Review: Creatures of the Night & Only the End of the World Again by Neil Gaiman

Finished: August 18, 2011

Synopsis: Both of these are graphic novels. Only the End of the World Again is about a werewolf who must save the world. Creatures of the Night contains two stories from Gaiman’s book of short stories Smoke and Mirrors in graphic novel format. There is a story about a stray cat who may be more than he appears and a second story about a little orphan girl and her owls.

Thoughts: I was excited to read some stories from Neil in graphic novel format. I still have Preludes and Nocturnes sitting on my shelf but since I am in the middle of a few different books I have not been able to pick it up yet. These were shorter stories but that isn’t to say they weren’t worth the time spent.

Only the End of the World Again focuses on the story of a lone wolf who must stand up in the end to save the world. While I did like this story, I am not big on werewolves, and it seemed to be lacking Gaiman’s usual sort of whimsical charm.

Creatures of the Night was exactly what I’m used to from Gaiman. I love the way he can turn every day occurrences, like a stray cat showing up on someone’s front porch, into a magical and otherworldly event. I also really love the story of the orphan girl and the owls. I don’t want to spoil anything but I think that the men viewing her as a silent victim gives the story a very meaningful edge. Stuff like this happens to women every day and unfortunately magic isn’t there to save them.

Review: Stardust by Neil Gaiman

 

Finished: July 30, 2011

Synopsis: Tristan Thorn has promised the lady he loves that he will go beyond the Wall and retrieve for her the falling star that has just fallen from the sky. If he can accomplish his task she promises him his heart’s desire. Hoping for her hand in marriage Tristan immediately sets out on his journey. No members of their town ever venture beyond the Wall except to attend the enchanted flea market that is held every nine years. During his adventure he meets several interesting characters along the way in the magical land of Faerie.

 Thoughts: I went into Stardust with high expectations. I had heard a lot of praise for this book and I think it definitely lived up to its reputation. I thought it was whimsical and clever and also horrific at times. A book with this premise could easily have fallen into the trap of being too cutesy for its own good, but Gaiman walks this line easily, and never pushes the reader into eye-rolling territory.

Neil Gaiman is a superb writer. He definitely has his own style that sets him apart from other writers and I can see why he is so adored. This is only my second novel from him (Coraline was the other) and I think I will be picking up another from him very soon. Perhaps Neverwhere.  

Rating:

4/5 Coffees