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Rand Miller
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David Wingrove
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Myst: The Book of Atrus Hardcover – November 2, 1995

by Rand Miller (Author), Robyn Miller (Author), David Wingrove (Contributor)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 297 ratings
See all formats and editions
Based on the best-selling CD-ROM game on the market, a novel fills out the lives of the game's characters, tracing the strange apprenticeship of Atrus to his father, Gehn, who wields the power to create worlds.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    304 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Hyperion
  4. Publication date
    November 2, 1995
  5. Grade level
    8 and up
  6. Reading age
    13 years and up
  7. Dimensions
    6.38 x 1 x 9.5 inches
  8. ISBN-10
    0786861592
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0786861590
  10. See all details
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"All the Little Raindrops: A Novel" by Mia Sheridan for $10.39
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In the acknowledgements to this first novel in a projected series, Wingrove is thanked by his coauthors, the Miller brothers, "for accomplishing the impossible." Wingrove's achievement certainly is improbable, at least judging from the sorry results of other computer-game-to-novel translations, like the paperback spinoffs of Doom. For with Wingrove's help, the Miller brothers, who created the Myst CD-ROM, have created a rollicking adventure tale full of engaging philosophical contemplations about the interplay between art and science. The authors follow their hero, Atrus, from breech birth (and his mother's resultant death) into his uneasy relationship with Gehn, the father who abandoned him at birth and who now wants to recreate the culture of the D'ni, beings whose writings could conjure?or at least discover?worlds. The narrative avoids the excesses that plagued Wingrove's Chung Kuo series while imparting the passion that the Millers channeled into the Myst CD-ROM. The result is a thrilling tale that will appeal not only to gamers but to all those who enjoy absorbing, fast-paced, well-constructed fantasy. Fifteen two-color illustrations, not seen by PW. Major ad/promo; author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This is the first of what will be a series of novels revolving around the popular CD-ROM game Myst. Players of Myst discover a mysteriously deserted island and search for clues to its story. In The Book of Atrus, the frame story for Myst, Gehn comes to claim his long-neglected son Atrus. Gehn intends to train Atrus in the godlike like ways of the D'ni, a vanished race that had the ability to create new worlds by writing about them. Eventually, Atrus and Gehn clash over the fate of a potentially faulty world. Although not fully realized enough to stand on its own, this first effort fleshes out the Myst universe nicely and will be of interest to those acquainted with the game. Be aware, however, that this is not a small audience: over 500,000 copies of the CD-ROM are in print; a sequel and two more novels are contracted. Public libraries may be able to claim a share of that market. For popular fantasy collections.?Edwin B. Burgess, U.S. Army TRALINET Ctr., Fort Monroe, Va.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hyperion; First Edition (November 2, 1995)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0786861592
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0786861590
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 years and up
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 8 and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.35 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.38 x 1 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 297 ratings

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  1. Rand Miller

    Rand Miller

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  2. David Wingrove

    David Wingrove

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
297 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They find the story thought-provoking and interesting, exploring imagination and principles. The writing style is described as simple yet descriptive. Readers appreciate the background information provided for the Myst games, which enhances their enjoyment of the games. They connect with the characters and feel a stronger connection to them.

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ReadabilityThought provokingWriting styleBackground informationCharacter development
27 customers mention "Readability"27 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and well-received. They say it's a fun read, especially for fans of the game. The book is described as beautiful and a treat for those who enjoy the series.

"...You need the rest of the books in the series, but it is a wonderful series to read. It is quick but not a children's book." Read more

"...Overall, an excellent read, even for those who have not played the games...." Read more

"...time in forty years I've read this book, and I recall the series gets better as it goes...." Read more

"...it up I simply couldn't put it down, finding myself engulfed in the magnificent world it describes filled with captivating characters...." Read more

13 customers mention "Thought provoking"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and interesting. They appreciate the well-crafted story that explores imagination and principles with a hint of adventure. The backstory for the games is brilliant, and the plot keeps readers engaged until the end.

"...trade for with Anna's handiwork, Atrus early on displays his healthy sense of curiosity, nurtured by Anna, who trains him to study his surroundings,..." Read more

"...Additionally, and as has been mentioned elsewhere, this is a fine morality tale of a bright young child growing into an adult without losing the..." Read more

"...A good story to read for young and old...." Read more

"...A wonderful coming-of-age story with enough lessons on morality and ethics to give many college professors pause...." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing style"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find it simple, interesting, and descriptive, allowing their imagination to run wild.

"I just love how this author writes. It's simple. He brings you through an emotional and lonely experience and into a world of wonder...." Read more

"A very vivid and descriptive book that really drives the imagination to picture the details of the environments and people...." Read more

"...Atrus and his father Gehn has its moments, and the exploration of book-writing is interesting in it's own way, the plot is convoluted, and the end..." Read more

"I like the writer's style." Read more

3 customers mention "Background information"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the background information provided by the books. They find the games enjoyable for the story revealed through game play.

"I enjoyed the first four Myst games for the story revealed through the game play...." Read more

"...I loved the games, but the books really provide the background detail that makes the games shine." Read more

"Great background for the Myst games..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the book's character development. They felt a stronger connection to the characters and the story after reading it.

"...engulfed in the magnificent world it describes filled with captivating characters. I instantly ordered the next book in the series!" Read more

"...reading it now, over twenty years later, I felt a much greater connection to the caracters and the story itself...." Read more

"...that takes a few pages to follow but it is part of the experience character of the story which lends it to that particular litterateur style...." Read more

Can't Remove Sticker
5 out of 5 stars
Can't Remove Sticker
I understand why there is an inventory sticker on the book, but I just wish it was less sticky. As far as the book, it is what I ordered and in the condition in the listing.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Adam C
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Series.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is not a standalone book. You need the rest of the books in the series, but it is a wonderful series to read. It is quick but not a children's book.
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  • Sasha Rich
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Prelude to MYST
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    The Book of Atrus begins with life and death. Atrus is born as his mother dies. His father, Ghen, leaves Atrus to be raised by his grandmother, Anna in a cleft in the desert. Raised on stories of the D'ni civilization, and the supplies they trade for with Anna's handiwork, Atrus early on displays his healthy sense of curiosity, nurtured by Anna, who trains him to study his surroundings, to understand the whole by it's parts. "What do you see, Atrus?" is her familiar mantra, one which Atrus carries with him, when many years later, Ghen re-appears, wishing to take Atrus with him to D'ni, to teach him the D'ni craft of writing links to other worlds.

    Atrus learns his father's true nature as his father tries to impress Atrus' legacy upon him. Ghen believes that the D'ni are gods, rulers of countless worlds, and attempts to show Atrus this by subjugating the people of the fifth age, among whom is Katran, young, talented, and to Atrus' horror, betrothed to his father.

    Atrus and Katran set a plan in motion to trap Ghen on the fifth age, but the plan falls apart when Ghen captures Atrus.

    Just as all seems lost, the unexpected happens, and a secret is revealed.

    Atrus and Katran re-settle on MYST island to start a family. Only years later, after their sons betray their father's trust, becomming imprisoned in books in the MYST library, a stranger appears to unravel the mystery, saving Atrus from his own prison on K'Veer.

    Later, the stranger comes back, helping Atrus to save his wife Katran, who has been imprisoned on Ghen's fifth age, now known as Riven.

    For those who have played both MYST and Riven, this book is an excellent back story on the history on MYST Island, Riven, D'ni, and Atrus' family origins.

    Overall, an excellent read, even for those who have not played the games.

    With Cyan releasing RealMYST Masterpiece in the next month, I strongly urge new and old players alike to purchase a copy, and become immersed anew in a story who's ending may never be written.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Jay M. Horne
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great coming of age book!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I just love how this author writes. It's simple. He brings you through an emotional and lonely experience and into a world of wonder.
    This is the second time in forty years I've read this book, and I recall the series gets better as it goes.
    Of course, I wonder what happened to my first Myst book. Likely, it wasn’t destroyed as I had planned.
    The best part is, that the ending, still may not have been written.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Answers the question behind the game's strange opening
    Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the first four Myst games for the story revealed through the game play. The first two of the three Myst books answered many questions raised in my imagination while playing those games. Most important for me, I finally had the answer to the long persistent question from Atrus's opening comments in the first Myst game ("I knew the book would not be destroyed as I had planned..."). Why were you trying to destroy the linking book? Additionally, and as has been mentioned elsewhere, this is a fine morality tale of a bright young child growing into an adult without losing the moral compass instilled by their guardian. As a child, Atrus was encouraged to employ a basic scientific curiosity to everything he encountered: to observe, to question, to test, to study feedback, and to collaborate with like-minded peers. These are valuable lessons for both children and adults and I.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Used book arrived in PERFECT condition.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This used book seller shipped the book quickly and was very accurate in the description of the condition. It was in perfect condition. Very pleased with this purchase.
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  • John Doe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can't Remove Sticker
    Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I understand why there is an inventory sticker on the book, but I just wish it was less sticky. As far as the book, it is what I ordered and in the condition in the listing.
    Customer image
    John Doe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can't Remove Sticker
    Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2023
    I understand why there is an inventory sticker on the book, but I just wish it was less sticky. As far as the book, it is what I ordered and in the condition in the listing.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • JM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Once I picked it up I simply couldn't put it down!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I purchased this book on a whim and I'm so happy I did! Once I picked it up I simply couldn't put it down, finding myself engulfed in the magnificent world it describes filled with captivating characters. I instantly ordered the next book in the series!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • amanda h.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    So I read this book for the first time back in the early to mid nineties and loved it then but reading it now, over twenty years later, I felt a much greater connection to the caracters and the story itself. I have also recently played the rereleased game in VR and had forgotten about the final connection between the book and the game which left me a bit speechless. Getting to see Myst island, linking books, and the D'ni prison come to life in VR was phenomenal but even still experinceing the book again as an adult was a far better experience.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Naly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfetto
    Reviewed in Italy on August 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    L'articolo è arrivato in anticipo ed è in perfette condizioni,proprio come me l'aspettavo!
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    Naly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfetto
    Reviewed in Italy on August 1, 2024
    L'articolo è arrivato in anticipo ed è in perfette condizioni,proprio come me l'aspettavo!
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  • Mastabattas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Received in great condition
    Reviewed in Canada on September 8, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Book arrived in a timely fashion, and in excellent used condition with only slightly softened corners and a few very slightly bent corners on pages. This is replacing my lost paperback version of the same book and I am very pleased with the condition as well as the price I paid for it. Definitely will consider buying from this seller again when I need something.

    By the way, if you haven't already read the Myst series, it's a lovely read with a more philosophical perspective. I never knew of the video game before it and sadly I'm not very good at it.
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  • Catherine
    5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous
    Reviewed in Germany on October 19, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Great condition, secrets included, and even the old form for The Official Strategy Guide ordering is inside :)
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    Catherine
    5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous
    Reviewed in Germany on October 19, 2020
    Great condition, secrets included, and even the old form for The Official Strategy Guide ordering is inside :)
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  • ConspicuousConsumer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it! Rebuy to reread
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 21, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Can recommend if you like Myst lore at all.
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  • John Beegood
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bon livre
    Reviewed in France on November 9, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Très bon livre pour les fans de la même série des jeux vidéos sur PC
    Çà m'a renvoyé à de lointain souvenir de jeu ;)

    (attention, livre en anglais)
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