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American Gods cover art

American Gods

By: Neil Gaiman
Narrated by: Neil Gaiman,Dennis Boutskiaris,Daniel Oreskes,Ron McLarty,Sarah Jones
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Publisher's Summary

The definitive American road novel with over a million copies sold.

AN ACCLAIMED, EMMY-NOMINATED TV SERIES ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO

WINNER OF THE HUGO, LOCUS AND BRAM STOKER AWARDS

After three years in prison, Shadow Moon is free to go home. But hours before his release, his beloved wife is killed in a freak accident. Numbly, he boards a plane where he meets an enigmatic stranger who seems to know Shadow and claims to be an ancient god - and king of America.

Together they embark on a profoundly strange road trip across the USA, encountering a kaleidoscopic cast of characters along the way. But all around them a storm of unnatural proportions is gathering.

War is coming, an epic struggle for the very soul of America. And Shadow is standing squarely in its path.

NEIL GAIMAN.

WITH STORIES COME POSSIBILITIES.

©2001 Neil Gaiman (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic Reviews

"To give him his full title: Neil Gaiman, Architect of Worlds, Svengali of Plot, Shaman of Character, Exploder of Cliché, Master Craftsman of Style, Dreamer Laureate of the Republic of Letters." (David Mitchell) 

"Original, engrossing, and endlessly inventive." (George R.R. Martin) 

"Brilliant and unique." (Guardian)

What listeners say about American Gods

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great Listen

This was my first purchase from Audible and the first book I've finished since I was about 10.
I came into this book after having seen the series and while I enjoyed the series very much. This book surprised me. Some of the lines left me laughing, others had me questioning who the person was it what was to happen next. Trying to piece together the whole story was great; thinking you had it right only for your theory to be destroyed by the next chapter.

The readers of the book were phenomenal. Each character sounded unique and their lines were delivered perfectly.

I'd have to recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery, a well crafted story, and the myths and legends of the gods.

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Such a brilliant story.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend this book, it's such a rich story! The characters are rich and full, the journey of the story is as meandering as I've imagined the back roads of America to be.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mister Ibis, an incarnation of the Egyptian god Thoth, tells the protagonist, Shadow, some amazing stories, in such a beautiful way that you don't mind the less than straight answers.

What about Neil Gaiman and George Guidall ’s performance did you like?

Though this is billed as performed by Neil Gaiman and George Guidall this is actually a full cast audio book, narrated by Guidall and the chapters that are more off scenes, or related short stories, are read by Gaiman. Regardless, all the cast are fantastic; engaging, easy to listen to, and perfect for the role.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would've happily listened to this in one sitting, unfortunately its a little too long for that to be possible.

Any additional comments?

Neil Gaiman is a truly unique author, and this is one of his best novels.

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Perhaps not a balanced review.

The headline for this review is apt. I am a fan.
I own, I think, all of Neil Gaiman's books and so I have read American Gods in physical, page turning form previously. Thus, I knew the story, and its most loved aspects before my auditory journey commenced. Much of this book was read to me whilst I drove between Wagga Wagga and Nowra to deliver, collect, deliver and again collect my partner. It made the hours race by and ensured the mostly freeway drive remained interesting. This story marries concepts that I find wonderful and fulfilling, presenting them in an easily understood novel. The author has penned a story which shows the depth of his study of the old gods and European culture. With kobolds and gods, pixies and kelpies, daemons and demons represented in a way that is culturally significant and true to their character. Anansi gets a major role again, and the listener is introduced to the folkloric traditions of Celtic, Gaelic, Gallic, Germanic, Indian, Norse, Slavic, and Egyptian backgrounds.
I would recommend this book, but then again, I'm biased.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

An amazing journey through a new and old America

I read the shining reviews about this audiobook and I was intrigued. Having just finished Neverwhere (fantastic by the way) I was keen to start another Gaiman book Asap. I think sometimes when reviews go on and on about how amazing a book is my expectations are let down, let's face it - everyone has their own ideas and opinions on what makes a great audiobook. This one is worth the listen.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
I expected more. For me the storyline was great... BUT it had moments of lag when I just wanted to get on with the story. I mean pieces of information that mean nothing to the main guts of the book just added as filler, at least that's how it felt at times.

I felt lost at times. Sometimes the story takes an odd angle that makes no sense whatsoever... I just went with it, I mean the book is still a good listen overall.

WHAT I ENJOYED:
The depth of the story, the journey though America. I have never been to America, but I felt like I was there experiencing it all alongside Shadow. It's a beautifully woven tale, Shadow is amazing, strong, patient and full of nothing... and everything. I look forward to seeing how the TV adaptation will work.

The narration is exceptional. You will have to listen to find out what I mean ;)

The tale is original and true to our time. It's a battle of the old and new with lashings of pain thrown in there alongside love, friendship, murder and betrayal.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

god what a tale

I’d be hard pressed to choose between American Gods or GOT.

The performances, story and overall deliciousness astound.

I have no idea what I missed in the first go around and I cannot wait to find out.

Bravo! Yay! Winning!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

very long

This book was quite interesting but way too long. I liked all the different voices.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Immersive, enjoyable and well written

So many of the references to gods in this novel go beyond my knowledge, but Gaiman feels like he does a great job of explaining who the more obscure gods are while allowing the you to guess at and figure out the others you “should” have at least cursory knowledge of yourself. The mystery of shadow’s lineage is well written and the mysteries are genuinely fun to uncover. If you like Gaiman, this is a great read. More adult and mature than his other novels. Crucial point, this book is certainly not running in lockstep with the tv shows, and diverges a bit fairly early while having similar or same characters involved.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Not the Gaiman I'm used to.

Would you try another book written by Neil Gaiman or narrated by the narrators?

Probably, yes.

Has American Gods put you off other books in this genre?

No.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Hick American accents.

What character would you cut from American Gods?

Most of them. They are unendearing.

Any additional comments?

I've read other Neil Gaiman works and really enjoyed them.
American Gods was another well crafted novel by this author that completely failed to resonate with me.
Finally, I fail to see the need to gratuitous and pointless profanity in literature, it limits the audience for an otherwise well written novel.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

A book that reaches high and is unable to hold on.

I read this book a decade or so ago and thought it was pretty good. The audio book production is amongst the best I have heard. However I found the story a one card trick. Sure Thor is a likeable bloke but he is just a puppet that doesn't develop into a character I can empathise nor cheer for. Ultimately I found myself struggling to finish this.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Thought it would be better

Not as good a story as I thought, was jumbled but structured though that's a plus

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1 person found this helpful

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