A review of the Princes of Amber series written by Roger Zelazny.

If you have never read anything by Roger Zelazny, you are in for a treat. Zelazny's Amber Chronicles consist of ten books revolving around the Princes of Amber and their struggle against one another for the throne and against the forces of evil for the survival of Amber.

This fantasy is based on the premise that Earth is only one of many alternate realities to the real world of Amber. Zelazny successfully takes the reader back and forth from Earth the the alternate dominions with skill and magnificent detail without the overpowering technical aspects of scientific explanations some sci-fi/fantasies feel necessary.

The story is told through the adventures of Corwin--one of the nine princes vying for the throne. The reader learns the history of Amber and the royal family as Corwin recovers with a bout of amnesia. Where Corwin's tale ends, his son's begins.

This series of ten books is suitable for all ages. The style is simple yet imaginative and the plot grows more consuming with each page. The characters are flawed but likeable as is the illustrious world of Amber. The action moves steadily forward without becoming overwhelming. I read the first book from cover to cover before I was even aware of it.

The Amber Chronicles are not new releases. They were published over a period of more than twenty years. I recommend purchasing the paperback The Great Book of Amber as published by Avon Books for your first reading experience as you can pick up all ten books in one volume at a good price.

The individual books are listed below with the copyright date. Nine Princes of Amber, 1970 The Guns of Avalon, 1972 Sign of the Unicorn, 1975 The Hand of Oberon, 1976 The Courts of Chaos, 1978 Trumps of Doom, 1985 Blood of Amber, 1986 Signs of Chaos, 1987 Knight of Shadows, 1989 Prince of Chaos, 1991

Interested in more information about Roger Zelazny or the Amber Chronicles? Visit these websites. Roger Zelazny Fans Roger Zelazny Vital Statistics Roger Zelazny and the Amber Series Amazon.com Reader Reviews

I do not find all of Zelazny's works as entertaining as the Amber books, in fact, I have read two that I totally despised so do not assume if you like this recommendation that you will like everything he writes. I do have one more recommendation to make.

A Night in Lonesome October is a supernatural fantasy told through the eyes of Snuff, the pet of one of the supernatural beings who have gathered for a Halloween ritual. He takes you through his life as a dog dealing with the pets of the other supernatural beings like the vampire, the witch and the evil vicar.

You may have trouble locating a copy of this one, but it is well worth the hunt.

About the Author

Betsy Gallup is a full-time mother to an 11-year-old son, and infant twins. She has had several articles, essays, and short stories published. She is now writing a non-fiction book under contract for publication, and she has recently procured an agent to represent her first novel, Destiny, a suspense/romance delving into the world of a renown psychic. With what time she has left, she operates www.whimsplace.com, a showcase for the work of talented writers.