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A review by fae713
Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny
4.0
a year and a half after being told I should read this series I finally did. The first chapter or two are interesting, but didn't really capture my attention as I had other shinier and more obviously fantasy books to read. Then began the journey to Amber and Zelaney had me sucked in, and not just because the most fantastic and greatest city-state so prominently featured my name.
Prince Corwin is actually quite a likeable fellow despite his tendency towards violence and an impression that in his past he was much more ruthless and uncaring. The changes that amnesia wrought upon him were for the better though he himself has trouble understanding why he cares as he does. He seems to have always have that inclination as he is well known for great works of art, ballads and writings, which I do not believe a man without empathy is capable of creating. His brothers and sisters are an interesting crew, much more so when they are seen reacting to the changes in Corwin.
The magic system here has an interesting twist in that imagination, memory, and bloodline is requisite to be able to use it. Unless one is a Prince/Princess of Amber one cannot control the Shadows - worlds that are reflections of Amber or creations of the minds of those who can travel the Shadows. I rather like the system personally.
The writing style is definitely different from what I am used to reading. There's little description of things or events that are not needed and events or things that are described are often outlined only so far as to give the reader an idea of the shape, but the rest is left to the reader's imagination. A few things are described in greater detail, once only though, which is sort of used as a hint for the reader to know that this thing is important and worthy of taking note of. I feel that Zelaney respects his readers more than many of us are used to receiving from more modern authors. At times I may want for more, but it is not necessary and the story is nice as it stands.
Prince Corwin is actually quite a likeable fellow despite his tendency towards violence and an impression that in his past he was much more ruthless and uncaring. The changes that amnesia wrought upon him were for the better though he himself has trouble understanding why he cares as he does. He seems to have always have that inclination as he is well known for great works of art, ballads and writings, which I do not believe a man without empathy is capable of creating. His brothers and sisters are an interesting crew, much more so when they are seen reacting to the changes in Corwin.
The magic system here has an interesting twist in that imagination, memory, and bloodline is requisite to be able to use it. Unless one is a Prince/Princess of Amber one cannot control the Shadows - worlds that are reflections of Amber or creations of the minds of those who can travel the Shadows. I rather like the system personally.
The writing style is definitely different from what I am used to reading. There's little description of things or events that are not needed and events or things that are described are often outlined only so far as to give the reader an idea of the shape, but the rest is left to the reader's imagination. A few things are described in greater detail, once only though, which is sort of used as a hint for the reader to know that this thing is important and worthy of taking note of. I feel that Zelaney respects his readers more than many of us are used to receiving from more modern authors. At times I may want for more, but it is not necessary and the story is nice as it stands.