Rating: 
Summary: Like the Perfect Kingdomitself ,everything builds from here.
Review: As if it wasn't enough that many of the incidents in this volume set the stage for all the Amber books to follow; as if it wasn't enough that his use of language conjures images of majesty, grandeur and, yes, low animal cunning, I found Zelazny's use of the writerly technique foreshadowing (no pun intended) awe-inspiring. Everything builds from here - Corwin's memories of Moire and his brief affair with Lorraine lead up to his encounter with Dara and suggest the direction that will eventually lead. Corwin's adventures with the Black Circle forge his decisions about duty, kingship, and that which lies beyond the Black Road. While Nine Princes in Amber could be a stand-alone novel, this book is the linchpin which holds together all the Amber books to come.
Rating:
Summary: A phenominal continuation
Review: Book two of Rodger Zelazny's first series of Amber novels follows Corwin, prince of Amber on his path to unseat his usurper brother Eric from the throne of Amber. After having his eyes burnt out with hot irons and five years of imprisonment, Corwin has grown new eyes and escaped.
I found this novel to be one of the more interesting of the original Amber novels. You get more of a feel for Corwin than you did in the first book of the series. The characteristics of a scion of Amber that makes them such interesting characters are all there, the scheming, the majesty, the style, even the pettiness.
Having discovered a compound that will work as gunpowder in the mystical realm of order he sets out to move once more in his quest to take the throne for himself. The characters are interesting and the style is enchanting. The only thing I would have liked to have seen elaborated on was the nature of pattern magic. As it was none of those details were really dealt with at all until the beginning of the second series (With Trumps of Doom).
If you have not read this series before get Nine Princes in Amber and treat yourself to one of the great science fiction/fantasy series of all time.
Rating:
Summary: A phenominal continuation
Review: Book two of Rodger Zelazny's first series of Amber novels follows Corwin, prince of Amber on his path to unseat his usurper brother Eric from the throne of Amber. After having his eyes burnt out with hot irons and five years of imprisonment, Corwin has grown new eyes and escaped.
I found this novel to be one of the more interesting of the original Amber novels. You get more of a feel for Corwin than you did in the first book of the series. The characteristics of a scion of Amber that makes them such interesting characters are all there, the scheming, the majesty, the style, even the pettiness.
Having discovered a compound that will work as gunpowder in the mystical realm of order he sets out to move once more in his quest to take the throne for himself. The characters are interesting and the style is enchanting. The only thing I would have liked to have seen elaborated on was the nature of pattern magic. As it was none of those details were really dealt with at all until the beginning of the second series (With Trumps of Doom).
If you have not read this series before get Nine Princes in Amber and treat yourself to one of the great science fiction/fantasy series of all time.
Rating:
Summary: The Amber Chronicles
Review: Ever been blinded and imprisoned in a dungeon by your own brother, then escaped through a magical porthole when your eyes grew back? If so, this is the book for you, especially if you came to your freedom only to ponder the weighty question: 'What next?' In this second book of the original Amber series, Zelazny brings his protagonist Corwin back from the edge of physical and mental ruin. In this sense, it is the most driven and intriguing novel of the series. It also continues the loose analogy to the Rocky series, part two of which has the hero recover from defeat and return with a passionate vengeance. There's even a training sequence and an old enemy made into an ally in 'Guns' to strengthen the comparison. Of course, Burgess Meredith isn't in the book, but no work of fiction is perfect. Without too much trouble, Zelazny extends himself beyond the ouevre of Stallone, raising the issues of family devotion and betrayal, lust for power, and the close relationship and fuzzy distinction between good and evil. What more does a growing mind need?
Rating:
Summary: The best comeback sequel since 'The Odyssy.'
Review: Ever been blinded and imprisoned in a dungeon by your own brother, then escaped through a magical porthole when your eyes grew back? If so, this is the book for you, especially if you came to your freedom only to ponder the weighty question: 'What next?' In this second book of the original Amber series, Zelazny brings his protagonist Corwin back from the edge of physical and mental ruin. In this sense, it is the most driven and intriguing novel of the series. It also continues the loose analogy to the Rocky series, part two of which has the hero recover from defeat and return with a passionate vengeance. There's even a training sequence and an old enemy made into an ally in 'Guns' to strengthen the comparison. Of course, Burgess Meredith isn't in the book, but no work of fiction is perfect. Without too much trouble, Zelazny extends himself beyond the ouevre of Stallone, raising the issues of family devotion and betrayal, lust for power, and the close relationship and fuzzy distinction between good and evil. What more does a growing mind need?
Rating: 
Summary: Worthy continuation of a classic fantasy series
Review: Guns of Avalon is a truly worthy sequel to the Nine Princes of Amber. What makes this book so fun is Zelazny tells his tale in a completely different tenor and tone then the first book. In the first book we had no idea what was going on. We were as lost as the main character is through out the book. In this novel the main Character, Corwin, is more aware of events and so we are allowed, as the reader, to be more aware of events. I think it is a remarkable coincidence that I had just picked up "The Fabric of Reality" by David Deutsch just prior to reading this novel and it is remarkable how well Deutshe's theory of Multiverses fits into the Amber Chronicles. Don't get me wrong. I am not one of those people who wish to make their favorite fantasy into reality, but thinking scientifically while reading a classic fantasy yarn was very enjoyable. A worthy sequel to Nine Princes of Amber. This, and most of Zelazny's novels, are usually out of print. It would be worthwhile to attempt to get a copy of this book either through Amazon's out print book search or your local used books store. Good luck.
Rating:
Summary: Worthy continuation of a classic fantasy series
Review: Guns of Avalon is a truly worthy sequel to the Nine Princes of Amber. What makes this book so fun is Zelazny tells his tale in a completely different tenor and tone then the first book. In the first book we had no idea what was going on. We were as lost as the main character is through out the book. In this novel the main Character, Corwin, is more aware of events and so we are allowed, as the reader, to be more aware of events. I think it is a remarkable coincidence that I had just picked up "The Fabric of Reality" by David Deutsch just prior to reading this novel and it is remarkable how well Deutshe's theory of Multiverses fits into the Amber Chronicles. Don't get me wrong. I am not one of those people who wish to make their favorite fantasy into reality, but thinking scientifically while reading a classic fantasy yarn was very enjoyable. A worthy sequel to Nine Princes of Amber. This, and most of Zelazny's novels, are usually out of print. It would be worthwhile to attempt to get a copy of this book either through Amazon's out print book search or your local used books store. Good luck.
Rating:
Summary: Just finished it.
Review: I have read very few books whose climax is towards the beginning but I'm thinking that it has to do with the series as a whole and I don't believe you should read them as individuals.
What a mess our hero was in at the end of book one. All I can say is that the series only gets better. I just finished Guns of Avalon and I could not stop! I had to start Sign of the Unicorn right away. The intrigue thickens as the relatives start to show their motives.
I have to go finish the third book now. If you like any kinds of Robert Jordan-esque fantasy or you have read all of Tolkien and are looking for another great series look no further.
Rating:
Summary: SIMPLY THE BEST!!
Review: Of the MANY fantasy series I have read...Zelasny's Amber books are the best. It just doesnt get any better than this, folks. When Corwin returns to Amber with guns blazing, (Amber doesnt have working gunpowder) all hell breaks loose and you're there every step of the way. Bravo to the late Mr. Zelasny. Avalon is unforgettable!
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent continuation in an unstoppable series.
Review: Roger Zelazny is a wizard of words if nothing else. In this book the familiar meets the exotic as Zelazny adds the Authurian tales to his already popular fantasy world, Amber. Zelazny gives just right amount of the original story to keep the reader in touch and smiling while adding enough of a twist to keep the reader guessing and dreaming. Here Prince Corwin of Amber revisits the fabled land of Avalon in preparation for the ultimate war to claim the throne in the true world, Amber. Like a true master, Zelazny answers many questions that left the reader on the edge of his seat, but also raises new ones. More plots and hidden schemes arise as new characters jump into the story and some old characters reappear. For those that have read the previous novel, this book will not let you down, for those that have not, you will. A perfect score all the way
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