Imagination is your bridge across the Universe
The beginning of this final book in the `Myst' series is an utter dream- there's absolutely no hint of the turgid introduction that marred the second book in the series. While there may be some new characters to get to know early on, who join the ones we previously came to know in `The Book of Atrus' and `The Book of Ti'ana' (Atrus and Catherine) this conclusion is so familiar in style and content because the detailed, slender, sumptuous prose remains and the plot grips the reader right from the outset. But then, how could it not? D'ni is to be re-built! What reader of the previous two books wouldn't be immediately enthralled?! With book one it was the survivors of this great civilisation whose story was explored, with book two the fall of D'ni was investigated...and finally (as if all events were building to this one) with book three...the re-building begins in earnest...
However, while the first half of the book is always enthralling, the second half becomes a little less so, because D'ni plays second fiddle to another Age, the entrance to which is discovered deep within the ruins of the remaining survivors great city. In truth, this book should really be called `The Book of Terahnee', because Miller and Wingrove are clearly more fascinated by the social and cultural climate of Terahnee than they are by the challenge of re-building the once-great D'ni. Undoubtedly, the story of Terahnee is an interesting one, but I couldn't help but feel it was drawn out and by the end of the book I was somewhat disheartened and was left wishing that D'ni had not been brushed under the carpet to such a degree.
But still, coming to the end of this novel, I was once again struck by the brilliance of this series and the talent of its writers. I can't help but wonder why it is that Rand Miller and co. haven't published more of these unique `Myst' titles. It can't be due to the lack of any potential material- there's absolutely no limit to where these stories can go- an entire Universe in fact to explore, just as Aitrus once explained to Ana in his explanation of how his people are able to travel to distant worlds with only ink, a blank book and an inexhaustible imagination...
"These Ages are worlds that do exist, or have existed, or shall. Providing the description fits, there is no limitation of time and space. The link is made regardless."
So please Mr. Miller...begin with the linking book to bridge the gap between us and one of your many imagined worlds and once more allow your avid readers another opportunity to experience the world of D'ni and of all the other worlds yet explored...
