The Guns of Avalon Book

*** 4.44 ***

"...“Never trust a relative. It is far worse than trusting strangers.”..."

Corwin, the prince of Amber, is free and plotting. Plotting is the past time of the family, but he has a bit of extra incentive, having been imprisoned and blinded for the last 4-5 years and living is squalor while getting better after his escape. Eric, his eldest brother and currently holder of the throne, wants him dead, but at this moment he and the whole royal family are busy defending the realm and some of the Shadow Worlds against the forces of Chaos, who are currently attacking with unprecedented strength and tenacity. It seems, the curse Corwin put on the realm when condemned by Eric, has come to real life with a vengeance and it doesn't seem he can do much about it. The worlds are degenerating and rotting because of it, so Corwin's plan is to first, take over the throne, and only then figure out a way to fight the Chaos creatures.

"... "In a fit of passion, compounded of rage, horror, and pain, I had unleashed this thing, and it was reflected in every earth in existence. Such is the blood curse of a Prince of Amber.”..."

Corwin picks up an old frenemy on his way and they travel the Shadows together, trying to keep alive, being attracted to anything in skirts, playing folks for fools and being played themselves, hoping that the math would eventually work in his favor. There is plenty of traveling and running, and fighting, but overall, I enjoyed it exactly because of it. I love Corwin's internal monologue and I like that he is not perfect at all, for a creature who is gifted with youthful longevity and superhuman strength. I also prefer him ahead of any of his siblings, because the stay on the Shadow Earth - which is our world, has made him look on things a bit more humanely and the loss of his memory gives him a chance to rediscover and reform himself in a manner different than his family's mold. At least I am hoping for an upgrade like that:):):)

"... “We fought.'
'A duel?'
'Nothing that formal. A simultaneous decision to murder one another is more like it.”..."

What a wonderful example of a loving family we have in the Royals of Amber!!!

I love this series, but I do know it is not for everyone. Roger Zelazny marches by his own drums, so he is an acquired taste, which I am lucky enough to enjoy personally. I would recommend it to all fans of Science Fiction and Fantasy, give it a try and see if it is your cup of tea:) I am looking forward to the next book in the series!!!

"... “Tonight I will suck the marrow from your bones!” it said. “I will dry them and work them most cunningly into instruments of music! Whenever I play upon them, your spirit will writhe in bodiless agony!”
“You burn prettily,” I said.”..."

Now I wish you Happy Reading and may you find what you Need in the pages of a Good Book!!!