Maša’s Reviews > The Great Book of Amber > Status Update

Blood of Amber: Merlin continues to blunder about the world in an almost comic manner. It reminds me more of other Zelazny's satirical works for its dry humor and nonsensical plot. The shift lessened some of the characters for me, alas, and I find myself even further removed from any kind of emotional resonance. Time for a break!

Trumps of Doom: Well, Merlin is a step down from his father. Dry, even, arrogant, and stupid. This reads like an opera, everyone is dramatic and communication is bad. Still, ebjoyable enough, now I know what could await if the plot tightens...

The Courts of Chaos: What a finale! I must confess I greatly enjoyed this pentalogy. It started out rough and I almost dropped it, but it is truly enjoyable. All those tropes sown through, some of them used today over and over again. Not perfect, but a true adventure!

Sign of the Unicorn: Well, the story keeps getting better. The strife continues, and we learn more about our characters and the world. The pieces are here, the plot is tight.

Sign of the Unicorn: Well, this is a step up from the first book. More characterization, worldbuilding, and actual empathy from our MC.

"The Guns of Avalon" was a bit tamer and slower than the first installment, and it reminded me that Corwin (and the rest of his family, really) is unlikable and villainous. So, seeing him out of his depth, and being outclassed because of ego was very enjoyable.

The nostalgia is hitting hard, and I'm loving the short format of the installments. Being back to Amber feels familiar, but I've forgotten so much of it (no pun intended) I'm also interested. There is a rumour Zelazny wrote this on a dare, and I think it just speaks on his genious with words and concepts it's good!