Customer Reviews

Othersyde: 2

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

My brother surprised me one day by handing me a copy of Othersyde. He found it at a library sale. It's a great read in the same creative vain as Stephen King. Fans of Babylon 5 will not be disappointed by the horror genre, and they will see some references to B5 as well. Frankly, I think the publisher is stupid by not re-releasing this book based on JMS' current popularity. Best of luck to You in Your search for The Othersyde.

Othersyde is a complex weave of teenagers trying to establish themselves in society and get the respect of their peers, but also the eerie tale of an unseen force trying to wreak havoc upon the world.

From the tick-tick-ticking of the telegraph key, to the foreshadowing of Babylon 5 (not yet a series or pilot at time of publish) - Straczynski has a way of pulling you in, locking you up, and then spitting you back out wanting more.

If you can find this book - you will not be disappointed!

Hands down, this is THE only book that I have ever recommended people to read. This book is so creepy in certain parts that i cried....(but lets not mention that to people)...I've read it twice and i bought it a year ago. I let my roomate read it and shes in love with it as well. If you want a good read then buy this! I bet you'll find it a hard book to put down!

This is the first book by this author, although I loved the "Babylon 5" TV series he wrote (except for a handful of episodes, it's a great work). I'd read reviews of his other recent novel, DEMON something, in which the reviewers compared the book to King's "'Salem's Lot." I can see how they might say the same about this book. The plot is well-developed, luring the reader on via good characterizations and hope for a good climax to the mystery. The climax takes place in very few pages, and the actual solution is vague at best. Not as maddening as King's disappointing endings (after 600 or more pages) for TOMMYKNOCKERS, IT, etc., however. There are 3 or 4 direct references to Lovecraft in this book, but the Lovecraftian influence even shows in "Babylon 5"; the author refers to Lovecraft's influence in the commentary to some of the episodes on DVD.

This is a fun read that you can go through in a couple evenings without pressing yourself. The style is good and not as tedious as King's super-lengthy ramblings, and the ending suffices, even if it doesn't entirely satisfy. It's not deep or philosophical as "Babylon 5" was in great part, but it's an enjoyable read.

this book reminded me of an old episode of the Real Ghostbusters cartoon(which JMS also wrote for) where this kid who gets bullied alot falls under the influence of an evil demon, who gradually takes over his entire body, and he has a friend who's worried about him because he sees what is going on. In any case, I think it has a bit more relevance today and gives some insight to how it feels to be that one kid everyone picks on and what would cause him to snap and turn on his classmates. The pacing is very reminiscent of Demon Night, and overall tone is very Steven King-ish, but still a good read, especially if you're only view of JMS is limited to B5.

Found this in a bargain bin with about 50 other copies of the same book. Interesting little tale of childhood alienation and revenge, it won't blow you away but it's A LOT more interesting than bleedin Babylon 5