Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny

Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My perception of this book is as a modern classic of the fantasy genre. It is the first in a 10 book series dubbed the Chronicles of Amber. This is the start of Corwin’s story. He wakes up in hospital with amnesia and some rather strange abilities. It is clear from the beginning that he is incredibly clever and doesn’t lack guts or self confidence. To reveal more, I think is to lessen the enjoyment of the unfolding story.

The storytelling has a very noirish feel which is something I’ve not encountered in a fantasy novel before particularly one that also has a number of high fantasy elements. It was an interesting mix. Corwin’s amnesia provides a clever way of presenting the exposition and introducing the world of Amber.

Overall it was an original take on the traditional high fantasy novel.

I listened to this book downloaded from Audible, narrated by Alessandro Juliani. The narration is excellent and his voice fits Corwin and the style of the book very well. Some of the voices for the other characters (like Random) are a little too much but it wasn’t a huge deterrent.


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