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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Neil is witty and whimsical as usual, yet American Gods didn’t keep me intrigued. I hate to admit, I had to drop this one half way through.
What can you say about Neil Gaiman that has not been said many times? Great book by a great author. One of a group of authors that has a great imagination and is able to bring the reader into his visions. Along with Clive Barker just read and enjoy the ride. You will be disappointed when you come to the end only because you have to return to the …
Good read, I won’t say better than the TV show as it’s a different story based on the same characters.
Pretty dark
This was awesome! I also loved the show! But this book exlained so much more
The only readon I’m not giving it a 5 is because I could have done without the cussing.
I know I’m late to the party on this one, but I hear his name thrown around a lot in fantasy circles and as it just so happens I put out a fantasy novelette this very month.
I didn’t initially set out to write a fantasy piece, but when you work in horror and sci-fi, the other two branches of spec fiction, I guess you can find yourself slipping …
Did gods create the people of Earth to believe in them? Or did the people of Earth create gods by believing in them?
In American Gods, Neil Gaiman plays with the latter concept. Over the centuries, newcomers to America, from Egyptians to Vikings, brought over beliefs that manifested as physical aspects of their old-world gods, such as Anubis and …
American Gods is a book that will linger in your memory; that will pop up again and again. It is one of the most unique books I have ever read. A most excellent and eccentric read.
Weird
AMAZING
American Gods is an out-of-this-world blend of fantasy, suspense, romance and comedy. This epic novel flaunts Gaiman’s natural capability of introducing bizarre alluring characters to the reader in imaginative fictional form. Having not a clue what will happen next generates this read into a fun filled entertaining experience accompanied by an …
This is an exceptional tale. And the idea of this tale, might even be better than the tale itself. Yet, it’s still a masterfully-written, wonderful book, which tells you just how fantastic a concept it is. It was published in 2001 and won the 2002 Hugo and Nebula (and yes, I’m just now reading it). I read the ten-year anniversary edition with the …
Gave me – a jaded reader in this genre – a fresh and welcome view of something I thought I already knew. Enjoyed it – and have re-read it to make sure I hadn’t skipped over something important. Will probably do that several MORE times, too.
One of my top ten novels, and that’s saying something. Love Neil Gaiman’s… modern fairytale aesthetic.
A wild ride! Like nothing I have ever read before. I thought about this book long after I put it down. Not for everyone, but if you are a fan of strange and unusual, witty and acerbic, eclectic and whimsical to the point of almost freakish then go for this! I loved it.
Love all of his books.
Neil Gaiman has a certain style of writing that, to me at least, conveys a grungy, cynical atmosphere, and that translates so beautifully when combined with a world’s pantheon of gods. The evocative settings, characters, and interwoven mythology of the book cement it as a truly tremendous work of literature and a corner piece of Gaiman’s work.
A magical mystery tour dr force!
A very unique book-read it, you wont regret it!