We'll cover chapters 7, 8 and 9 in this episode, as Merlin finally formulates a plot of his own -- rescue Jasra, and get leverage over Luke. We'll dive into Luke's past as Rinaldo, introduce Jurt more fully, and unpack the sequence of flashbacks in chapter 9.

In chapter 6 of Blood of Amber, Zelazny infamously drops a bombshell about the genealogy of the House of Amber. We'll dive into the inconsistencies surrounding Caine's mother, the lost siblings of Sand and Delwin, and Zelazny's botched attempt to patch it all up with fans. Meanwhile, Luke tries the ultimate sales pitch on Merlin.

In this episode, we'll discuss Merlin's flashback that reveals the complexity of the timeline of his childhood in the Courts. He later arrives by boat into Baylesport, then goes to Arbor House to have an information swap with the mysterious Vinta Bayle.

In this episode, we cover chapters 2 and 3. This is great material that paints a sprawling picture of Jasra, Rinaldo, Brand, Kasha and the Keep of the Four Worlds. We'll dive into the sequence of events that bridge Brand's conspiracy to the present Merlin troubles.

I'll discuss why Blood of Amber is my favorite of the 5 Merlin books, and how the publisher asked Zelazny for a prologue. And we'll cover the opening sequences of this next book in the Chronicles of Amber, including Zelazny's awkward attempt at revisionist history for his female characters.

In this chapter we'll discuss the funeral of Caine, and the updated geography of Amber. Also, does Amber really have a religion? And we'll dive into Ghostwheel, an early version of GenAI for Shadows.

In this episode we cover the re-introduction of Bill Roth, a couple of literary references, and the growing complications of the plot. I will also share my strong views on "palace" versus "castle."