The fact that you have to figure out stuff was part of what made his books so good!! First read this book in the 70s, still love it today. Your description of the series is great, thank you!
Describing it as a day-drinking joyride in a runaway Mercedes is perfect. Absolute poetry! I'm considering dropping every book I have lined up just to read the next four books! And thank you for the generous shout out, good sir. 🫡
I read Chronicles of Amber in high school, (thanks Science Fiction Book Club!), and I never thought it was confusing. For myself, the amnesia element told in first person was a great way to present a mystery. We the reader had the opportunity to unravel some of the strangeness with Corwin, and with every piece of information, it became more interesting. Definitely one of my favorites. I started reading his follow-up series with his son, but it never grabbed me quite the same way.
I love the Chronicles of Amber and the Lord of Light, but my favorite Zelazny stories are about Dilvish the Damned. Great author, and great books highly re-readable. Every read through of Zelazny books seems to bring something new to light.
The first Amber Series, Corwin's story, is my favorite of all time. Something about that series just hooked me when I was a young'un. The journey, the background dirty-dealings, the colorful characters, the plot hooks.....all stuck with me over the last 40 years since I first read them. It's not super deep, per se, but it didn't have to be. It was just great story-telling! There was a point in time where some well-known actors tried to stir-up interest and make a movie or series out of it. Tom Cruise is a big fan of the books, too, and was pushing to play Corwin. I can see it. Nothing developed out of it, but I think it would have been fun to see it translated to the screen. Maybe some day.
Would you believe it's actually in pre-production? With Stephen Colbert as the owner/producer and Trent Zelazny advising. I hope they are able to move this out of the planning phase an into a finished project. It would be fantastic!
I first read the Chronicles of Amber in the '70s or early '80s. It was an incredibly popular set of books and Roger Zelazny was one of my favorite authors. What I like most about his writing is that it's like prose poetry. There's something surreal or magical about his stories and characters, something out of the ordinary that lends a dreamlike quality to his work. That's somewhat less true in this book and more so in novels such as Isle of the Dead, Eye of Cat and Lord of Light. It was such a loss to the community when Zelazny died a relatively early death to complications from cancer. If you read his entry in Wikipedia, it talks about his heavy smoking up until the '80s and the influence on his characters (you mentioned this), but it doesn't mention that he wanted to be a poet before a writer, but went with the writing because he didn't think he could make a living as a poet. Anyway, thanks for another great review and video!
Thanks for the great comments Cats! It's a shame we lost him early. And there does seem to be a fairly substantial shift in tone with his other novels.
Yes!! That's exactly how I would have summed it up; a joyride. Also, I got the Leisure Suit Larry reference. Not sure what that says about us other than that we're high class!
I love this series! I had the honor of meeting Zelazny at a sci-fi convention back in '91. He mentioned that the amnesia thing was the very thing that got him started on it all. He said that he thought, "I wonder what would happen if a guy wakes up in the hospital, doesn't remember what happened or who it is, but he seems like he's in better shape than everyone is telling him he is?"🙂How that turned into Amber it beyond me, but I'm glad it did.
Hello. I would be interested in having a look at your work. I write for a few YT channels. My first book is out next year. Can I get your stuff on amazon. Thank you.
Another great review as always. I'll never forget reading 9 princes the first time. It was surprising, original, exciting. Zelazny was the absolute top writer of his generation. The next time they review Robert E Howard, i will remind them to read Edgar Rice Burroughs. Big brother to REH in my opinion. You can't have REH without ERB. Sorry for getting off topic 😜🥸
One of my favorite fantasy series, Read the Nine princes in 1978 and was hooked till the finish! Re-read the series every couple of years and I always pick up a new detail or scene I missed.
Read it at about that time, late 70's, and was also hooked. Could hardly wait to get my hands on the next book, which took a while, as I was living in Bolivia at the time and SF books were very rare. But I did finish the series, eventually. Can't say I remember a whole lot about it, but one thing I found interesting was how some characters who seemed to be the bad guy turned out to be friendly, and vice versa. I think Guns of Avalon was my favorite installment.
@@luiznogueira1579 I'll bet Bolivia was hard to find books in! Also, I think a lot of the character twists and allegiance switches were influence from George RR Martin while they were pal-ing around in Santa Fe
@@GrammaticusBooks Believe it or not, there was this one bookstore in La Paz that had a few SF pocket books. Very few. RR Martin influenced Zelazny? Not the other way around? I mean, I read some of his early stuff and it was pretty bad, imo. Maybe Zelazny influenced him!
Longer comment here, but I thought some of you might be interested in my meeting with Roger Zelazny when my colleagues and I interviewed him in 1982. In those years, I co-produced “The Science Fiction Radio Show” out of my college in West Texas. It was distributed nationally and we even appeared in Starlog Magazine. We did phone interviews with most of the main authors of the time including Bradbury, Hogan, and Niven. I spent a day with George R. R. Martin, and did in-person interviews with Grand Master L. Sprague de Camp, Fred Saberhagen, and with Roger Zelazny at his home in Santa Fe. We were treated to visit his writing studio, where I got to see the paper manuscript of the Amber novel he was working on at that time, which I believe was “Trumps of Doom,” the first one with Corwin’s son, Merlin. I’ve loved Roger’s Amber series since it first appeared. I enjoy the amnesia open and the bit-by-bit revealing of information. I can’t imagine a better way to deliver this huge vault of exposition and cast of characters. One of my favorite things is the way Corwin and the others can move through the shadow worlds by altering one small aspect of the world they are in while traveling, and slowly change the shadow worlds an element at a time, either toward Amber or the other way toward the Courts of Chaos. Another thing I enjoy is his use of a labyrinth as a means of faster travel and the restoration of his memory and capabilities. Those final pushes at the end of the walk! The Pattern is the symbolic and actual superstructure of this universe of worlds and shadow worlds. As a new (finally!) SF/Fantasy author myself now, I have learned and been influenced a great deal by Roger and I still appreciate his kind words of encouragement, way back then. Photo in the link below is from that meeting. I was only 28 years old. davidpcrews.com/author/DavidCrews-RogerZelazny_web.jpg
Great story Jaguar! And that must have been quite the experience to speak with all those titans of the field! Thank you for sharing that story. And thank you for checking out the video. Take care Sir!
I have read the whole series twice, though it was long ago, and I even started a campaign for my friends in the RPG that I see behind you. Fond memories! Thanks for making this video! 🙏
I was wondering if that was the Amber diceless rpg on the shelf. I remember that cover, and I should have bought a copy. I love the chronicles of Amber and I've liked everything I've read by Zelazny.
A great concept - dialing though realities at will - its like being a Time Lord, but of space rather than time. Corwin himself is a fine mix of craftiness, passion, wisdom and courage that works so well in this series. I love the first five books of Amber where with each book, what Corwin thinks is true, turns out to not be quite what he thought. As the books progress he steadily gets closer to understanding the real picture. Books, like these, like his 'A Night In the Lonesome October' (brilliant book), Lord of Light' and 'Lord Demon' are all really fun reads and featuring high quality writing and construction. I have re-read these books half a dozen times or more - there is no better testament to how enjoyable this series is.
As much as I love your videos it is hard for me to watch because I start to keep my eyes open for the titles you have reviewed. I live next door to a store that sells used items with a selection of continually refreshed books. I have at least a hundred books I "need" to get to and I'm adding to it all the time. I'm never going to catch up. That's my tale of woe.
Chronicles of Amber has always been a favorite series of mine. It's funny, because I first read it in the early 80's, so to me the people of New York were behaving normally - not anything weird to complain about. Let's pick on Dickens for using Victorian phrases and wearing a waistcoat. The large family did take time to sort out, but the story was a lot of fun IMO, and I do re-read it every so often. Zelazny is an excellent writer.
@@GrammaticusBooks I was disappointed to learn you were not a great fan of Elric. I believe he was one the first (and most iconic) anti-heroes, certainly with the most compelling weapon. Further, the worlds Moorcock dreamt up went on to form many archetypes of fantasy, including the whole "multiverse" notion. And fighting demons and alien demi-gods? I think maybe you under-appreciate Elric's total badassery. The Corwin Chronicles were equally awesome. But I digress.
Thank you fir reminding me of this great series. I have re-read those books at least four times, and I think it is my time for the fifth. Great review!
Utterly loved the First Amber series, the "Corwin" chronicles, which I got from the high school library in 1983 and read out-of-order, starting with _Sign of the Unicorn_ . I loved the implications that *all* of folklore and fantasy were ultimately Shadows of Amber; I loved the hints and name-drops throughout the series. And I particularly relished the changing "tone" of Corwin's internal narrative, from thinking like a hard-boiled detective to thinking like a Shakespearian prince -- and back again. The shift in dialogue styles mirrored this, too, as the the princes and their peers exchanged casual, contemporary dialogue, until they were were suddenly declaiming lines in high historic style as their "true" nature shone through. Loved it, _loved it_ , *loved it* ! I re-read the first series to this day... and even if Rog didn't think he could succeed as a poet, there are parts of this series that *are* poetry . I don't have much time for the Second Amber series, the "Merlin" chronicles. So sorry, Rog. I read the first couple of books in college in 1986, and didn't like them; even though they're more tightly and consistently written books, they're flat, dull reading, and Merlin is nowhere near as engaging a narrator as Corwin. The Second series also suffers the same problem as the "Star Wars" movie sequels, with their dismal "Midichlorians are the source of the Force"; sometimes it's better *not* to explain. Sometimes the mystery is more elegant, more satisfying than an indifferent explanation. Years later, I _did_ , however, mine a few worthwhile fragments from that blob o' fiction, when when my friends and I started a long-running _Amber Diceless Roleplaying_ game, which we played obsessively for far too long. The character of Rinaldo, the additional details on the Courts of Chaos and the expansion of the Forces and Powers at play in Reality... all of those came in very useful, but that makes the Second series a _source-book_ , not recommended reading.
I agree there is a drop off from the Corwin cycle to the Merlin cycle. I still enjoyed it overall. But yes, the Corwin cycle is much more energetic and compelling. Good stuff Louise!
I have mostly-good, yet bittersweet memories attached to these books. Well before the Merlin Chronicles was written, I was introduced to the Corwin saga by a then-friend, soon-to- be girlfriend in high school, back in 1982. ; during the couple of years of our relationship, we spent dozens, if not hundreds of hours on the phone creating fan=fiction merging Amber, Lankhmar, and other faves into a convoluted set of interwoven tales, now lost to time, thank goodness! 😜 However, one of my best finds, back in the 'oos was, when stopping at a truck stop while traveling, I happened upon the CD audiobooks of all 10 volumes narrated by Zelazny himself, at a decent price -- a great find!
It's really cool hearing Zelazny narrate his stories even when the audio producers puts in some cheesy special effects. I was surprised to see that Zelazny also narrated Karl Edward Wagner's Nightwinds! That dude had great taste.
@@GrammaticusBooks Yes, it's kind of outrageous what they now want for digital download of the books -- IIRC, when I bought the CDs, I paid less than $40 for all 10 volumes! It might be worth checking thrift stores and other secondhand marketplaces....
@@geoffstark9817 Yeah, one cheesy effect that stands out in my mind still was from, I think, "Nine Prnces" where Corwin mentions the sound of a bullroarer -- and they threw in an angry bull snorting and yelling -- Ummm...I know what a bullroarer sounds like, and THAT AIN'T IT! -- threw me completely out of the story for a minute.
Oh yes, the Audiobooks! I borrowed _Nine Princes_ from the library (it was the only one of the series they had) and was astonished to hear Roger Zelazny reading the book like a 'True Detective' story, with Corwin coming across like Mike Hammer! Didn't spoil my intense liking for the book, but it was quite a quirk in perspective, hearing how 'Rog' actually thought about the character 8-O
This series made me a fantasy reader. I've reread them more times than I can count. The magic system captured my imagination to this day, but it's the characterization and evolving relationships that truly has the staying power. For instance, Corwin's rivalry with Eric. By the end, it's all flipped on its head.
If you like the Amber series, I would recommend checking out John Ostrander's Grim Jack from First Comics. Zelazny wrote the intro to Ostrander's Demon Knight and even gave Grim Jack a cameo in Blood of Amber. Great series that still has lots of influence. Roger's Amber remains one of the most enjoyable fantasy series to this day.
Zelazny had a great feel for deity level beings. see his Lord of Light and darkness. Love the intro as you slowly figure what is going on. Terrible early computer game Leisure suit Larry where you character often dies off from venereal disease. Think it was a text based adult game.
Ive read this series more than 5 times. The Corwin series is among my favorite books of all time. Merlin slows down a bit but still enjoyable. great take on the runaway Mercedes. Also, this is one book that the amnesia trope did not bother me in fact it lended itself to the story so well that it keeps you wanting to read more to find out what happens next. It's a can't put down book
I have the same Chronicles of Amer Volume 1 and 2 (Book Club Edition) on my shelf too! Zelazny has always been one of my favorite authors (Robert Heinlein takes the top spot). Doorways in the Sand, and The Changeling are probably my favorite of Zelazny's books.
If it was published in 1970, it does not contain a "70s" vibe. The 70s haven't happened yet. It has a 60s, perhaps late 60s vibe, which is even more wacky and revolutionary, but also older. I remember reading this in the 70s, as a teen, and thinking that some of the Earth references were already dated. You seem too young to have lived the difference, and I admit that from the 2020s it all seems like ancient history, but for those who lived it, the times were different.
Good point Mpcoyne. It's rolling into the 70s and the next nine books continue on through the decade. Overall it's much more of a 70s vibe (the first book and the sequels) rather than 60s.
These are my absolute favorite fantasy books of all time along with the Trumps of Doom of course. The character development in these stories is amazing. Every brother and sister feels like a real person. The world creation and intrigue keep you enthralled. I have read these books more times than I can remember and they never get boring.
One of my favorite long stories too, I occasionally return to it just to re-experience the mood. That said, Zelazny is just as much a short story single idea guy - I recommend Unicorn Variations for a sort of "mixed platter" taste.
When I first read the "Chronicles of Amber" in the early 1980's, it seemed as if I was reading Heinlein's 'Glory Road", Homer's "Odyssey" with a splash of Norse mythology. It was a damn good read, entertained me during late nights during the end of the "Cold War" of the 1980's... Looking forwards to revisiting that world after I finish T. Williamson's "Dragon Bone Chair".
The Pinces on your thumbnail have now become Princes! Magic! This was a great book. Thanks for subtly encouraging me to read it 😅 I still have two books of Amber yet to read!
I'm looking forward to this one! I'm doing Roger Zelazny in chronological order on the channel. Quick tip for The Dream Master: Familiarize yourself with the stories of the Lady of Shallot and Tristian and Isolde before you start the novel. It is much more fun that way! Great review, as always!
I love the Amber series, at least the first 5 books. 😁 I first read Nine Princes in 1989 after my second year in college. It is the last Fantasy series I read that burrowed deep into my imaginative landscape. I look forward to you talking about the rest of the series.
I agree. The first five books were world class. The second five were enjoyable, but Merlin doesn't hold a candle to Corwin as a protagonist. Back in the day, I compared the Corwin novels to a hard-bitten journal and the Merlin novels to propaganda written by someone's paid biographers. I'd elaborate but I don't want to spoil the stories for new readers.
If you are looking for great older books, I recommend The Barry Hughart series set in fantastical 8th century China. His three (and only) books are the award winning 'Bridge of Birds', 'The Story of the Stone' and 'Eight Skilled Gentlemen'. I also loved 'Carnacki the Ghost Finder' by William Hope Hodgson written about 1911, a Supernatural detective. He slides somewhat into to the horror genre, but is a great read regardless.
Many people don't like the Merlin cycles as much, but I absolutely hold it on equal par. You're in for a treat: the end of book 8 has one of the best plot twists ever!
Zelazny likes stream of consciousness, and IIRC, that's how he wrote. He didn't plan things out, but just wrote steadily along. I see it as kind of a Beatnik ethic that probably originally arose with surrealist art. As for the smoking, if you're old enough to remember, that's how it used to be, and everywhere you went did reek of cigarettes or pipes. I remember adult places reeking of beer as well. Corwin tracing a new pattern to create a new world is like Roger sitting down to write.
I like the analogy of Zelazny's writing being akin to walking the pattern. And I do remember all the smoke filled restaurants and bars! (don't really miss that, lol)
@@tamarlindsay8382 Interesting! My memories are from the era in which those books were released, so very old and fading. But I remember enjoying them immensely and the wait for another book, like "The Courts of Chaos," was both intolerable and hopeful for more wonders.
I read these books 40 years ago. I remember thinking that if I got married and had a son I would name him Corwin. I ended up having a daughter so that never happened.😊
Love this series and love Zelazny! Complaining about it being "confusing" is, to me, such a lazy complaint. It's a novel, not an encyclopedia entry! Zelazny was writing for people with brains who knew how to use them. And it's not even a tenth as complicated as Dune!
I loved this series It was one of my dad's favorites and i would try to recommend it to people and they've never heard of it. Maybe if I had the ones with cool art I would have had more luck. Lol
Zelazny's appeal for me is in his "big picture" ideas. His prose isn't amazing, his pacing can be awkward, he almost breaks the fourth wall too often, but the characters and world building make up for all the shortcomings. I enjoyed all the Amber novels (Corwin and Merlin collections), but my favorite works are the novel "Lord of Light" and many of his short stories. "The Furies" is probably my favorite with the juxtaposed mythology and sci-fi elements.
Dream master is the only Zelazny book I don't care for. And I OWN THEM ALL. It's not a badly written, but just you great stories doesn't mean you'll like everyone.
Did you ever get a look at The Dead Man's Brother, Zelazny's take on Cold War spy thrillers? It was interesting to see a fantasy writer approach the subject.
First came across The Nine Princes of Amber while in High School in 1973. I immediately went out and bought every sequel I could find. If you ever get the chance read Zelazny's short story The Last Defender of Camelot.
The book, indeed the series, is being told to Merlin by Corwin outside the Courts of Chaos. And Corwin is an unreliable witness. He tells things to make himself look good.
It’s an open question as to how many of the plot holes were planned. Personally I suspect that Zelazny was making up the finer details as he went along and retconning as necessary, but Corwin does address several of his earlier “misunderstandings” in later books. Merlin goes further in the second series by directly highlighting some points in Corwin’s story that he considers to be false narrative. By the end of the ten books there are far fewer plot holes remaining and enough overt ambiguity to accommodate the rest.
I read the series some 20 years ago. I was impressed by the main character's misoginy. The scene it shows most strongly (but notthe only one IIRC) is when he's being threatened by a sibling and argues that if he dies only one (named) brother and "the girls" will be left to defend Amber. He clearly didn't think they were up to the task.
I've read the first six volumes in the series. I love the first five. Six was not as good. I intend to return to Amber again, starting from the beginning and complete the cycle. I loved the shadow walking and walking the Pattern sequences. The Trumps card deck uses was also great fun.
I personally loved the first part of the Corwin part of the Chronicles. The Merlin part I tried to work through but I felt it was too forced...like trying to recreate the initial world with some rather esoteric complications (as if the complications in the first novels weren't enough.) At least two of the original novels could have been pared down...we pretty much understood the situation after The Guns of Avalon. The characterization of the different Amber royalty was a strong point. The ambiguity of who was right/who was wrong played up well. I actually felt sad when Eric, the supposed villain of the first novel, gained a lot of dignity and Corwin's motives in the first novel were shown to be pretty selfish. And Eric...selfish though he might have been was a much more empathic character that first visualized. Zelazny had a talent for flipping the tables in his books...good guys aren't that good, bad guys sometimes had good reasons. He essentially points out that most "villains" don't see themselves as such...and often have good reasons for feeling the way they do.
That's a common complaint and I agree there's a bit of drop off in the Merlin cycle. I also think the shifting allegiances and character traits rings very much in line with Game of Thrones...and Martin and Zelazny used to hang out together in bars. Coincidence???
This was one of five book series my mom accidentally got me into. I believe this was the second series she got for me and it started with the book Trumps Of Doom. She had no idea that it was the 1st book in a sequel series but she got it because she liked the title. The other series are... John Bellairs - Johnny Dixon mysteries Piers Anthony - Incarnations Of Immortality Jack L. Chalker- Midnight At The Well Of Souls Robert Jordan - Wheel Of Time
The Amber series is one of those where I read one book, then had to run out and get the rest of them to read. That's the good thing about older series; there's no waiting till the next one comes out. 😆
It had the same effect on me Jim! Although I didn't discover this series till much later. But yes, I couldn't wait to get a hold of the next novel! Always the sign of a great series.
I liked finding myself dropped into this world not knowing anything much as the main character found himself. I've not read this since I was 19 or 20 years old, so at 46 this should be interesting to reread.
There are so many great books I’m glad I read when I was young (let’s say 9 to 19). When real storytelling magic hits you for the first time, it should be from books like The Hobbit, Nine Princes, Dune, Tarzan of the Apes, The Princess Bride, The Left Hand of Darkness … As a much older adult, when I hear people discuss these books sometimes with appreciation, sometimes with indifference, I wonder how much the adult reader’s experience differs from a kid’s experience. Today, I find stories I enjoy, but that wonder and magic thrill is very rare. I always recommend the Amber series, especially to young readers. As a story, the Amber series is wonderful. After reading those stories as a teen, I spent a lot of time thinking about how the worlds we create around ourselves may or may not reflect the worlds our neighbors, cities, and countries create around themselves. For audio recordings of Zelazny reading the Amber series, go online to Speaking Volumes. The Audible narrators are not great.
Great info and comments Tanks! I'm definitely going to check out the Speaking Volumes series with Zelazny himself. Thank you for that tip! And I do believe there is a generational gap, in terms of appreciation for these stories. With younger readers having a harder time connecting with these books.
Read the Chronicles during your Amberary event...loved them! I did speedread through some of the more drug-induced surreal moments, but other than that it was excellent. Looking forward to more events on books/series that I never got around to. Keep up the videos and the good spirits!
Corwin has amnesia on top of amnesia, A prior injury left him stranded on "Our" Earth, forgetting everything of his life as a Prince of the Blood, and so he lives for at least a couple of centuries, and then after another car accident in the 1970s, he forgets even that.
Thanks Watsodna. We meet with the oncologist Tuesday to get a plan of treatment and hopefully some sort of prognosis. The wait (and biopsy testing) has been interminable.
Our favorite Series of All Time, tied with The Elric Saga. A shame he never got to resolve it completely. Are the people complaining about being confused just coming off YA novels or something? As for tropes, context is everything. Amnesiac Protagonist is Eyeroll Inducing _now_ to be sure, but remind Us again when this was written? Re: your comment about needing a Family Tree, there exists a Visual Guide to Amber. If you can acquire a copy, do so. #walkthepattern
I read the book when it first came out. I found the first book the best of the series for reasons that others complained about. The amnesia makes this a mystery in the first part of the book which I always thought was a great hook, where we get to experience things though the eyes of the character as he learns about his past. It’s a fantasy (though the characters contend that their universe is the real one), so I don’t find any supposed inconsistencies to be an issue. I would say that Amber is more of a fantasy Medieval culture than Renaissance. While the family has powers they aren’t totally godlike. Mostly, it consists of being able to manipulate shadows (really switch between them). Amber being the one true world is (as the name implies) static. And, as we find out in the later books, it’s not the center of reality (Courts of Chaos). Oh and from what I remember,Zelazny was a heavy smoker and loved it (which eventually killed him). Check out the Wikipedia bio on him. For me, the last line in the book was one of the best last lines I’d read. It ranks up there with the opening line of Stranger in a Strange Land and the opening line of The Enemy Stars (“They named her Souther Cross and launched her on the road whose end they would never see. “) as “hooks”. YMMV.
Great stuff Bwise! And it doesn't surprise me at all that Zelazny was a smoker. I just finished Jack of Shadows by Zelazny. And halfway through the story, the main character gets hooked on cigarettes!
@ Ah,Jack of Shadows. Another great ending cliffhanger. Thinking about it, Zelazny wrote some good anti-heroes. Another one is Hell Tanner from Damnation Alley. AFA smoking goes, the 60’s had a cigarette company sponsoring the Flintstones (with Fred and Barney in one of their ads) and another ad with the catchphrase “More doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette.”
One of the 1970's culture that is missing (or obscure) from Zelazny's work but would probably be very pronounced in fantasy and horror writing today is...sexuality. Zelazny is very open about sex in all his novels but not explicit. You really couldn't be back when he was writing these books. Heinlein dipped into alternate sex and open sex in his larger novels and was both praised and vilified for doing so. SciFi and fantasy were both seen as reading matter for younger audiences in those days. If they ever do put Amber into a series of films or mini-series, in 2024 they will be almost forced to delve into that area. And frankly, the Princes (and Princesses) of Amber possess the abilities. Zelazny does touch on some forbidden fruit in the novels when he skims across the Corwin-Deidre relationship. It's clearly there, but he couldn't get explicit. You get a strong sense that some of the Princesses are more than willing to use their feminine wiles on some of their half brothers, especially early on when Eric is on the throne. Have to admit, in regard to this particular issue I'm on the fence. There is a very huge cultural shift between novels from the 70's and miniseries in 2020's. Look at Game of Thrones ... makes the James Bond films look almost puritanical.
That looks like the same paperback edition that I ran across in a Goodwill store about 1980 when I was about 14. Absolutely loved the entire series and then read the second set of books as they came out. I got rid of most of my fiction about 20 years ago and was very happy that my oldest sister took my two volume hardback set of the first series as I knew they were going to another big fan who would take care of and value them.
In one of books, can't remember which, has my favorite joke/riddle.I won't give the answer but it is What is green and red and goes round and round and round ...
Great review Grammaticus. I too love the Amber series. The amnesia trope doesn't bother me a bit. I love the exploration, along with the character, waiting to find out what is happening. I grew up in the 70s so that part isn't a problem for me either. I felt right at home with it. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy.
The amnesia bit never bothered me either. I love how the beginning is so open to possibilities, the story could go almost anywhere. If you gave the first few pages to 100 different authors to run with, you would likely get 100 different plots.
It's so long since I read these I can barely remember anything but my main memory is that the books stop in the middle of a story because he passed away.
That might be with one of his other series Chris. This one finishes out on book 10. They're actually split into two cycles. The Corwin cycle (first five) and then the Merlin cycle. I know there were pastiche stories created as well. Maybe a pastiche author stopped short on a story line?
@@GrammaticusBooks I'm pretty sure it was the Amber books but this was many years ago, so maybe the final books just never made it to the UK - or maybe it did end and I was too dumb to realise :-) Or was it that his son did the last book, which would have put me off back then?
@@GrammaticusBooks Could be but I remember the feeling of being left in the lurch mid narrative - who knows :-) I do remember irl trying really hard to walk between worlds when walking in the countryside - it didn't work BTW
Read the Amber Series for the first time in fifth grade. While, I’m not sure it was the first thing I read with an unreliable narrator, it was the first time I really wrapped my head around the concept as I processed Merlin’s perspective of Corwin in the second series.
I love the book. I have read the first three books in the series and each one has been fantastic in different ways. The first one is amazing portal fantasy. The second one is sword and sorcery with over the top action. The third is all about a mystery and family politics. So good! I played the original Leisure Suit Larry on a neighbor's PC when I was a kid. They had to type the command prompts because I didn't know how to use DOS(I was like 12, why did they let me play that? 🤣)
@@GrammaticusBooks I came back this comment after thinking about it for a little while. All this mention of Zelazny and GRRM had me wondering if you have ever read WildCards. GRRM was the editor for the first two decades and it is a shared universe about people with superpowers. Zelazny wrote some of the best stories in the first few volumes(GRRM was no slouch either, his work is great). I really enjoy them and I think you might like them. The second and third book are very dark and a few things have no aged well. So lookout for that.
Oh man! I saw this pop up and I was like uh oh, Grammaticus is about to tear me up. Thankfully, you took it easy on me though I could tell you wanted to let loose. haha. Ultimately it was just too dreamlike for me.
I loved your guys podcast and it brought out some great points. I meant to mention Tim's fantastic observation about the similarities to the gods and Mt. Olympus but forgot! Doh! Good stuff Sir!
@@GrammaticusBooks Yeah, when Tim said that it made me reevaluate the motives and personality of the characters. Doing those videos are so much fun. It's insightful to hear all the different perspectives. Hopefully you'd like to join us for a future episode!
I have read everything by Zelazny. I preferred the first five Amber to the second five. my critiques of Zelazny tends to go to being a writer in his time. "Lord of Light" is one of my fave scifi novels.- as to why 'god-like' scions of Amber cannot be god-like at home, it's because they are home. they are a part of this reality, and subject to its laws, not capable of bending them. I thought this was clear in the text. each book was written in differing genres. I forget R.Z's breakdown of them, except the third being a closed door mystery... My approach to R.Z's works is sorta like the Prince Who Was a Thousand's in "Creatures of Light and Darkness", as to why his wife asks him to recount the story of the day his father fell... because every time he repeats it, he is then moved to action. She knows the story breaks a deadlock within him. When I get stuck on a writing idea, I pick up a Zelazny book and he shakes me out of my doldrums... (tho LeGuin is equally good for that, for me, too)
Absolutely loved these books (both series of the Amber Chronicles: all ten novels) when I first read them as they came out. I've reread them all a few times since, and I must admit that by the most recent reread I merely liked them! They feel a little thinner and more rushed now-which only means that they're products of their pulp times, I guess. I may well still reread them another time. But I've read all his books at least once, most more than that, and I do think that some others stand up better. E.g. Lord of Light feels richer and more complex; the Rose for Ecclesiastes stories were clearly more carefully written. And while many of his books feel a little dashed off-he was a commercial writer, after all, and he kind of churned them out-some are stylistically and narratively just more daring; some are even kind of poetic. But I began writing this comment to give a plug for a maybe more obscure one which I continue to adore. For sheer fun, my favorite has always been Doorways in the Sand.
I really liked these books. I read them in about 1979 and an omnibus edition when I was sick in bed I think for about a week and I was aware while I was reading it that I was in a mildly altered state of mind so my enjoyment of it may have been influenced by the fact that it was able to take me out of my sick body to another dimension. I honestly have no idea how these books might appear now to me. I haven’t cracked a cover of one of them since then.
Leisure Suit Larry !!! Only the GREATEST video game ever made 🤣 Why didnt you mention the 70's from the start ? I think I might have to give this a try now.
I found Way Station by Clifford Simak far more confusing on the first read than Amber, but on the second read I learned to appreciate jumping of perspective used by Simak. The "logical fallacies" that you pointed out aren't actually fallacies, by the end of the series and in the second chronicles it becomes far more apparent that the Amberites for all their powers aren't the "Lords of Creation" they believed themselves to be and that far more powerful forces exist and that the Amberites and denizens of Chaos are but pawns on a multiverse chessboard and as such have limitations on their powers.
There's a lot going on in this series for sure Allen! It's been a couple years since I've read it. I believe it's due for a reread, perhaps come Ambuary? (January).
I though I might catch some heat here, but I got off easy! After everyone's input I have a sense that this series might be something that comes together in a re-read years after first perusal. Also congrats on the tremendous engagement you are getting. About 20% of watchers are leaving comments. That is really something!.
The fact that you have to figure out stuff was part of what made his books so good!! First read this book in the 70s, still love it today. Your description of the series is great, thank you!
I agree completely! And thanks for checking it out Vintages.
Zelazny's books lend themselves to being re-read.
On my list of things to do!
I've read and re read all Zelazny's books, but I couldn't get into the Merlin Cycle. DNF the first one twice.
@@craxanshards3139 I have read the Merlin five a couple of times, but I always have to fight my way through. That was never true with the Corwin five.
@@kenthresh3350 Dare I say it, the Merlin books are but a shadow of the originals.
Describing it as a day-drinking joyride in a runaway Mercedes is perfect. Absolute poetry!
I'm considering dropping every book I have lined up just to read the next four books!
And thank you for the generous shout out, good sir. 🫡
Loved your guys podcast Tim! And I loved your description of the Amber family as the flawed gods of Mt. Olympus. Nailed it!
My fav fantasy novels. Reputedly Colbert holds the movie option. I hope Hollywood never ruins it.
You are correct. Colbert does hold the rights. But the producer (if it ever gets made) is Robert Kirkman of Walking Dead fame. So fingers crossed....
I read Chronicles of Amber in high school, (thanks Science Fiction Book Club!), and I never thought it was confusing. For myself, the amnesia element told in first person was a great way to present a mystery. We the reader had the opportunity to unravel some of the strangeness with Corwin, and with every piece of information, it became more interesting. Definitely one of my favorites. I started reading his follow-up series with his son, but it never grabbed me quite the same way.
100% agree with everything you've written here Deesher!
I'm glad to see this series covered. Amber is an awesome series that deserves more attention.
It's a heck of a ride!
Read this in my teens in the 70s. The idea of each step forward involves choices and shaping of the world was key.
Absolutely and it added to the tension. Good stuff Daniel.
I'm given to wonder if Elon Musk is familiar with the series.
I love the Chronicles of Amber and the Lord of Light, but my favorite Zelazny stories are about Dilvish the Damned. Great author, and great books highly re-readable. Every read through of Zelazny books seems to bring something new to light.
He's fast becoming one of my favorite fantasy authors!
The first Amber Series, Corwin's story, is my favorite of all time. Something about that series just hooked me when I was a young'un. The journey, the background dirty-dealings, the colorful characters, the plot hooks.....all stuck with me over the last 40 years since I first read them. It's not super deep, per se, but it didn't have to be. It was just great story-telling! There was a point in time where some well-known actors tried to stir-up interest and make a movie or series out of it. Tom Cruise is a big fan of the books, too, and was pushing to play Corwin. I can see it. Nothing developed out of it, but I think it would have been fun to see it translated to the screen. Maybe some day.
Would you believe it's actually in pre-production? With Stephen Colbert as the owner/producer and Trent Zelazny advising. I hope they are able to move this out of the planning phase an into a finished project. It would be fantastic!
I first read the Chronicles of Amber in the '70s or early '80s. It was an incredibly popular set of books and Roger Zelazny was one of my favorite authors. What I like most about his writing is that it's like prose poetry. There's something surreal or magical about his stories and characters, something out of the ordinary that lends a dreamlike quality to his work. That's somewhat less true in this book and more so in novels such as Isle of the Dead, Eye of Cat and Lord of Light. It was such a loss to the community when Zelazny died a relatively early death to complications from cancer. If you read his entry in Wikipedia, it talks about his heavy smoking up until the '80s and the influence on his characters (you mentioned this), but it doesn't mention that he wanted to be a poet before a writer, but went with the writing because he didn't think he could make a living as a poet. Anyway, thanks for another great review and video!
Thanks for the great comments Cats! It's a shame we lost him early. And there does seem to be a fairly substantial shift in tone with his other novels.
Yes!! That's exactly how I would have summed it up; a joyride.
Also, I got the Leisure Suit Larry reference. Not sure what that says about us other than that we're high class!
High class Leisure Suit Larrys! I like it Pulp! I really enjoyed your guys video and thank you for letting me piggy back off of it!
I love this series! I had the honor of meeting Zelazny at a sci-fi convention back in '91. He mentioned that the amnesia thing was the very thing that got him started on it all. He said that he thought, "I wonder what would happen if a guy wakes up in the hospital, doesn't remember what happened or who it is, but he seems like he's in better shape than everyone is telling him he is?"🙂How that turned into Amber it beyond me, but I'm glad it did.
That's a great story Foodie! Thank you for sharing that and I'm glad he did too!
Joyriding with Zelazny! Brilliant! I have an omnibus with all ten books waiting for me to go for a joyride. Great video!
Would love to hear your thoughts Richard!
Nine Princes is amazing. Like Martin, it was a primary influence for me becoming a fantasy writer.
Hello. I would be interested in having a look at your work. I write for a few YT channels. My first book is out next year. Can I get your stuff on amazon. Thank you.
Awesome that your writing fantasy Tmancour! And I can't think of a better foundation than George and Roger!
Great video! Zelazny was a master. Nine Princes was an amazing series.
Thanks for checking it out Psychonaut!
I read this series in the early 80's, borrowing from the library. Since then I have been looking to gather them up in every used book store I go to.
Fortunately, you can still find these in used book stores. And typically for not much more than $5. Good hunting Ken!
Another great review as always. I'll never forget reading 9 princes the first time. It was surprising, original, exciting. Zelazny was the absolute top writer of his generation.
The next time they review Robert E Howard, i will remind them to read Edgar Rice Burroughs. Big brother to REH in my opinion. You can't have REH without ERB. Sorry for getting off topic 😜🥸
Thanks Mike and I agree with your point on Mr. Burroughs!
i read 9 Princes as a teenager, I didn't know there were sequels! Oh boy! Great parallel worlds-stuff. Let's all "Walk the Pattern" together! Thanks!
A pattern worth walking! The follow on novels are excellent!
One of my favorite fantasy series, Read the Nine princes in 1978 and was hooked till the finish! Re-read the series every couple of years and I always pick up a new detail or scene I missed.
It's a great series James. I'm getting ready for a reread myself!
Read it at about that time, late 70's, and was also hooked. Could hardly wait to get my hands on the next book, which took a while, as I was living in Bolivia at the time and SF books were very rare. But I did finish the series, eventually. Can't say I remember a whole lot about it, but one thing I found interesting was how some characters who seemed to be the bad guy turned out to be friendly, and vice versa. I think Guns of Avalon was my favorite installment.
@@luiznogueira1579 I'll bet Bolivia was hard to find books in! Also, I think a lot of the character twists and allegiance switches were influence from George RR Martin while they were pal-ing around in Santa Fe
@@GrammaticusBooks Believe it or not, there was this one bookstore in La Paz that had a few SF pocket books. Very few.
RR Martin influenced Zelazny? Not the other way around? I mean, I read some of his early stuff and it was pretty bad, imo. Maybe Zelazny influenced him!
@@luiznogueira1579 That's very likely! Especially since Fire and Ice didn't come out till...what 1990?
Longer comment here, but I thought some of you might be interested in my meeting with Roger Zelazny when my colleagues and I interviewed him in 1982.
In those years, I co-produced “The Science Fiction Radio Show” out of my college in West Texas. It was distributed nationally and we even appeared in Starlog Magazine. We did phone interviews with most of the main authors of the time including Bradbury, Hogan, and Niven. I spent a day with George R. R. Martin, and did in-person interviews with Grand Master L. Sprague de Camp, Fred Saberhagen, and with Roger Zelazny at his home in Santa Fe.
We were treated to visit his writing studio, where I got to see the paper manuscript of the Amber novel he was working on at that time, which I believe was “Trumps of Doom,” the first one with Corwin’s son, Merlin.
I’ve loved Roger’s Amber series since it first appeared. I enjoy the amnesia open and the bit-by-bit revealing of information. I can’t imagine a better way to deliver this huge vault of exposition and cast of characters. One of my favorite things is the way Corwin and the others can move through the shadow worlds by altering one small aspect of the world they are in while traveling, and slowly change the shadow worlds an element at a time, either toward Amber or the other way toward the Courts of Chaos. Another thing I enjoy is his use of a labyrinth as a means of faster travel and the restoration of his memory and capabilities. Those final pushes at the end of the walk! The Pattern is the symbolic and actual superstructure of this universe of worlds and shadow worlds.
As a new (finally!) SF/Fantasy author myself now, I have learned and been influenced a great deal by Roger and I still appreciate his kind words of encouragement, way back then.
Photo in the link below is from that meeting. I was only 28 years old.
davidpcrews.com/author/DavidCrews-RogerZelazny_web.jpg
Great story Jaguar! And that must have been quite the experience to speak with all those titans of the field! Thank you for sharing that story. And thank you for checking out the video. Take care Sir!
Your description of Zelazny's car ride is one of the best descriptions of a plot I have ever heard!
Thank you sir!
I have read the whole series twice, though it was long ago, and I even started a campaign for my friends in the RPG that I see behind you. Fond memories! Thanks for making this video! 🙏
Thanks for checking it out Grognard!
I was wondering if that was the Amber diceless rpg on the shelf. I remember that cover, and I should have bought a copy. I love the chronicles of Amber and I've liked everything I've read by Zelazny.
The Chronicles of Amber are among my favorite but also by Zelazny the Dilvish the Damned books are also entertaining.
I'll have to keep an eye out for those User!
A great concept - dialing though realities at will - its like being a Time Lord, but of space rather than time. Corwin himself is a fine mix of craftiness, passion, wisdom and courage that works so well in this series. I love the first five books of Amber where with each book, what Corwin thinks is true, turns out to not be quite what he thought.
As the books progress he steadily gets closer to understanding the real picture. Books, like these, like his 'A Night In the Lonesome October' (brilliant book), Lord of Light' and 'Lord Demon' are all really fun reads and featuring high quality writing and construction.
I have re-read these books half a dozen times or more - there is no better testament to how enjoyable this series is.
A Time Lord of Space, I like that comparison Swizz!
Thanks for breaking it down for me. I’ll put it on my TBR.
I'd love to hear what you think Witness!
Thanks for a good summary of a classic fantasy series. Re-read the first five many times over the last fifty years.
As much as I love your videos it is hard for me to watch because I start to keep my eyes open for the titles you have reviewed. I live next door to a store that sells used items with a selection of continually refreshed books. I have at least a hundred books I "need" to get to and I'm adding to it all the time. I'm never going to catch up. That's my tale of woe.
Too many books Mass and not enough time! We need to get with MKV's Roger and make a satanic pact for life after death!
@@GrammaticusBooks The internet is truly the source of all knowledge. This is a solution that I never would have thought of myself. Excellent.
Chronicles of Amber has always been a favorite series of mine. It's funny, because I first read it in the early 80's, so to me the people of New York were behaving normally - not anything weird to complain about. Let's pick on Dickens for using Victorian phrases and wearing a waistcoat. The large family did take time to sort out, but the story was a lot of fun IMO, and I do re-read it every so often. Zelazny is an excellent writer.
It's a great fantasy series Wowbagger! I'm due for a reread myself!
@@GrammaticusBooks I was disappointed to learn you were not a great fan of Elric. I believe he was one the first (and most iconic) anti-heroes, certainly with the most compelling weapon. Further, the worlds Moorcock dreamt up went on to form many archetypes of fantasy, including the whole "multiverse" notion. And fighting demons and alien demi-gods? I think maybe you under-appreciate Elric's total badassery. The Corwin Chronicles were equally awesome. But I digress.
Thank you fir reminding me of this great series. I have re-read those books at least four times, and I think it is my time for the fifth. Great review!
I'm due for a reread myself Riste!
You don't read The Chronicles of Amber. You ride it.
Well said sir, well said!
Utterly loved the First Amber series, the "Corwin" chronicles, which I got from the high school library in 1983 and read out-of-order, starting with _Sign of the Unicorn_ . I loved the implications that *all* of folklore and fantasy were ultimately Shadows of Amber; I loved the hints and name-drops throughout the series. And I particularly relished the changing "tone" of Corwin's internal narrative, from thinking like a hard-boiled detective to thinking like a Shakespearian prince -- and back again. The shift in dialogue styles mirrored this, too, as the the princes and their peers exchanged casual, contemporary dialogue, until they were were suddenly declaiming lines in high historic style as their "true" nature shone through. Loved it, _loved it_ , *loved it* ! I re-read the first series to this day... and even if Rog didn't think he could succeed as a poet, there are parts of this series that *are* poetry .
I don't have much time for the Second Amber series, the "Merlin" chronicles. So sorry, Rog. I read the first couple of books in college in 1986, and didn't like them; even though they're more tightly and consistently written books, they're flat, dull reading, and Merlin is nowhere near as engaging a narrator as Corwin. The Second series also suffers the same problem as the "Star Wars" movie sequels, with their dismal "Midichlorians are the source of the Force"; sometimes it's better *not* to explain. Sometimes the mystery is more elegant, more satisfying than an indifferent explanation. Years later, I _did_ , however, mine a few worthwhile fragments from that blob o' fiction, when when my friends and I started a long-running _Amber Diceless Roleplaying_ game, which we played obsessively for far too long. The character of Rinaldo, the additional details on the Courts of Chaos and the expansion of the Forces and Powers at play in Reality... all of those came in very useful, but that makes the Second series a _source-book_ , not recommended reading.
I agree there is a drop off from the Corwin cycle to the Merlin cycle. I still enjoyed it overall. But yes, the Corwin cycle is much more energetic and compelling. Good stuff Louise!
I have mostly-good, yet bittersweet memories attached to these books. Well before the Merlin Chronicles was written, I was introduced to the Corwin saga by a then-friend, soon-to- be girlfriend in high school, back in 1982. ; during the couple of years of our relationship, we spent dozens, if not hundreds of hours on the phone creating fan=fiction merging Amber, Lankhmar, and other faves into a convoluted set of interwoven tales, now lost to time, thank goodness! 😜
However, one of my best finds, back in the 'oos was, when stopping at a truck stop while traveling, I happened upon the CD audiobooks of all 10 volumes narrated by Zelazny himself, at a decent price -- a great find!
I jus recently learned that Zelazny narrated all of these stories. You can still buy them, but you'd better take out a loan first!
It's really cool hearing Zelazny narrate his stories even when the audio producers puts in some cheesy special effects. I was surprised to see that Zelazny also narrated Karl Edward Wagner's Nightwinds! That dude had great taste.
@@GrammaticusBooks Yes, it's kind of outrageous what they now want for digital download of the books -- IIRC, when I bought the CDs, I paid less than $40 for all 10 volumes! It might be worth checking thrift stores and other secondhand marketplaces....
@@geoffstark9817 Yeah, one cheesy effect that stands out in my mind still was from, I think, "Nine Prnces" where Corwin mentions the sound of a bullroarer -- and they threw in an angry bull snorting and yelling -- Ummm...I know what a bullroarer sounds like, and THAT AIN'T IT! -- threw me completely out of the story for a minute.
Oh yes, the Audiobooks! I borrowed _Nine Princes_ from the library (it was the only one of the series they had) and was astonished to hear Roger Zelazny reading the book like a 'True Detective' story, with Corwin coming across like Mike Hammer! Didn't spoil my intense liking for the book, but it was quite a quirk in perspective, hearing how 'Rog' actually thought about the character 8-O
This series made me a fantasy reader. I've reread them more times than I can count. The magic system captured my imagination to this day, but it's the characterization and evolving relationships that truly has the staying power. For instance, Corwin's rivalry with Eric. By the end, it's all flipped on its head.
Indeed! People and characters are not who or what the first appear to be and it's a blast!
Nine Princes in Amber and The Fellowship of the Rings were the two most exciting reads of my teen years.
Can't argue with that Scully!
Zelazny was a terrific writer...period
Agreed!
Ahhhh... "The Jack of Shadows". What a great book! Surpassed ~only~ by the "Nine Princes of Amber" series. [smile]
Zelazny has too many good ones to pick from!
@GrammaticusBooks Agreed! [smile] He definitely is one of the greats of the time period.
If you like the Amber series, I would recommend checking out John Ostrander's Grim Jack from First Comics. Zelazny wrote the intro to Ostrander's Demon Knight and even gave Grim Jack a cameo in Blood of Amber. Great series that still has lots of influence. Roger's Amber remains one of the most enjoyable fantasy series to this day.
I have some Grimjack lying around here somewhere Geoff....I'll have to go dig them up.
Zelazny had a great feel for deity level beings. see his Lord of Light and darkness.
Love the intro as you slowly figure what is going on.
Terrible early computer game Leisure suit Larry where you character often dies off from venereal disease. Think it was a text based adult game.
He was great at writing demi-god like beings!
Ive read this series more than 5 times. The Corwin series is among my favorite books of all time. Merlin slows down a bit but still enjoyable. great take on the runaway Mercedes. Also, this is one book that the amnesia trope did not bother me in fact it lended itself to the story so well that it keeps you wanting to read more to find out what happens next. It's a can't put down book
I agree 100% with you here Myersptm!
Fun review! Thanks for reminding us about Amber!
You are most welcome Sir!
I have the same Chronicles of Amer Volume 1 and 2 (Book Club Edition) on my shelf too! Zelazny has always been one of my favorite authors (Robert Heinlein takes the top spot). Doorways in the Sand, and The Changeling are probably my favorite of Zelazny's books.
I'm a big RAH fan as well John. And I've come to the realization that Mr. Zelazny is right up there!
If it was published in 1970, it does not contain a "70s" vibe. The 70s haven't happened yet. It has a 60s, perhaps late 60s vibe, which is even more wacky and revolutionary, but also older. I remember reading this in the 70s, as a teen, and thinking that some of the Earth references were already dated. You seem too young to have lived the difference, and I admit that from the 2020s it all seems like ancient history, but for those who lived it, the times were different.
Good point Mpcoyne. It's rolling into the 70s and the next nine books continue on through the decade. Overall it's much more of a 70s vibe (the first book and the sequels) rather than 60s.
They were great as serials in GALAXY. Love to re read them every so often. Hell ride with the best of them.
I did not realize they were in Galaxy. Serialized?
@@GrammaticusBooks oh, yea the pacing makes so much more sense.
Going to have a look at this. Massive thanks. Channel continues to be first class.
Thank you sir! I'd love to hear what you think after the first novel.
These are my absolute favorite fantasy books of all time along with the Trumps of Doom of course. The character development in these stories is amazing. Every brother and sister feels like a real person. The world creation and intrigue keep you enthralled. I have read these books more times than I can remember and they never get boring.
Amen Bob!
One of my favorite long stories too, I occasionally return to it just to re-experience the mood.
That said, Zelazny is just as much a short story single idea guy - I recommend Unicorn Variations for a sort of "mixed platter" taste.
I love a good collection of short stories Sdahl! I'm going to have to run down one by Zelazny!
When I first read the "Chronicles of Amber" in the early 1980's, it seemed as if I was reading Heinlein's 'Glory Road", Homer's "Odyssey" with a splash of Norse mythology. It was a damn good read, entertained me during late nights during the end of the "Cold War" of the 1980's... Looking forwards to revisiting that world after I finish T. Williamson's "Dragon Bone Chair".
I hope it's as good the second time around!
The Pinces on your thumbnail have now become Princes! Magic!
This was a great book. Thanks for subtly encouraging me to read it 😅 I still have two books of Amber yet to read!
Ugh....It' amazing what your brain will fill in for you and make you eye blind!
@ trust me, I know!
I'm looking forward to this one! I'm doing Roger Zelazny in chronological order on the channel. Quick tip for The Dream Master: Familiarize yourself with the stories of the Lady of Shallot and Tristian and Isolde before you start the novel. It is much more fun that way! Great review, as always!
Thanks for the tip Liminal! And I will certainly do that!
I love the Amber series, at least the first 5 books. 😁 I first read Nine Princes in 1989 after my second year in college. It is the last Fantasy series I read that burrowed deep into my imaginative landscape. I look forward to you talking about the rest of the series.
It's a great fantasy series Bayside. The Merlin Cycle is enjoyable but perhaps a bit of a step down from the first five. But what wouldn't be?!?!
I agree. The first five books were world class. The second five were enjoyable, but Merlin doesn't hold a candle to Corwin as a protagonist. Back in the day, I compared the Corwin novels to a hard-bitten journal and the Merlin novels to propaganda written by someone's paid biographers. I'd elaborate but I don't want to spoil the stories for new readers.
If you are looking for great older books, I recommend The Barry Hughart series set in fantastical 8th century China. His three (and only) books are the award winning 'Bridge of Birds', 'The Story of the Stone' and 'Eight Skilled Gentlemen'. I also loved 'Carnacki the Ghost Finder' by William Hope Hodgson written about 1911, a Supernatural detective. He slides somewhat into to the horror genre, but is a great read regardless.
Thank you for the tips on those Swizz. Those are all new to me. I'll keep and eye out for them!
4.01k Subscribers!!! Congrats Grammaticus...climbing up that long ladder. ;-)
I must have read this book a dozen times at the least. I also read it to my children as bedtime reading.
I'm only on my second read but they are great!
I'm into Book 7 as we speak and loving it immensely!
That is AWESOME David! And great to see you here too brother!
Many people don't like the Merlin cycles as much, but I absolutely hold it on equal par. You're in for a treat: the end of book 8 has one of the best plot twists ever!
Zelazny likes stream of consciousness, and IIRC, that's how he wrote. He didn't plan things out, but just wrote steadily along. I see it as kind of a Beatnik ethic that probably originally arose with surrealist art. As for the smoking, if you're old enough to remember, that's how it used to be, and everywhere you went did reek of cigarettes or pipes. I remember adult places reeking of beer as well. Corwin tracing a new pattern to create a new world is like Roger sitting down to write.
I like the analogy of Zelazny's writing being akin to walking the pattern. And I do remember all the smoke filled restaurants and bars! (don't really miss that, lol)
Zelazney said that up to then he planned his work but he decided to try loosening up and the result was Nine Princes in Amber.
@@tamarlindsay8382 Interesting! My memories are from the era in which those books were released, so very old and fading. But I remember enjoying them immensely and the wait for another book, like "The Courts of Chaos," was both intolerable and hopeful for more wonders.
I read these books 40 years ago. I remember thinking that if I got married and had a son I would name him Corwin. I ended up having a daughter so that never happened.😊
Never too late to have another one Bookaufman!
It sounds like something of the beaten path when it comes to fantasy I'll have to put on TBR list.
Very popular. It's not particularly deep but a whole lot of fun.
@GrammaticusBooks given so far Conan stories and The Dark Tower series are the only fantasy I can say I loved, I will happily take shallow.
Love this series and love Zelazny! Complaining about it being "confusing" is, to me, such a lazy complaint. It's a novel, not an encyclopedia entry! Zelazny was writing for people with brains who knew how to use them. And it's not even a tenth as complicated as Dune!
There is a lot to digest up front...but worth the investment!
I loved this series It was one of my dad's favorites and i would try to recommend it to people and they've never heard of it. Maybe if I had the ones with cool art I would have had more luck. Lol
I like the livery with the black coves the best!
Amber is one of those series that I thought would be great to see in live action or animation.
Reportedly, Steven Colbert has the rights to a TV series which is in pre-production.
Zelazny's appeal for me is in his "big picture" ideas.
His prose isn't amazing, his pacing can be awkward, he almost breaks the fourth wall too often, but the characters and world building make up for all the shortcomings.
I enjoyed all the Amber novels (Corwin and Merlin collections), but my favorite works are the novel "Lord of Light" and many of his short stories.
"The Furies" is probably my favorite with the juxtaposed mythology and sci-fi elements.
Too many great works! I'm trying to track down his short stories at present. Good stuff Mr Vvulf!
Dream master is the only Zelazny book I don't care for. And I OWN THEM ALL. It's not a badly written, but just you great stories doesn't mean you'll like everyone.
Did you ever get a look at The Dead Man's Brother, Zelazny's take on Cold War spy thrillers? It was interesting to see a fantasy writer approach the subject.
Uh oh! I just finished Jack of Shadows and thought it was Ok, but not a great book. I'm hoping The Dream Master is better!
First came across The Nine Princes of Amber while in High School in 1973. I immediately went out and bought every sequel I could find. If you ever get the chance read Zelazny's short story The Last Defender of Camelot.
Great stuff, and I am trying to run down a collection of his short stories!
Definitely needs to be a tv series
They are working on it. If they actually produce it, I really hope they don't screw it up.
Judging at the adaptions recently done, seems very unlikely.
I want an animated series based on it
The book, indeed the series, is being told to Merlin by Corwin outside the Courts of Chaos. And Corwin is an unreliable witness. He tells things to make himself look good.
I did not realize that Gramakin.
It’s an open question as to how many of the plot holes were planned. Personally I suspect that Zelazny was making up the finer details as he went along and retconning as necessary, but Corwin does address several of his earlier “misunderstandings” in later books. Merlin goes further in the second series by directly highlighting some points in Corwin’s story that he considers to be false narrative. By the end of the ten books there are far fewer plot holes remaining and enough overt ambiguity to accommodate the rest.
@@simonandrews5250 I'm impressed Zelazny actually spelled it all out. A lot of writers would have just let it go.
I read the series some 20 years ago. I was impressed by the main character's misoginy.
The scene it shows most strongly (but notthe only one IIRC) is when he's being threatened by a sibling and argues that if he dies only one (named) brother and "the girls" will be left to defend Amber.
He clearly didn't think they were up to the task.
I did not get that take away. But it was written in the 1970s.
I've read the first six volumes in the series. I love the first five. Six was not as good. I intend to return to Amber again, starting from the beginning and complete the cycle. I loved the shadow walking and walking the Pattern sequences. The Trumps card deck uses was also great fun.
I also thought there was a drop off with the sixth in the series. But I'm happy to report it did pick up in the later books.
I personally loved the first part of the Corwin part of the Chronicles. The Merlin part I tried to work through but I felt it was too forced...like trying to recreate the initial world with some rather esoteric complications (as if the complications in the first novels weren't enough.) At least two of the original novels could have been pared down...we pretty much understood the situation after The Guns of Avalon. The characterization of the different Amber royalty was a strong point. The ambiguity of who was right/who was wrong played up well. I actually felt sad when Eric, the supposed villain of the first novel, gained a lot of dignity and Corwin's motives in the first novel were shown to be pretty selfish. And Eric...selfish though he might have been was a much more empathic character that first visualized. Zelazny had a talent for flipping the tables in his books...good guys aren't that good, bad guys sometimes had good reasons. He essentially points out that most "villains" don't see themselves as such...and often have good reasons for feeling the way they do.
That's a common complaint and I agree there's a bit of drop off in the Merlin cycle. I also think the shifting allegiances and character traits rings very much in line with Game of Thrones...and Martin and Zelazny used to hang out together in bars. Coincidence???
This was one of five book series my mom accidentally got me into. I believe this was the second series she got for me and it started with the book Trumps Of Doom. She had no idea that it was the 1st book in a sequel series but she got it because she liked the title. The other series are...
John Bellairs - Johnny Dixon mysteries
Piers Anthony - Incarnations Of Immortality
Jack L. Chalker- Midnight At The Well Of Souls
Robert Jordan - Wheel Of Time
Those are all great series Jay! Your mom had good taste!
The Amber series is one of those where I read one book, then had to run out and get the rest of them to read.
That's the good thing about older series; there's no waiting till the next one comes out. 😆
It had the same effect on me Jim! Although I didn't discover this series till much later. But yes, I couldn't wait to get a hold of the next novel! Always the sign of a great series.
I liked finding myself dropped into this world not knowing anything much as the main character found himself. I've not read this since I was 19 or 20 years old, so at 46 this should be interesting to reread.
Ditto!
One of my favorites 😁
Ditto!
One of my all time favorite series of any type, from one of my all time favorite authors. pls read "Lord of Light".
I actually have read Lord of Light and shot a video on it. Absolute genius. But for entertainment value, I think you get more out of Amber.
There are so many great books I’m glad I read when I was young (let’s say 9 to 19). When real storytelling magic hits you for the first time, it should be from books like The Hobbit, Nine Princes, Dune, Tarzan of the Apes, The Princess Bride, The Left Hand of Darkness … As a much older adult, when I hear people discuss these books sometimes with appreciation, sometimes with indifference, I wonder how much the adult reader’s experience differs from a kid’s experience. Today, I find stories I enjoy, but that wonder and magic thrill is very rare. I always recommend the Amber series, especially to young readers. As a story, the Amber series is wonderful. After reading those stories as a teen, I spent a lot of time thinking about how the worlds we create around ourselves may or may not reflect the worlds our neighbors, cities, and countries create around themselves. For audio recordings of Zelazny reading the Amber series, go online to Speaking Volumes. The Audible narrators are not great.
Great info and comments Tanks! I'm definitely going to check out the Speaking Volumes series with Zelazny himself. Thank you for that tip! And I do believe there is a generational gap, in terms of appreciation for these stories. With younger readers having a harder time connecting with these books.
Read the Chronicles during your Amberary event...loved them! I did speedread through some of the more drug-induced surreal moments, but other than that it was excellent. Looking forward to more events on books/series that I never got around to. Keep up the videos and the good spirits!
Thanks James. And I agree sir. Some of the passages through shadow become a bit drawn out and dreamlike. One of the few flaws in the novels.
Corwin has amnesia on top of amnesia, A prior injury left him stranded on "Our" Earth, forgetting everything of his life as a Prince of the Blood, and so he lives for at least a couple of centuries, and then after another car accident in the 1970s, he forgets even that.
Double amnesia!
Hope you ad your family are holding up. Still praying for you all.
Thanks Watsodna. We meet with the oncologist Tuesday to get a plan of treatment and hopefully some sort of prognosis. The wait (and biopsy testing) has been interminable.
Our favorite Series of All Time, tied with The Elric Saga. A shame he never got to resolve it completely. Are the people complaining about being confused just coming off YA novels or something? As for tropes, context is everything. Amnesiac Protagonist is Eyeroll Inducing _now_ to be sure, but remind Us again when this was written?
Re: your comment about needing a Family Tree, there exists a Visual Guide to Amber. If you can acquire a copy, do so.
#walkthepattern
I read the book when it first came out. I found the first book the best of the series for reasons that others complained about. The amnesia makes this a mystery in the first part of the book which I always thought was a great hook, where we get to experience things though the eyes of the character as he learns about his past. It’s a fantasy (though the characters contend that their universe is the real one), so I don’t find any supposed inconsistencies to be an issue. I would say that Amber is more of a fantasy Medieval culture than Renaissance. While the family has powers they aren’t totally godlike. Mostly, it consists of being able to manipulate shadows (really switch between them). Amber being the one true world is (as the name implies) static. And, as we find out in the later books, it’s not the center of reality (Courts of Chaos). Oh and from what I remember,Zelazny was a heavy smoker and loved it (which eventually killed him). Check out the Wikipedia bio on him.
For me, the last line in the book was one of the best last lines I’d read. It ranks up there with the opening line of Stranger in a Strange Land and the opening line of The Enemy Stars (“They named her Souther Cross and launched her on the road whose end they would never see. “) as “hooks”. YMMV.
Great stuff Bwise! And it doesn't surprise me at all that Zelazny was a smoker. I just finished Jack of Shadows by Zelazny. And halfway through the story, the main character gets hooked on cigarettes!
@ Ah,Jack of Shadows. Another great ending cliffhanger. Thinking about it, Zelazny wrote some good anti-heroes. Another one is Hell Tanner from Damnation Alley. AFA smoking goes, the 60’s had a cigarette company sponsoring the Flintstones (with Fred and Barney in one of their ads) and another ad with the catchphrase “More doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette.”
@@bwise7739 Oh the good old days!
One of the 1970's culture that is missing (or obscure) from Zelazny's work but would probably be very pronounced in fantasy and horror writing today is...sexuality. Zelazny is very open about sex in all his novels but not explicit. You really couldn't be back when he was writing these books. Heinlein dipped into alternate sex and open sex in his larger novels and was both praised and vilified for doing so. SciFi and fantasy were both seen as reading matter for younger audiences in those days. If they ever do put Amber into a series of films or mini-series, in 2024 they will be almost forced to delve into that area. And frankly, the Princes (and Princesses) of Amber possess the abilities. Zelazny does touch on some forbidden fruit in the novels when he skims across the Corwin-Deidre relationship. It's clearly there, but he couldn't get explicit. You get a strong sense that some of the Princesses are more than willing to use their feminine wiles on some of their half brothers, especially early on when Eric is on the throne. Have to admit, in regard to this particular issue I'm on the fence. There is a very huge cultural shift between novels from the 70's and miniseries in 2020's. Look at Game of Thrones ... makes the James Bond films look almost puritanical.
I would compare some of their relationships (princes and princesses) to the Greek Gods on Olympus.
That looks like the same paperback edition that I ran across in a Goodwill store about 1980 when I was about 14. Absolutely loved the entire series and then read the second set of books as they came out. I got rid of most of my fiction about 20 years ago and was very happy that my oldest sister took my two volume hardback set of the first series as I knew they were going to another big fan who would take care of and value them.
Spreading the joy Andrew!
In one of books, can't remember which, has my favorite joke/riddle.I won't give the answer but it is What is green and red and goes round and round and round ...
I remember that one!
Great review Grammaticus. I too love the Amber series. The amnesia trope doesn't bother me a bit. I love the exploration, along with the character, waiting to find out what is happening. I grew up in the 70s so that part isn't a problem for me either. I felt right at home with it. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy.
Thanks Steven, and I do think there's a generational gap in terms of people connecting with the novel.
The amnesia bit never bothered me either. I love how the beginning is so open to possibilities, the story could go almost anywhere. If you gave the first few pages to 100 different authors to run with, you would likely get 100 different plots.
@@Bayside78 Great thoughts Bayside!
Steve
Another Zalazny opus(a shorter one) is "This Immortal"
I recently had an opportunity to pick that one up...and foolishly passed!
They were great books when I was a young lad
Amen Bosun!
It's so long since I read these I can barely remember anything but my main memory is that the books stop in the middle of a story because he passed away.
That might be with one of his other series Chris. This one finishes out on book 10. They're actually split into two cycles. The Corwin cycle (first five) and then the Merlin cycle. I know there were pastiche stories created as well. Maybe a pastiche author stopped short on a story line?
@@GrammaticusBooks I'm pretty sure it was the Amber books but this was many years ago, so maybe the final books just never made it to the UK - or maybe it did end and I was too dumb to realise :-) Or was it that his son did the last book, which would have put me off back then?
@@Chris-c7i8d A little Google-Foo shows Zelazny wrote some follow on short stories that teased future Amber threads. That might be it?
@@GrammaticusBooks Could be but I remember the feeling of being left in the lurch mid narrative - who knows :-) I do remember irl trying really hard to walk between worlds when walking in the countryside - it didn't work BTW
He wrote a lot of books after the end of the Amber series.
Read the Amber Series for the first time in fifth grade. While, I’m not sure it was the first thing I read with an unreliable narrator, it was the first time I really wrapped my head around the concept as I processed Merlin’s perspective of Corwin in the second series.
It is a great hook Will!
I love the book. I have read the first three books in the series and each one has been fantastic in different ways.
The first one is amazing portal fantasy. The second one is sword and sorcery with over the top action. The third is all about a mystery and family politics. So good!
I played the original Leisure Suit Larry on a neighbor's PC when I was a kid. They had to type the command prompts because I didn't know how to use DOS(I was like 12, why did they let me play that? 🤣)
Thanks for checking it out Joseph! And yeah, that's pretty young for Leisure Suit Larry!
@@GrammaticusBooks I came back this comment after thinking about it for a little while.
All this mention of Zelazny and GRRM had me wondering if you have ever read WildCards. GRRM was the editor for the first two decades and it is a shared universe about people with superpowers. Zelazny wrote some of the best stories in the first few volumes(GRRM was no slouch either, his work is great). I really enjoy them and I think you might like them. The second and third book are very dark and a few things have no aged well. So lookout for that.
Yes, I’m old enough to recall LSL…
Good old Larry....lol. (which I just discovered is available on Steam)
Oh man! I saw this pop up and I was like uh oh, Grammaticus is about to tear me up. Thankfully, you took it easy on me though I could tell you wanted to let loose. haha. Ultimately it was just too dreamlike for me.
I loved your guys podcast and it brought out some great points. I meant to mention Tim's fantastic observation about the similarities to the gods and Mt. Olympus but forgot! Doh! Good stuff Sir!
@@GrammaticusBooks Yeah, when Tim said that it made me reevaluate the motives and personality of the characters. Doing those videos are so much fun. It's insightful to hear all the different perspectives. Hopefully you'd like to join us for a future episode!
@@TheBookGraveyard Anytime!...if I can figure out how to do it!!! (I'm a bit of a ludite)
One of my favorite book series.
Ditto!
I have read everything by Zelazny. I preferred the first five Amber to the second five. my critiques of Zelazny tends to go to being a writer in his time. "Lord of Light" is one of my fave scifi novels.- as to why 'god-like' scions of Amber cannot be god-like at home, it's because they are home. they are a part of this reality, and subject to its laws, not capable of bending them. I thought this was clear in the text. each book was written in differing genres. I forget R.Z's breakdown of them, except the third being a closed door mystery... My approach to R.Z's works is sorta like the Prince Who Was a Thousand's in "Creatures of Light and Darkness", as to why his wife asks him to recount the story of the day his father fell... because every time he repeats it, he is then moved to action. She knows the story breaks a deadlock within him. When I get stuck on a writing idea, I pick up a Zelazny book and he shakes me out of my doldrums... (tho LeGuin is equally good for that, for me, too)
I agree Hippomancy, the Corwin cycle is better than the Merlin cycle. Although I enjoyed both!
I love this book! One of the best I ever read.
It is a fantastic book and series! One of my favorites.
Absolutely loved these books (both series of the Amber Chronicles: all ten novels) when I first read them as they came out. I've reread them all a few times since, and I must admit that by the most recent reread I merely liked them! They feel a little thinner and more rushed now-which only means that they're products of their pulp times, I guess. I may well still reread them another time. But I've read all his books at least once, most more than that, and I do think that some others stand up better. E.g. Lord of Light feels richer and more complex; the Rose for Ecclesiastes stories were clearly more carefully written. And while many of his books feel a little dashed off-he was a commercial writer, after all, and he kind of churned them out-some are stylistically and narratively just more daring; some are even kind of poetic. But I began writing this comment to give a plug for a maybe more obscure one which I continue to adore. For sheer fun, my favorite has always been Doorways in the Sand.
I'll have to keep an eye out for Doorways in the Sand Derek!
I really liked these books. I read them in about 1979 and an omnibus edition when I was sick in bed I think for about a week and I was aware while I was reading it that I was in a mildly altered state of mind so my enjoyment of it may have been influenced by the fact that it was able to take me out of my sick body to another dimension. I honestly have no idea how these books might appear now to me. I haven’t cracked a cover of one of them since then.
I'd love to hear your take on them now if you go back for a second read Mercury!
I owned the series until it yellowed with age and the pages were falling out. I remember it fondly.
Loved the series.
Amen!
Leisure Suit Larry !!! Only the GREATEST video game ever made 🤣 Why didnt you mention the 70's from the start ? I think I might have to give this a try now.
I don't think you'll be disappointed DDB! If you do read it, you'll have to reach out and let me know what you think.
I found Way Station by Clifford Simak far more confusing on the first read than Amber, but on the second read I learned to appreciate jumping of perspective used by Simak. The "logical fallacies" that you pointed out aren't actually fallacies, by the end of the series and in the second chronicles it becomes far more apparent that the Amberites for all their powers aren't the "Lords of Creation" they believed themselves to be and that far more powerful forces exist and that the Amberites and denizens of Chaos are but pawns on a multiverse chessboard and as such have limitations on their powers.
There's a lot going on in this series for sure Allen! It's been a couple years since I've read it. I believe it's due for a reread, perhaps come Ambuary? (January).
I though I might catch some heat here, but I got off easy! After everyone's input I have a sense that this series might be something that comes together in a re-read years after first perusal.
Also congrats on the tremendous engagement you are getting. About 20% of watchers are leaving comments. That is really something!.
Thanks Eric and I really enjoyed your guys video! Take care brother!
The first book is merely an introduction. The slow foggy reveal continues through the series.