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The Dawn of Amber #3
Roger Zelazny's To Rule in Amber
In this volume, a new universe, with its infinite shadow reflections, is brought into being by Dworkin via the Pattern he has created with his own blood. But his creation has caused a great upheaval in the faraway Courts of Chaos. While Oberon uses Trumps to bring over family members to the relative safety of his new world, Dworkin—who has become unhinged from the extraordinary strains of creating the universe—mysteriously disappears.
Assassins, shapeshifters, Pattern ghosts and double-crosses work against both Uthor and the house of Dworkin. Oberon must use all of his skills and new-found power to control the course of events, win the day, and stake his claim as the first king of Amber.
“Betancourt creates a thrill-a-minute series…"
—Library Journal
“John Gregory Betancourt’s The Dawn of Amber is cause to celebrate. He is the ideal choice to assume Roger Zelazny’s mantle, and The Dawn of Amber is the perfect introduction to a new series of Amber books that glow equally with the magic of Roger Zelazny’s creation and John Betancourt’s own burgeoning talent.”
—Richard A. Lupoff
“John Betancourt channels Zelazny? However he got it, he has the gift, and now there is a new Amber trilogy that will delight a legion of fans eager to learn how Amber came to be.”
—Tom Easton, Book Reviewer for ANALOG Magazine
“The spirit of Zelazny lives on in Betancourt’s prequel. Roger Zelazny’s works in the years he wrote the first Amber books were perhaps the best in SF and Fantasy of the 20th century. If you’ve read the Amber books, this book is a must. If you haven’t, this book is the best place to start.”
—David Bischoff, author of Aliens vs. Predator
Assassins, shapeshifters, Pattern ghosts and double-crosses work against both Uthor and the house of Dworkin. Oberon must use all of his skills and new-found power to control the course of events, win the day, and stake his claim as the first king of Amber.
“Betancourt creates a thrill-a-minute series…"
—Library Journal
“John Gregory Betancourt’s The Dawn of Amber is cause to celebrate. He is the ideal choice to assume Roger Zelazny’s mantle, and The Dawn of Amber is the perfect introduction to a new series of Amber books that glow equally with the magic of Roger Zelazny’s creation and John Betancourt’s own burgeoning talent.”
—Richard A. Lupoff
“John Betancourt channels Zelazny? However he got it, he has the gift, and now there is a new Amber trilogy that will delight a legion of fans eager to learn how Amber came to be.”
—Tom Easton, Book Reviewer for ANALOG Magazine
“The spirit of Zelazny lives on in Betancourt’s prequel. Roger Zelazny’s works in the years he wrote the first Amber books were perhaps the best in SF and Fantasy of the 20th century. If you’ve read the Amber books, this book is a must. If you haven’t, this book is the best place to start.”
—David Bischoff, author of Aliens vs. Predator
310 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 14, 2004
21 people are currently reading
769 people want to read
About the author
John Gregory Betancourt
397 books68 followersJohn Gregory Betancourt is a writer of science fiction, fantasy and mystery novels as well as short stories. He has worked as an assistant editor at Amazing Stories and editor of Horror: The Newsmagazine of the Horror Field, the revived Weird Tales magazine, the first issue of H. P. Lovecraft's Magazine of Horror (which he subsequently hired Marvin Kaye to edit), Cat Tales magazine (which he subsequently hired George H. Scithers to edit), and Adventure Tales magazine. He worked as a Senior Editor for Byron Preiss Visual Publications (1989-1996) and iBooks. He is the writer of four Star Trek novels and the new Chronicles of Amber prequel series, as well as a dozen original novels. His essays, articles, and reviews have appeared in such diverse publications as Writer's Digest and The Washington Post.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 28, 2013
Ugh. Just read the third one in the series and it got worse; nothing resolved and nothing really interesting happened. I got the impression the author didn't know how many books in the series the publisher would pay for, so he was trying to keep everything open in case they'd cough up for more. The actual crimes against fiction committed by this particular volume are the same as I complained about in my review of the first, only to a greater extent, so I won't bother to enumerate them again.
And another thing. I'm the first person who'll tell you most modern fantasy is too long-winded, but I do like to get my moneys worth out of a book. This series was a large-sized trade paperback, with huge typeset, huge margins, and huge spacing. Looked like one of those reports you do in school where you've been told to write 6 pages on a topic... I mean sure, be brief, but don't then pad it out so you can charge me more for it; just leave it short if you have nothing to say. I dont really blame the author for that though; bad publisher, no biscuit! (ibooks)
And another thing. I'm the first person who'll tell you most modern fantasy is too long-winded, but I do like to get my moneys worth out of a book. This series was a large-sized trade paperback, with huge typeset, huge margins, and huge spacing. Looked like one of those reports you do in school where you've been told to write 6 pages on a topic... I mean sure, be brief, but don't then pad it out so you can charge me more for it; just leave it short if you have nothing to say. I dont really blame the author for that though; bad publisher, no biscuit! (ibooks)
September 16, 2009
I discovered Zelazny's Amber series in my teens and devoured it. The cosmology was interesting, the characters were well-drawn (although sometimes a little lacking in depth), and the plot was engaging. I enjoyed the later Merlin novels, although perhaps not quite as much as the original Corwin series.
I was interested in seeing what Betancourt had done with the franchise after Zelazny's death. Overall, I'm pretty disappointed. The characters don't have much depth; where Zelazny may have done that with the supporting cast Betancourt does it with the main characters. I found the prose repetitive, particularly in its descriptions of the Courts of Chaos. The first three books sped along, carried on a reasonable but unremarkable plot that draws to a close in the third novel. The fact they're such quick reads and a sense of nostalgia are the main reasons why I finished the first three novel.
I picked up the fourth book hoping it would improve, that Betancourt would find some balance between nostalgia and orginal work and perhaps find his own voice in the series. To my great disappointment, it got much, much worse. The same characters are even more two-dimensional. One wonders how the main character actually manages to survive to the Corwin series based on his apparent lack of forethought in anything he does. But fear not, for every time a problem arises an unlikely solution surfaces no more than a few pages later to resolve the issue. We get carried through a few locations from the original series that Betancourt hadn't yet visited, and the result is totally unsatisfying. The whisper-thin characters and lack of plot (compelling or otherwise) reduce it to nothing more than window-dressing on earlier The Visual Guide to Castle Amber.
Fans of the original series may enjoy the first three novels for nostalgia. If that's the case feel free to indulge, but I recommend stopping there.
I was interested in seeing what Betancourt had done with the franchise after Zelazny's death. Overall, I'm pretty disappointed. The characters don't have much depth; where Zelazny may have done that with the supporting cast Betancourt does it with the main characters. I found the prose repetitive, particularly in its descriptions of the Courts of Chaos. The first three books sped along, carried on a reasonable but unremarkable plot that draws to a close in the third novel. The fact they're such quick reads and a sense of nostalgia are the main reasons why I finished the first three novel.
I picked up the fourth book hoping it would improve, that Betancourt would find some balance between nostalgia and orginal work and perhaps find his own voice in the series. To my great disappointment, it got much, much worse. The same characters are even more two-dimensional. One wonders how the main character actually manages to survive to the Corwin series based on his apparent lack of forethought in anything he does. But fear not, for every time a problem arises an unlikely solution surfaces no more than a few pages later to resolve the issue. We get carried through a few locations from the original series that Betancourt hadn't yet visited, and the result is totally unsatisfying. The whisper-thin characters and lack of plot (compelling or otherwise) reduce it to nothing more than window-dressing on earlier The Visual Guide to Castle Amber.
Fans of the original series may enjoy the first three novels for nostalgia. If that's the case feel free to indulge, but I recommend stopping there.
February 19, 2014
If this had to stand alone, two stars, but I'll round up because it's in Zelazny's world.
As others noted, this book is bland. Oberon is bland.
After a while, one gets tired of discovering that once again our heroes have been fooled by a shapeshifter. The series is almost over before they think of a way to deal with that.
After a while, one gets tired of characters reaching into the Logrus and producing whatever they need. This sort of thing has previously been reserved for Wile E. Coyote (who had to mail-order the stuff) and Bugs Bunny. Maybe we can blame Zelazny for this, I dunno. I have no problem with the idea of reaching into another world, but I'm not so sure about finding a multiverse instance that just happens to have exactly what you need exactly where you are.
After a while, one gets tired of the repeated "oh, look, here's X, who isn't dead after all!"
And it get tired of Dworkin being such a dick. Scheming, plotting, never explaining. No book needs someone that annoying.
Modern times intrude, too. Whenever I read "Aber" I can't help thinking of Abed from the TV show "Community."
And Betancourt apparently didn't know the difference between "lead" and "led".
This was not quite a waste of time, but neither was it an addition to my SF/F world. Maybe Zelazny made the right choice in starting where he did.
As others noted, this book is bland. Oberon is bland.
After a while, one gets tired of discovering that once again our heroes have been fooled by a shapeshifter. The series is almost over before they think of a way to deal with that.
After a while, one gets tired of characters reaching into the Logrus and producing whatever they need. This sort of thing has previously been reserved for Wile E. Coyote (who had to mail-order the stuff) and Bugs Bunny. Maybe we can blame Zelazny for this, I dunno. I have no problem with the idea of reaching into another world, but I'm not so sure about finding a multiverse instance that just happens to have exactly what you need exactly where you are.
After a while, one gets tired of the repeated "oh, look, here's X, who isn't dead after all!"
And it get tired of Dworkin being such a dick. Scheming, plotting, never explaining. No book needs someone that annoying.
Modern times intrude, too. Whenever I read "Aber" I can't help thinking of Abed from the TV show "Community."
And Betancourt apparently didn't know the difference between "lead" and "led".
This was not quite a waste of time, but neither was it an addition to my SF/F world. Maybe Zelazny made the right choice in starting where he did.
Read
July 29, 2011I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
December 26, 2022
https://fromtheheartofeurope.eu/to-rule-in-amber-by-john-betancourt/
Third of the four books in the prequel series to Roger Zelazny’s Chronicles of Amber, by the much less gifted writer John Betancourt. Oberon, our hero, starts to put together a governing regime for Amber, the new magical centre based around the mysterious Pattern. I confess I had lost track of all of his brothers and sisters, and they are pretty indistinguishable as characters – apart from the one who is obviously going to perpetrate a sudden yet inevitable betrayal, and duly does so. Unnecessarily confusing that there is a princess called Blaise here and the original Chronicles had a prince called Bleys.
Third of the four books in the prequel series to Roger Zelazny’s Chronicles of Amber, by the much less gifted writer John Betancourt. Oberon, our hero, starts to put together a governing regime for Amber, the new magical centre based around the mysterious Pattern. I confess I had lost track of all of his brothers and sisters, and they are pretty indistinguishable as characters – apart from the one who is obviously going to perpetrate a sudden yet inevitable betrayal, and duly does so. Unnecessarily confusing that there is a princess called Blaise here and the original Chronicles had a prince called Bleys.
November 5, 2024
I enjoy the relatively loose flow of these books because it leaves room for lots of events--like the creation of Amber and the Pattern for a pair of examples. Also, it leaves room for plot twists which we should have expected but dismissed because of the affable nature of one of the villains.
One thing this sequel didn't address is Oberon's impending engagement to his three-eyed horned cousin. I believe it is mentioned early on but then largely forgotten as the fate of kingdoms hangs in balance.
One thing this sequel didn't address is Oberon's impending engagement to his three-eyed horned cousin. I believe it is mentioned early on but then largely forgotten as the fate of kingdoms hangs in balance.
October 6, 2022
Meh. A few interesting points but I could not get enthusiastic about the story.
Just too much “Ho there's this huge security issue. Let's forget all about it until it bites us in the ass again!” Come on, once ok, but every time?
Also, continuity errors: wasn't Mattus already dead? Mix-up with Taine? No word about this brother.
I enjoy the universe, the novel is nicely written but the story is poorly though and the editor hasn't done their job.
Just too much “Ho there's this huge security issue. Let's forget all about it until it bites us in the ass again!” Come on, once ok, but every time?
Also, continuity errors: wasn't Mattus already dead? Mix-up with Taine? No word about this brother.
I enjoy the universe, the novel is nicely written but the story is poorly though and the editor hasn't done their job.
May 14, 2017
And so my re-read of the various Amber series comes to an end. Given the number of books on my "To Read" shelf, it's a rare book (or series of books) that can get me to re-read them. Amber remains one of my favorite places to visit.
February 1, 2019
This was the third book in the presequel about Amber.
It was an interesting wrap up and I felt that it helped to flesh out how Amber was created.
I think if you haven't read the Amber SEries, you might still be a bit lost.
Three stars
It was an interesting wrap up and I felt that it helped to flesh out how Amber was created.
I think if you haven't read the Amber SEries, you might still be a bit lost.
Three stars
August 19, 2024
this book was good and a fitting conclusion to the prequel trilogy i was a bit disappointed that some characters survived giving no reason for their absence in the original novels the big betrayal was legit surprising i definitely enjoyed this book give it a shot!
June 10, 2020
Nice finish to the trilogy, and the origin of Amber. I'd still like to know where Rebma came from, maybe that'll be in a future volume.
January 17, 2022
Not bad!
Betancourt caught the flavor of the amber books, but, I would have liked a bit more exposition relating to the family.
Betancourt caught the flavor of the amber books, but, I would have liked a bit more exposition relating to the family.
March 8, 2023
To Rule in Amber is entertaining but there’s not much plot. The hero is not very bright and the characters are inconsistent. Definitely NOT “Roger Zelazny’s” Amber.
January 23, 2025
For a Zelazny fan, this is a welcome addition to the Amber series.
August 2, 2016
До тук най-смотаната книга. Излишни и безумни сцени. Дразнещо неадекватни герои, предвидими развръзки, постоянни повтаряния, елементарни грешки в сюжета и най-вече изкривяване на оригиналната история за създаването на двореца в Амбър.
След като Дуоркин създава вече оригиналния Лабиринт, от което леко откача, Оберон трябва да го защити от заплахата на Хаос. Вдига армии, но постоянно забравя за предателя в собственото си семейство. Намесват се и други сили, които имат интереси в стълкновението между реда и хаоса.
След приличната втора книга, авторът отново затъва и си личи как си е смукал пълнеж от пръстите. Духове, дракони... блях. На моменти героите цитират произведения от Земята, която още не е създадена като сянка, което страшно ме издразни. Оберон свиква светкавично с всяка идиотщина, която му сервират, но за разлика от Коруин, няма от къде да си ги спомня тези неща, не съм на ясно как става номера.
Все пак прилично, а можеше да е толкова добре. Ми не е.
След като Дуоркин създава вече оригиналния Лабиринт, от което леко откача, Оберон трябва да го защити от заплахата на Хаос. Вдига армии, но постоянно забравя за предателя в собственото си семейство. Намесват се и други сили, които имат интереси в стълкновението между реда и хаоса.
След приличната втора книга, авторът отново затъва и си личи как си е смукал пълнеж от пръстите. Духове, дракони... блях. На моменти героите цитират произведения от Земята, която още не е създадена като сянка, което страшно ме издразни. Оберон свиква светкавично с всяка идиотщина, която му сервират, но за разлика от Коруин, няма от къде да си ги спомня тези неща, не съм на ясно как става номера.
Все пак прилично, а можеше да е толкова добре. Ми не е.
April 19, 2016
in the original series, the black road cutting through the shadows was a representation of the flaw in the Pattern that allowed the enemies of Amber to attack.
Here, in a stunning lack of originality, the forces of Chaos cut a black road towards Amber as well.
Sadly, the obvious villain is revealed to be the villain, though why he chose that particular moment to reveal himself, rather than some other more crucial point is also not clear. Partly due to the lack of characterisation of the siblings, the loss of Oberon's siblings fails to come across as important.
And who are the Feynim? If they are powerful as advertised, why didn't they make an appearance in the original series? This was a strange addition to the storyline.
Easy read but unsatisfying.
Here, in a stunning lack of originality, the forces of Chaos cut a black road towards Amber as well.
Sadly, the obvious villain is revealed to be the villain, though why he chose that particular moment to reveal himself, rather than some other more crucial point is also not clear. Partly due to the lack of characterisation of the siblings, the loss of Oberon's siblings fails to come across as important.
And who are the Feynim? If they are powerful as advertised, why didn't they make an appearance in the original series? This was a strange addition to the storyline.
Easy read but unsatisfying.
August 1, 2016
Good story
I love a protagonist that does what has to be done. So is the case here. I still find the multi-volume format a pain. I don't think it takes this many books to tell a good story.
I love a protagonist that does what has to be done. So is the case here. I still find the multi-volume format a pain. I don't think it takes this many books to tell a good story.
February 10, 2010
Good finish would love to see this Author explore Corwin post Amber series or expand on the Merlin books. Can almost forget that he is not Zelazny.
Read
November 29, 2012False
January 21, 2013
A must have trilogy for any Amber fan!
July 8, 2013
some things are predictable and some surprising.
January 26, 2016
Okay, but felt incomplete. Ended before a decisive battle, which is kind of odd. Unless there is a 4th book coming, this one is a disappointment.
March 21, 2024
Some nice Easter eggs but not much of a plot. You can skip this one and lose nothing.
August 1, 2010
I enjoyed the book. As a fan of the original it was a must-read for me.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews