An entertaining story, especially if you are a lover of cats and Epic Fantasy, and would like to see the two mashed together. THE VERDICT I believe this book predated the term “YA”, but I would say this falls firmly in the YA category. Perhaps some accents? As it was, I think he only really used three “voices” throughout the entire book: his speaking voice, a snooty aristocratic voice for bad guys, and a slightly higher voice for females. While his voice is smooth and easy on the ears, I would have liked to see (hear?) him try a little harder to give individuality to the characters. ![]() In fact, the vast majority of the characters simply used his natural speaking voice. I didn’t feel like he was able to give the different characters much individuality. ![]() While certainly not BAD by any means, the narrator was rather “no frills”. Narrator: I listened to the audiobook version. I often felt my attention wander during the long sections where nothing much happens. THE NOT-SO-GOOD Pacing: Meandering pacing is something the author is known for, and this being his first book is perhaps even more pronounced. Neil Gaiman, author of American Gods Irresistible characters, challenging ideas, an intricate, and startlingly possible plot everything any reader of SF or fantasy could ask for in a novel. I felt like this was a love letter to cat owners everywhere. Praise for the Otherland series: Tad Williams is the brightest and best of the fantasists working in what is so often, and so inaccurately, described as ‘the tradition of J.R.R. Cats to a T: Clearly a lover of cats, the author captures the feline self-centeredness as well as their generous natures. Language: I particularly like the cat language that is sprinkled in here and there, much like Watership Down, that makes this world feel more lived in and believable. ![]() So expect an Epic Fantasy about cats and you won’t leave disappointed. Of course, this is Tad Williams, who forced the publishing industry to invent a new binding system because his books were so long and epic, so that should come as no surprise. THE GOOD Lord of the Cats: This book has more world building and mythology than a book about talking cats has any right to. When I saw that they'd finally made an audiobook, I knew it was time. “This is a finely-written, absorbing book, a worthy addition to what is, so far, one of the best series I’ve ever read.I’ve wanted to read this book since I was a kid and mesmerized by its eye-catching cover. The author manages to portray a callous, uncaring society that still has concerned and unselfish citizens.” ―Off The Shelf The many virtual worlds he creates in Otherland offer entertainment, insights, and commentary on a near-future earth that is often downright scary simply because it seems so familiar―in a bad sort of way. “Once again, Williams displays remarkable talent in making the unbelievable seem more than plausible. ![]() Otherland is one of the best works of science fiction I’ve ever read.” ―Kathrine Kerr, author of the Dragon Mage series In this intricate geography of the mind Williams tells a cracking good story, but even as the suspense builds, you come to realize that you’re seeing a strangely familiar world―ours as it might come to be. “This brilliantly crafted book delivers even more than its title promises: not one other land but many come to life here, each engrossing, glittering, and dangerous. A dazzling book.” ―Melanie Rawn, author of Dragon Prince “Irresistible characters, challenging ideas, an intricate, and startlingly possible plot― everything any reader of SF or fantasy could ask for in a novel, with gorgeous writing besides. Tolkien’.” ―Neil Gaiman, author of American Gods “ Tad Williams is the brightest and best of the fantasists working in what is so often, and so inaccurately, described as ‘the tradition of J.R.R.
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