Knight of Shadows
Book Nine of the Amber Series
Rating: 9
After eight novels, readers might expect this series to be growing a bit long in the tooth by now. After all, how many times can an author return to the same characters, plots, dialogs, etc. and still maintain originality? After reading this ninth book in the 10-book Amber series, I can firmly say, Roger Zelazny can, and did!
Once again, we get to see a fresh, original approach to the continuing evolution of this tale. Merlin, the son of Corwin, and potential heir to the throne of Chaos, continues to seek out his place in the greater world, to discover his role, and, incidentally, confront his deadliest enemy. But this time, he spends most of his time in-between the “worlds” of Amber and Chaos, sort of a “shadow” of the shadow worlds. Unlike previous novels in this series, this time, the protagonist follows a reasonably linear course, adjusting to the new threats one at a time as he traverses this pathway. Others tag along with him as he surpasses each challenge, either his friend Luke, or the magic ring on his finger. The dialogue between Merlin and his companion-of-the-moment helps them unravel the mysteries of this place.
Merlin uncovers another major aspect of Chaos and Amber during this novel as well. Just what are they? Are they locations? Are they forces of nature or sentient beings? Obviously, we are nearing the end of this series and the pace of discovery picks up a notch now. Not only do we gain insight into the very nature of this universe, we get to watch the continuing unfolding of the political plots and assignations of the other major characters as well. But what truly makes this novel interesting is the personal, introspective nature of it. Zelazny is adept at creating plot devices that interrupt personal reflection, demanding the reader become as frustrated as the main character when they can’t get to the bottom of a particular situation before the next one threatens them even more. There are so many loose ends but just no time to solve all of the mysteries. But this time the pace, while quick, is a bit more relaxed and perhaps more satisfying. Merlin still gets interrupted but there is more time to analyze situations.
I think it is this last bit that made this one a notch above the other recent novels in the series. It is simply a more satisfying read. Some mysteries are solved in this one but of course more are hanging out there for book number 10. The central obstacle this time is that Merlin is forced to chose between Amber and Chaos. But he doesn’t want to play that game. He, (along with us, the readers) have grown fed up with being led by the nose to an unknown destiny. It is in this struggle where we see Merlin gaining some maturity and standing up for his own future. He knows he is the lynchpin upon which all other entities depend. Enjoy this one for it is all nearly ended. It should be a great finish!
by Roger Zelazny
Paperback Reissue edition (December 1999)
