American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition: A Novel

Neil Gaiman

Jun 2011 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

Since it was first published, American Gods became an instant classic. Now discover the mystery and majesty of American Gods in this beautiful reissue of the Author's Preferred Text edition. Featuring a new preface by Neil Gaiman in honor of the novel's 20th anniversary, this commemorative volume is a true celebration of a modern masterpiece.

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 a 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.

Ratings and reviews

A satisfying journey from start to finish. The narrative arch is consistent in its direction. It doesn't get confused but does take some breaths along the way. Shadow is a stoic character who —with some grumbling— accepts his path as Wednesday guides him along a world he never knew existed. The intent of the characters he meets along the way is murky, but as things progress, their motives are revealed. As the story is based on God's, folk tales, and the such, it has the trappings of a fairy tale. In short, if you enjoy more adult fairy tales, some excitement, and watching characters develop as their paths twist and turn, this is a good choice for yourself.

Lives up to its hype, and is deserving of any awards it's received, and probably more. Few authors are as capable of putting the reader in the most fantastical worlds, and making them believe those world are...not real, but absolutely possible. This book is immersive, and you root for the good guys and despise the bad guys. What else can we ask for?

I started the ebook because I forgot my hard copy while on vacation. Though the book cover was different, it said 10th anniversary edition. It is 300 pages shorter than the hard copy i have, so I have to reread it hard copy to see what I missed. Annoyed.

About the author

Neil Gaiman is the New York Times bestselling and multi-award winning author and creator of many beloved books, graphic novels, short stories, film, television and theatre for all ages. He is the recipient of the Newbery and Carnegie Medals, and many Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, and Will Eisner Awards. Neil has adapted many of his works to television series, including Good Omens (co-written with Terry Pratchett) and The Sandman. He is a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR and Professor in the Arts at Bard College. For a lot more about his work, please visit: https://www.neilgaiman.com/