Fantasy Book Club discussion

Post here if you're planning to read this book with us. Give us your first impressions. No Spoilers Please!

I must join in with a re read as I loved these books. Here I go.

I've read this a few times and I may go back and read it again, though I don't need to. I read it (again) just a few months ago. This is one of the first fantasy novels I read back when. I'd read Sword and Sorcery more than actual or "high" or "epic"fantasy then (other than Lord of the Rings it was still a bit hard to find). These are great books.

Just a quick question. Are the Merlin books considered part of the same series, or are they two different series?

For myself, I would say they're two different series. Even though both are told in the first person, Corwin and Merlin have very different voices and attitudes. What do you guys think?

Bryan wrote: "Just a quick question. Are the Merlin books considered part of the same series, or are they two different series?

For myself, I would say they're two different series. Even though both are told ..."

I'd agree: Two different series. For one thing, the Merlin books were written much later than the Corwin books -- at the time Zelazny finished The Courts of Chaos, I don't think he had any specific plans to revisit the universe.

Yeah, I was never taken with the second series as I was the first.

This book marks my slide back into the fantasy genre a couple of years ago when I read it (after its having sat on my bookshelf having been purchased newly published!), after a long hiatus (for no reason in particular). Although I'm not a person who re-reads books (just too many exciting/wonderful books I've yet to read the first time before I go back and re-read books I've already read and enjoyed) I look forward to reading thoughts and impressions of others and discussing this book this month. It's a fun book, I envy those reading it for the first time.

ive only half read this and gave up but im going to re-read once ive got a library book out of the way.

I had forgotten how dated some of the things are such as the smell of his hair pomade and the constant smoking. More like an old cop procedural to start off with.
Still gripping me though.

Bev wrote: "I had forgotten how dated some of the things are such as the smell of his hair pomade and the constant smoking. More like an old cop procedural to start off with.
Still gripping me though."

It's got a very groovy 1960's feel. Which thought is now forever going to color how I imagine Corwin's wardrobe.

Joseph wrote: "Bev wrote: "I had forgotten how dated some of the things are such as the smell of his hair pomade and the constant smoking. More like an old cop procedural to start off with.
Still gripping me tho..."

Yes exactly it felt like one of those old Micky Spillane programmes. The clothing is all slacks and undershirts! :)

and a windbreaker.

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "and a windbreaker."

Yet still a great story.

I know. I've read these several times (first series). Looking at the time this was written the idea and how it's executed is even more impressive.

I think that the first time I read the series, The Courts of Chaos might not even have been out yet; or at least it wasn't in the public library. But I'm pretty sure I also picked up the second book first, which didn't help matters. Once I actually got all five books, and in the proper order, I was hooked.

is my favorite style of cover for Zelazny's books, although that may be because those were the first ones I found.

Just started reading it and discovered that I've read it before, years ago, and don't remember much. So it feels like a new read to me. I agree with the majority here: the atmosphere is a bit dated but good nonetheless. I just finished a self-published book by a young writer, and the difference, people!!! Zelazny is sooo much better, even though he is not among my favorite writers.

Which one is Corwin?

Joseph wrote: "

Which one is Corwin?"

That is just soo funny.

Not picking on anyone really... The criticism that a book is dated really isn't a criticism. I mean if a book/story is in a contemporary it will always be dated in a few years. Look at the 007 books...look at Tom Clancy....Jane Austin....all are written about their time. It doesn't keep a book from being good.

Older books can sometimes show attitudes that can be problematic (racial for instance) or be in archaic language but you don't get that here it just starts out in 1960s/70s America, but quickly moves on.

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "Not picking on anyone really... The criticism that a book is dated really isn't a criticism. I mean if a book/story is in a contemporary it will always be dated in a few years. Look at the 007 book..."

Mike I am not knocking the book I actually think that the dated feel is part of the charm. I am sure that all the others poking fun feel the same.

I was just pointing out that it was part of the book.

Bev wrote: "Mike I am not knocking the book I actually think that the dated feel is part of the charm. I am sure that all the others poking fun feel the same. "

Agreed! Definitely part of the charm.

Joseph wrote: "

Which one is Corwin?"

Clearly, the one on the left.

Neither...Corwin didn't wear glasses and only dressed in silver/gray and black.

And....they're all too skinny!
;)

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "Neither...Corwin didn't wear glasses and only dressed in silver/gray and black."

How many people are in the picture you see, and what are they wearing?