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calbowen's review against another edition
4.0
Having never played the game that this is based off of, I can honestly say that this is a unique and interesting tale - There are not many characters within these pages, but the ones that are here have depth and personality - I feel that the ending was a bit rushed, but it is left open for the sequel, so some time may be taken when you return to book number 2 - I think that the story was entertaining and fun and the excitement was good once things got moving passed explaining the history and the world - this is a solid four out of five stars
jrmarr's review against another edition
3.0
A bit slow, but picked up pace towards the end. I haven't actually played the game, and I'm sure I would have gotten a lot more out of it if I had. Wasn't sure I would persist with the other two in the series, but I think I'll give them a go.
annashiv's review against another edition
5.0
I am certain that I am somewhat biased when it comes to this book. However, in my defense, I have only played one game (Myst IV: Revelation) and know little beyond that game. This really helped me have a better understanding of the world and the characters, and I thought it was well done too. It's writing wasn't bad, not excellent, but it didn't bother me. I loved all the artwork in it, as an artist. Some descriptions of inventions or scenery were a bit confusing and hard to imagine, but perhaps it is easier if you have played all the games. I would like to play through the games and maybe even read the other books they have written, though only time will tell whether I actually will. I would say that if you are at all interested in the world of Myst beyond puzzles, pick up the book if you can find it and give it a try. I certainly loved how it all turned out.
jetlamar's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Very good story for a game with little character development in it. Very well done. I look forward to reading the rest, and replaying this series when I can.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Classism, Child abuse, Kidnapping, Genocide, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Confinement, and Drug use
rebecc_arc's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
pizzamyheart's review against another edition
3.0
The book of Atrus is the first book based on the bestselling computer game Myst. It centers around Atrus a boy who will eventually create the world in the first Myst game.
The first 1/3 of the book focuses on Atrus' childhood. Honestly, I'm not sure why it took up so much of the book. It was long, drawn out and boring. The middle third focuses on Atrus learning from his father Gehn. Much of the time i learning about the worlds and learning to write the D'ni language. The last third is where the book finally gets good. Atrus learns that his father Gehn is not who he thought.
The writing is very similar to a video game. it's very descriptive, but jumps view points. The premise of the linking books is creative, but the characters lack substance. Gehn grew interesting, and Katran also peaked my interest. I wanted to know more about the D'ni and the worlds Atrus visited. I also wanted a bigged role for Atrus' cat. Why introduce new characters to get rid of them before the chapter ends? It was the fatal flaw in the book.
The last chapter has me interested in reading the other books in the series. I enjoy the world that the miller brothers created, but the books could have been better executed.
The first 1/3 of the book focuses on Atrus' childhood. Honestly, I'm not sure why it took up so much of the book. It was long, drawn out and boring. The middle third focuses on Atrus learning from his father Gehn. Much of the time i learning about the worlds and learning to write the D'ni language. The last third is where the book finally gets good. Atrus learns that his father Gehn is not who he thought.
The writing is very similar to a video game. it's very descriptive, but jumps view points. The premise of the linking books is creative, but the characters lack substance. Gehn grew interesting, and Katran also peaked my interest. I wanted to know more about the D'ni and the worlds Atrus visited. I also wanted a bigged role for Atrus' cat. Why introduce new characters to get rid of them before the chapter ends? It was the fatal flaw in the book.
The last chapter has me interested in reading the other books in the series. I enjoy the world that the miller brothers created, but the books could have been better executed.
naleagdeco's review against another edition
4.0
I was surprised how well-written and perhaps even _essential_ this book is in the Myst lore.
For anyone here who has played and enjoyed the Myst and Riven series, they will know that the game clearly has a plot and a dense lore behind it, but the player (character) is thrown into the middle of it, and has to piece together what fragments of it are revealed through lore text and plot scenes, which immediate concerns whipping around you and a lot of the past only alluded to.
This book provides a backstory to the series up at least until the beginning of the first Myst game, and references things that will significantly flesh out the series until at least Myst III. If you enjoy the games, this will deeply enlarge the scope of the tale.
From a writing point of view, the book's quality feels to me to be split into two halves. The first half, which discusses Atreus' childhood, the events that defined him, and the relationship he has with with his mother, would easily be 4-5 stars for me. The world is well-written, the descriptions are immersive, and I really connect with the writing.
Unfortunately, the second arc really drags down my rating, even though I appreciate the additional lore it provides. This is the half that focuses on how Atreus and Catherine met. From the climax that sets this scenario in motion, the plot moves at a breakneck place, often forced into place, with just enough references thrown in to justify why things happened the way they did. The authors in this half tried to set up twists and turns, but there is too much happening in too little room, and there is no time or opportunity for the reader to put together any puzzle behind why events went the way they are. Instead, it is revelation after revelation after revelation, followed explanations and allusions to a parallel behind-the-scenes sequence that is just dumped on the reader. This plot would have been immersive if it was given room to breathe
Despite this deep complaint, this book is essential for enriching the narrative masterpiece that Myst seems to be at least up to Riven, and will add a bunch of satisfying background.
For anyone here who has played and enjoyed the Myst and Riven series, they will know that the game clearly has a plot and a dense lore behind it, but the player (character) is thrown into the middle of it, and has to piece together what fragments of it are revealed through lore text and plot scenes, which immediate concerns whipping around you and a lot of the past only alluded to.
This book provides a backstory to the series up at least until the beginning of the first Myst game, and references things that will significantly flesh out the series until at least Myst III. If you enjoy the games, this will deeply enlarge the scope of the tale.
From a writing point of view, the book's quality feels to me to be split into two halves. The first half, which discusses Atreus' childhood, the events that defined him, and the relationship he has with with his mother, would easily be 4-5 stars for me. The world is well-written, the descriptions are immersive, and I really connect with the writing.
Unfortunately, the second arc really drags down my rating, even though I appreciate the additional lore it provides. This is the half that focuses on how Atreus and Catherine met. From the climax that sets this scenario in motion, the plot moves at a breakneck place, often forced into place, with just enough references thrown in to justify why things happened the way they did. The authors in this half tried to set up twists and turns, but there is too much happening in too little room, and there is no time or opportunity for the reader to put together any puzzle behind why events went the way they are. Instead, it is revelation after revelation after revelation, followed explanations and allusions to a parallel behind-the-scenes sequence that is just dumped on the reader. This plot would have been immersive if it was given room to breathe
Spoiler
(I for one, would have loved sections of the book that covered Anna's time after Gehn had taken Atreus away; there surely could have been a way to not necessarily spell out the plot she and Catherine concocted to trap Gehn, but imagine how tense the book would have been if we constantly were anticipating how the three protagonists' paths could resolve into victory?)Despite this deep complaint, this book is essential for enriching the narrative masterpiece that Myst seems to be at least up to Riven, and will add a bunch of satisfying background.
empyrealcrown's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
hummeline's review against another edition
4.0
Re-read this year in honor of the 20th Anniversary of MYST. Atrus is such a believable character and I just adore being in his head.