Scan barcode
seashelfs's review against another edition
4.0
(3.75)
Neil Gaiman has a way of writing that is uniquely his, which I greatly enjoy. I'm not eloquent enough to point out what it exactly is, but his books have a specific type of voice, be it an adult or middle grade. I’ve only read two of his books though so I might be wrong.
The story follows Richard Mayhew, which after helping a girl, finds out no one can see or remember him. He is forced to go on an adventure in this dark, magical world of London Below to get back to the life he's lost.
It’s a euphemism of homelessness. Once you fall through the cracks, it seems like you no longer exist. The people you once knew no longer remember who you are. You have to keep fighting day by day to survive.
I loved how Richard is a reluctant hero/adventurer. It diverges from the common trope of the hero finding out he actually has hidden powers all along. Nope, Richard is just a regular guy with completely regular reactions to this new world. He doesn’t develop magical powers or discover superhuman strength. He’s just doing his best.
Anothing thing I enjoyed is the found family trope. Who doesn’t like reading about finding a sense of belonging in the most unlikely place?
Neil Gaiman has a way of writing that is uniquely his, which I greatly enjoy. I'm not eloquent enough to point out what it exactly is, but his books have a specific type of voice, be it an adult or middle grade. I’ve only read two of his books though so I might be wrong.
The story follows Richard Mayhew, which after helping a girl, finds out no one can see or remember him. He is forced to go on an adventure in this dark, magical world of London Below to get back to the life he's lost.
It’s a euphemism of homelessness. Once you fall through the cracks, it seems like you no longer exist. The people you once knew no longer remember who you are. You have to keep fighting day by day to survive.
I loved how Richard is a reluctant hero/adventurer. It diverges from the common trope of the hero finding out he actually has hidden powers all along. Nope, Richard is just a regular guy with completely regular reactions to this new world. He doesn’t develop magical powers or discover superhuman strength. He’s just doing his best.
Anothing thing I enjoyed is the found family trope. Who doesn’t like reading about finding a sense of belonging in the most unlikely place?
jr2234's review against another edition
5.0
Finally a 5-star read! So, so good. Gaiman writes in the introduction, “what I wanted to do was write a book that would do for adults what the books I had loved when younger, books like Alice in Wonderland, or the Narnia books, or the Wizard of Oz, did for me as a kid.” He’s accomplished this and then some. Super imaginative, nostalgic, detailed, hilarious. This is everything I wanted in a book. Reminded me of The Princess Bride or Labyrinth with David Bowie.
freeleo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
nyquillll's review against another edition
Not in the right headspace to read this book - tried the audiobook too but can't get myself to focus. I'm in a "hehe haha" mood and need lighter books. I did like the world building and was interested in the plot - I will return to this book when I am in the mood!
sofareadsbooks_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
unfortunately, this one wasn’t really for me :( it has a lot of good elements though, its dark, gritty, funny & sarcastic! so maybe it is for you.
kdudek's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
jeritingz's review against another edition
3.0
Actual Rating: 3.5
Listen, I love Neil Gaiman's writing style and his personality in general, but I think this book took me forever to read simply because it wasn't the type of book that I'd consider to be my top priority. There were fun moments and the illustrations were absolutely amazing, but I felt like I read this at the wrong time because I wasn't up for this kind of story yet. I may consider reading this again when I'm in a more magic-y mood.
Listen, I love Neil Gaiman's writing style and his personality in general, but I think this book took me forever to read simply because it wasn't the type of book that I'd consider to be my top priority. There were fun moments and the illustrations were absolutely amazing, but I felt like I read this at the wrong time because I wasn't up for this kind of story yet. I may consider reading this again when I'm in a more magic-y mood.
rikea's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
5.0
Wow! This is the first time I let myself venture out into a field that’s uncommon to me. Usually, I stick to books that are very recent. I came across this book by chance. It was a fantasy book recommendation, which is also a genre I just got started in. And it was a whole experience since I also read a pretty old copy with yellowed pages. Reading just felt different. I’m glad I gave something a chance that I wouldn’t have normally picked up. Such a great story and setting. So imaginative. Awesome world building. I really enjoyed this and I want to know what the characters are up to now that the book has ended.