Trumps of Doom

Well, not really... After a five year lapse, roger Zelazny returned to the Amber series that had done so well before. One thing that you will notice in reading these is that the author has matured considerable. If the first five volumes, the story of Corwin, Prince of Amber are a bit simplistic and mostly a fantasy adventure story, this return to Amber is much richer in personalities and sub-plots. Fans who have followed the series so far will find they are in for an even bigger treat. This time around the narrator is Merlin, son of Corwin. He has taken up residence in earth, gone to college, and even worked as a computer designer. With his father gone wandering, Merlin's connection to Amber is slight. But someone has made an attempt on his life for the past eight April 30th's and Merlin has decided it is time for a change of venue. But not before an ex-girlfriend has her head bitten off and a mage has made an attempt on his life. Merlin returns to Amber to discover that this time April 30th isn't enough and that at least one someone is intent on his life. Somehow his best friend is involved and his royal aunts and uncles also come under fire. And Ghostwheel a construct he has created in shadow has developed self awareness, and a nasty sense of self preservation. To put it simply, Merlin is in serious trouble, and no one seems able to hlp him out. The story shifts from place to place with considerable speed as Merlin tries to find the pieces of the puzzle and goes from one crisis to another. He lacks his father's more irritating traits, but has a tendency to jump into things headfirst without much planning. Of course, he is quite a bit younger than Corwin, which is both his charm and his Achilles heal. You will meet both old friends and new as the story develops, and see Amber through a different set of eyes. If I have a criticism, and I really don't, it is that Zelazny triggers the ending to quickly and suddenly you are in a whopper of a cliffhanger. This was intensely frustrating back when I has to wait for the sequel, but a wise reader will have all

Trumps of Doom marks the return to the setting of Roger Zelazny's Amber series. The first five books told the story of Corwin, prince of Amber. This sixth book in the saga deals with Corwin's son Merlin. Having spent a number of years on our earth, Merlin has been dealing with a series of assassination attempts. As he tries to resolve the issue he is drawn into a deeper plot threatening the very heart of reality, Amber itself. If you have not read any of Zelazny's Amber novels previously I highly recommend them. I found this to be one of the most exciting, becoming even more so as this second series progresses. Merlin is a much easier character to relate to as he is a little more like an average person. All of the characters of Corwin's generation are a little too experienced, cynical, and aware for the average person to empathize with. Merlin on the other hand bumbles his way through a number of problems, often surviving through sheer luck. While powerful he is a a much easier character to relate to.

of course merlin isn't corwin, thank god, if he was then what would be the point of a "sequel series"? i found this book to be the most interesting of books 6-10 other than the 9th book in the series. granted the "2nd series of the amber chronicles" isn't as inspired or original as books 1-5, but its still way better than most of the other sci-fi/fantasy novels out there! zelazny always seemed to be on top of his form, he never betrayed his style and ceaselessly used "logical" surprises, not contrived surprises, as well as incorporating a sense of humor. the only qualm i have about the book is that its too short!!!

This is the sixth book of the Amber Chronicles (the first one is Nine Princes in Amber). Get ready to read four more (Blood of Amber, Sign of Chaos, Knights of Shadows, Prince of Chaos) - you will not be able to stop!

I am a huge fan of the Amber series. The characters are well developed and the plot forces you to read on. For anyone who hasn't read the original series that begins with "The Nine Princes of Amber," read them. They are spellbinding literature. This novel is no different. I sat reading for hours, literally unable to put the book down. Its words carried me to places beyond this reality. However, there is a huge drawback to this book. You will become hooked on a series without a clear resolution. The final book in the "Amber" series, "The Prince of Chaos," fails to tie up some necessary loose ends and leaves you asking questions like, "What happened to Corwin and the new Pattern?" This is a great book and a riveting series. Still I must say, shame on you Roger Zelazny for not giving me the closure I so deperately needed. Your loyal fans deserve more.