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The Chronicles of Amber #5
Las cortes del Caos
Acercándome, vi pequeñas formas con aspecto de hombres perfiladas en un rectángulo de luz, enfrascadas en mover un gran bloque de piedra. Débiles ecos de cascos contra la roca y otro relincho surgieron de esa dirección. Entonces, la piedra se movió, oscilando como la puerta que seguramente era. La zona iluminada se encogió hasta convertirse en una pequeña franja y desapareció con un gran estruendo una vez que todas las activas figuras se metieron en su interior. Cuando por fin llegué a la masa rocosa, reinaba un silencio absoluto. Apoyé la oreja contra la piedra, pero no escuché nada. No me importaba quiénes fueran, pero pagarían por haberme robado a Star.
155 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
About the author
Roger Zelazny
681 books3,644 followersRoger Zelazny made his name with a group of novellas which demonstrated just how intense an emotional charge could be generated by the stock imagery of sf; the most famous of these is A Rose for Ecclesiastes in which a poet struggles to convince dying and sterile Martians that life is worth continuing. Zelazny continued to write excellent short stories throughout his career. Most of his novels deal, one way or another, with tricksters and mythology, often with rogues who become gods, like Sam in Lord of Light, who reinvents Buddhism as a vehicle for political subversion on a colony planet.
The fantasy sequence The Amber Chronicles, which started with Nine Princes in Amber, deals with the ruling family of a Platonic realm at the metaphysical heart of things, who can slide, trickster-like through realities, and their wars with each other and the related ruling house of Chaos. Zelazny never entirely fulfilled his early promise—who could?—but he and his work were much loved, and a potent influence on such younger writers as George R. R. Martin and Neil Gaiman.
He won the Nebula award three times (out of 14 nominations) and the Hugo award six times (out of 14 nominations). His papers are housed at the Albin O. Khun Library of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Ze...
The fantasy sequence The Amber Chronicles, which started with Nine Princes in Amber, deals with the ruling family of a Platonic realm at the metaphysical heart of things, who can slide, trickster-like through realities, and their wars with each other and the related ruling house of Chaos. Zelazny never entirely fulfilled his early promise—who could?—but he and his work were much loved, and a potent influence on such younger writers as George R. R. Martin and Neil Gaiman.
He won the Nebula award three times (out of 14 nominations) and the Hugo award six times (out of 14 nominations). His papers are housed at the Albin O. Khun Library of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Ze...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews
May 11, 2008
Here is where I'll put my opinion on the first five books. As a series, the worldbuilding is amazing, the characters intriguing, and the format is fast-paced. It's interesting to see a book where there are few characters that can claim clean hands, and it makes for a complex storyline.
That said, I sometimes feel like there's a bit too much explaining going on (though the first book does a good job of making the explaining organic). I can't remember how many times the reader hears about the political intrigues of Amber from yet another viewpoint. While often the information involved in required, I wish there could be a better way to portray it, especially when it nears the end of the fifth book, when pretty much everything is about to be destroyed, and we take a time-out to hear another of Corwin's brother's political standpoints.
Along with this, I feel that Zelazny goes on a bit too long wtih the hellrides. As cool as the formatting is, Corwin hellrides too many times, especially in the fifth book, for me to want to spend three pages in a psychadelic trip through countless universes.
That said, of course, I must reiterate that I really enjoy these books. There aren't very many books I bother to re-read, especially nowadays, but I re-read the quintet just recently. The characterization is amazing, and the voice is unique. It also doesn't hurt that all five books average around 150 pages each.
That said, I sometimes feel like there's a bit too much explaining going on (though the first book does a good job of making the explaining organic). I can't remember how many times the reader hears about the political intrigues of Amber from yet another viewpoint. While often the information involved in required, I wish there could be a better way to portray it, especially when it nears the end of the fifth book, when pretty much everything is about to be destroyed, and we take a time-out to hear another of Corwin's brother's political standpoints.
Along with this, I feel that Zelazny goes on a bit too long wtih the hellrides. As cool as the formatting is, Corwin hellrides too many times, especially in the fifth book, for me to want to spend three pages in a psychadelic trip through countless universes.
That said, of course, I must reiterate that I really enjoy these books. There aren't very many books I bother to re-read, especially nowadays, but I re-read the quintet just recently. The characterization is amazing, and the voice is unique. It also doesn't hurt that all five books average around 150 pages each.
January 28, 2019
My rating 4.8
The book "The Chronicles of Amber # 5" by Roger Zelazny is a book that reveals many things. Faithful Corwin's companion Ganelon is, in fact, his father Oberon. Now that his father has taken over power, they are preparing for the war with The Courts of Chaos. His father intends to purge a true pattern of blackness that Brand has damaged with the blood of Amber's successor. But there is a great possibility that this attempt is unsuccessful and he sends Corwin to the way through the shadows, according to the Courts of Chaos. But his father, as a precursor first sends an army of Amber in the attack on the Courts of Chaos to keep them distracted as he embarks on a process of cleaning the pattern. Corwin will be in the process of traveling get a Judging Stone with which he needs to help, the Amber Army. But this will not be easy because his brother Brand at all costs wants to get to that stone to become the supreme ruler. As with the whole series so far, the writer leads us with your imagination to the end of the world and you simply have to enjoy it. For now, the whole series fulfills all my expectations and with pleasure, I read every book.
The book "The Chronicles of Amber # 5" by Roger Zelazny is a book that reveals many things. Faithful Corwin's companion Ganelon is, in fact, his father Oberon. Now that his father has taken over power, they are preparing for the war with The Courts of Chaos. His father intends to purge a true pattern of blackness that Brand has damaged with the blood of Amber's successor. But there is a great possibility that this attempt is unsuccessful and he sends Corwin to the way through the shadows, according to the Courts of Chaos. But his father, as a precursor first sends an army of Amber in the attack on the Courts of Chaos to keep them distracted as he embarks on a process of cleaning the pattern. Corwin will be in the process of traveling get a Judging Stone with which he needs to help, the Amber Army. But this will not be easy because his brother Brand at all costs wants to get to that stone to become the supreme ruler. As with the whole series so far, the writer leads us with your imagination to the end of the world and you simply have to enjoy it. For now, the whole series fulfills all my expectations and with pleasure, I read every book.
April 23, 2019
The most perfect ending to the most perfect fantasy saga of all times. Being a bit melodramatic, am I? I reread all the books in the Corwin series, but none as often as The Court of Chaos. I lost count of how many times I have reread this one. Not only did it explain and connected everything nicely, the final novel in the series also manages to be the most beautifully written one. The Court of Chaos have the most poetical passages, I feel. They capture the spirit and the charm of this series perfectly. As a said, it really is the perfect ending of Corwin's story. For me, The Courts of Chaos is, among other things, metaphysical poetry. This book is my spirit animal.
Many characters reaper in The Courts of Chaos, most notably Dara. The traitor will also have a role to play. Other family members won't stand aside either, as it to be expected. At the start of the novel we find Corwin in a library (his place of comfort), and soon enough Random meets Corwin. Random was a significant character in all the novels, and I felt that Random and Corwin really connected in the fourth one. It was interesting to see how the personal grown of one mirrored the other. When Random pledges his alliance to Corwin in the first novel, they are both charming but selfish princes, and it is amazing to see them both grow up as people. In The Courts of Chaos, Corwin will have to play it solo for most of the novel, as he will be forced to hell ride like he has never hell ridden before, but by the end of the novel, Random will get the chance to shine again. I found the growing connection between them as touching as their personal growth. They have truly grown into different people. In words of Corwin: “I saw my earlier selves as different people, acquaintances I had outgrown. I wondered how I could ever have been some of them.”
I said that Corwin will play it solo most of the way. This is the novel in which Corwin finally connects all the dots. He learns where has his father been all this time, and that's only the beginning. Corwin makes a choice to put the good of the realm before his own and even his father's ambitions. There is a timeless feeling to this last novel in the series, as is only befitting I guess for Corwin really managed to make himself a timeless flawed hero. Every time he walks the pattern, Corwin reveal more of his essence. In The Courts of Chaos Corwin reinvents himself.
...“And the man clad in black and silver with a silver rose upon him? He would like to think that he has learned something of trust, that he has washed his eyes in some clear spring, that he has polished an ideal or two. Never Mind. He may still be only a smart-mouthed meddler, skilled mainly in the minor art of survival, blind as ever the dungeons knew him to the finer shades of irony. Never mind, let it go, let it be. I may never be pleased with him.”
Many characters reaper in The Courts of Chaos, most notably Dara. The traitor will also have a role to play. Other family members won't stand aside either, as it to be expected. At the start of the novel we find Corwin in a library (his place of comfort), and soon enough Random meets Corwin. Random was a significant character in all the novels, and I felt that Random and Corwin really connected in the fourth one. It was interesting to see how the personal grown of one mirrored the other. When Random pledges his alliance to Corwin in the first novel, they are both charming but selfish princes, and it is amazing to see them both grow up as people. In The Courts of Chaos, Corwin will have to play it solo for most of the novel, as he will be forced to hell ride like he has never hell ridden before, but by the end of the novel, Random will get the chance to shine again. I found the growing connection between them as touching as their personal growth. They have truly grown into different people. In words of Corwin: “I saw my earlier selves as different people, acquaintances I had outgrown. I wondered how I could ever have been some of them.”
I said that Corwin will play it solo most of the way. This is the novel in which Corwin finally connects all the dots. He learns where has his father been all this time, and that's only the beginning. Corwin makes a choice to put the good of the realm before his own and even his father's ambitions. There is a timeless feeling to this last novel in the series, as is only befitting I guess for Corwin really managed to make himself a timeless flawed hero. Every time he walks the pattern, Corwin reveal more of his essence. In The Courts of Chaos Corwin reinvents himself.
...“And the man clad in black and silver with a silver rose upon him? He would like to think that he has learned something of trust, that he has washed his eyes in some clear spring, that he has polished an ideal or two. Never Mind. He may still be only a smart-mouthed meddler, skilled mainly in the minor art of survival, blind as ever the dungeons knew him to the finer shades of irony. Never mind, let it go, let it be. I may never be pleased with him.”
June 16, 2019
First duty, then liberty shall be the whole of the law.
Corwin, prince of Amber rises to face the threat of existential obliteration of all he holds dear. In the process discovering that his most defining characteristic is duty to others.
Surrounded by tragedy, insanity, and a philosophical raven, Corwin completes a journey I wouldn't wish on anyone.
As usual, Zelazny writes with verve, wit, and wisdom, delivered with an admirable narrative economy that brings to mind Blaise Pascal's famous quote.
The upshot: Writing the way Zelazny does, packing narrative into a few well-chosen words, displays a powerful mastery of form and genre.
Read this series, read this master of the fantasy genre.
Corwin, prince of Amber rises to face the threat of existential obliteration of all he holds dear. In the process discovering that his most defining characteristic is duty to others.
Surrounded by tragedy, insanity, and a philosophical raven, Corwin completes a journey I wouldn't wish on anyone.
As usual, Zelazny writes with verve, wit, and wisdom, delivered with an admirable narrative economy that brings to mind Blaise Pascal's famous quote.
“I have only made this letter longer because I have not had the time to make it shorter."
REF: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/2122...
The upshot: Writing the way Zelazny does, packing narrative into a few well-chosen words, displays a powerful mastery of form and genre.
Read this series, read this master of the fantasy genre.
May 30, 2020
Ah, man what a great ending to a great story. I know there are more books, but it feels like the major story arc started in book one has been resolved, and what a satisfying ending. I can't wait to see what becomes of Merlin and Corwin in the Courts, learn more of Corwin's new pattern, and also the state of Amber.
On to "Trumps of Doom"!
On to "Trumps of Doom"!
October 9, 2017
Back in the days before Mr. Fogerty inspired Mr. Jordan to expand on his observation that the big wheel keeps on turning, and before Mr. Martin went into the field of meteorology, Roger Zelazny produced this series of five terrific books and thereby offered the fantasy fiction field an alternative to Conan pastiches and Hobbit homages. Amber is the true, real, center of the universe, see, and it's a magical kingdom where the king has gone missing and the nine princes and a handful of princesses are playing the game of thrones, and... well, you should it. His writing is descriptive and detailed throughout, the characters are full-blown people the reader understands and knows instantly, and the plot is immensely detailed and carefully paced and presented for the whole five book run, yet they're short books by modern standards... he packs way more into a hundred pages than most current fantasists do in a thousand. How did he do it? It was magic, obviously.
There was a second series of five books with the same setting and some overlapping characters that didn't have quite the same feel, and after his death someone else produced some books that shouldn't have been permitted that I would recommend avoiding, but those first five Amber books are real classics. Some of the slang expressions haven't aged well, particularly in the earlier volumes, and it's a little jarring to read that the main characters all seem to be chain-smokers, but otherwise I think they've held up better than any of their contemporaries.
There was a second series of five books with the same setting and some overlapping characters that didn't have quite the same feel, and after his death someone else produced some books that shouldn't have been permitted that I would recommend avoiding, but those first five Amber books are real classics. Some of the slang expressions haven't aged well, particularly in the earlier volumes, and it's a little jarring to read that the main characters all seem to be chain-smokers, but otherwise I think they've held up better than any of their contemporaries.
October 28, 2023
Much like the last time I read the Amber saga, I wolfed down the last two books in one day. As far as series enders go, this one his hard to beat. All the questions get answered and the fate of the world is resolved.
Fifteen years ago, I said this was right up there with the Dark Tower and the Elric saga. I still feel that way. Sure, some of the monologues get a little long-winded but this is a very well crafted fantasy mystery that is epic in scope. Zelazny stuck the landing. Unlike last time, this is where I stop. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Fifteen years ago, I said this was right up there with the Dark Tower and the Elric saga. I still feel that way. Sure, some of the monologues get a little long-winded but this is a very well crafted fantasy mystery that is epic in scope. Zelazny stuck the landing. Unlike last time, this is where I stop. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
March 30, 2017
Corwin gets a quest and heads to Chaos, and leprechauns and The World Tree, a fitting ending to the first arc of the Amber series, enjoyed all 5 of the novels, onto the second arc now.
August 20, 2023
Dirljiv svršetak jedne duge pustolovine. Korvin prestaje da jaše pred čitaocem, i predaje uzde. Oprašta se on od nas, kao i mi od njega 💔
April 22, 2014
I'm going to write some general remarks that can serve for books 1-5(the Corwin books) and then break down my thoughts book by book.
Likes: Zelazny is a great world builder... vivid imagery combined with his poetic writing leads to some pretty amazing visuals and really immersed me into these books. He has somewhat of a 70s, intellectual vibe to his prose which I really liked. It was a good combination for me, though I could see how this would irk some readers. There is plenty of political intrigue, the plot moves fairly steadily, and parts of these books were late night page turners.
Dislikes: Characterization was a little weak (except for Corwin), but got better as the books went on. Differentiating a family of however many brothers and sisters is no easy feat though. Two things that started to turn me off by the end of book 5 were the hellrides and the recaps of previous books. The hellrides were a good idea in thought, but after reading so many it was hard not to skim when you realized they were not adding much to the plot. And... I... was... going... crazy... with... the... amount... of... ellipses. Since I read these books consecutively the recaps were repetitive and usually one character telling another character exactly what happened in the previous books for a couple of pages. This was probably nice if you were buying the books when they were coming out but wasn't for me!
Fair warning, some small spoilers for all 5 books below.
Nine Princes in Amber - One of my two favorites of the series. I thought Corwin's amnesia was really well done. He had a slow piece by piece recovery of his memory instead of an info dump which really got me in tune with the story. Learning about Amber, the shadow worlds, and the family along with Corwin was a great tool to get the reader engaged. Great beginning.
The Guns of Avalon - Least favorite of the 5. To me, the whole search for special Amber gunpowder could have been condensed into about 20 pages, not a whole book. Still intriguing, but the plot just dragged in this one.
Sign of the Unicorn - This book was mostly backstory and you get some great insight on the different views of all the family members which helped to flesh out their motivations. Not as action packed as the others, but I really enjoyed the cerebral, political style of this book.
The Hand of Oberon - Other favorite of the series. This novel was pure, unadulterated action. The plot really begins to pick up as the story comes to a head. Pretty sure I finished this one in one sitting. Loved the twist at the end.
The Courts of Chaos - After the setup of book number four, I was expecting a little bit more out of this book. The first half of this is a philosophical hellride that dragged a bit. Then Corwin finally gets to the Courts of Chaos and I am expecting a huge conflict and then... Unicorn saves the day. Two sides kiss and make up. Book over. The end felt a little rushed and anticlimatic. I did like Zelazny's choice for the King of Amber though!
This series had it's up and downs, but at the end of the day it is a quality read. I gave all the books either a 3 or 4, so we will call the series a 3.5. Enjoyable enough that I will be moving on to the 5 Merlin books.
Likes: Zelazny is a great world builder... vivid imagery combined with his poetic writing leads to some pretty amazing visuals and really immersed me into these books. He has somewhat of a 70s, intellectual vibe to his prose which I really liked. It was a good combination for me, though I could see how this would irk some readers. There is plenty of political intrigue, the plot moves fairly steadily, and parts of these books were late night page turners.
Dislikes: Characterization was a little weak (except for Corwin), but got better as the books went on. Differentiating a family of however many brothers and sisters is no easy feat though. Two things that started to turn me off by the end of book 5 were the hellrides and the recaps of previous books. The hellrides were a good idea in thought, but after reading so many it was hard not to skim when you realized they were not adding much to the plot. And... I... was... going... crazy... with... the... amount... of... ellipses. Since I read these books consecutively the recaps were repetitive and usually one character telling another character exactly what happened in the previous books for a couple of pages. This was probably nice if you were buying the books when they were coming out but wasn't for me!
Fair warning, some small spoilers for all 5 books below.
Nine Princes in Amber - One of my two favorites of the series. I thought Corwin's amnesia was really well done. He had a slow piece by piece recovery of his memory instead of an info dump which really got me in tune with the story. Learning about Amber, the shadow worlds, and the family along with Corwin was a great tool to get the reader engaged. Great beginning.
The Guns of Avalon - Least favorite of the 5. To me, the whole search for special Amber gunpowder could have been condensed into about 20 pages, not a whole book. Still intriguing, but the plot just dragged in this one.
Sign of the Unicorn - This book was mostly backstory and you get some great insight on the different views of all the family members which helped to flesh out their motivations. Not as action packed as the others, but I really enjoyed the cerebral, political style of this book.
The Hand of Oberon - Other favorite of the series. This novel was pure, unadulterated action. The plot really begins to pick up as the story comes to a head. Pretty sure I finished this one in one sitting. Loved the twist at the end.
The Courts of Chaos - After the setup of book number four, I was expecting a little bit more out of this book. The first half of this is a philosophical hellride that dragged a bit. Then Corwin finally gets to the Courts of Chaos and I am expecting a huge conflict and then... Unicorn saves the day. Two sides kiss and make up. Book over. The end felt a little rushed and anticlimatic. I did like Zelazny's choice for the King of Amber though!
This series had it's up and downs, but at the end of the day it is a quality read. I gave all the books either a 3 or 4, so we will call the series a 3.5. Enjoyable enough that I will be moving on to the 5 Merlin books.
November 28, 2020
This was a lot of fun and a great ending to Corwin's cycle. Zelazny <3
December 8, 2023
"The Courts of Chaos" is the fifth and final book in Roger Zelazny's Amber series. Rather, it is the final book in the first five-book cycle. There are five more books after this, and while I may read them someday, I'm okay with ending the series at this point.
In this book, Corwin finds out what happened to his father, who the real traitor is, what is happening to Amber, and how to stop the end of the world. All the while, he meets talking trees and animals along the way and reunites with his brother and sisters.
The conclusion is satisfactory, but I'll be honest: I just wasn't fully invested in this series to care much whether Corwin saves the day or not. I love Zelazny as a writer, but this fantasy series just kind of confirms my disinterest in the whole sword-and-sorcery fantasy genre. To me, it felt like a Dungeons & Dragons game, and I've never been a D&D fan.
In this book, Corwin finds out what happened to his father, who the real traitor is, what is happening to Amber, and how to stop the end of the world. All the while, he meets talking trees and animals along the way and reunites with his brother and sisters.
The conclusion is satisfactory, but I'll be honest: I just wasn't fully invested in this series to care much whether Corwin saves the day or not. I love Zelazny as a writer, but this fantasy series just kind of confirms my disinterest in the whole sword-and-sorcery fantasy genre. To me, it felt like a Dungeons & Dragons game, and I've never been a D&D fan.
December 6, 2020
This is the end of the first Chronicles of Amber and concludes the story of Prince Corwin. (The remaning 5 books of the complete 10 book Chronicles are a different story arc with the protagonist being Corwin's son Merlin.)
This was a pretty decent read and finished up the series quite well. Taking the 5 books as whole, books 1 and 2 are one story, books 4 and 5 are another and book 3 is a sort of in-between and the least enjoyable. There was some pretty weird descriptive prose in all of these books when it came to travelling between Amber and the other worlds. Initially I liked this, but there was just too much and it jarred my nerves towards the end. I believe some of this comes from the repetition that would have been unnecessary if this had been one book instead of 5.
Overall I will average out my score and give the First Chronicles 3 stars. Going to take a break before coming back and reading the final 5 books.
This was a pretty decent read and finished up the series quite well. Taking the 5 books as whole, books 1 and 2 are one story, books 4 and 5 are another and book 3 is a sort of in-between and the least enjoyable. There was some pretty weird descriptive prose in all of these books when it came to travelling between Amber and the other worlds. Initially I liked this, but there was just too much and it jarred my nerves towards the end. I believe some of this comes from the repetition that would have been unnecessary if this had been one book instead of 5.
Overall I will average out my score and give the First Chronicles 3 stars. Going to take a break before coming back and reading the final 5 books.
December 10, 2018
The final chapter in the original Amber series ties together all the story threads but leaves plenty of room for sequels. This book is probably the second best in the series (after the first one and perhaps tied with the second one) but won't be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
August 11, 2017
"Sometimes it's damned hard to tell the dancer from the dance."
- Roger Zelazny, Coruts of Chaos
So, this isn't the bottom of the first five books in the 'Chronicles of Amber'. Actually, of the five books that make up the Corwin cycle (Books 1-5), it might be my favorite (so 3.5 ✷?). I haven't been impressed by the five enough to rush soon into the Merlin cycle (Books 6-10). I'll probably get there. I own all ten (The Great Book of Amber), but other books from other favorite authors remain unread and unless there is a sign, symbol, or signal somewhere that suggest that these later books will suddenly jump higher in my esteem, I'm finished for 2017 with Zelazny.
The Courts of Chaos did produce a couple items I did enjoy, sort of:
1. A Zen, futilitarianst crow saying such things as: "You see, we are hatched and we drift on the surface of events. Sometimes, we feel like we actually influence things, and this gives rise to striving. This is a big mistake, because it creates desires and builds up a false ego when just being should be enough." Da FA?
2. Courtly dancers, treading to the slow measures of invisible musicians, that appear to be an allusion to the painting Dance to the Music of Time by Nicolas Poussin: "They dance to celebrate your passage. They are not mortals but the spirits of Time. They began this foolish show when you entered the valley." Um, OK?
Anyway, the things I just gently mocked above are also probably WHY I give this an extra 1/2 ✷. That might make sense, or may not. I'm not going to strive to hard to explain.
- Roger Zelazny, Coruts of Chaos
So, this isn't the bottom of the first five books in the 'Chronicles of Amber'. Actually, of the five books that make up the Corwin cycle (Books 1-5), it might be my favorite (so 3.5 ✷?). I haven't been impressed by the five enough to rush soon into the Merlin cycle (Books 6-10). I'll probably get there. I own all ten (The Great Book of Amber), but other books from other favorite authors remain unread and unless there is a sign, symbol, or signal somewhere that suggest that these later books will suddenly jump higher in my esteem, I'm finished for 2017 with Zelazny.
The Courts of Chaos did produce a couple items I did enjoy, sort of:
1. A Zen, futilitarianst crow saying such things as: "You see, we are hatched and we drift on the surface of events. Sometimes, we feel like we actually influence things, and this gives rise to striving. This is a big mistake, because it creates desires and builds up a false ego when just being should be enough." Da FA?
2. Courtly dancers, treading to the slow measures of invisible musicians, that appear to be an allusion to the painting Dance to the Music of Time by Nicolas Poussin: "They dance to celebrate your passage. They are not mortals but the spirits of Time. They began this foolish show when you entered the valley." Um, OK?
Anyway, the things I just gently mocked above are also probably WHY I give this an extra 1/2 ✷. That might make sense, or may not. I'm not going to strive to hard to explain.
October 19, 2009
In some ways, I enjoyed this one, the fifth in the Amber series, the most. The momentum built, the suspense, the twists and turns, the revealing of character traits, truth from lies.
The way Zelazny tells this story is incredibly unique in the manner in which you learn the story, piece by piece, one more part of the puzzle. He kept me interested the whole time, and wanting more. He knows just when to give me more to keep me from getting frustrated and holding back just enough to keep my interest piqued. Clever author, satisfying read.
All in all, a wonderfully imaginative series every sci fi fan should read at least once.
The way Zelazny tells this story is incredibly unique in the manner in which you learn the story, piece by piece, one more part of the puzzle. He kept me interested the whole time, and wanting more. He knows just when to give me more to keep me from getting frustrated and holding back just enough to keep my interest piqued. Clever author, satisfying read.
All in all, a wonderfully imaginative series every sci fi fan should read at least once.
April 12, 2019
The ending was bittersweet, and I missed the humour of the previous books, but really, with what was at stake, how could I expect unicorns and rainbows? Oh wait, never mind about the unicorn part… :) On a serious note, it’s a solid read which wraps everything nicely, it’s just that I enjoyed it slightly less than its predecessors.
February 17, 2015
wonderful.
the battle, the journey and the sadness of passing.
this would seem the natural end of the series, i'm glad it isn't.
the battle, the journey and the sadness of passing.
this would seem the natural end of the series, i'm glad it isn't.
September 11, 2012
"...the Courts of Chaos, a grossly non-Euclidean realm..."
A satisfying and touching finish, despite its uneven start. This last chapter was the best, being a final adventure filled with wonderfully surreal encounters and phenomena.
Some details were probably inspired or borrowed from better-known predecessors. But like King did with The Dark Tower, they are woven together to create a new entity, unique in its own right. And Zelazny's epic must have provided things that became the basis for many of the principles at work in Roland Deschain's universe.
I especially enjoyed the minor confrontation with the cannibalistic little people, which seemed deliberately borrowed - and twisted - from Swift. The quote above is another bonus, a Lovecraftian description of the titular realm.
"But it has far greater depth than originally conceded by critics and readers who dismissed it as lacking substance."
This series is deceptively clever. It is full of allusions to other literature, historical events and figures. Zelazny was having fun writing this, but he was also teasing and engaging the reader in a multifaceted discussion on the nature of identity, without dragging the plotting down.
The July edition of the New York Review of Science Fiction has an amazing essay that examines all of the brief, cryptic references and allusions. This bit of fantasy is more than just a minor sword and sorcery tale crossed with some science fiction. If you've finished this series (the first five), I highly recommend their article, available at http://www.nyrsf.com/2012/07/suspende...
A satisfying and touching finish, despite its uneven start. This last chapter was the best, being a final adventure filled with wonderfully surreal encounters and phenomena.
Some details were probably inspired or borrowed from better-known predecessors. But like King did with The Dark Tower, they are woven together to create a new entity, unique in its own right. And Zelazny's epic must have provided things that became the basis for many of the principles at work in Roland Deschain's universe.
I especially enjoyed the minor confrontation with the cannibalistic little people, which seemed deliberately borrowed - and twisted - from Swift. The quote above is another bonus, a Lovecraftian description of the titular realm.
"But it has far greater depth than originally conceded by critics and readers who dismissed it as lacking substance."
This series is deceptively clever. It is full of allusions to other literature, historical events and figures. Zelazny was having fun writing this, but he was also teasing and engaging the reader in a multifaceted discussion on the nature of identity, without dragging the plotting down.
The July edition of the New York Review of Science Fiction has an amazing essay that examines all of the brief, cryptic references and allusions. This bit of fantasy is more than just a minor sword and sorcery tale crossed with some science fiction. If you've finished this series (the first five), I highly recommend their article, available at http://www.nyrsf.com/2012/07/suspende...
December 12, 2010
"Sad. It would have been nice to go out with opera - in a big Wagnerian finale beneath strange skies, against worthy opponents - not scrabbling about in a foggy wasteland."
That quote, an excerpt from Chapter 7 in this novel, sums up my thoughts on the final novel in the "Corwin-cycle" of the Chronicles of Amber. Zelazny ventures into a philosphical self-analysis of Corwin's character and motivations as he travels to the Courts of Chaos, but it seems a bit long-winded at times. The transitions through shadows also seemed much longer than in previous novels. Still it's an interesting change of pace from the relentless plot twists in The Hand of Oberon.
The ending is an anti-climatic, but fitting conclusion to the series, although there are some unanswered questions (presumably to set the stage for the Merlin cycle of novels), and certain things happen to Random that don't make a great deal of sense (If you've read it, you'll know what I mean).
I'm being picky though. The series as a whole is nothing short of excellent, and Zelazny's playful-but-not-hokey writing style just make the novels fun to read. Highly, highly recommended!
That quote, an excerpt from Chapter 7 in this novel, sums up my thoughts on the final novel in the "Corwin-cycle" of the Chronicles of Amber. Zelazny ventures into a philosphical self-analysis of Corwin's character and motivations as he travels to the Courts of Chaos, but it seems a bit long-winded at times. The transitions through shadows also seemed much longer than in previous novels. Still it's an interesting change of pace from the relentless plot twists in The Hand of Oberon.
The ending is an anti-climatic, but fitting conclusion to the series, although there are some unanswered questions (presumably to set the stage for the Merlin cycle of novels), and certain things happen to Random that don't make a great deal of sense (If you've read it, you'll know what I mean).
I'm being picky though. The series as a whole is nothing short of excellent, and Zelazny's playful-but-not-hokey writing style just make the novels fun to read. Highly, highly recommended!
November 17, 2014
-Remate a la primera serie relacionada con Ámbar.-
Género. Narrativa Fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. Corwin está bastante furioso por los recientes acontecimientos y los cambios que han causado, además de sentirse engañado y por tanto dolido en su amor propio. Y las instrucciones de prepararse para una guerra en tan poco tiempo le preocupan, pero no todos sus hermanos comparten sus pensamientos ya que hay que enfrentarse a la gran amenaza. Quinto y último libro de la serie Crónicas de Ambar. Hay otros cinco libros de una serie protagonizada por el hijo de Corwin, y tengo entendido que hay por ahí una precuela.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Narrativa Fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. Corwin está bastante furioso por los recientes acontecimientos y los cambios que han causado, además de sentirse engañado y por tanto dolido en su amor propio. Y las instrucciones de prepararse para una guerra en tan poco tiempo le preocupan, pero no todos sus hermanos comparten sus pensamientos ya que hay que enfrentarse a la gran amenaza. Quinto y último libro de la serie Crónicas de Ambar. Hay otros cinco libros de una serie protagonizada por el hijo de Corwin, y tengo entendido que hay por ahí una precuela.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
June 28, 2019
[3.5*]
I can't say that the ending of this beloved saga is disappointing but after the previous perfect installment this one feels a bit of a letdown. It contains two of my least favorite things - travel through Shadow and a battle - and they occupy significantly more time than I think they should. Not much happens and whatever happens is not in any way unexpected. Plus I was hit by a major reading slump right in the midst of it and I can't be entirely sure that my waning interest for this novel is not part of the reason for it.
In any case, I am glad I reread the whole series and I still love the world that Zelazny created.
I can't say that the ending of this beloved saga is disappointing but after the previous perfect installment this one feels a bit of a letdown. It contains two of my least favorite things - travel through Shadow and a battle - and they occupy significantly more time than I think they should. Not much happens and whatever happens is not in any way unexpected. Plus I was hit by a major reading slump right in the midst of it and I can't be entirely sure that my waning interest for this novel is not part of the reason for it.
In any case, I am glad I reread the whole series and I still love the world that Zelazny created.
August 29, 2013
It took 5 chapters to start Corwin smoking this time :)
The first five books in the Amber series come to a conclusion with this book before Amber is continued with Merlin as the main protagonist. Corwin's boy isn't really introduced here but gets a soft hand-over to his own cycle by bringing him in in several scenes. It is a little bit artificial, but on the other hand it is good that he doesn't appear in a flash in the next book.
The narrative is slower than the previous books, lots of psychedelic descriptions of Shadow voyage - it reminds me of the first travel of Corwin with Random in his car towards Amber.
And it is full of interesting self reflection and philosophical discussions.
Concerning action, I really liked the hilarious drunken dwarf party. Some random encounters with unnamed foreigners make me wonder who they are and if they will play a role in the second half.
The showdown with Brand is nearing. The first two fights are paced quite good and the effects are nice.
Zelazny dives into Germanic Mythology: The worldtree Yggdrasil and Loki's thought - manifested as the bird Hugi - come along. I liked Zelazny's interpretation of both.
A couple of weeks ago, I've been visiting Paris once more - and Corwin is there in his thoughts as well : The Place des Vogues, Place de la Concorde, several Cafes, the Pigalle, the Seine - I have all those places in vivid memory and I loved having them mentioned within a fantasy book.
And finally it got a nice, epic showdown and funeral and a soft, reflective epilogue. Not the high bang that some would have liked, probably, but very fitting to the series' style.
This book is way better than the previous couple of books. Because Zelazny's strengths of inner monologue, philosophical discussions (like the discussions with Hugi about Absolute and desire), psychedelic travels and strange random encounters (like the drunken dwarves) and divings into mythology with Yggdrasil and Hugin are emphasized.
I'd like to point out the very thorough discussion on Zelazny's influences, philosophy and mythology roundup at http://www.nyrsf.com/2012/07/suspende...
I know that most people see it the over way round because they dislike exactly these features and liked the action parts more. But this is my personal preference.
The first five books in the Amber series come to a conclusion with this book before Amber is continued with Merlin as the main protagonist. Corwin's boy isn't really introduced here but gets a soft hand-over to his own cycle by bringing him in in several scenes. It is a little bit artificial, but on the other hand it is good that he doesn't appear in a flash in the next book.
The narrative is slower than the previous books, lots of psychedelic descriptions of Shadow voyage - it reminds me of the first travel of Corwin with Random in his car towards Amber.
And it is full of interesting self reflection and philosophical discussions.
Concerning action, I really liked the hilarious drunken dwarf party. Some random encounters with unnamed foreigners make me wonder who they are and if they will play a role in the second half.
The showdown with Brand is nearing. The first two fights are paced quite good and the effects are nice.
Zelazny dives into Germanic Mythology: The worldtree Yggdrasil and Loki's thought - manifested as the bird Hugi - come along. I liked Zelazny's interpretation of both.
A couple of weeks ago, I've been visiting Paris once more - and Corwin is there in his thoughts as well : The Place des Vogues, Place de la Concorde, several Cafes, the Pigalle, the Seine - I have all those places in vivid memory and I loved having them mentioned within a fantasy book.
And finally it got a nice, epic showdown and funeral and a soft, reflective epilogue. Not the high bang that some would have liked, probably, but very fitting to the series' style.
This book is way better than the previous couple of books. Because Zelazny's strengths of inner monologue, philosophical discussions (like the discussions with Hugi about Absolute and desire), psychedelic travels and strange random encounters (like the drunken dwarves) and divings into mythology with Yggdrasil and Hugin are emphasized.
I'd like to point out the very thorough discussion on Zelazny's influences, philosophy and mythology roundup at http://www.nyrsf.com/2012/07/suspende...
I know that most people see it the over way round because they dislike exactly these features and liked the action parts more. But this is my personal preference.
October 23, 2021
Well, I have done it. I have re-read the five books in the first 'Chronicles of Amber' series by Roger Zelazny. I first read these when I was 17 or 18 years old and they impressed me, but I don't think I fully grasped them. On this re-reading 38 years later I have grasped them but they have impressed me less. I still enjoyed them, of course, and I still think that the fictional cosmos Zelazny has created here is enormously ambitious and excellent. There are holes in the grand schema he has devised, but that schema is so immense and has so many potential convolutions that this is hardly surprising and he shouldn't be criticised for it too harshly.
I remember from my first reading, all those years ago, thinking that The Courts of Chaos was the weakest of the five. I no longer agree with this assessment. It's a good novel that concludes the great sweeping story of Corwin and his brothers and sisters. I think I misunderstood it back then. I disliked the chapter in which he has memories of Paris. I thought it odd and superfluous, but now I see it makes total sense. Corwin has found a set of experiences that resnante strongly within him (they could have been experiences from any time or place in his life) and he uses them to anchor himself to a personal reality while creating the new pattern. I can't imagine how I didn't understand this the first time round.
It was good to see the return of Bleys, who for some reason or other is my favourite character among the brothers, although a shame he doesn't get to play a larger role here. I still want to know how he survived the fall from Kolvir with the set of Trumps in his hand. Who did he contact to save his life? It doesn't really matter. Of the sisters, Fiona is the most appealing and in fact the only one with any depth. The question that remains is this: will I read the second 'Chronicles of Amber'? I suppose the answer is yes, I will, but not now and maybe not for a long time.
I remember from my first reading, all those years ago, thinking that The Courts of Chaos was the weakest of the five. I no longer agree with this assessment. It's a good novel that concludes the great sweeping story of Corwin and his brothers and sisters. I think I misunderstood it back then. I disliked the chapter in which he has memories of Paris. I thought it odd and superfluous, but now I see it makes total sense. Corwin has found a set of experiences that resnante strongly within him (they could have been experiences from any time or place in his life) and he uses them to anchor himself to a personal reality while creating the new pattern. I can't imagine how I didn't understand this the first time round.
It was good to see the return of Bleys, who for some reason or other is my favourite character among the brothers, although a shame he doesn't get to play a larger role here. I still want to know how he survived the fall from Kolvir with the set of Trumps in his hand. Who did he contact to save his life? It doesn't really matter. Of the sisters, Fiona is the most appealing and in fact the only one with any depth. The question that remains is this: will I read the second 'Chronicles of Amber'? I suppose the answer is yes, I will, but not now and maybe not for a long time.
August 30, 2017
Остання частина першого підциклу нагадала мені про кінець "Гаррі Поттера". Там теж герої вешталися бозна-де і були заглиблені в свої роздуми, після чого нарешті зібралися з силами і прикінчили той нещасний основний конфлікт. Менше з тим.
Рефлексії Корвіна цього разу справді набувають небачених масштабів, але читати їх досить цікаво, якщо ви не квапитеся поринути в динаміку і дізнатися нарешті фінал. П'ята частина створена для тих, хто любить Желязни за алюзії — і тут ви знайдете їх чимало, подекуди навіть подвійні. "Мандри Гуллівера", Артуріанський цикл та "La Belle Dame sans Merci" Джона Кітса, "Кармен" і "Лоліта", скандинавська міфологія з деревом Іґґдрасіль та вороном Одіна, а також не забуваймо про поезію та французькі пейзажі! Найбільше мені сподобалися філософські бесіди із Гуґо — які скінчилися досить неприємно для останнього.
Побачили ми і Мерліна — сина Корвіна та героя наступного п'ятикнижжя. Поки його характер розкритий мало, але це має виправитися в подальших романах.
Особу нового короля мені вже проспойлерили в картинках, але це був вдалий хід, на мою думку. А Корвін нарешті зможе помандрувати світом і знайти себе — гідний кінець для протагоніста, хоча, можливо, й не той, на який очікує читач.
Що ж, чекаю на "Козирі долі" та нових персонажів. Як завжди, дякую видавництву "Богдан" за хорошу роботу із текстом, чудові примітки, так тримати!
Рефлексії Корвіна цього разу справді набувають небачених масштабів, але читати їх досить цікаво, якщо ви не квапитеся поринути в динаміку і дізнатися нарешті фінал. П'ята частина створена для тих, хто любить Желязни за алюзії — і тут ви знайдете їх чимало, подекуди навіть подвійні. "Мандри Гуллівера", Артуріанський цикл та "La Belle Dame sans Merci" Джона Кітса, "Кармен" і "Лоліта", скандинавська міфологія з деревом Іґґдрасіль та вороном Одіна, а також не забуваймо про поезію та французькі пейзажі! Найбільше мені сподобалися філософські бесіди із Гуґо — які скінчилися досить неприємно для останнього.
Побачили ми і Мерліна — сина Корвіна та героя наступного п'ятикнижжя. Поки його характер розкритий мало, але це має виправитися в подальших романах.
Особу нового короля мені вже проспойлерили в картинках, але це був вдалий хід, на мою думку. А Корвін нарешті зможе помандрувати світом і знайти себе — гідний кінець для протагоніста, хоча, можливо, й не той, на який очікує читач.
Що ж, чекаю на "Козирі долі" та нових персонажів. Як завжди, дякую видавництву "Богдан" за хорошу роботу із текстом, чудові примітки, так тримати!
December 28, 2015
A fantastic end to a the Corwin Cycle of the Amber books. The characters have deepened amazingly & so much is tied up, yet there is plenty of room for expansion. What a wonderful world. I'm so sorry he never got to fill it in better.
The first 5 books AKA The Corwin Cycle are followed by 5 books in the Merlin Cycle & then Betancourt wrote a prelude; a trilogy & the first book of a duology. IOW, it was supposed to be another 5 books. Unfortunately, the publisher folded after the first of the duology (4th of the Oberon Cycle) & it is doubtful if the last book will ever be published.
The first 5 books AKA The Corwin Cycle are followed by 5 books in the Merlin Cycle & then Betancourt wrote a prelude; a trilogy & the first book of a duology. IOW, it was supposed to be another 5 books. Unfortunately, the publisher folded after the first of the duology (4th of the Oberon Cycle) & it is doubtful if the last book will ever be published.
October 18, 2021
A very satisfying end to (the first half of) a series that didn't quite live up to my high hopes for it, based on its reputation and the strong beginning, but one I'd nonetheless recommend to those that enjoy high fantasy and want to experience something outside the usual bounds of the Tolkien-influenced stuff.
Loose plot threads were tied up, things were revealed and explained, and the action moved faster than the middle entries.
I'll certainly read the second half of the series, but probably not before next year, and book 5 ends with some degree of finality.
Loose plot threads were tied up, things were revealed and explained, and the action moved faster than the middle entries.
I'll certainly read the second half of the series, but probably not before next year, and book 5 ends with some degree of finality.
May 3, 2019
It genuinely was my list favourite from the series, unfortunately. Just not as exciting as the previous imo. Also, I kind of wished Corwin got the throne in the end. Nonetheless, glad to have finished the series.
August 28, 2020
You and I are through, Corwin. We've been together for five books, and then, you decided to leave. You said "Goodbye and hello, as always," so I know you've done this before. Maybe one day, we'll meet again, but the first word was "goodbye," and that's the sentiment you leave me with. Now, I must meet with your son for another five books. He'd better live up to the challenge. I know I will.
August 3, 2016
This opens with Random demanding that Corwin open the door -- he brought food -- because Corwin is reacting badly to the revelation at the end of Hand, namely that
More revelations ensue. Who is designated Oberon's heir. What Dara was up to, and who was the warrior who spared Corwin in the Courts of Chaos. What they are going to do about the black road. And the grand conclusion to this series.
More revelations ensue. Who is designated Oberon's heir. What Dara was up to, and who was the warrior who spared Corwin in the Courts of Chaos. What they are going to do about the black road. And the grand conclusion to this series.
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