn't what I would think of as chick-lit. It's about men behaving very badly. I don't know how you and your wife feel about kids & family--nor am I going to ask--but if your a woman who is looking forward to having both, a series of books where the siblings are trying to kill each other may be something of a downer.

"I trusted him like a brother--which is to say not at all."
 
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I read all of them as they came out as well. Robin is a constant reader, no lightweight in that department.
 

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