TestFirst published in 2001, American Gods became an instant classic—an intellectual and artistic benchmark from the multiple-award-winning master of innovative fiction, Neil Gaiman. Now discover the mystery and magic of American Gods in this tenth anniversary edition. Newly updated and expanded with the author’s preferred text, this commemorative volume is a true celebration of a modern … volume is a true celebration of a modern masterpiece by the one, the only, Neil Gaiman.
A storm is coming . . .
Locked behind bars for three years, Shadow did his time, quietly waiting for the magic day when he could return to Eagle Point, Indiana. A man no longer scared of what tomorrow might bring, all he wanted was to be with Laura, the wife he deeply loved, and start a new life.
But just days before his release, Laura and Shadow’s best friend are killed in an accident. With his life in pieces and nothing to keep him tethered, Shadow accepts a job from a beguiling stranger he meets on the way home, an enigmatic man who calls himself Mr. Wednesday. A trickster and rogue, Wednesday seems to know more about Shadow than Shadow does himself.
Life as Wednesday’s bodyguard, driver, and errand boy is far more interesting and dangerous than Shadow ever imagined—it is a job that takes him on a dark and strange road trip and introduces him to a host of eccentric characters whose fates are mysteriously intertwined with his own. Along the way Shadow will learn that the past never dies; that everyone, including his beloved Laura, harbors secrets; and that dreams, totems, legends, and myths are more real than we know. Ultimately, he will discover that beneath the placid surface of everyday life a storm is brewing—an epic war for the very soul of America—and that he is standing squarely in its path.
Relevant and prescient, American Gods has been lauded for its brilliant synthesis of “mystery, satire, sex, horror, and poetic prose” (Michael Dirda, Washington Post Book World) and as a modern phantasmagoria that “distills the essence of America” (Seattle Post-Intelligencer). It is, quite simply, an outstanding work of literary imagination that will endure for generations.
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I love how Mr. Gaiman entwined mythical characters and magical beings into our present time. The main character is an unassuming regular guy, a fellow just trying to right by his own moral compass. It makes a fascinating read
Prepared to be inspired to do mythology research as you dive into Gaiman’s modern take on ancient legends interacting with the mysterious protagonist, Shadow. I loved all the mythology references and the social commentary on modern “gods.” Action packed with interesting support characters, you’ll enjoy even the flashbacks! *warnings: mature sexual …
I’ve wanted to read this for a long time and it didn’t disappoint. Saw the series and the book was much better. I recommend it!
I loved it in all its weirdness and wonder. It took a chapter or two to get fully into it but once in, I thirsted for more and it became a page-turner. Gaiman is so imaginative and has a wonderfully twisted way of looking at things. Like looking at history and society in a fun-house mirror.
American Gods is a new and novel look at the Apocalypse. Many characters from Terry Prachett’s Disc World are present along with the 4 horsemen and ancient grudges between characters. Naturally it’s up to the soldiers of heaven and hell to make the world livable and not destroy it. Great and witty stuff if you enjoy satirical humor.
Great writer
A bit long but well written
Excellent read.
I liked this book. Some interesting ideas and comments on American gods. Very interesting plot about the old gods going against the new. Also, I like Neil Gaiman as an author. Took some getting used to some of the ideas. Some are still floating in my mind and surface from time to time.
Great book. Great writer!
Very well done
Loved it!!
Great original story Vintage Gaiman.
I loved this book it has so many things that are just well done in this story. The plot was great and it moved at a good pace .
Excellent read.
Scary? Yes. haunting? Yes. But i’s not like Red Dragon or Silence of the Lambs:Gaiman does not write to shock you with barbarism and scare you into leaving the lights on at night, the better for your newly acquired guard dog to keep you safe from Hannibal and his ilk. Rather, American Gods makes us see the darkness that lurks inside us all, held …
One of the craziest and best books I’ve ever read. Neil Gaitan is a fantastic writer!
interesting concept
This author is so original he defies comparisons. Reading this book always reminds me of falling down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland what a great world to follow I’m just glad that there’s more than one.
One of my favorite books. It’s a masterpiece.