The Great Book of Amber by Roger Zelazny
Throughout the course of his famous career, the matchless Roger Zelazny, one of the most renowned names in science fiction and fantasy, received several awards, including six Hugo Awards and three Nebula Awards. Of his more than fifty books, Zelazny’s astonishing Amber novels may have been his most well-known works. The Great Book of Amber is a compilation of all ten volumes of the Amber Chronicles, a treasure trove of brilliant storytelling and imaginative invention that served as an inspiration to a generation of fantasy authors, from Neil Gaiman to George R.R. Martin.
The Great Book of Amber by Roger Zelazny
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The first book in the Amber series, written by Corwin, the son of King Oberon and presumed heir to the throne of Amber, is a chronicle of a royal family dispute. Thanks to one of his eight cunning siblings, Corwin has been amnesic for the previous 300 years he has spent on Earth. Before his would-be assassin moves through the shadows from Amber to Earth and attempts to kill him again, this time in an automobile accident, he manages to survive the Great Plague of London, countless wars, and a chain-smoking addiction. After surviving the vehicle accident, Corwin is beginning to restore his recollection of who and what he is.
From “Nine Princes in Amber” to “The Courts of Chaos,” the plot is driven by his return to Amber and the hunt for his would-be killer. The story is then taken over by Corwin’s son Merlin after five books.
The difference between his son Merlin and his father Corwin is that while Corwin was a hard-boiled, wisecracking 40s type of guy who was irresistible to women and had supernormal physical prowess, Merlin is a sweeter, gentler 60s type of guy who also has supernormal physical prowess. Compared to his father, he doesn’t engage in nearly as many battles or murder nearly as many people. Zelazny’s Royal Amberites are friendly, fascinating, and occasionally even noble. Don’t expect too much in the way of character development, though; they are supermen.
It’s about a group of princes and princesses who have slightly superhuman strength, beauty, health, etc. as well as the ability to “walk shadow,” or gradually shift themselves into any realm they choose with any characteristics they like. One such world (or “shadow”) is our planet, and this is where the narrative starts.
