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series Reading Order

Chronicles Of Amber Books in Order

13 Books
2 Reading orders
1970 – 2019 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start Reading the Chronicles of Amber

For the ultimate experience, you should read the Chronicles of Amber in its original publication order. The main series is divided into two distinct five-book cycles that follow a single continuous storyline. Starting anywhere other than the very first book will leave you lost in Shadow.

The Two Core Cycles of Roger Zelazny

The Corwin Cycle (Books 1–5)

The first arc focuses on Prince Corwin, who awakens on Earth with amnesia before discovering he is part of a reality-bending royal family fighting for the throne of the true world, Amber.

  • Nine Princes in Amber (1970)
  • The Guns of Avalon (1972)
  • Sign of the Unicorn (1975)
  • The Hand of Oberon (1976)
  • The Courts of Chaos (1978)

The Merlin Cycle (Books 6–10)

The second arc shifts the focus to Merlin, Corwin's son, who is a skilled mage and computer programmer trying to find his missing father while dodging mysterious annual attempts on his life.

  • Trumps of Doom (1985)
  • Blood of Amber (1986)
  • Sign of Chaos (1987)
  • Knight of Shadows (1989)
  • Prince of Chaos (1991)

Short Stories and Spin-offs

Roger Zelazny's Amber Short Stories

After finishing the ten core novels, you can read the short stories Zelazny wrote to tie up loose ends and tease a potential third cycle. These are collected in Manna from Heaven (2003) and Seven Tales in Amber (2019):

  • "Prologue to Trumps of Doom"
  • "A Secret of Amber" (co-authored with Ed Greenwood)
  • "The Salesman's Tale"
  • "Blue Horse, Dancing Mountains"
  • "The Shroudling and the Guisel"
  • "Coming to a Cord"
  • "Hall of Mirrors"

The Dawn of Amber Prequels (John Gregory Betancourt)

Authorized by the estate after Zelazny's death, these prequel novels explore the origin of Amber and Oberon. However, they are highly controversial because Zelazny did not want other writers continuing his universe. The series also remains incomplete due to the publisher's bankruptcy:

  • The Dawn of Amber (2002)
  • Chaos and Amber (2003)
  • To Rule in Amber (2004)
  • Shadows of Amber (2005)

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended reading order for the Chronicles of Amber?

You should start with Nine Princes in Amber (1970) and read the ten core novels in publication order. Save the short stories and prequel series for afterward.

QAre the prequel novels by John Gregory Betancourt canon?

They were authorized by Roger Zelazny's estate, but many fans consider them non-canonical. Zelazny famously expressed that he did not want other authors writing in his universe, and the series remains unfinished.

QWhere can I find Roger Zelazny's Amber short stories?

Most of the short stories are compiled in the collections Manna from Heaven (2003) and Seven Tales in Amber (2019).

QWhat is the difference between the Corwin Cycle and the Merlin Cycle?

The Corwin Cycle (books 1–5) follows Prince Corwin as he fights for the throne of Amber. The Merlin Cycle (books 6–10) follows his son, Merlin, navigating magical intrigues and seeking his lost father.

QIs there a third Chronicles of Amber series?

No. Roger Zelazny passed away before writing a third cycle, though his final Amber short stories were intended to lay the groundwork for one.