general

I had a Gaiman-fest this autumn. I bought American Gods, Neverwhere and Stardust. While I found American Gods a bit overdone, I adored Stardust for its clearly faceted and sharply written prose and I love Neverwhere for its enjoyable setting, entertaining characters and plot speed.

That being said, I don't hate American Gods and still recommend it, but Neverwhere in my opinion is the more enjoyable ride. I do recommend visiting the London Underground as a primer - it really is its own world down there; I have great childhood memories of looking out the window of the train and seeing little vignettes of the subterranean world flash by in shades of green and red and sketchy black. That's probably why I thorougly enjoyed this read!

It is a true fantasy on the order of Alice in Wonderland, or the Matrix or any of the 'step through the gate' type tales stretching back for god knows how many centuries. It is the kind of fairyland your grandmother knew about - not all fairies are nice...that's why you wear a charm :-). The two villians who are hunting for the protagonist are truly nasty AND hugely funny too (mmm rats)!

So if you want a modern-grit, fast plotted, fun fantasy novel, pick this one up!

Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman is a strangr and dark fantasy that departs from today's typical sword and sorcery novel. What I enjoyed in Gaiman's novel is the alternate universe that he creates. Travelling his world of tunnels and passageways you pass through areas that are full of strange creatures and even stranger people. The story revolves around Richard Mayhew, a corporate slave from Scotland living in London, and who's life is little more than mundane routine. On one fateful night, he stops to help an injured girl who would soon plunge Richard into a world of mystery, magic, and evil. It's rare to find a book full of wit and originality, so Neverwhere comes as a very welcome surprise. Indeed, the world of Neverwhere sits below London frozen in time...and covered in filth. Gaiman paints a very rich world and keeps his story telling basic and simple. If fantasy is your thing and you are looking for something a little bit different I recommend "Neverwhere".

Also a rarity that took me by surprise is the price of Immortality. The complex plot and descriptive detail kept me turning page after page until it was finished. I highly recommend that you read it.

this a good book. it is reaeally good fool. It is like fantasy, but not really. it is good. it is a good book that is good and it is a book, see, it is a good book and i liked this book beacuse it was a book that was a good book that was good.