Fantasy novel reviews

Here's a very brief review of various fantasy novels and omnibus editions that I've read recently:

"The Chronicles of Amber" by Roger Zelazny (Fantasy Masterworks #6). The first series of five Amber novels collected in one volume (there's a second series also consisting of five novels). Wonderfully rich and inventive fantasy, telling the story of Prince Corwin as he investigates the byzantine plotting by his family to grab the vacant Amberite throne. Excellent.

"The Earthsea Quartet" by Ursula K. Le Guin (Penguin books). The four novels "A Wizard of Earthsea", "The Tombs of Atuan", "The Farthest Shore" and "Tehanu" in one volume. The classic story of Ged as he learns the nature of magic and becomes Archmage of Roke, fighting evil and struggling with the consequences of his own actions on the way. Don't be put off by the fact that this is aimed at younger readers, nor by the poor TV mini-series based on the first two books. Very good, a classic.