The Courts of Chaos

by Roger Zelazny

Book Overview

In the conclusion of the first cycle in the Amber series, Corwin finds his world dissolving slowly around him. His father, Oberon, who is disguised as Corwin's friend Ganelon, steals the Jewel of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385136854
• ISBN13: 9780385136853
• Release Date: January 1978
• Publisher: Doubleday Books
• Length: 183 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Follow the Solid Black Road

Finally, the end is in sight. With the fifth volume in the Amber series Zelazny brings the first cycle to a close. Oberon has returned to the throne, Brand has been revealed as the real traitor, and the Courts of Chaos await the final battle for Amber's existence. Corwin finds his sudden relegation to second fiddle irksome, especially since Oberon's offhand manner hasn't changed in the least, but he knows his duty and the family pulls together for the final struggle. The key order of business is to repair the damage to the pattern and close down the threat of the black road. Oberon's final decision, to remake the pattern is one that will likely kill him, whether he succeeds or fails, and Corwin suddenly discovers that his irritation with his father is only skin deep. It is with a heavy heart that Corwin follows his father's command and starts his hell ride for the courts. And runs straight into Brand, who has no intention of allowing Corwin and Oberon to undo his plotting and return things to normal. Corwin is delayed by one conflict after another. Not only is the final outcome in doubt, but the reader must cope with the possibility of two endings at once. It was no mean feat in the 1970's to turn out a five volume series that could keep reader interest at a high level. As the volumes progress, the writing develops, and it is interesting to compare this book, which consists of one long and detailed hell ride to other efforts in the series to capture traveling through the shadows. The Courts of Chaos find Zelazny a much stronger writer than he was when the series started out. He not only sets a compelling pace, but Corwin's character blooms as a several thousand year old man suddenly matures before out eyes. The Courts of Chaos is really the best of the series that had a great start and then wobbled a bit in the middle. It guaranteed that Amber would have a place in the hearts of fantasy lovers for some time to come, and set the scene for the next five Amber volumes. While these aren't my favorite Zelazny works, they are still outstanding writing.

my review...

This series was damn good. 'Nuff said

Zelazny is the best, hands down....

READ THE AMBER CHRONICLES - YOU WILL NEVER, EVER REGRET IT! well, maybe one thing - you'll have difficulty finding anything else as good.

The Best Series of All Time

I think that this book is the best of the best of fiction fantasy. Zelazney ends this riveting series with a profoundly moving final book, probably the best I have ever read. It is absolutely incredible, and no words I can use will do it justice.

Last chapter of the first half of the Amber saga.

Corwin passes the witness to Merlin for the second half (other 5 books) of the Amber saga. This book is exceptionally well written: the last chapters have a romantic aura. Don't miss it, but probably you need what comes first.