The first book in the Chronicles of Amber series, written by Roger Zelazny. In it, we are introduced to the character of Corwin, and learn that he is one of the Princes of Amber, powerful beings which can work magic and walk the dimensions, immortals who know how to sway the minds and hearts of beings throughout the Shadows (as the multiverse is called in this series). Corwin embarks on a quest to take the throne of Amber for himself, and exact revenge on one of his brothers, who stole his memories.

A very worthwhile read, not to mention a huge power trip.

Amber is an early prototype for The Highlander, as well as much of the writings of Piers Anthony, to name two better known examples of its influence. A childish early novel by the immensely talented Zelazny, it often makes up in creativity what it lacks in polish or character development. Starting here and developed over a series of sequels, Zelazny's universe merges swords and sorcery fantasy with the present day fiction, modern science, and postmodern schlock, making a wonderful vehicle for the protective daydream of a magical world somehow intersecting with the present, painful one of our adolesence. Full of evidence of a creative mind attempting to feel out the shape of a nuanced, expansive imagined universe.