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tibbarasden's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
slow-paced
5.0
This whole series is definitely a journey. While I think it could have been trimmed down some, for the most part, all the characters and storylines have their purpose. They all come together nicely with the exception of the detective. That is the only storyline/character I felt really could be cut, but I thought that if it played out a certain way that those parts could be meaningful. Unfortunately, the author did not tie that character and storyline into the rest in a satisfactory manner. However, the rest of the story that unfolds throughout the series is brilliant and really immersive. It really felt at times that I was right there with those characters. Even when they were stuck in certain places, it never felt repetative. I loved the nod to different works of classic fiction, lore, fairytales, and nursery rhymes. I loved the found family aspect and the different relationships within that group. This series is going to stick with me for a long time. If it wasn't so dense, I would definitely want to do a reread in a few months. I will say I was a little disappointed with the lack of follow through on what seemed to be the highstakes of certain situations, but it was entertaining and enjoyable even without that.
seafamboonie's review against another edition
3.0
Overall I like the idea of the series and the concepts, and the way that story lines were tied together. Was debating giving it a 4, but I liked it, I didn't 'really' like it. The ending felt rushed, to quickly tie up loose ends. Certain story arcs had large build up that I thought where immediately resolved in a way that I didn't enjoy. I thought certain sections contained too much fluff or unnecessary background, others could have been expanded.
However, overall it was enjoyable. I more easily tend to focus on aspects I disliked, or thought needed improvement, over sections that I enjoyed. Recommend the series, I feel I want to play a video game or watch a movie on a similar concept.
However, overall it was enjoyable. I more easily tend to focus on aspects I disliked, or thought needed improvement, over sections that I enjoyed. Recommend the series, I feel I want to play a video game or watch a movie on a similar concept.
kinosthesia's review against another edition
4.0
Finally managed to finish this at the end of June before i left to work abroad. Good thing there was a good paced narrative and intriguing story continued to keep me reading. I'm not sure I'll have time to re reread this series, even though I'd love to. It was maybe a little overly wordy at times, but a really good idea and really worth spending so much time on.
heather_g's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
4.0
As a stand alone book, this was good. Lots of action, all the story lines have nice endings. As a series, wow, way too much going on. Too many characters to keep track of. The premise is fascinating but it seemed way too many things happened to the characters, as if the author had 5 stories crammed into 1 story.
Still, the world building was incredible, and the premise of a VR world where people get stuck is also interesting.
Listening to audio book might have made it tough as the story jumped between characters with little to no transition which made it hard to keep straight who was with whom, and who was lost and when/how did they find each other again.
Still, the world building was incredible, and the premise of a VR world where people get stuck is also interesting.
Listening to audio book might have made it tough as the story jumped between characters with little to no transition which made it hard to keep straight who was with whom, and who was lost and when/how did they find each other again.
belacqua's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
the_pale_woman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
4.0
If I were to rate this book separately from its companions, I'd say it might be about a 3. However, when reflecting on this series as a whole, I see that it is more than the sum of its parts. No one book is carrying the weight of this story. Yes, you get all the answers by the end. But those satisfying answers are not where the true magic of this story lives.
I'm generally not one to quote, but I think this one bit really brings the whole idea into focus.
"After all, is it not the way we humans shape the universe, shape time itself? Do we not take the raw stuff of chaos and impose a beginning, middle, and end on it, like the simplest and most profound of folktales, to reflect the shapes of our own tiny lives? And if the physicists are right, that the physical world changes as it is observed, and we are its only known observers, then might we not be bending the entire chaotic universe, the eternal, ever-active Now, to fit that familiar form?
"If so, the universe, from the finest quantum dust to the widest vacuum spaces, does indeed have a shape. It begins 'Once upon a time.'
"And if it is true, then only we humans, poor, naked semi-apes crouching in the thin light of our single star, marooned on the rim of a minor galaxy, can determine whether there will be a 'Happily ever after.'"
The forces that shape the story of Otherland are multidimensional. Then add in the concept that by observing it, you shape it. I don't just mean you as the reader but the characters as well. It almost makes me want to read it again. To see what I wasn't seeing when I was just experiencing it. I like to think it might be some quasi meta masterpiece. But the sad fact is that it was slow. Added depth might not compensate.
While in the end I found a lot of food for thought here, I'm not fully confident you will too. I might recommend this series, but I don't think you would thank me for it. This is basically a 4000-page book. There is no, read one book now and pick up the next later. I think your only chance of enjoying it is plowing through. It's a little slow at times and mysterious to frustration. But there are bits of gold too. Plus, some sci-fi predictions that might be a little too close for comfort.
subgirl's review against another edition
1.0
I really really really really hated these. It was so overwrought and idiotic and ugh. But I have a thing where if I start a series, I finish it, but this was pure agony. I nearly didn't but was sort of interested in how bad it could get. It got REALLY BAD.
erikars's review against another edition
This is the last book in the Otherland series. Because everything has to be wrapped up, this books moves along more quickly than the first three books. In this book we see that the diverse threads wound throughout the rest of the books do all come together for a satisfying ending. Williams did an admirable job of building a well thought out, complex, and interesting story. That said, I still think it was too long. I am glad I read it, and I did enjoy it, but I will not likely be reading the series again in the foreseeable future.