"Otherland" by Tad Williams

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"Otherland" by Tad Williams

Postby Staci » Tue Apr 20, 2004 8:21 pm

Has anyone read this series? The lady at the book store said it was decent, however, I have learned to not completely trust her judgement due to a differing of tastes. The book covers caught my eye and as for the thickness of the spine, after reading the Wheel of Time and Sword of Truth series, it does not daunt me! So, can anyone at the CAA give me good advice about the Otherland Series by Tad Williams? Any at all? *~_~*



Help is greatly appreciated! ;)
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Postby Technomancer » Wed Apr 21, 2004 4:34 am

The first book's very interesting, but the later ones tend to drag a bit. Overall though, it's a worthwhile series. While in some ways it's not the most original, the author does create strong characters and a fascinating setting. I think that most fantasy fans will greatly enjoy it.
The scientific method," Thomas Henry Huxley once wrote, "is nothing but the normal working of the human mind." That is to say, when the mind is working; that is to say further, when it is engaged in corrrecting its mistakes. Taking this point of view, we may conclude that science is not physics, biology, or chemistry—is not even a "subject"—but a moral imperative drawn from a larger narrative whose purpose is to give perspective, balance, and humility to learning.

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(The End of Education)

Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge

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Postby Staci » Thu Apr 22, 2004 7:18 pm

*grins broadly* Every Sci-Fi/Fantasy author is accused of ripping off a plot-line or character or something-or-other from J. R. R. Tolkien - even Robert Jordan who penned The Wheel of Time. Between Robert Jordan, Terry Goodkind (Sword of Truth series), and Terry Brooks (Shannara), you could have the whole Tolkien universe. *winks and grins* Most readers forget that there are only six basic plot-lines: Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Supernatural, Nature vs. Nature, Nature vs. Supernatural, and Supernatural vs. Supernatural. It all boils down to that! But I digress...



Thank you for your insights, Technomancer! I went down to the used book store and picked up the four books. I look forward to reading them now.
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Postby Zarn Ishtare » Tue Jun 01, 2004 7:33 am

Coolio! Someone other than me and thirty nine year old sci fi geeks read Otherland!

I really liked this series, and the way it unfolds. The characters are awesome, dragging you through their own emotional storms (I got really sad after Gally died, almost hollow for a moment....but then I realized it was simply the awesomness of the writing getting me worked up...) Tad really knows how to manipulate emotions! I wanna get Sea of Silver light to finish the series...I have the first three in Paperback. Its also very...well, open about religions. It doesn't tip toe around it, but neither does it shove it into your face and say "DEAL WITH IT!" like some books I've read. It portrays all religions in a light of equality, and does a good job of representing at least a brief veiw of Christianity. Of course, I personally don't believe Christianity is on the same level with all other religions (becuase all the others are false) But its a nice point none the less.
With your doubt, all is comfort
We are all as we appear
No more questions left unanswered
No more wonder, no more fear
Nothing is beauty, nothing's feeling
Blood where there once was a soul
So I ask you, prove yourself
Make me believe that you are whole
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Postby Zarn Ishtare » Tue Jun 01, 2004 7:46 am

Oh, heres a clip from the book. Its when this wolf god starts singing his own praises, and then the Wicked Tribe (Young little hacker children) Sing parody.


Upaut: "Mighty in voice, Wepwawet! He Who Opens The Way, the Master of the West,To whom all turn their faces, You ar mighty in majesty!

Wicked Tribe: "Mighty in Smell, Wolfman! He Who Gets In The Way! To whom all turn their backs, You are mighty in Stupidity!"


mm.....monkey children laughing at simulated gods insane ramblings....I LIKE!
With your doubt, all is comfort
We are all as we appear
No more questions left unanswered
No more wonder, no more fear
Nothing is beauty, nothing's feeling
Blood where there once was a soul
So I ask you, prove yourself
Make me believe that you are whole
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Postby Warrior 4 Jesus » Wed Oct 13, 2004 12:29 am

I really enjoyed the books apart from Jesus' name being used, some other swearing and a bit of the sexual references and more extreme violence.
To me the series was very original compared to the Tolkien rehashed stuff in most fantasy. I found the books are a hefty read (I'm dyslexic) but thoroughly enjoyable and I don't think I ever 'spaced out' while reading it like I did for Lord of the Rings (very good book but some parts to wordy for me).

Yes they are good but I recommend them for readers 15 and over due to some of the content.

(One of my favourite book series)
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Postby Namelessknight » Fri Oct 15, 2004 6:11 pm

Awesome series. BUT, there is one character who is a lesbian, and it is a part of who her character is, nothing graphic or sexual, but it is there.
His Strength was as the Strength of Ten, for His Heart was Pure

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