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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Technik4" data-source="post: 1036853" data-attributes="member: 7211">Cool ThreadWell I just finished reading the Amber series, and unlike some people I couldnt even pause between books 5+6. I wanted to know more about this universe, this fantastic world.If you have read Lord of Light then I agree that Corwin ~ Sam. In fact I had read Lord of Light right before the first book of amber and was very underwhelmed and upset to find the same broad themes with the same main character. Of course, in book 2 I was largely over this and by book 3 I had forgotten completely. Corwin and Merlin are very different. Corwin is brimming with the blood of amber, strong even compared to his siblings (although not the strongest), and he possesses a quick sharp mind. Merlin doesn't seem to be very strong, takes time to process things, and is pretty naieve about some things. I think they make good foils for each other, because while there could have been 5 more books starring Corwin, without a large conspiracy for him to be in, it may have started to get stale. I think the second 5 books peel away some of the mysteries of the amber universe, which is pretty interesting/exciting. Of course, continuity-wise, one may wonder why the Lorgus and the Pattern weren't actively involved as they are in the second book. After reading the last book I wanted more, I'll tell you that much.I think Merlin's reign would have been an interesting subject for a book, and there was enough material to go back and do another 5 about Corwin and his current problems. Another thing I have to point out is that I really like how Random's personality developed over the entire series, he is after-all, one of the few constants in the books (in terms of being talked about). I feared Benedict in the first 5 books, but he got barely a mention (or 2) in the second series. Of course, this was to play up a lot of guys from the courts, which is cool. Mandor was rockin'!As far as plot-holes in the second series, having just read it, I can't think of too many other than Merlin's obvious lack of foresight or picking up on things. He should have had spell hung in preparation for his anniversary every year, he should have noticed a few things about his ex-girlfriend, but other than that I thought it was pretty alright. Deus-Ex Machina was there, but it seemed present in the first series as well, so I think thats more of Zelazny's style than anything else (as it also crops up in Lord of Light).I haven't read the recent prequel book (although I saw it recently) but for my yearning to know more about Amber I may pick it up. As far as characterization being possibly poor, that may be true, but I think a few of Corwin's brothers suffer similarly. Caine, Gerard, Benedit, Bleys, and even Julian were all pretty similar in my opinion, they only differentiation was their combat style and relative strengths.Overall, to sum up, I recommend the entire Amber series. If someone is still reading this thread and happened to have some Zelazny links, I'd love to see them. I have his short story series Last Defender of Camelot, Lord of Light, and the book of amber (of course), but anything else would be cool.Technik</blockquote>

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