Title: Mountain of Black Glass
Author: Tad Williams
First published September 30, 1999
749 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780886779061 (ISBN10: 0886779065)
Rating: 4.07
Overview
In the world of Mountain of Black Glass, there exists a powerful and sophisticated simulation network created by the Grail Brotherhood. However, this network has caused harm to thousands of innocent children.
Renie Sulaweyo, determined to uncover the truth behind her brother’s coma, sets out on a dangerous journey alongside the !Xabbu Bushman and their companions. They face unpredictable challenges, from an unfinished land to an endless labyrinthine House, all while in pursuit of a sociopathic killer who has taken one of their own.
Despite their efforts, Renie is no closer to saving her brother’s life and fears that the Otherland network may be malfunctioning. As they race towards Priam’s Walls, located in the heart of Troy, they know time is running out.
The Grail Brotherhood has set a date for their bid for immortality, a move that could spell doom for Earth’s children. But before they can stop the Brotherhood, Renie and her allies must first unravel the secrets of Otherland and confront its darkest secret, an entity known only as the Other.
About the Author
Tad Williams, a well-known fantasy writer from California, has achieved great success with his genre-defying books. His works have been translated into twenty-five languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
He has an extensive collection of epic fantasy and science fiction series, urban fantasy novels, comics, and scripts, which have influenced many aspiring writers. The ‘Otherland’ epic is set to relaunch as an MMO on steam.com in June 2018.
Currently, Tad is busy creating ‘The Last King of Osten Ard’, which is planned as a trilogy, with two intermediary novels. Tad, along with his family and pets, reside in a peculiar and stunning house located in the Santa Cruz mountains.
You can follow Tad on Twitter at @tadwilliams and @mrstad.
Editoral Review
Mountain of Black Glass by Tad Williams is a high fantasy novel that was first published on September 30, 1999. It is the third book in the Otherland series, which follows a group of people who are trapped in a virtual reality network called Otherland.
Tad Williams is a prolific author of speculative fiction, having written numerous bestselling novels in the fantasy and science fiction genres.
The Otherland series is known for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and thrilling action sequences. The series explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the nature of reality.
In Mountain of Black Glass, Williams continues to expand on these themes while also introducing new characters and settings.
The novel picks up where the previous book, River of Blue Fire, left off. The main characters, including Renie Sulaweyo, !Xabbu, and Martine Desroubins, are still trapped in Otherland, trying to find a way out.
Meanwhile, the mysterious villain known as the Grail Brotherhood is plotting to use Otherland for their own nefarious purposes.
One of the strengths of Mountain of Black Glass is its character development. Williams does an excellent job of fleshing out the main characters and making them feel real and relatable.
Each character has their own unique backstory and motivations, which makes them compelling to follow. The novel also introduces several new characters, including a group of samurai warriors and a sentient AI named “Dread.”
The pacing of the novel is also well-done. The action sequences are thrilling and intense, while the quieter moments allow for reflection and character development.
Williams does an excellent job of balancing these two elements, which keeps the reader engaged throughout the novel.
The world-building in Mountain of Black Glass is also impressive. Williams creates a vivid and immersive world that is both unique and believable.
The virtual reality network of Otherland is incredibly detailed, with each “world” having its own distinct flavor and culture.
However, the novel does have some weaknesses. The plot can be convoluted at times, with multiple subplots and characters to keep track of.
This can make the novel feel bloated and overwhelming at times. Additionally, some of the dialogue can be clunky and awkward, taking the reader out of the story.
Overall, Mountain of Black Glass is a well-written and engaging novel that will satisfy fans of the Otherland series. It is not without its flaws, but the strengths of the novel far outweigh the weaknesses.
The novel is recommended for fans of high fantasy and science fiction who enjoy complex world-building and character development.
Rating: 4/5 stars
