Scan barcode
ianbanks's review against another edition
3.0
This sequel series has attracted a lot of hate over the years and here I can see why: it's a bit too cozy, with Amber becoming a friendly, generic place where everybody plots a bit but basically have each others back, unlike the brooding, cold monolith it was before (but you can make a case that Corwin undid a lot of that in the latter volumes of the first series); Merlin is superbly competent, with the resources of two magic systems behind him as well as being physically perfect and irresistible; the cliched reveal of the villain's origin on the last few pages; the return of minor characters who do very little except provide opportunities for exposition; and discovering that Corwin is nowhere to be found.
Actually that last bit saves it for me: Merlin is a different character with a different voice and perspective and he solves problems in a way that Corwin never would, which makes him interesting. And while the setting feels comfortable and mundane, readers were comparing it to the sense of mystery we got from the gradual reveals in the first series - it is mundane to Merlin because he's lived it his whole life. Corwin lived off his instincts while Merlin is a more urbane character.
So, I'm looking forward to this round of rereads, but it does feel jarring and it does feel a little as though Mr Zelazny is coasting.
lottpoet's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
zlwrites's review against another edition
4.0
evanbernstein's review against another edition
3.0
I'll read this series more slowly over the year, between other books (except that I picked up the sequel because I was sick)
cheezvshcrvst's review against another edition
5.0
Fun, compelling, and much better written than Nine Princes. It's difficult to rate these books individually, so I go about basing my opinions of each on how enjoyable of a read they are. Nothing in this novel is out of place and the exposition doesn't bog down the narrative at all and Merlin is a very solidly conceived character. I'm glad I decided to re-read these books.
bungaku_shoujo's review against another edition
4.0
ხოდა - სულაც არა! (ბოლოში არ გავსულვარ ჯერ ოღონდ)
ჩემი რეკომენდაციაა, რომ ცოტა ხანი შუალედი გააკეთოთ - 2-3 წელი ჩემსავით ალბათ :)) კორვინის თავგადასავლების შემდეგ მაშინვე მაგის შვილზე რომ გადავსულიყავი ალბათ მეც მომბეზრდებოდა. საკმაოდ გავს მერლინი მამამისს...
mondak's review against another edition
3.0
Magic based AI goes out of control and turns on its maker.
phasedchirp's review against another edition
2.0