A review by ianbanks
Blood of Amber by Roger Zelazny

3.0

The first really ordinary novel in the series. Merlin travels around the place and uncovers new clues about WHAT'S GOING ON. I'm feeling a disconnect with some of the characters (notably Flora) because they behave differently around Merlin than they did around Corwin. Plus the atmosphere in Amber feels a lot more secure and cozy, thanks to the demise of Brand and his schemes two books ago. We also get a bigger look at the world of Amber outside the castle, which is a great idea - the idea that Amber is a kingdom ruled by godlike immortals in an idyllic but mysterious setting is being thoroughly demolished here. Unfortunately the result is a bit too generic "Fantasylandia." I used the word "urbane" to describe Merlin in the last book and it serves to describe the setting here also. We also get a few nudges about Corwin and what may have happened to him. But it's all a bit "meh" despite the fact that I finished it in one big gulp and still found it quite readable and entertaining - plenty of bones but no real meat.