  the courts of chaos is the fifth book in the chronicles of amber series by roger zelazny. it was first published in serial format in galaxy science fiction. this book ends the original series narrated by corwin. the next series begins with trumps of doom following his son, merlin, as the protagonist. corwin must ride the entire length of the multiverse, from amber to the courts of chaos, while oberon attempts to repair the pattern. all the while, brand pursues him, trying to steal the jewel of judgement. ==plot summary== corwin sulks in castle amber's library while oberon gives the family orders. random persuades corwin to leave, but they are held back by an invisible force. they watch as corwin's sword appears and chops off benedict's new arm. dara and martin are with benedict. corwin learns from martin's trumps that the crossbowman who spared him is merlin. dara tells how brand bargained with the courts of chaos. they wished to replace him with merlin. however, dara feared that neither would keep their word. still unconvinced, corwin contacts fiona. she confirms dara's authority, and says that oberon is about to repair the pattern. hoping to save oberon, corwin grabs the jewel, but he is paralyzed by oberon's magics. oberon has a final talk with his son. corwin explains that he no longer wants to rule. once corwin confirms dara's authority, benedict uses the trump of the courts of chaos to begin his attack. dara talks to corwin. dara then leaves to give the rest of the family their orders. gÃ©rard is ordered to stay and guard amber, while julian and random are to stay in arden. oberon arrives, and asks corwin for some of his blood. he breathes life into the blood, and it becomes a red raven. oberon tells corwin that the raven will follow him through shadow. corwin's orders are to hellride towards chaos as fast as possible. he must bear the jewel through shadow. corwin says goodbye to his father, and sets off. now that he knows that amber is just the first shadow, he finds he can shift shadow there more easily. as he rides towards chaos, he follows the black road. after a time, he notices the blac
1970s_fantasy_novels 1978_novels American_fantasy_novels Doubleday_(publisher)_books Novels_first_published_in_serial_form The_Chronicles_of_Amber_books Works_originally_published_in_Galaxy_Science_Fiction