Reviews

I am yet to read anything of Neil Gaimain's that I don't like. This was only my second novel of this author I've read; the previous one was Good Omens, co-written with Terry Pratchett, which was the one that lead me to start familiarising myself a bit more with the authors, at which point I found Sandman and other comic books written by Gaiman. So I didn't hesitate when I saw this book in a bookring, joined, and now that I've read it I'm wondering if Neil Gaiman can actually write something that sucks. I seriously doubt it. He has a really great grasp of his story, of where he wants it to go, of how to grab the reader and not let go, weaving a novel filled with dark humor, a bit of irony, excellent characters, mysticism, a bit of magic, a touch of action and a pinch of spirituality.

The reader goes through the story feeling the main character's confusion at the events and the strange people that cross his path and lead him into a merry little adventure that'll drive you nuts because it just feels like one big rollercoster until it all ends in a big showdown and all yours questions are answered (and you realize that Gods can be seriously screwed up characters!). It helps to the understanding of the novel to recognise certain pantheons of European, Asian and Egyptian yore, but it's not fundamental and it didn't detract much from the novel not to recognise some of the Gods, although it brought a smile to my face when I did find some familiar names. The plot is unendingly inventive, which is a characteristic I admire in this author: the way he can weave a story with prodigious imagination.

Although the main story revolved around Shadow, there were little interludes, interspersed through the novel, that showed little bits of the particular history and mythos of this America, as well as insights into the coming war, which were a nice touch. They didn't detract from the main story; in fact, they allow one to take a deep breath before plunging again into a dizzying trek across the American country with Shadow and Wednesday and all sorts of amazing and gritty characters, each even stranger -- and crazier! -- than the previous ones.

Okay, I'll shut up now. I'll just summarize and say that I thouroughly enjoyed this inventive and dazzling voyage into America and I plan on reading more of Gaiman's novels.

ladybaela's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars

This was a very strange book.

It’s hard to wrap my head around it.

I might adjust this score at a later date

bananaship's review against another edition

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4.0

Shadow would have been a good name for a kid.

leahele's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

stinkyheronreads's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

This was a decent read, just not my style. I liked the characters and certain aspects of the plot, but the premise of the book lost me from the jump. I didn’t really like the mythology aspect, which is obviously a huge component… that said, this was lent by a friend & I wanted to finish it, so I did. Not bad!

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