Reviews

I have mixed feelings about this book. I chose to listen to the audio book before reading the printed copy with illustrations. I thoroughly enjoyed the audio book read by Neil Gaiman; I found his performance accompanied by music extremely interesting. I enjoyed the fable like quality of the book, I will say that I was unsure of the turn of events. I think that the author was very successful at concealing the narrator's true motive and the reason that he and Calum are crossing paths. I found it to be successful that this was not revealed until later in the story, it felt like at that point my perception was able to change and I was able to have a clearer perspective on what the narrator's purpose was. It was a welcomed plot twist. Now, once I completed the audio book, I read the printed copy with illustrations. I will say that the illustrations were pretty distracting. I am a very visual person and have enjoyed other illustrated/graphic novels, but this one I was not a fan of. I also did not like that the art looked like it came from a range of artists, it seemed very in-cohesive and disjointed. Some images were very abstract, while some looked more photograph like. The illustrations almost seemed more like a collage than anything to me.
Overall, I enjoyed the story thoroughly. I enjoyed the plot twist and this tale of revenge. It was very interesting that there was really no "good guy," both of these men have completed terrible acts and will be forced to live with them. Even the narrator openly admits the future and past that he is forced to live with. It wasn't the type of story I typically read, but I did enjoy it nonetheless.

labunnywtf's review against another edition

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5.0

In a year. I will come here in a year.

I am looking forward to getting my hands on the physical copy of this book, to see the illustrations. If they come even remotely close to the words, they're going to kick ass.

I normally hate background music and noises in audiobooks. Re-"reading" Roald Dahl via audiobooks, I've had to deal with it, and it makes me think there's things happening in my house or in my car, and I pause unnecessarily.

This is glorious. I love the orchestra behind Neil's gorgeous voice. The...would you call it a fiddle? It's a violin, but in some spots, I just want to use the word fiddle. The drums, the rest of the instruments I can't pick out, but that touched something in me nonetheless.

The story itself can be confusing if you're not paying enough attention. I had to go grocery shopping today, something I hate doing because people. But I listened while searching the shelves, and got really into it.

There isn't much that can be said without spoiling it. But this is a new old folk story, and it's just bloody fantastic.

mrs_wojo's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

ssn8's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Really great short story!

aurinkotuulia's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

browniydgrl1's review against another edition

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3.0

I so want to like Neil Gaiman's work. I have tried several times over the years, reading and audiobooks. He is popular, super creative, and I like to listen to him read his own stories. I just can't seem to enjoy them. They are so weird lol I know it's an unpopular opinion but I have to be honest. I will probably try to read more.

This story is strange (as are all of his stories) but I did want find out the ending so I listened to the whole thing. I do like the ending but was kind of bored throughout.

I totally respect him as a writer. I just think his stuff isn't for me.

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