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Rating: 
Summary: Way too long
Review: (this review encompasses all four books)
Otherland will have its fans. However, its mechanical endings, its ridiculous length, and similar themes having been better executed by superior authors will make its influence and popularity extremely short-lived. Yet a lot of people like Williams... it's because he's not a bad author and if you have the stamina to get through him you'll find bits and pieces worthwhile. But bits and pieces are not a genre-shaping event nor will they exert much influence on other authors.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS:
Williams writes convincingly and well; his works, while mechanical, do not lack a sort of charm. Fans of Williams' other works should indulge themselves in Otherland. They're prepared for the absurdly long. Similarly, those particularly impressed with cyberspace and its future applications will find large sections very appealing-but read Snow Crash first.
WHO SHOULD PASS:
Unless you are one of those die-hard Williams fans or a complete techno-geek, read something else. Life is too short to read such a long work that has such little reward. Our site is built so that you can avoid such wastes of your time when you get can equal or better satisfaction with other, shorter books.
READ THE ENTIRE REVIEW AT INCHOATUS.COM
Rating: 
Summary: Scanny!
Review: As the third book in a series, Mountain of Black Glass serves its purpose. The plot moves forward much more quickly than the previous two novels, which were excellent! After finishing book two, River of Blue Fire, I had to run out to get book 3. As a series, the Otherland books are outstanding. However, I chose to give Book 3 four stars instead of five because it took me quite a bit longer to get through than books 1 & 2, but I enjoyed every minute of it. If you're up to the challenge of reading a 4,000 page series, Otherland is the one to read. The series has its highs and lows, some parts are more exciting and interesting than others, and Mountain of Black Glass was one of the lower points for me. I was disappointed that the characters seemed to stay in one simulation for most of the book. I had really enjoyed journeying from simulation to simulation in book 2, but book 3 did get more into what was really going on and answered some of the questions brought up in books 1 & 2. The last part of Mountain of Black Glass really had me going, so much so that I couldn't put it down, and when I finished the last page, (again, not what I intended to do because I thought I'd take a break from the series to read other books) I ran out and bought Sea of Silver Light - book 4. If you've already started the Otherland series, don't stop. By the time you finish the fourth book, you will be rewarded. It is definitely worth your time.
Rating: 
Summary: The third continues to build
Review: City of Golden Shadow, the first book in the series, set the stage and introduced us to the Otherland world, set sometime in our near future. In the second installment, River of Blue Fire, our various heroes found themselves spread out across the virtual realm of the Otherland virtual network. Now, in the third book, Williams has managed to up the ante, and things actually happen. I felt the first book was excellent as an introduction, but the second fell off as nothing of any real import seemed to occur. Now, in Mountain of Black Glass, Williams has paid off on the promise he made in Golden Shadow. The first two books are must-reads to understand this masterpiece, but the payoff is worth it. Williams' ability to create another world is unmatched, and his capacity to weave an ever-increasing number of storylines into a compelling and coherent narrative is startling. Well worth the read, though this lengthy series is not for the faint of heart or short of attention span.
Rating:
Summary: Better and better...
Review: Each book is better than the last. The more I read, the more I cared about every character. Everytime I thought Williams had exhausted the potential to blow my mind with his 'virtual' universe, he smacks me down again. Couldn't wait to turn the next page. Never a dull moment. So many places, so many great characters, so much plot. Can't believe the amount of enjoyment I got for the price (I bought all the hardcovers). I feel like I ripped Tad off. Sometimes someone writes something so good you're just left feeling grateful and fortunate...
Rating:
Summary: My husband really enjoyed this set
Review: My huband read all the books and was very satisfied
Rating:
Summary: An interesting continuation
Review: The story continues with the heroes and heroines trapped in the otherland network and the Grail Brotherhood about to launch their long overdue masterpiece...Immortality. But the plot unfolds in a rather unexpected manner, which gives Tad Williams to go on tho a fourth book. Some may find the series too long, but the way Tad writes this story, it's better to have an ending piece after this one. Well sustained story. I would highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: To the Mountain
Review: This is the slowest of the series so far, but the last section of the novel is worth getting to, and the ending is far from what I expected. I am more intrigued than ever and long to finish the fourth and final volume so that I can discover the answers to all of the mysteries that the author has created. I especially love the Wicked Tribe and the introductions to each chapter which shed light on what is happening in the future Earth culture in which the story is set. Look for a reference to the essay "A Modest Proposal" in a book full of such references. Otherland continues to hypnotize me.
Rating:
Summary: To the Mountain
Review: This is the slowest of the series so far, but the last section of the novel is worth getting to, and the ending is far from what I expected. I am more intrigued than ever and long to finish the fourth and final volume so that I can discover the answers to all of the mysteries that the author has created. I especially love the Wicked Tribe and the introductions to each chapter which shed light on what is happening in the future Earth culture in which the story is set. Look for a reference to the essay "A Modest Proposal" in a book full of such references. Otherland continues to hypnotize me.
Rating: 
Summary: Seemed like well-written filler
Review: This series grows tiresome in volume III, and more and more, it seems to be Tad Williams' way of writing about every single setting imaginable. Look, we're in an another alternate universe! These books have always wandered, but this one seems to have no point whatsoever. The first book was great, an interesting cyberpunk novel by a well-known fantasy novel. Books 2 and 3 are virtually the same novel, an endless journey through Otherland with little plot development. When I saw there is now a IV volume, I decided to stop bothering. Science Fiction greats could tell a tale in a single novel, or even in a short story. No reader should have to put up with this "NeverEnding Story".
Rating:
Summary: Slow, Slower, Slowest
Review: This the third book in Mr Williams Otherland series is awesome!! Unlike the other two books this one moves fast and starts to answer some of the questions that where developed in the other books. We still find our heroes locked in the VR world known as otherland but, now they have a clear goal and a way that maybe they can get out of this horrible world.. Will they? You will just have to read the book to find out.. Unfortunatly though like the other two books the plots and subplots divide again and form even more unanswered questions.. That have us going WHAT NOW?? I can not wait to delve into the fourth and final book to find out what happens to our heroes and there families..
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