American Gods

by Neil Gaiman
American Gods cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Fantasy
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3023
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780755379927
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-11-10
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

After serving three years in prison, Shadow Moon is released only to find his wife dead in a tragic accident. On his way home, he meets a strange man who introduces himself as an ancient god and king of America. Together, they embark on a bizarre journey across the United States, encountering a diverse and eccentric cast of characters. As they travel, Shadow becomes entangled in a brewing storm of supernatural proportions, a war that threatens the very essence of America. The story is a rich tapestry of myth and modernity, exploring the heart of the American spirit and the power of belief. Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods' is a masterful blend of fantasy and reality, praised by critics and authors alike. It has won multiple awards, including the Hugo, Locus, and Bram Stoker Awards, and has been adapted into an acclaimed TV series on Amazon Prime Video. The novel is a testament to Gaiman's unique storytelling prowess, offering a profound and imaginative exploration of the unseen forces that shape our world.

Reviews
the starving artist · 2020-04-22
provocative 4.50

American Gods is rich in detail, written decently well, and horrific. It's psychedelic, trippy, and smart, offering a deep exploration of culture and identity.

The reviewer from 'the starving artist' praises 'American Gods' for its rich detail and well-crafted writing. They describe it as a horrific, psychedelic, and trippy journey that delves deep into the themes of culture and identity. The reviewer appreciates the book's intelligence and its ability to provoke thought, making it a standout read. However, the horrific elements might not be suitable for all readers, but they add to the overall impact of the story.

Quick quotes

    American Gods is rich in detail, written decently well, and horrific.

    It's psychedelic, trippy, and smart.

    It has a lot to say about culture and yanks.

The New Yorker · 2018-05-24
unsettling 3.75

The book has aged well, though at times Gaiman's ambitions outstrip his skill. It's a gripping and deeply unsettling exploration of America's soul.

The reviewer from The New Yorker notes that 'American Gods' has aged well, maintaining its relevance and impact over time. They acknowledge that while Gaiman's ambitions sometimes exceed his execution, the book remains a gripping and deeply unsettling exploration of America's soul. The reviewer appreciates the book's depth and its ability to captivate readers, even if it has its flaws. The unsettling nature of the story adds to its overall impact, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    I was surprised to find how well the book had aged, even if, from time to time, Gaiman's ambitions outstrip his skill; spoken aloud, his stabs ...

    Scary, gripping and deeply unsettling, American Gods takes a long, hard look into the soul of America.

    The book remains a gripping and deeply unsettling exploration of America's soul.

The Guardian · David Barnett · 2014-07-29
engaging 4.00

This grand tale of ancient gods struggling to survive in today's USA has a chilly setting but provides a great summer escape. The reviewer finds it a compelling read with a unique blend of mythology and modern America.

The reviewer from The Guardian highlights how 'American Gods' offers a chilly yet engaging setting that makes it a perfect summer escape. They appreciate the unique premise of ancient gods navigating modern America, finding it both thrilling and thought-provoking. The story's blend of mythology and contemporary issues creates a rich tapestry that keeps the reader hooked. However, the chilly setting might not appeal to everyone, but it adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    This grand tale of ancient gods struggling to survive in today's USA has a chilly setting but provides a great summer escape.

    It's a story that will captivate readers with its unique blend of mythology and modern America.

    The chilly setting adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative.

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