Post originally by Jake at 2004-06-28 02:38:05
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Again, a nice review which gives a nice overview of the book.

As for the Merlin Saga: to me, it always felt a bit as an afterthought. It's fun, but also a bit over-the-top. The "power level" is far higher, and Zelazny introduces a <i>lot</i> of new elements. Not sure why that bothers me -- after all, he introduced new elements in every book of the Merlin Saga. I think it is the pace with which the new elements are introduced: Merlin is hurled into the adventure pretty much right away, and his pace is far higher than the in comparison laid-back Corwin.
On the other hand, for all the great new revelations and the scope of Merlin's quest, it never gets the same grand epic feel as the first five books.
Still, for all my misgivings, I like the books. They feel as if Zelazny had created a universe and than ran wild with it. Shadow Knight kinda takes that route as well.

-- Jake