5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Chaos is an apt title, Sep 21 2000
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Sign of Chaos (Paperback)
This book, like many in series SF, can not be read independently of the rest in the series. Its main fault is that it is frequently chaotic and can be difficult to follow, especially if it has been awhile since you read the previous stories. The protagonist, Merlin, continues his sparring with Luke, Jasra,and the Mask, and his girlfriend, Julia is back in the story, unknown to Merlin at first. Merlin's brother, Jurt, also is involved, along with multiple other extended family members.
Zelazny fans will like this, but the Amber premise is noticably tiring in this story.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Merlin's story peaks, April 8 2012
By Brent Butler - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Sign of Chaos (Paperback)
In the Sign of Chaos, Zelazny turns the magic of his sorcerous Logrus initiates loose in a big way, including a very entertaining sequence where Merlin, his very interesting half brother Mandor, and a surprising third ally make an assault on the Keep of the Four Winds. Spells and fur fly, and in the end Merlin finally gets a handle on who all the players may be in his troubles through these books, if possibly not a clear picture of all their motivations. We also see more interaction with the Ghostwheel.
As with both five book Amber series, Sign of Chaos does not stand on its own. It is, fittingly, just the middle of this very intricate series of mysteries and adventures.
Zelazny's writing continued to entertain in a way separate from the plot itself. For example, he gives Merlin very clever and amusing names for his spells. Merlin continues to be a fascinating combination of spunky and naive, taking great pains to follow his own agenda despite what those around him might prefer. Many of Zelazny's characters from the first Amber series play interesting roles, along with new, vibrant characters introduced here with Merlin's story.
I'm having a terrific time reading these books again. As I write this review I'm halfway done with the final book, and I'll be a bit sad to be done with them.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not Free SF Reader, Sep 2 2007
By Blue Tyson "- Research Finished" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Sign of Chaos (Paperback)
Merlin is trapped in a crazy version of Wonderland, which is actually, of course, just a Shadow. Some complex sorcerous shenanigans by various members of his family, ensue, as well as contact with Fiona, and stunts similar to Brand's, in the first series.