Neil Gaiman

Advantages: Absolutely hilarious
Disadvantages: Laughing out loud can be embarrasing

...This literally is the funniest book I have ever read. Jointly written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, well known for the Discworld series, it has all the humourous imagery and language that many enjoy in the Discworld series, but it avoids the complicated and wandering storylines. The storyline spoofs well known books or films most noticably “The Omen” and “Just William”, but unlike other spoofs where the result is a poor copy laced with lame jokes, Good Omens stands as a unique story with fantastic characters. Discworld fans may recognise similar or perhaps embryonic Discworld characters, particularly Death. If you are not a fan of Discworld do not be put off trying this book as its appeal is far wider than that of the Discworld series. I have lost count of the number of times I have read this book... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Laughter is the best medecine and this gives you a damned good dose.
Disadvantages: Not up to Pratchett's usual standard.

...Good Omens is not my favorite book by Terry Pratchett, in fact it comes way down the list fairly close to the bottom. I have been a fan of Terry Pratchett for many years now and I buy all of his books as soon as they come out sure of a good read and a damned good laugh. Good Omens was no exception. I did not feel it was as funny as other Terry Pratchett books and I put that down to Neil Gaiman's involvement. That said I wouldn't discard the book, but I also wouldn't recommend it as the first book you read by Terry Pratchett. When you read this book you will laugh and you will enjoy it, but whether or not it will inspire you to read other works by Terry Pratchett I am not so sure.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great story
Disadvantages: None

...I had not read anything by Neil Gaiman prior to this, but had quite a lot of experience with Terry Pratchett’s work. This book centres on the tale of two angels, one of whom was kicked out of Heaven and is now working for Hell. There are some hilarious moments, for example: Neither Hell nor Heaven will take credit for traffic wardens. The driving element in the story is the impending destruction of the world, caused by the birth of the antichrist. Crowley and Aziraphale, the two angels, however quiet like being on the earth and set out to prevent Armageddon and keep the status quo between Heaven and Hell. If you enjoyed any of the Discworld books, you will like this.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: An easy read
Disadvantages: none

...Neil Gaiman's book "Stardust" (ISBN-0-7472-7419-3) is an adult fairystory set both in our world and Gaiman's mythical world "Fairey". The story follows the exploits of a young man called Tristan Thorn as he goes on a quest to retrieve a "fallen star" for the girl he wants to marry. Problem is that there are at least two other "intereted parties" keen to get hold of the star too. Readers of Gaiman's Sandman series will recognise the Kingdom of Fairey and at least one group of characters although Gaiman does not cross reference between the two works in Stardust. I found this an enjoyable read with some very vivid scenes painted by the author. However, I felt that the end seemed to come on us a little too quickly. I felt that things were resolved a little too easily. Nonetheless Gaiman fans will not be disappointed and anyone who... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Clever and original plot, with classic Gaiman 'underbelly' feeling
Disadvantages: A little too Stephen-King-esque for my liking

...of the fantastical characters from Neverwhere and Coraline. I think Neil Gaiman is a master of original ideas, but that he is far better at exploring them in short stories and novellas than in longer novels such as this one. However despite this, it was still a very enjoyable read!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Incredibly inventive fun - and it's Neil Gaiman!
Disadvantages: It won't be what you expected - it's Neil Gaiman!

...The inimitable Neil Gaiman has his crowds of adoring fans, and it is to his credit that he still turns out a different kind of genre-defying book each time. While this book follows on from one of the characters in American Gods, it is by no means a sequel. It is much lighter in tone. Not many authors can pull off farce, set it in several different countries and cultures, and even genres, but Neil Gaiman manages to make it all look easy. Anansi Boys is perhaps the least dark of his adult books, which is not to say that it is not dark. Gaiman understands the original essence of fairy tales and folk tales, and combines an edge of horror with an improbable yet plausible story. Gaiman does just enough of what you expect him to do to make the things he does that are unexepected all the more unexpected, as it were. The plot is not easy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful