Mountain of Black Glass

Otherland, Book 3

By: Tad Williams

Narrated by: George Newbern

Length: 27 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

Mountain of Black Glass is the third volume of Tad Williams's highly acclaimed four-book series, Otherland. A truly unique reading experience combining elements of science fiction, fantasy, and techno-thriller, it is a rich epic tale in which virtual reality could prove the key to a whole new universe of possibilities for the entire human race - or become the exclusive domain of the rich and the ruthless as they seek a technological pathway to immortality.

©2000 Tad Williams (P)2015 Penguin Group US

OK! Now we're getting somewhere!

Toward the end of Mountain of Black Glass, a few of the mysteries and problems of Otherland start to be resolved. But this comes at the cost of a couple more of the main characters. There is still a lot more that needs to be resolved, though. And nearly everybody is left in a precarious position.

In fact, most of them are on the edge of danger throughout most of the book. Orlando and Fredericks have some harrowing adventures in the Egypt simulation, where they meet up with the Wicked Tribe again and encounter some members of the Circle. Renie and her crew spend an excruciatingly long time in a world that is a single enormous house where John Wulgaru kidnaps Martine. They manage to kill at least his stolen sim, knocking him offline so they can rescue Martine, but this ultimately does them little good as he resolves to go back online in another form. And Paul Jonas travels all over the world of the Trojan War, tracing the story of Odysseus backward.

Eventually, they all meet up at Troy, where Orlando becomes Achilles, Fredricks assumes the role of Patroclus, T4B becomes Glaucus, and Martine becomes Cassandra. The others are various Trojan soldiers or women, and they must fight the end of the Trojan War again – except that their version does not quite end the same as Homer’s version.

The people helping them on the outside are encountering various difficulties too. Most of them are still more or less in limbo, and it appears that (hopefully) they may be able to have some positive effect in the next book if they are not wiped out first.

some technical problems

story more visionary than it seemed 20 years ago, but interruptions in the sound in one of the last chapters.

just Wow!

this follow up to the otherland saga book 2 does the series justice. the voice acting is some of the best I've ever listened to. but what about the story? the story continues and rehashes very little from the previous story, leaning more on simply continuing where the first book left off. very few stories do this now a days and I find it both refreshing and respectful to the readers of the first book. I can't wait to finish the final volume!!

Great

This series continues to amaze. Thoroughly enjoying it and cannot wait for the conclusion. George's narration is stellar as always.

Like a bad dinner date.

... a blind date at a highly recommended restaurant. Service was slow. Portions were small but flavorful. Date was polite, but long winded. not a terrible experience, but not good enough for a second date.

Long winded

First, I must mention that Newbern does a solid job. As for the book and the series, Tad Williams spends a lot of time getting absolutely nowhere in an extremely excruciating manner. There is a 0% chance that I would have continued past the first book if I were reading instead of listening. Once the main characters are in the simulation, this series turns into repetitive rubbish.

Well paced and expansive

The intertwined story continues with the same pace and interest as the previous book. I am keen to see how the author wi wrap up the story in the final book.

Minor quibble

Not much to say. I love this series. The only reason I give the performance a 4 out of 5 is because of the occasional akward pause mid-sentence. I'd give it a 4.5 if I could because it's not enough to detract from the overall performance which is actually one of the best I've heard so far.

A visit down memory lane!

I love this book. I read it several years ago to my daughter in utero. I have been re reading the whole otherland series. the books are still as good as they were 16 years ago, actually even better. I caught many things that I missed from before. if you are looking for a sci fi fantasy series that is not too technical and weird, this is IT! The books have a good intense plot and lovable characters.

Another great installment of Otherworld.

At this point, the abrupt shifts in perspective are strangely comforting. Many of the threads created in the story come together for this third installment and leave you excited for the next. The narration stays on point and there is no lag for excessive detail in the writing.