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The Graveyard Book
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £6.17
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 Customer Reviews
not up to his usual standard..., 16 Nov 2008
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, but when i did... i wasn't satisfied.
This book isn't bad at all, and if you are a neil-fan, by all means read it. But, this book just wasn't as inventive, as surprising, touching or original.
the concept is great... the excecution.. not that great. There is nothing new, and i felt that i'd seen all the tricks before.
(Strangely, the book read as a script. i could just see the film sequences in my head.)
Also having read M is for Magic, i was already familiar with a great deal of the story. i almost skipped that part, but forced myself to read it again.
I sometimes thought: this is a real children's book, don't be so critical, but then characters such as victor hugo and the 66th president of U.S.A. are introduced, and i can't imagine kids being that familiar with french literature... It felt like Neil was sending me straight to wikipedia, to read up on some elemental history.
and the end... well... i suppose it was poignant, but i was not satisfied.
i remember being shattered coming to the end of neverwhere, wanting it to go on forever... i hardly dare pick up coraline again, because it disturbed and frightened me so.
The Graveyard book left me... unimpressed.
A children's classic in the making, 11 Nov 2008
Structured so that each chapter works as a short story in its own right while also contributing to the overriding story arc of the novel, this novel includes all the wit, subtlety and bittersweet touches that you expect from a Gaiman book. It begins with the murder of Bod's family and his 'escape' to a nearby graveyard, where he is adopted by the ghostly inhabitants and Silas, a vampire in all but name, agrees to serve as his guardian. Subsequent chapters pick out incidents in Bod's life - one for each year as he ages, including his friendship with a little girl called Scarlett, a centennial dance involving the living and the dead, Bod's accidental visit to the Land of the Ghouls and his encounter with the ghost of a young woman murdered for being a witch. Permeating it all is the threat from The Man Jack who murdered Bod's parents and who, together with The Jacks, is still searching for Bod.
Characterisation is great, particularly Silas and Miss Lupescu (an East European woman who looks after Bod when Silas is on his travels) who are superb and utterly credible. Bod himself is likeable, and the incidents that Gaiman highlights from his life are interesting and believable - the chapter where Bod tries to go to a school for living children is particularly moving.
I would have liked to have seen more of Silas and Miss Lupescu's adventures as the Hounds of God, which Gaiman gives tantalising details of without ever really expanding (what's there works, but I'd have liked more description). I also wasn't enamoured with the introduction of the prophecy element towards the end of the book - it came far too late and I really needed to see it developed more and earlier for it to work and I couldn't help but wish that The Jacks had some other motive for hunting down Bod instead.
That said, I really admire Gaiman for not going for the easy happy ending here. Without going into spoilers, it would have been very easy for him to give the readers what they want and expect and wrap up his novel in a neat little bow. Although he doesn't do this, the ending he does provide is satisfying and fits in well with the characters and hopefully, will set up the possibility of their returning in future novels.
Beyong the Grave..., 06 Nov 2008
Hate to be the one (slightly)dissenting voice here, but just finished The Graveyard Book, and thought I'd offer a differing opinion than those already below...
I don't think this piece of work is accomplished as some are claiming. For me, the opening was wondeful: atmospheric, an interesting tilt to the language, full of colour and excitement and oddness. But after that (and in particular, the middle section), the narrative fell away, exposing what is merely a collection of fantasy cliches (though well-embroidered with Gaiman's imagination), doled out in the form of short stories. This brings me to perhaps my biggest problem with the book - the structure did not serve the story well. As a kind of Bildungsroman, it should have given more of a sense of continuity; change; development. Breaking the narrative into fragments (seemingly without rhyme or reason) does not serve the story well enough as a coming-of-age piece, and the momentum was largely lost...abandoned when it was just gaining pace. As a result, each section resolved itself into a kind of "fable"; each chapter summed by the "lesson" learned in each.
The ending was a major disappointment though: a prophecy? Really? After Harry Potter et al, is this all Mr Gaiman could come up with? And a secret society of (effectively) murderers? His story-telling skills simply weren't up to the task of orchestrating a big ending; it felt shamelessly cinematic, and much too concerned with a contrived tying-up of loose ends. Though on the plus side, the denouement was suitable poignant...
On the whole, I wouldn't recommend NOT to buy this book. I'm just not convinced of its already-touted status as "an instant classic!".
A Ghoulish Delight for Both Adults and Kiddies, 25 Oct 2008
Gaiman is a master story-teller, there is no doubt about that, but it's very hard to think of him as a children's story-book writer (and yes I know he has written other children's books before, but they always seemed...not quite right). However, after reading through this novel of his one can clearly see that he has the skills necessary to delight and educate the young ones without dulling it down too much or losing the young ones on the way.
The story can be considered to be an homage to Kipling's "Jungle Book" with excellent references being made to Kipling's story that are easily recognizable. The hero of the tale, Nobody Owens, is endearing, while at the same time not a weak character. Except for the fact that he was raised by ghots of the graveyard, he is an entirely believable character, which makes the novel even more enjoyable.
Fans of Gaiman will not be disappointed by this novel, those new to him will definitely enjoy it, and those who are looking for a good book to read to a child will also be well served by this.
Raised *by* the dead? That doesn't sound right..., 20 Oct 2008
What one word best describes this tale of an infant whose whole family are murdered, and who toddles to the safety of a local graveyard, where he's raised and educated by the resident dead? That word, surprisingly, would be "charming".
And it is, in every sense of the word. It's eloquent without being condescending, comforting without being soft, sharp without being bitter, and it captivates your attention throughout its entirety, leaving you perfectly satisfied by the end.
The cast of characters are written to perfection. The dead maintain an eerie timelessness, whilst the other supernatural creatures are subtle yet distinct, ("Silas ate only one food, and it was not bananas"); the villains pull off the trick of being both evil *and* credible; the living have a refreshing mundane quality, and Bod the protagonist is left with the uneasy struggle of being neither fish nor fowl (nor dead).
A delight to read and a joy to think about.
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Product Description
It seems strange to find a 1954 vampire novel in Millennium's "SF Masterworks" classic reprints series. I Am Legend, though, was a trailblazing and later much imitated story that reinvented the vampire myth as SF. Without losing the horror, it presents vampirism as a disease whose secrets can be unlocked by scientific tools. The hero Robert Neville, perhaps the last uninfected man on Earth, finds himself in a paranoid nightmare. By night, the bloodthirsty undead of small-town America besiege his barricaded house: their repeated cry "Come out, Neville!" is a famous SF catchphrase. By day, when they hide in shadow and become comatose, Neville gets out his wooden stakes for an orgy of slaughter. He also discovers pseudoscientific explanations, some rather strained, for vampires' fear of light, vulnerability to stakes though not bullets, loathing of garlic, and so on. What gives the story its uneasy power is the gradual perspective shift which shows that by fighting monsters Neville is himself becoming monstrous--not a vampire but something to terrify vampires and haunt their dreams as a dreadful legend from the bad old days. I Am Legend was altered out of recognition when filmed as The Omega Man (1971), starring Charlton Heston. Avoid the movie; read the book. --David Langford
Customer Reviews
not up to his usual standard..., 16 Nov 2008
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, but when i did... i wasn't satisfied.
This book isn't bad at all, and if you are a neil-fan, by all means read it. But, this book just wasn't as inventive, as surprising, touching or original.
the concept is great... the excecution.. not that great. There is nothing new, and i felt that i'd seen all the tricks before.
(Strangely, the book read as a script. i could just see the film sequences in my head.)
Also having read M is for Magic, i was already familiar with a great deal of the story. i almost skipped that part, but forced myself to read it again.
I sometimes thought: this is a real children's book, don't be so critical, but then characters such as victor hugo and the 66th president of U.S.A. are introduced, and i can't imagine kids being that familiar with french literature... It felt like Neil was sending me straight to wikipedia, to read up on some elemental history.
and the end... well... i suppose it was poignant, but i was not satisfied.
i remember being shattered coming to the end of neverwhere, wanting it to go on forever... i hardly dare pick up coraline again, because it disturbed and frightened me so.
The Graveyard book left me... unimpressed.
A children's classic in the making, 11 Nov 2008
Structured so that each chapter works as a short story in its own right while also contributing to the overriding story arc of the novel, this novel includes all the wit, subtlety and bittersweet touches that you expect from a Gaiman book. It begins with the murder of Bod's family and his 'escape' to a nearby graveyard, where he is adopted by the ghostly inhabitants and Silas, a vampire in all but name, agrees to serve as his guardian. Subsequent chapters pick out incidents in Bod's life - one for each year as he ages, including his friendship with a little girl called Scarlett, a centennial dance involving the living and the dead, Bod's accidental visit to the Land of the Ghouls and his encounter with the ghost of a young woman murdered for being a witch. Permeating it all is the threat from The Man Jack who murdered Bod's parents and who, together with The Jacks, is still searching for Bod.
Characterisation is great, particularly Silas and Miss Lupescu (an East European woman who looks after Bod when Silas is on his travels) who are superb and utterly credible. Bod himself is likeable, and the incidents that Gaiman highlights from his life are interesting and believable - the chapter where Bod tries to go to a school for living children is particularly moving.
I would have liked to have seen more of Silas and Miss Lupescu's adventures as the Hounds of God, which Gaiman gives tantalising details of without ever really expanding (what's there works, but I'd have liked more description). I also wasn't enamoured with the introduction of the prophecy element towards the end of the book - it came far too late and I really needed to see it developed more and earlier for it to work and I couldn't help but wish that The Jacks had some other motive for hunting down Bod instead.
That said, I really admire Gaiman for not going for the easy happy ending here. Without going into spoilers, it would have been very easy for him to give the readers what they want and expect and wrap up his novel in a neat little bow. Although he doesn't do this, the ending he does provide is satisfying and fits in well with the characters and hopefully, will set up the possibility of their returning in future novels.
Beyong the Grave..., 06 Nov 2008
Hate to be the one (slightly)dissenting voice here, but just finished The Graveyard Book, and thought I'd offer a differing opinion than those already below...
I don't think this piece of work is accomplished as some are claiming. For me, the opening was wondeful: atmospheric, an interesting tilt to the language, full of colour and excitement and oddness. But after that (and in particular, the middle section), the narrative fell away, exposing what is merely a collection of fantasy cliches (though well-embroidered with Gaiman's imagination), doled out in the form of short stories. This brings me to perhaps my biggest problem with the book - the structure did not serve the story well. As a kind of Bildungsroman, it should have given more of a sense of continuity; change; development. Breaking the narrative into fragments (seemingly without rhyme or reason) does not serve the story well enough as a coming-of-age piece, and the momentum was largely lost...abandoned when it was just gaining pace. As a result, each section resolved itself into a kind of "fable"; each chapter summed by the "lesson" learned in each.
The ending was a major disappointment though: a prophecy? Really? After Harry Potter et al, is this all Mr Gaiman could come up with? And a secret society of (effectively) murderers? His story-telling skills simply weren't up to the task of orchestrating a big ending; it felt shamelessly cinematic, and much too concerned with a contrived tying-up of loose ends. Though on the plus side, the denouement was suitable poignant...
On the whole, I wouldn't recommend NOT to buy this book. I'm just not convinced of its already-touted status as "an instant classic!".
A Ghoulish Delight for Both Adults and Kiddies, 25 Oct 2008
Gaiman is a master story-teller, there is no doubt about that, but it's very hard to think of him as a children's story-book writer (and yes I know he has written other children's books before, but they always seemed...not quite right). However, after reading through this novel of his one can clearly see that he has the skills necessary to delight and educate the young ones without dulling it down too much or losing the young ones on the way.
The story can be considered to be an homage to Kipling's "Jungle Book" with excellent references being made to Kipling's story that are easily recognizable. The hero of the tale, Nobody Owens, is endearing, while at the same time not a weak character. Except for the fact that he was raised by ghots of the graveyard, he is an entirely believable character, which makes the novel even more enjoyable.
Fans of Gaiman will not be disappointed by this novel, those new to him will definitely enjoy it, and those who are looking for a good book to read to a child will also be well served by this.
Raised *by* the dead? That doesn't sound right..., 20 Oct 2008
What one word best describes this tale of an infant whose whole family are murdered, and who toddles to the safety of a local graveyard, where he's raised and educated by the resident dead? That word, surprisingly, would be "charming".
And it is, in every sense of the word. It's eloquent without being condescending, comforting without being soft, sharp without being bitter, and it captivates your attention throughout its entirety, leaving you perfectly satisfied by the end.
The cast of characters are written to perfection. The dead maintain an eerie timelessness, whilst the other supernatural creatures are subtle yet distinct, ("Silas ate only one food, and it was not bananas"); the villains pull off the trick of being both evil *and* credible; the living have a refreshing mundane quality, and Bod the protagonist is left with the uneasy struggle of being neither fish nor fowl (nor dead).
A delight to read and a joy to think about.
A Genuine Legend.., 21 Nov 2008
Steven King's introduction identifies Matheson as a major influence and virtually credits him with re-inventing the modern horror genre. And rightly so.
I've only just read this (shame on me) and am amazed! It really is the granddaddy of the modern zombie genre. And of much vampire fiction too. Added to that it has several twists in the tail that are completely unexpected which put its imitators firmly in the shade (including the film).
An extraordinary achievement. A must read. It will surprise you.
Superb., 17 Sep 2008
Justifying killing - or trying to - is a more pointed argument when taken in the individual; governments cloud the simplicity with rhetoric, propoganda and patriotism; but, keep the numbers down and the subject is raw and demanding attention.
Matheson strips the numbers down to one in this book, and one has no problem in coming down on the side of Robert Neville - the book's lead, and almost only, character.
One feels his panic when he discovers his watch has stopped and cannot get back to his safe-house before sun-down; and when he smacks his car into a crowd of Vampires like a macarbre game of skittles, one feels his elation.
Matheson recruits the reader from the outset and the reader becomes an observer, living one dimension down from the physical earthbound, able to see and hear all he does - even hear his thoughts - yet is unable to intervene or advise, and that gives the work more power. It frustrates the reader; but Matheson, after sucking the reader in, turns the tables on Neville and strips him of all the moral altitude he has taken for himself, and plunges him into the role of bad guy, of the hated terrorist, and makes him an outsider, a pariah.
Matheson has no mercy for his protaganist.
I have read short stories of greater length than this novel, and the prose is thin, which is not to say it is bad, but it deals only with the here and now of the story; back-story and poetic flourishes in the prose are kept to a minimum as far as the former go, and are non-existent for the latter. It makes for a story where 99 per cent is action in the present tense, and the book could be read in one sitting, I think.
This is considered a classic of genre fiction, and rightly so.
A VERY QUICK READ!, 16 Sep 2008
I just couldn't put this down and it isn't typical of my preferred reading. I was completely drawn in as soon as I started it and my life went on hold until I finished it.
A very enthralling book
Classic., 13 Sep 2008
A highly readable classic. There is little I can add to what has been said previously. The most faithful adaption is Vincent Price's 'The Last Man on Earth'. Do yourself a favour and read this book, even if you have seen the recent film. Recommended!
5/5 Not my typical read, 18 Aug 2008
I read this short book after seeing all the reviews (thank you) and thought I must give it a go. I have tried lots of 'horror' novels over the years and they have never really engaged me. I read this over two evenings and found it totally absorbed me. The text races along wonderfully.
This is not my typical read - favourite books include: Papillon, Hamlet, Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, Grapes of Wrath and The Old Man and the Sea. I assume it is because having read them they stay with you and insist on being read again. Though my wife prefers to suggest I am simply a bit weird.
As for the new 'Mr Smith' film, which I enjoyed, they follow the same theme but to compare them would be like comparing a Mars Bar and a Snickers (I still prefer to call them Marathon).
Not sure how helpful my waffling will be but having been persuaded to read this after all the positive feedback I felt I should add something myself. I am sure this book will in time insist on being read again.
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Coraline
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £0.73
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Product Description
Despite being mostly known for his fantastical graphic novels and adult fiction, Neil Gaiman's first book for children is everything that you would expect from such a massive imagination as his. It's special and wonderful and very weird indeed. Described by some as the new Alice in Wonderland, Coraline is actually more bizarre than that, much more frightening and its modest length definitely adds to the book's undiluted potency. Shortly after moving into an old house with strange tenants above and below, Coraline discovers a big, carved, brown wooden door at the far corner of the drawing room. And it is locked. Curiosity runs riot in Coraline's mind and she unlocks the door to see what lies behind it. Disappointingly, it opens onto a brick wall. Days later, after exploring the rest of the house and garden, Coraline returns to the same mysterious door and opens it again. This time, however, there is a dark hallway in front of her. Stepping inside, the place beyond has an eerie familiarity about it. The carpet and wallpaper are the same as in her flat. The picture hanging on the wall is the same. Almost. Strangest of all, her mum and dad are there too. Only they have buttons for eyes and seem more possessive than normal. It's a twisted version of her world that is familiar, and yet sinister. And matters get even more surreal for Coraline when her "other" parents seem reluctant to let her leave. Her attempted escape from this nightmare alternative reality sees Coraline experience a chilling series of ever more bizarre encounters. Some are plainly odd, others disturbingly spooky and together they combine to form an immensely readable story. It's like all the best bits of the Goosebumps books condensed into 160 pages. A unique reading experience guaranteed. (Ages 10 and over)--John McLay
Customer Reviews
not up to his usual standard..., 16 Nov 2008
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, but when i did... i wasn't satisfied.
This book isn't bad at all, and if you are a neil-fan, by all means read it. But, this book just wasn't as inventive, as surprising, touching or original.
the concept is great... the excecution.. not that great. There is nothing new, and i felt that i'd seen all the tricks before.
(Strangely, the book read as a script. i could just see the film sequences in my head.)
Also having read M is for Magic, i was already familiar with a great deal of the story. i almost skipped that part, but forced myself to read it again.
I sometimes thought: this is a real children's book, don't be so critical, but then characters such as victor hugo and the 66th president of U.S.A. are introduced, and i can't imagine kids being that familiar with french literature... It felt like Neil was sending me straight to wikipedia, to read up on some elemental history.
and the end... well... i suppose it was poignant, but i was not satisfied.
i remember being shattered coming to the end of neverwhere, wanting it to go on forever... i hardly dare pick up coraline again, because it disturbed and frightened me so.
The Graveyard book left me... unimpressed.
A children's classic in the making, 11 Nov 2008
Structured so that each chapter works as a short story in its own right while also contributing to the overriding story arc of the novel, this novel includes all the wit, subtlety and bittersweet touches that you expect from a Gaiman book. It begins with the murder of Bod's family and his 'escape' to a nearby graveyard, where he is adopted by the ghostly inhabitants and Silas, a vampire in all but name, agrees to serve as his guardian. Subsequent chapters pick out incidents in Bod's life - one for each year as he ages, including his friendship with a little girl called Scarlett, a centennial dance involving the living and the dead, Bod's accidental visit to the Land of the Ghouls and his encounter with the ghost of a young woman murdered for being a witch. Permeating it all is the threat from The Man Jack who murdered Bod's parents and who, together with The Jacks, is still searching for Bod.
Characterisation is great, particularly Silas and Miss Lupescu (an East European woman who looks after Bod when Silas is on his travels) who are superb and utterly credible. Bod himself is likeable, and the incidents that Gaiman highlights from his life are interesting and believable - the chapter where Bod tries to go to a school for living children is particularly moving.
I would have liked to have seen more of Silas and Miss Lupescu's adventures as the Hounds of God, which Gaiman gives tantalising details of without ever really expanding (what's there works, but I'd have liked more description). I also wasn't enamoured with the introduction of the prophecy element towards the end of the book - it came far too late and I really needed to see it developed more and earlier for it to work and I couldn't help but wish that The Jacks had some other motive for hunting down Bod instead.
That said, I really admire Gaiman for not going for the easy happy ending here. Without going into spoilers, it would have been very easy for him to give the readers what they want and expect and wrap up his novel in a neat little bow. Although he doesn't do this, the ending he does provide is satisfying and fits in well with the characters and hopefully, will set up the possibility of their returning in future novels.
Beyong the Grave..., 06 Nov 2008
Hate to be the one (slightly)dissenting voice here, but just finished The Graveyard Book, and thought I'd offer a differing opinion than those already below...
I don't think this piece of work is accomplished as some are claiming. For me, the opening was wondeful: atmospheric, an interesting tilt to the language, full of colour and excitement and oddness. But after that (and in particular, the middle section), the narrative fell away, exposing what is merely a collection of fantasy cliches (though well-embroidered with Gaiman's imagination), doled out in the form of short stories. This brings me to perhaps my biggest problem with the book - the structure did not serve the story well. As a kind of Bildungsroman, it should have given more of a sense of continuity; change; development. Breaking the narrative into fragments (seemingly without rhyme or reason) does not serve the story well enough as a coming-of-age piece, and the momentum was largely lost...abandoned when it was just gaining pace. As a result, each section resolved itself into a kind of "fable"; each chapter summed by the "lesson" learned in each.
The ending was a major disappointment though: a prophecy? Really? After Harry Potter et al, is this all Mr Gaiman could come up with? And a secret society of (effectively) murderers? His story-telling skills simply weren't up to the task of orchestrating a big ending; it felt shamelessly cinematic, and much too concerned with a contrived tying-up of loose ends. Though on the plus side, the denouement was suitable poignant...
On the whole, I wouldn't recommend NOT to buy this book. I'm just not convinced of its already-touted status as "an instant classic!".
A Ghoulish Delight for Both Adults and Kiddies, 25 Oct 2008
Gaiman is a master story-teller, there is no doubt about that, but it's very hard to think of him as a children's story-book writer (and yes I know he has written other children's books before, but they always seemed...not quite right). However, after reading through this novel of his one can clearly see that he has the skills necessary to delight and educate the young ones without dulling it down too much or losing the young ones on the way.
The story can be considered to be an homage to Kipling's "Jungle Book" with excellent references being made to Kipling's story that are easily recognizable. The hero of the tale, Nobody Owens, is endearing, while at the same time not a weak character. Except for the fact that he was raised by ghots of the graveyard, he is an entirely believable character, which makes the novel even more enjoyable.
Fans of Gaiman will not be disappointed by this novel, those new to him will definitely enjoy it, and those who are looking for a good book to read to a child will also be well served by this.
Raised *by* the dead? That doesn't sound right..., 20 Oct 2008
What one word best describes this tale of an infant whose whole family are murdered, and who toddles to the safety of a local graveyard, where he's raised and educated by the resident dead? That word, surprisingly, would be "charming".
And it is, in every sense of the word. It's eloquent without being condescending, comforting without being soft, sharp without being bitter, and it captivates your attention throughout its entirety, leaving you perfectly satisfied by the end.
The cast of characters are written to perfection. The dead maintain an eerie timelessness, whilst the other supernatural creatures are subtle yet distinct, ("Silas ate only one food, and it was not bananas"); the villains pull off the trick of being both evil *and* credible; the living have a refreshing mundane quality, and Bod the protagonist is left with the uneasy struggle of being neither fish nor fowl (nor dead).
A delight to read and a joy to think about.
A Genuine Legend.., 21 Nov 2008
Steven King's introduction identifies Matheson as a major influence and virtually credits him with re-inventing the modern horror genre. And rightly so.
I've only just read this (shame on me) and am amazed! It really is the granddaddy of the modern zombie genre. And of much vampire fiction too. Added to that it has several twists in the tail that are completely unexpected which put its imitators firmly in the shade (including the film).
An extraordinary achievement. A must read. It will surprise you.
Superb., 17 Sep 2008
Justifying killing - or trying to - is a more pointed argument when taken in the individual; governments cloud the simplicity with rhetoric, propoganda and patriotism; but, keep the numbers down and the subject is raw and demanding attention.
Matheson strips the numbers down to one in this book, and one has no problem in coming down on the side of Robert Neville - the book's lead, and almost only, character.
One feels his panic when he discovers his watch has stopped and cannot get back to his safe-house before sun-down; and when he smacks his car into a crowd of Vampires like a macarbre game of skittles, one feels his elation.
Matheson recruits the reader from the outset and the reader becomes an observer, living one dimension down from the physical earthbound, able to see and hear all he does - even hear his thoughts - yet is unable to intervene or advise, and that gives the work more power. It frustrates the reader; but Matheson, after sucking the reader in, turns the tables on Neville and strips him of all the moral altitude he has taken for himself, and plunges him into the role of bad guy, of the hated terrorist, and makes him an outsider, a pariah.
Matheson has no mercy for his protaganist.
I have read short stories of greater length than this novel, and the prose is thin, which is not to say it is bad, but it deals only with the here and now of the story; back-story and poetic flourishes in the prose are kept to a minimum as far as the former go, and are non-existent for the latter. It makes for a story where 99 per cent is action in the present tense, and the book could be read in one sitting, I think.
This is considered a classic of genre fiction, and rightly so.
A VERY QUICK READ!, 16 Sep 2008
I just couldn't put this down and it isn't typical of my preferred reading. I was completely drawn in as soon as I started it and my life went on hold until I finished it.
A very enthralling book
Classic., 13 Sep 2008
A highly readable classic. There is little I can add to what has been said previously. The most faithful adaption is Vincent Price's 'The Last Man on Earth'. Do yourself a favour and read this book, even if you have seen the recent film. Recommended!
5/5 Not my typical read, 18 Aug 2008
I read this short book after seeing all the reviews (thank you) and thought I must give it a go. I have tried lots of 'horror' novels over the years and they have never really engaged me. I read this over two evenings and found it totally absorbed me. The text races along wonderfully.
This is not my typical read - favourite books include: Papillon, Hamlet, Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, Grapes of Wrath and The Old Man and the Sea. I assume it is because having read them they stay with you and insist on being read again. Though my wife prefers to suggest I am simply a bit weird.
As for the new 'Mr Smith' film, which I enjoyed, they follow the same theme but to compare them would be like comparing a Mars Bar and a Snickers (I still prefer to call them Marathon).
Not sure how helpful my waffling will be but having been persuaded to read this after all the positive feedback I felt I should add something myself. I am sure this book will in time insist on being read again.
FABULOUS, 15 Oct 2008
I bought this book (for my daughter) on recommendation. I wasn't sure what to expect. I read it before I gave it to my child as I invariably do. I gave it to her with a smile and a wink and assured her she'd be scared (her idea of a good read! she's 9!) She marched downstairs the next day and declared she didn't know what I was talking about and it wasn't scary. The following morning (after having read a couple more chapters) she gave me the biggest smile and said "it's brilliant! I love it!" Apparently it had then become scary enough for her. :0)
That was 3 weeks ago - now most of her friends mothers have bought it for their children and even her teacher is reading it to the class.
It's just fabulous. I can't recommend this book enough. Buy it! Read it!
We've bought two more Gaiman books now and are eagerly awaiting the release of the film at the cinema next year. What a cracker!
Overrated, Pointless and Creepy, 08 Oct 2008
My class and I read Coraline at school over the period of a few weeks, and after hearing all the hype about Gaiman's works I must admit, I was disappointed with Coraline.
The book starts out alright, a young girl in a huge scary house, with a door that appears to be uninteresting, but as the book progresses the whole thing becomes fast-paced and pointless.
We, as the readers, are forced to endure pointless conversations and long and boring descriptions of every little thing that Coraline goes through. There were many times where I got incredibly bored reading it, something which I wasn't expecting at all.
There are parts that are bone-chillingly creepy though, but more creepy in a slightly disturbing way than in a scary way. The Other Mother was most definitely the creepiest thing in the book, with her paper white skin and large black button eyes.
Most of the characters in the book were either boring and undeveloped with no personality what-so-ever, or horrible, creepy and unlikeable. Coraline herself is possibly the most unlikeable person in the entire book, as she is completely unsocialable and comes across as a trouble-maker.
I'm 12 years old, and the book was too boring for me to enjoy , but would be much to creepy for a younger age.
All-in-all, this book is creepy, pointless and boring, with the exception of a few minor parts, which is why I gave it 2 stars.
Sophie (On my Mum's account)
Overrated, Pointless and Creepy, 08 Oct 2008
My class and I read Coraline at school over the period of a few weeks, and after hearing all the hype about Gaiman's works I must admit, I was disappointed with Coraline.
The book starts out alright, a young girl in a huge scary house, with a door that appears to be uninteresting, but as the book progresses the whole thing becomes fast-paced and pointless.
We, as the readers, are forced to endure pointless conversations and long and boring descriptions of every little thing that Coraline goes through. There were many times where I got incredibly bored reading it, something which I wasn't expecting at all.
There are parts that are bone-chillingly creepy though, but more creepy in a slightly disturbing way than in a scary way. The Other Mother was most definitely the creepiest thing in the book, with her paper white skin and large black button eyes.
Most of the characters in the book were either boring and undeveloped with no personality what-so-ever, or horrible, creepy and unlikeable. Coraline herself is possibly the most unlikeable person in the entire book, as she is completely unsocialable and comes across as a trouble-maker.
I'm 12 years old, and the book was boring for me to enjoy , but would be much to creepy for a younger age.
All-in-all, this book is creepy, pointless and boring, with the exception of a few minor parts, which is why I gave it 2 stars.
Sophie (On my Mum's Account)
Love dark fairy tales, 16 Sep 2008
I love dark fairy tales and Neil Gaiman doesn't disappoint. Simple yet meaningful, suitable for all to dive into as deep as you dare.
Courtesy of Teens Read Too, 12 Sep 2008
This version of CORALINE is a graphic novel adaptation of the novel penned by Neil Gaiman.
The story follows a common theme in his works of the naive, yet determined, everyman who stumbles into an alternate reality.
The protagonist in this story arises in the form of a young girl named Coraline.
I found the dialogue to be smartly written and the narrative engaging. The artwork, while typical comic fare, set the visual mood quite well.
I greatly enjoyed this story. I found the characters likeable and believable in the context of the story, which in and of itself seemed to me to be an odd metaphor for "growing up."
I cannot recommend this enough to fans of Neil Gaiman's work or to someone looking for something just a little bit different.
Reviewed by: Breia "The Brain" Brickey
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Mist, The
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Customer Reviews
not up to his usual standard..., 16 Nov 2008
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, but when i did... i wasn't satisfied.
This book isn't bad at all, and if you are a neil-fan, by all means read it. But, this book just wasn't as inventive, as surprising, touching or original.
the concept is great... the excecution.. not that great. There is nothing new, and i felt that i'd seen all the tricks before.
(Strangely, the book read as a script. i could just see the film sequences in my head.)
Also having read M is for Magic, i was already familiar with a great deal of the story. i almost skipped that part, but forced myself to read it again.
I sometimes thought: this is a real children's book, don't be so critical, but then characters such as victor hugo and the 66th president of U.S.A. are introduced, and i can't imagine kids being that familiar with french literature... It felt like Neil was sending me straight to wikipedia, to read up on some elemental history.
and the end... well... i suppose it was poignant, but i was not satisfied.
i remember being shattered coming to the end of neverwhere, wanting it to go on forever... i hardly dare pick up coraline again, because it disturbed and frightened me so.
The Graveyard book left me... unimpressed.
A children's classic in the making, 11 Nov 2008
Structured so that each chapter works as a short story in its own right while also contributing to the overriding story arc of the novel, this novel includes all the wit, subtlety and bittersweet touches that you expect from a Gaiman book. It begins with the murder of Bod's family and his 'escape' to a nearby graveyard, where he is adopted by the ghostly inhabitants and Silas, a vampire in all but name, agrees to serve as his guardian. Subsequent chapters pick out incidents in Bod's life - one for each year as he ages, including his friendship with a little girl called Scarlett, a centennial dance involving the living and the dead, Bod's accidental visit to the Land of the Ghouls and his encounter with the ghost of a young woman murdered for being a witch. Permeating it all is the threat from The Man Jack who murdered Bod's parents and who, together with The Jacks, is still searching for Bod.
Characterisation is great, particularly Silas and Miss Lupescu (an East European woman who looks after Bod when Silas is on his travels) who are superb and utterly credible. Bod himself is likeable, and the incidents that Gaiman highlights from his life are interesting and believable - the chapter where Bod tries to go to a school for living children is particularly moving.
I would have liked to have seen more of Silas and Miss Lupescu's adventures as the Hounds of God, which Gaiman gives tantalising details of without ever really expanding (what's there works, but I'd have liked more description). I also wasn't enamoured with the introduction of the prophecy element towards the end of the book - it came far too late and I really needed to see it developed more and earlier for it to work and I couldn't help but wish that The Jacks had some other motive for hunting down Bod instead.
That said, I really admire Gaiman for not going for the easy happy ending here. Without going into spoilers, it would have been very easy for him to give the readers what they want and expect and wrap up his novel in a neat little bow. Although he doesn't do this, the ending he does provide is satisfying and fits in well with the characters and hopefully, will set up the possibility of their returning in future novels.
Beyong the Grave..., 06 Nov 2008
Hate to be the one (slightly)dissenting voice here, but just finished The Graveyard Book, and thought I'd offer a differing opinion than those already below...
I don't think this piece of work is accomplished as some are claiming. For me, the opening was wondeful: atmospheric, an interesting tilt to the language, full of colour and excitement and oddness. But after that (and in particular, the middle section), the narrative fell away, exposing what is merely a collection of fantasy cliches (though well-embroidered with Gaiman's imagination), doled out in the form of short stories. This brings me to perhaps my biggest problem with the book - the structure did not serve the story well. As a kind of Bildungsroman, it should have given more of a sense of continuity; change; development. Breaking the narrative into fragments (seemingly without rhyme or reason) does not serve the story well enough as a coming-of-age piece, and the momentum was largely lost...abandoned when it was just gaining pace. As a result, each section resolved itself into a kind of "fable"; each chapter summed by the "lesson" learned in each.
The ending was a major disappointment though: a prophecy? Really? After Harry Potter et al, is this all Mr Gaiman could come up with? And a secret society of (effectively) murderers? His story-telling skills simply weren't up to the task of orchestrating a big ending; it felt shamelessly cinematic, and much too concerned with a contrived tying-up of loose ends. Though on the plus side, the denouement was suitable poignant...
On the whole, I wouldn't recommend NOT to buy this book. I'm just not convinced of its already-touted status as "an instant classic!".
A Ghoulish Delight for Both Adults and Kiddies, 25 Oct 2008
Gaiman is a master story-teller, there is no doubt about that, but it's very hard to think of him as a children's story-book writer (and yes I know he has written other children's books before, but they always seemed...not quite right). However, after reading through this novel of his one can clearly see that he has the skills necessary to delight and educate the young ones without dulling it down too much or losing the young ones on the way.
The story can be considered to be an homage to Kipling's "Jungle Book" with excellent references being made to Kipling's story that are easily recognizable. The hero of the tale, Nobody Owens, is endearing, while at the same time not a weak character. Except for the fact that he was raised by ghots of the graveyard, he is an entirely believable character, which makes the novel even more enjoyable.
Fans of Gaiman will not be disappointed by this novel, those new to him will definitely enjoy it, and those who are looking for a good book to read to a child will also be well served by this.
Raised *by* the dead? That doesn't sound right..., 20 Oct 2008
What one word best describes this tale of an infant whose whole family are murdered, and who toddles to the safety of a local graveyard, where he's raised and educated by the resident dead? That word, surprisingly, would be "charming".
And it is, in every sense of the word. It's eloquent without being condescending, comforting without being soft, sharp without being bitter, and it captivates your attention throughout its entirety, leaving you perfectly satisfied by the end.
The cast of characters are written to perfection. The dead maintain an eerie timelessness, whilst the other supernatural creatures are subtle yet distinct, ("Silas ate only one food, and it was not bananas"); the villains pull off the trick of being both evil *and* credible; the living have a refreshing mundane quality, and Bod the protagonist is left with the uneasy struggle of being neither fish nor fowl (nor dead).
A delight to read and a joy to think about.
A Genuine Legend.., 21 Nov 2008
Steven King's introduction identifies Matheson as a major influence and virtually credits him with re-inventing the modern horror genre. And rightly so.
I've only just read this (shame on me) and am amazed! It really is the granddaddy of the modern zombie genre. And of much vampire fiction too. Added to that it has several twists in the tail that are completely unexpected which put its imitators firmly in the shade (including the film).
An extraordinary achievement. A must read. It will surprise you.
Superb., 17 Sep 2008
Justifying killing - or trying to - is a more pointed argument when taken in the individual; governments cloud the simplicity with rhetoric, propoganda and patriotism; but, keep the numbers down and the subject is raw and demanding attention.
Matheson strips the numbers down to one in this book, and one has no problem in coming down on the side of Robert Neville - the book's lead, and almost only, character.
One feels his panic when he discovers his watch has stopped and cannot get back to his safe-house before sun-down; and when he smacks his car into a crowd of Vampires like a macarbre game of skittles, one feels his elation.
Matheson recruits the reader from the outset and the reader becomes an observer, living one dimension down from the physical earthbound, able to see and hear all he does - even hear his thoughts - yet is unable to intervene or advise, and that gives the work more power. It frustrates the reader; but Matheson, after sucking the reader in, turns the tables on Neville and strips him of all the moral altitude he has taken for himself, and plunges him into the role of bad guy, of the hated terrorist, and makes him an outsider, a pariah.
Matheson has no mercy for his protaganist.
I have read short stories of greater length than this novel, and the prose is thin, which is not to say it is bad, but it deals only with the here and now of the story; back-story and poetic flourishes in the prose are kept to a minimum as far as the former go, and are non-existent for the latter. It makes for a story where 99 per cent is action in the present tense, and the book could be read in one sitting, I think.
This is considered a classic of genre fiction, and rightly so.
A VERY QUICK READ!, 16 Sep 2008
I just couldn't put this down and it isn't typical of my preferred reading. I was completely drawn in as soon as I started it and my life went on hold until I finished it.
A very enthralling book
Classic., 13 Sep 2008
A highly readable classic. There is little I can add to what has been said previously. The most faithful adaption is Vincent Price's 'The Last Man on Earth'. Do yourself a favour and read this book, even if you have seen the recent film. Recommended!
5/5 Not my typical read, 18 Aug 2008
I read this short book after seeing all the reviews (thank you) and thought I must give it a go. I have tried lots of 'horror' novels over the years and they have never really engaged me. I read this over two evenings and found it totally absorbed me. The text races along wonderfully.
This is not my typical read - favourite books include: Papillon, Hamlet, Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, Grapes of Wrath and The Old Man and the Sea. I assume it is because having read them they stay with you and insist on being read again. Though my wife prefers to suggest I am simply a bit weird.
As for the new 'Mr Smith' film, which I enjoyed, they follow the same theme but to compare them would be like comparing a Mars Bar and a Snickers (I still prefer to call them Marathon).
Not sure how helpful my waffling will be but having been persuaded to read this after all the positive feedback I felt I should add something myself. I am sure this book will in time insist on being read again.
FABULOUS, 15 Oct 2008
I bought this book (for my daughter) on recommendation. I wasn't sure what to expect. I read it before I gave it to my child as I invariably do. I gave it to her with a smile and a wink and assured her she'd be scared (her idea of a good read! she's 9!) She marched downstairs the next day and declared she didn't know what I was talking about and it wasn't scary. The following morning (after having read a couple more chapters) she gave me the biggest smile and said "it's brilliant! I love it!" Apparently it had then become scary enough for her. :0)
That was 3 weeks ago - now most of her friends mothers have bought it for their children and even her teacher is reading it to the class.
It's just fabulous. I can't recommend this book enough. Buy it! Read it!
We've bought two more Gaiman books now and are eagerly awaiting the release of the film at the cinema next year. What a cracker!
Overrated, Pointless and Creepy, 08 Oct 2008
My class and I read Coraline at school over the period of a few weeks, and after hearing all the hype about Gaiman's works I must admit, I was disappointed with Coraline.
The book starts out alright, a young girl in a huge scary house, with a door that appears to be uninteresting, but as the book progresses the whole thing becomes fast-paced and pointless.
We, as the readers, are forced to endure pointless conversations and long and boring descriptions of every little thing that Coraline goes through. There were many times where I got incredibly bored reading it, something which I wasn't expecting at all.
There are parts that are bone-chillingly creepy though, but more creepy in a slightly disturbing way than in a scary way. The Other Mother was most definitely the creepiest thing in the book, with her paper white skin and large black button eyes.
Most of the characters in the book were either boring and undeveloped with no personality what-so-ever, or horrible, creepy and unlikeable. Coraline herself is possibly the most unlikeable person in the entire book, as she is completely unsocialable and comes across as a trouble-maker.
I'm 12 years old, and the book was too boring for me to enjoy , but would be much to creepy for a younger age.
All-in-all, this book is creepy, pointless and boring, with the exception of a few minor parts, which is why I gave it 2 stars.
Sophie (On my Mum's account)
Overrated, Pointless and Creepy, 08 Oct 2008
My class and I read Coraline at school over the period of a few weeks, and after hearing all the hype about Gaiman's works I must admit, I was disappointed with Coraline.
The book starts out alright, a young girl in a huge scary house, with a door that appears to be uninteresting, but as the book progresses the whole thing becomes fast-paced and pointless.
We, as the readers, are forced to endure pointless conversations and long and boring descriptions of every little thing that Coraline goes through. There were many times where I got incredibly bored reading it, something which I wasn't expecting at all.
There are parts that are bone-chillingly creepy though, but more creepy in a slightly disturbing way than in a scary way. The Other Mother was most definitely the creepiest thing in the book, with her paper white skin and large black button eyes.
Most of the characters in the book were either boring and undeveloped with no personality what-so-ever, or horrible, creepy and unlikeable. Coraline herself is possibly the most unlikeable person in the entire book, as she is completely unsocialable and comes across as a trouble-maker.
I'm 12 years old, and the book was boring for me to enjoy , but would be much to creepy for a younger age.
All-in-all, this book is creepy, pointless and boring, with the exception of a few minor parts, which is why I gave it 2 stars.
Sophie (On my Mum's Account)
Love dark fairy tales, 16 Sep 2008
I love dark fairy tales and Neil Gaiman doesn't disappoint. Simple yet meaningful, suitable for all to dive into as deep as you dare.
Courtesy of Teens Read Too, 12 Sep 2008
This version of CORALINE is a graphic novel adaptation of the novel penned by Neil Gaiman.
The story follows a common theme in his works of the naive, yet determined, everyman who stumbles into an alternate reality.
The protagonist in this story arises in the form of a young girl named Coraline.
I found the dialogue to be smartly written and the narrative engaging. The artwork, while typical comic fare, set the visual mood quite well.
I greatly enjoyed this story. I found the characters likeable and believable in the context of the story, which in and of itself seemed to me to be an odd metaphor for "growing up."
I cannot recommend this enough to fans of Neil Gaiman's work or to someone looking for something just a little bit different.
Reviewed by: Breia "The Brain" Brickey
The Mist in "great Stephen King movie" shock!, 07 Oct 2008
Firstly, shop around and get the "Skeleton Crew" anthology instead, where you'll get several other King short stories as well as this novella - much better value, so a star off for that.
Great King story, classic set-up and scares, and some nice observations about the siege mentality of humankind. Possibly even a link to the "Dark Tower" series - has the Arrowhead Project ripped a hole between dimensions and created a "thinny"?
A second star off for the ending, which just tails off into nothing. Be warned if you plan on watching the movie version (which is fantastic - it's by Frank Darabont, so of course it is!): the ending is radically different and far superior. In fact, it is stunning in its audacity. Kudos to Darabont for refusing studio pressure to change it, and to King for agreeing to the change to his story. Be warned - it is bleak.
Very Readable Horror-Now a Movie., 05 Sep 2008
I read this on a long train ride and it certainly helped to pass the time. People under pressure in a base under seige is always a good bet for an absorbing drama. This 'novella' also shows how people react; bringing out the best and worst in them. Mrs Carmody is a particularly monstrous creation, rivalling anything outside the supermarket. Not sure about the ending though, but you will have to read this to make your own mind up. There is a motion picture of this book now, which I am looking forward to seeing (apparently with a different ending.) A recommended read.
The Mist, 27 Jun 2008
I really enjoyed the book with the people being traped in the Supermarket. I am going to order the movie at Christmas time. It's a bit like the movie Terror in the Mall only instead of water trapping them it is the Mist. The old woman in the book seemed crazy going on about death and saying it's death out there. If the book was excellent I can't wait to see the film when I get it.
I give this book 5 stars!
Good story - Buy Skeleton Crew., 08 Jun 2008
Just a short note to say this story is available in the book 'Skeleton Crew', which is much better value for money. Stephen King is a master of the horror novel, but a lot of his short story collections are highly underrated.
brilliant, 24 Apr 2008
one of my favourite books ever. dead short, but brilliant. if you can get it cheap, it's well worth a read... 5 stars
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Customer Reviews
not up to his usual standard..., 16 Nov 2008
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, but when i did... i wasn't satisfied.
This book isn't bad at all, and if you are a neil-fan, by all means read it. But, this book just wasn't as inventive, as surprising, touching or original.
the concept is great... the excecution.. not that great. There is nothing new, and i felt that i'd seen all the tricks before.
(Strangely, the book read as a script. i could just see the film sequences in my head.)
Also having read M is for Magic, i was already familiar with a great deal of the story. i almost skipped that part, but forced myself to read it again.
I sometimes thought: this is a real children's book, don't be so critical, but then characters such as victor hugo and the 66th president of U.S.A. are introduced, and i can't imagine kids being that familiar with french literature... It felt like Neil was sending me straight to wikipedia, to read up on some elemental history.
and the end... well... i suppose it was poignant, but i was not satisfied.
i remember being shattered coming to the end of neverwhere, wanting it to go on forever... i hardly dare pick up coraline again, because it disturbed and frightened me so.
The Graveyard book left me... unimpressed.
A children's classic in the making, 11 Nov 2008
Structured so that each chapter works as a short story in its own right while also contributing to the overriding story arc of the novel, this novel includes all the wit, subtlety and bittersweet touches that you expect from a Gaiman book. It begins with the murder of Bod's family and his 'escape' to a nearby graveyard, where he is adopted by the ghostly inhabitants and Silas, a vampire in all but name, agrees to serve as his guardian. Subsequent chapters pick out incidents in Bod's life - one for each year as he ages, including his friendship with a little girl called Scarlett, a centennial dance involving the living and the dead, Bod's accidental visit to the Land of the Ghouls and his encounter with the ghost of a young woman murdered for being a witch. Permeating it all is the threat from The Man Jack who murdered Bod's parents and who, together with The Jacks, is still searching for Bod.
Characterisation is great, particularly Silas and Miss Lupescu (an East European woman who looks after Bod when Silas is on his travels) who are superb and utterly credible. Bod himself is likeable, and the incidents that Gaiman highlights from his life are interesting and believable - the chapter where Bod tries to go to a school for living children is particularly moving.
I would have liked to have seen more of Silas and Miss Lupescu's adventures as the Hounds of God, which Gaiman gives tantalising details of without ever really expanding (what's there works, but I'd have liked more description). I also wasn't enamoured with the introduction of the prophecy element towards the end of the book - it came far too late and I really needed to see it developed more and earlier for it to work and I couldn't help but wish that The Jacks had some other motive for hunting down Bod instead.
That said, I really admire Gaiman for not going for the easy happy ending here. Without going into spoilers, it would have been very easy for him to give the readers what they want and expect and wrap up his novel in a neat little bow. Although he doesn't do this, the ending he does provide is satisfying and fits in well with the characters and hopefully, will set up the possibility of their returning in future novels.
Beyong the Grave..., 06 Nov 2008
Hate to be the one (slightly)dissenting voice here, but just finished The Graveyard Book, and thought I'd offer a differing opinion than those already below...
I don't think this piece of work is accomplished as some are claiming. For me, the opening was wondeful: atmospheric, an interesting tilt to the language, full of colour and excitement and oddness. But after that (and in particular, the middle section), the narrative fell away, exposing what is merely a collection of fantasy cliches (though well-embroidered with Gaiman's imagination), doled out in the form of short stories. This brings me to perhaps my biggest problem with the book - the structure did not serve the story well. As a kind of Bildungsroman, it should have given more of a sense of continuity; change; development. Breaking the narrative into fragments (seemingly without rhyme or reason) does not serve the story well enough as a coming-of-age piece, and the momentum was largely lost...abandoned when it was just gaining pace. As a result, each section resolved itself into a kind of "fable"; each chapter summed by the "lesson" learned in each.
The ending was a major disappointment though: a prophecy? Really? After Harry Potter et al, is this all Mr Gaiman could come up with? And a secret society of (effectively) murderers? His story-telling skills simply weren't up to the task of orchestrating a big ending; it felt shamelessly cinematic, and much too concerned with a contrived tying-up of loose ends. Though on the plus side, the denouement was suitable poignant...
On the whole, I wouldn't recommend NOT to buy this book. I'm just not convinced of its already-touted status as "an instant classic!".
A Ghoulish Delight for Both Adults and Kiddies, 25 Oct 2008
Gaiman is a master story-teller, there is no doubt about that, but it's very hard to think of him as a children's story-book writer (and yes I know he has written other children's books before, but they always seemed...not quite right). However, after reading through this novel of his one can clearly see that he has the skills necessary to delight and educate the young ones without dulling it down too much or losing the young ones on the way.
The story can be considered to be an homage to Kipling's "Jungle Book" with excellent references being made to Kipling's story that are easily recognizable. The hero of the tale, Nobody Owens, is endearing, while at the same time not a weak character. Except for the fact that he was raised by ghots of the graveyard, he is an entirely believable character, which makes the novel even more enjoyable.
Fans of Gaiman will not be disappointed by this novel, those new to him will definitely enjoy it, and those who are looking for a good book to read to a child will also be well served by this.
Raised *by* the dead? That doesn't sound right..., 20 Oct 2008
What one word best describes this tale of an infant whose whole family are murdered, and who toddles to the safety of a local graveyard, where he's raised and educated by the resident dead? That word, surprisingly, would be "charming".
And it is, in every sense of the word. It's eloquent without being condescending, comforting without being soft, sharp without being bitter, and it captivates your attention throughout its entirety, leaving you perfectly satisfied by the end.
The cast of characters are written to perfection. The dead maintain an eerie timelessness, whilst the other supernatural creatures are subtle yet distinct, ("Silas ate only one food, and it was not bananas"); the villains pull off the trick of being both evil *and* credible; the living have a refreshing mundane quality, and Bod the protagonist is left with the uneasy struggle of being neither fish nor fowl (nor dead).
A delight to read and a joy to think about.
A Genuine Legend.., 21 Nov 2008
Steven King's introduction identifies Matheson as a major influence and virtually credits him with re-inventing the modern horror genre. And rightly so.
I've only just read this (shame on me) and am amazed! It really is the granddaddy of the modern zombie genre. And of much vampire fiction too. Added to that it has several twists in the tail that are completely unexpected which put its imitators firmly in the shade (including the film).
An extraordinary achievement. A must read. It will surprise you.
Superb., 17 Sep 2008
Justifying killing - or trying to - is a more pointed argument when taken in the individual; governments cloud the simplicity with rhetoric, propoganda and patriotism; but, keep the numbers down and the subject is raw and demanding attention.
Matheson strips the numbers down to one in this book, and one has no problem in coming down on the side of Robert Neville - the book's lead, and almost only, character.
One feels his panic when he discovers his watch has stopped and cannot get back to his safe-house before sun-down; and when he smacks his car into a crowd of Vampires like a macarbre game of skittles, one feels his elation.
Matheson recruits the reader from the outset and the reader becomes an observer, living one dimension down from the physical earthbound, able to see and hear all he does - even hear his thoughts - yet is unable to intervene or advise, and that gives the work more power. It frustrates the reader; but Matheson, after sucking the reader in, turns the tables on Neville and strips him of all the moral altitude he has taken for himself, and plunges him into the role of bad guy, of the hated terrorist, and makes him an outsider, a pariah.
Matheson has no mercy for his protaganist.
I have read short stories of greater length than this novel, and the prose is thin, which is not to say it is bad, but it deals only with the here and now of the story; back-story and poetic flourishes in the prose are kept to a minimum as far as the former go, and are non-existent for the latter. It makes for a story where 99 per cent is action in the present tense, and the book could be read in one sitting, I think.
This is considered a classic of genre fiction, and rightly so.
A VERY QUICK READ!, 16 Sep 2008
I just couldn't put this down and it isn't typical of my preferred reading. I was completely drawn in as soon as I started it and my life went on hold until I finished it.
A very enthralling book
Classic., 13 Sep 2008
A highly readable classic. There is little I can add to what has been said previously. The most faithful adaption is Vincent Price's 'The Last Man on Earth'. Do yourself a favour and read this book, even if you have seen the recent film. Recommended!
5/5 Not my typical read, 18 Aug 2008
I read this short book after seeing all the reviews (thank you) and thought I must give it a go. I have tried lots of 'horror' novels over the years and they have never really engaged me. I read this over two evenings and found it totally absorbed me. The text races along wonderfully.
This is not my typical read - favourite books include: Papillon, Hamlet, Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, Grapes of Wrath and The Old Man and the Sea. I assume it is because having read them they stay with you and insist on being read again. Though my wife prefers to suggest I am simply a bit weird.
As for the new 'Mr Smith' film, which I enjoyed, they follow the same theme but to compare them would be like comparing a Mars Bar and a Snickers (I still prefer to call them Marathon).
Not sure how helpful my waffling will be but having been persuaded to read this after all the positive feedback I felt I should add something myself. I am sure this book will in time insist on being read again.
FABULOUS, 15 Oct 2008
I bought this book (for my daughter) on recommendation. I wasn't sure what to expect. I read it before I gave it to my child as I invariably do. I gave it to her with a smile and a wink and assured her she'd be scared (her idea of a good read! she's 9!) She marched downstairs the next day and declared she didn't know what I was talking about and it wasn't scary. The following morning (after having read a couple more chapters) she gave me the biggest smile and said "it's brilliant! I love it!" Apparently it had then become scary enough for her. :0)
That was 3 weeks ago - now most of her friends mothers have bought it for their children and even her teacher is reading it to the class.
It's just fabulous. I can't recommend this book enough. Buy it! Read it!
We've bought two more Gaiman books now and are eagerly awaiting the release of the film at the cinema next year. What a cracker!
Overrated, Pointless and Creepy, 08 Oct 2008
My class and I read Coraline at school over the period of a few weeks, and after hearing all the hype about Gaiman's works I must admit, I was disappointed with Coraline.
The book starts out alright, a young girl in a huge scary house, with a door that appears to be uninteresting, but as the book progresses the whole thing becomes fast-paced and pointless.
We, as the readers, are forced to endure pointless conversations and long and boring descriptions of every little thing that Coraline goes through. There were many times where I got incredibly bored reading it, something which I wasn't expecting at all.
There are parts that are bone-chillingly creepy though, but more creepy in a slightly disturbing way than in a scary way. The Other Mother was most definitely the creepiest thing in the book, with her paper white skin and large black button eyes.
Most of the characters in the book were either boring and undeveloped with no personality what-so-ever, or horrible, creepy and unlikeable. Coraline herself is possibly the most unlikeable person in the entire book, as she is completely unsocialable and comes across as a trouble-maker.
I'm 12 years old, and the book was too boring for me to enjoy , but would be much to creepy for a younger age.
All-in-all, this book is creepy, pointless and boring, with the exception of a few minor parts, which is why I gave it 2 stars.
Sophie (On my Mum's account)
Overrated, Pointless and Creepy, 08 Oct 2008
My class and I read Coraline at school over the period of a few weeks, and after hearing all the hype about Gaiman's works I must admit, I was disappointed with Coraline.
The book starts out alright, a young girl in a huge scary house, with a door that appears to be uninteresting, but as the book progresses the whole thing becomes fast-paced and pointless.
We, as the readers, are forced to endure pointless conversations and long and boring descriptions of every little thing that Coraline goes through. There were many times where I got incredibly bored reading it, something which I wasn't expecting at all.
There are parts that are bone-chillingly creepy though, but more creepy in a slightly disturbing way than in a scary way. The Other Mother was most definitely the creepiest thing in the book, with her paper white skin and large black button eyes.
Most of the characters in the book were either boring and undeveloped with no personality what-so-ever, or horrible, creepy and unlikeable. Coraline herself is possibly the most unlikeable person in the entire book, as she is completely unsocialable and comes across as a trouble-maker.
I'm 12 years old, and the book was boring for me to enjoy , but would be much to creepy for a younger age.
All-in-all, this book is creepy, pointless and boring, with the exception of a few minor parts, which is why I gave it 2 stars.
Sophie (On my Mum's Account)
Love dark fairy tales, 16 Sep 2008
I love dark fairy tales and Neil Gaiman doesn't disappoint. Simple yet meaningful, suitable for all to dive into as deep as you dare.
Courtesy of Teens Read Too, 12 Sep 2008
This version of CORALINE is a graphic novel adaptation of the novel penned by Neil Gaiman.
The story follows a common theme in his works of the naive, yet determined, everyman who stumbles into an alternate reality.
The protagonist in this story arises in the form of a young girl named Coraline.
I found the dialogue to be smartly written and the narrative engaging. The artwork, while typical comic fare, set the visual mood quite well.
I greatly enjoyed this story. I found the characters likeable and believable in the context of the story, which in and of itself seemed to me to be an odd metaphor for "growing up."
I cannot recommend this enough to fans of Neil Gaiman's work or to someone looking for something just a little bit different.
Reviewed by: Breia "The Brain" Brickey
The Mist in "great Stephen King movie" shock!, 07 Oct 2008
Firstly, shop around and get the "Skeleton Crew" anthology instead, where you'll get several other King short stories as well as this novella - much better value, so a star off for that.
Great King story, classic set-up and scares, and some nice observations about the siege mentality of humankind. Possibly even a link to the "Dark Tower" series - has the Arrowhead Project ripped a hole between dimensions and created a "thinny"?
A second star off for the ending, which just tails off into nothing. Be warned if you plan on watching the movie version (which is fantastic - it's by Frank Darabont, so of course it is!): the ending is radically different and far superior. In fact, it is stunning in its audacity. Kudos to Darabont for refusing studio pressure to change it, and to King for agreeing to the change to his story. Be warned - it is bleak.
Very Readable Horror-Now a Movie., 05 Sep 2008
I read this on a long train ride and it certainly helped to pass the time. People under pressure in a base under seige is always a good bet for an absorbing drama. This 'novella' also shows how people react; bringing out the best and worst in them. Mrs Carmody is a particularly monstrous creation, rivalling anything outside the supermarket. Not sure about the ending though, but you will have to read this to make your own mind up. There is a motion picture of this book now, which I am looking forward to seeing (apparently with a different ending.) A recommended read.
The Mist, 27 Jun 2008
I really enjoyed the book with the people being traped in the Supermarket. I am going to order the movie at Christmas time. It's a bit like the movie Terror in the Mall only instead of water trapping them it is the Mist. The old woman in the book seemed crazy going on about death and saying it's death out there. If the book was excellent I can't wait to see the film when I get it.
I give this book 5 stars!
Good story - Buy Skeleton Crew., 08 Jun 2008
Just a short note to say this story is available in the book 'Skeleton Crew', which is much better value for money. Stephen King is a master of the horror novel, but a lot of his short story collections are highly underrated.
brilliant, 24 Apr 2008
one of my favourite books ever. dead short, but brilliant. if you can get it cheap, it's well worth a read... 5 stars
got it, 20 Nov 2008
just got it will start reading soon :)
i got into a few lines and its quite addictive, niceee :D
Pretty good, 28 Sep 2008
I bought this recently, having never read (but often heard about) Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos.
I'm only about a third of the way through, but it seems pretty good (although the author does seem to have swallowed a thesaurus - and a particularly gibbous and over-nourished one at that, most likely recovered from some Stygian Pit that the mortal mind was not meant to know of). Plus, he does have some rather - ahem - "old fashioned" attitudes to race and class that can seem rather jarring to a modern reader.
This particular edition also does, unfortunately, have a number of typos in the text, some of which ("Necroriomicon", "clay" instead of "day", and "Gthulhu") suggest to me that the publishers had the original text scanned and digitised, but imperfectly. (I'm keeping a note of them as I find them, and will inform the publishers when I've finished the book).
Still, all said, I don't regret getting the book, and if you don't mind those faults, I'd certainly recommend this to anyone interested in the genera.
Just as I remembered!!, 14 Sep 2008
Excellent, worth the wait!! I remember reading this as a child, it's just as good as I remembered. Real Classic stuff!!
I recommend it to anyone looking for some good old creepy stories.
JOIN THE DARKSIDE!!!!, 19 Jul 2008
What can i say that already hasn't been said.
This is truly awesome, a complete collection of lovecraft in a well bound casebound book with faux Leather cover, in black.
All your favorites are there. If you're a real lovecraft fan this is deffinately for you.
And for a very reasanoble price.
100% recommended, buy now & join us on a truly Dark venture into the world of the one & the only H.P.lovecraft
Beautifully produced edition, but -2 stars for horrible tacky price sticker on the back, 28 Jun 2008
Finally a beautifully produced and complete edition of H.P. Lovecraft's works, but whoever at Gollancz/Orion decided to spoil each book with a tacky price sticker - not even put on straight - that leaves a sticky residue when removed (and believe me, it's tenacious) should be punished by the elder gods, or at least someone senior at the publishers.
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Customer Reviews
not up to his usual standard..., 16 Nov 2008
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, but when i did... i wasn't satisfied.
This book isn't bad at all, and if you are a neil-fan, by all means read it. But, this book just wasn't as inventive, as surprising, touching or original.
the concept is great... the excecution.. not that great. There is nothing new, and i felt that i'd seen all the tricks before.
(Strangely, the book read as a script. i could just see the film sequences in my head.)
Also having read M is for Magic, i was already familiar with a great deal of the story. i almost skipped that part, but forced myself to read it again.
I sometimes thought: this is a real children's book, don't be so critical, but then characters such as victor hugo and the 66th president of U.S.A. are introduced, and i can't imagine kids being that familiar with french literature... It felt like Neil was sending me straight to wikipedia, to read up on some elemental history.
and the end... well... i suppose it was poignant, but i was not satisfied.
i remember being shattered coming to the end of neverwhere, wanting it to go on forever... i hardly dare pick up coraline again, because it disturbed and frightened me so.
The Graveyard book left me... unimpressed.
A children's classic in the making, 11 Nov 2008
Structured so that each chapter works as a short story in its own right while also contributing to the overriding story arc of the novel, this novel includes all the wit, subtlety and bittersweet touches that you expect from a Gaiman book. It begins with the murder of Bod's family and his 'escape' to a nearby graveyard, where he is adopted by the ghostly inhabitants and Silas, a vampire in all but name, agrees to serve as his guardian. Subsequent chapters pick out incidents in Bod's life - one for each year as he ages, including his friendship with a little girl called Scarlett, a centennial dance involving the living and the dead, Bod's accidental visit to the Land of the Ghouls and his encounter with the ghost of a young woman murdered for being a witch. Permeating it all is the threat from The Man Jack who murdered Bod's parents and who, together with The Jacks, is still searching for Bod.
Characterisation is great, particularly Silas and Miss Lupescu (an East European woman who looks after Bod when Silas is on his travels) who are superb and utterly credible. Bod himself is likeable, and the incidents that Gaiman highlights from his life are interesting and believable - the chapter where Bod tries to go to a school for living children is particularly moving.
I would have liked to have seen more of Silas and Miss Lupescu's adventures as the Hounds of God, which Gaiman gives tantalising details of without ever really expanding (what's there works, but I'd have liked more description). I also wasn't enamoured with the introduction of the prophecy element towards the end of the book - it came far too late and I really needed to see it developed more and earlier for it to work and I couldn't help but wish that The Jacks had some other motive for hunting down Bod instead.
That said, I really admire Gaiman for not going for the easy happy ending here. Without going into spoilers, it would have been very easy for him to give the readers what they want and expect and wrap up his novel in a neat little bow. Although he doesn't do this, the ending he does provide is satisfying and fits in well with the characters and hopefully, will set up the possibility of their returning in future novels.
Beyong the Grave..., 06 Nov 2008
Hate to be the one (slightly)dissenting voice here, but just finished The Graveyard Book, and thought I'd offer a differing opinion than those already below...
I don't think this piece of work is accomplished as some are claiming. For me, the opening was wondeful: atmospheric, an interesting tilt to the language, full of colour and excitement and oddness. But after that (and in particular, the middle section), the narrative fell away, exposing what is merely a collection of fantasy cliches (though well-embroidered with Gaiman's imagination), doled out in the form of short stories. This brings me to perhaps my biggest problem with the book - the structure did not serve the story well. As a kind of Bildungsroman, it should have given more of a sense of continuity; change; development. Breaking the narrative into fragments (seemingly without rhyme or reason) does not serve the story well enough as a coming-of-age piece, and the momentum was largely lost...abandoned when it was just gaining pace. As a result, each section resolved itself into a kind of "fable"; each chapter summed by the "lesson" learned in each.
The ending was a major disappointment though: a prophecy? Really? After Harry Potter et al, is this all Mr Gaiman could come up with? And a secret society of (effectively) murderers? His story-telling skills simply weren't up to the task of orchestrating a big ending; it felt shamelessly cinematic, and much too concerned with a contrived tying-up of loose ends. Though on the plus side, the denouement was suitable poignant...
On the whole, I wouldn't recommend NOT to buy this book. I'm just not convinced of its already-touted status as "an instant classic!".
A Ghoulish Delight for Both Adults and Kiddies, 25 Oct 2008
Gaiman is a master story-teller, there is no doubt about that, but it's very hard to think of him as a children's story-book writer (and yes I know he has written other children's books before, but they always seemed...not quite right). However, after reading through this novel of his one can clearly see that he has the skills necessary to delight and educate the young ones without dulling it down too much or losing the young ones on the way.
The story can be considered to be an homage to Kipling's "Jungle Book" with excellent references being made to Kipling's story that are easily recognizable. The hero of the tale, Nobody Owens, is endearing, while at the same time not a weak character. Except for the fact that he was raised by ghots of the graveyard, he is an entirely believable character, which makes the novel even more enjoyable.
Fans of Gaiman will not be disappointed by this novel, those new to him will definitely enjoy it, and those who are looking for a good book to read to a child will also be well served by this.
Raised *by* the dead? That doesn't sound right..., 20 Oct 2008
What one word best describes this tale of an infant whose whole family are murdered, and who toddles to the safety of a local graveyard, where he's raised and educated by the resident dead? That word, surprisingly, would be "charming".
And it is, in every sense of the word. It's eloquent without being condescending, comforting without being soft, sharp without being bitter, and it captivates your attention throughout its entirety, leaving you perfectly satisfied by the end.
The cast of characters are written to perfection. The dead maintain an eerie timelessness, whilst the other supernatural creatures are subtle yet distinct, ("Silas ate only one food, and it was not bananas"); the villains pull off the trick of being both evil *and* credible; the living have a refreshing mundane quality, and Bod the protagonist is left with the uneasy struggle of being neither fish nor fowl (nor dead).
A delight to read and a joy to think about.
A Genuine Legend.., 21 Nov 2008
Steven King's introduction identifies Matheson as a major influence and virtually credits him with re-inventing the modern horror genre. And rightly so.
I've only just read this (shame on me) and am amazed! It really is the granddaddy of the modern zombie genre. And of much vampire fiction too. Added to that it has several twists in the tail that are completely unexpected which put its imitators firmly in the shade (including the film).
An extraordinary achievement. A must read. It will surprise you.
Superb., 17 Sep 2008
Justifying killing - or trying to - is a more pointed argument when taken in the individual; governments cloud the simplicity with rhetoric, propoganda and patriotism; but, keep the numbers down and the subject is raw and demanding attention.
Matheson strips the numbers down to one in this book, and one has no problem in coming down on the side of Robert Neville - the book's lead, and almost only, character.
One feels his panic when he discovers his watch has stopped and cannot get back to his safe-house before sun-down; and when he smacks his car into a crowd of Vampires like a macarbre game of skittles, one feels his elation.
Matheson recruits the reader from the outset and the reader becomes an observer, living one dimension down from the physical earthbound, able to see and hear all he does - even hear his thoughts - yet is unable to intervene or advise, and that gives the work more power. It frustrates the reader; but Matheson, after sucking the reader in, turns the tables on Neville and strips him of all the moral altitude he has taken for himself, and plunges him into the role of bad guy, of the hated terrorist, and makes him an outsider, a pariah.
Matheson has no mercy for his protaganist.
I have read short stories of greater length than this novel, and the prose is thin, which is not to say it is bad, but it deals only with the here and now of the story; back-story and poetic flourishes in the prose are kept to a minimum as far as the former go, and are non-existent for the latter. It makes for a story where 99 per cent is action in the present tense, and the book could be read in one sitting, I think.
This is considered a classic of genre fiction, and rightly so.
A VERY QUICK READ!, 16 Sep 2008
I just couldn't put this down and it isn't typical of my preferred reading. I was completely drawn in as soon as I started it and my life went on hold until I finished it.
A very enthralling book
Classic., 13 Sep 2008
A highly readable classic. There is little I can add to what has been said previously. The most faithful adaption is Vincent Price's 'The Last Man on Earth'. Do yourself a favour and read this book, even if you have seen the recent film. Recommended!
5/5 Not my typical read, 18 Aug 2008
I read this short book after seeing all the reviews (thank you) and thought I must give it a go. I have tried lots of 'horror' novels over the years and they have never really engaged me. I read this over two evenings and found it totally absorbed me. The text races along wonderfully.
This is not my typical read - favourite books include: Papillon, Hamlet, Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, Grapes of Wrath and The Old Man and the Sea. I assume it is because having read them they stay with you and insist on being read again. Though my wife prefers to suggest I am simply a bit weird.
As for the new 'Mr Smith' film, which I enjoyed, they follow the same theme but to compare them would be like comparing a Mars Bar and a Snickers (I still prefer to call them Marathon).
Not sure how helpful my waffling will be but having been persuaded to read this after all the positive feedback I felt I should add something myself. I am sure this book will in time insist on being read again.
FABULOUS, 15 Oct 2008
I bought this book (for my daughter) on recommendation. I wasn't sure what to expect. I read it before I gave it to my child as I invariably do. I gave it to her with a smile and a wink and assured her she'd be scared (her idea of a good read! she's 9!) She marched downstairs the next day and declared she didn't know what I was talking about and it wasn't scary. The following morning (after having read a couple more chapters) she gave me the biggest smile and said "it's brilliant! I love it!" Apparently it had then become scary enough for her. :0)
That was 3 weeks ago - now most of her friends mothers have bought it for their children and even her teacher is reading it to the class.
It's just fabulous. I can't recommend this book enough. Buy it! Read it!
We've bought two more Gaiman books now and are eagerly awaiting the release of the film at the cinema next year. What a cracker!
Overrated, Pointless and Creepy, 08 Oct 2008
My class and I read Coraline at school over the period of a few weeks, and after hearing all the hype about Gaiman's works I must admit, I was disappointed with Coraline.
The book starts out alright, a young girl in a huge scary house, with a door that appears to be uninteresting, but as the book progresses the whole thing becomes fast-paced and pointless.
We, as the readers, are forced to endure pointless conversations and long and boring descriptions of every little thing that Coraline goes through. There were many times where I got incredibly bored reading it, something which I wasn't expecting at all.
There are parts that are bone-chillingly creepy though, but more creepy in a slightly disturbing way than in a scary way. The Other Mother was most definitely the creepiest thing in the book, with her paper white skin and large black button eyes.
Most of the characters in the book were either boring and undeveloped with no personality what-so-ever, or horrible, creepy and unlikeable. Coraline herself is possibly the most unlikeable person in the entire book, as she is completely unsocialable and comes across as a trouble-maker.
I'm 12 years old, and the book was too boring for me to enjoy , but would be much to creepy for a younger age.
All-in-all, this book is creepy, pointless and boring, with the exception of a few minor parts, which is why I gave it 2 stars.
Sophie (On my Mum's account)
Overrated, Pointless and Creepy, 08 Oct 2008
My class and I read Coraline at school over the period of a few weeks, and after hearing all the hype about Gaiman's works I must admit, I was disappointed with Coraline.
The book starts out alright, a young girl in a huge scary house, with a door that appears to be uninteresting, but as the book progresses the whole thing becomes fast-paced and pointless.
We, as the readers, are forced to endure pointless conversations and long and boring descriptions of every little thing that Coraline goes through. There were many times where I got incredibly bored reading it, something which I wasn't expecting at all.
There are parts that are bone-chillingly creepy though, but more creepy in a slightly disturbing way than in a scary way. The Other Mother was most definitely the creepiest thing in the book, with her paper white skin and large black button eyes.
Most of the characters in the book were either boring and undeveloped with no personality what-so-ever, or horrible, creepy and unlikeable. Coraline herself is possibly the most unlikeable person in the entire book, as she is completely unsocialable and comes across as a trouble-maker.
I'm 12 years old, and the book was boring for me to enjoy , but would be much to creepy for a younger age.
All-in-all, this book is creepy, pointless and boring, with the exception of a few minor parts, which is why I gave it 2 stars.
Sophie (On my Mum's Account)
Love dark fairy tales, 16 Sep 2008
I love dark fairy tales and Neil Gaiman doesn't disappoint. Simple yet meaningful, suitable for all to dive into as deep as you dare.
Courtesy of Teens Read Too, 12 Sep 2008
This version of CORALINE is a graphic novel adaptation of the novel penned by Neil Gaiman.
The story follows a common theme in his works of the naive, yet determined, everyman who stumbles into an alternate reality.
The protagonist in this story arises in the form of a young girl named Coraline.
I found the dialogue to be smartly written and the narrative engaging. The artwork, while typical comic fare, set the visual mood quite well.
I greatly enjoyed this story. I found the characters likeable and believable in the context of the story, which in and of itself seemed to me to be an odd metaphor for "growing up."
I cannot recommend this enough to fans of Neil Gaiman's work or to someone looking for something just a little bit different.
Reviewed by: Breia "The Brain" Brickey
The Mist in "great Stephen King movie" shock!, 07 Oct 2008
Firstly, shop around and get the "Skeleton Crew" anthology instead, where you'll get several other King short stories as well as this novella - much better value, so a star off for that.
Great King story, classic set-up and scares, and some nice observations about the siege mentality of humankind. Possibly even a link to the "Dark Tower" series - has the Arrowhead Project ripped a hole between dimensions and created a "thinny"?
A second star off for the ending, which just tails off into nothing. Be warned if you plan on watching the movie version (which is fantastic - it's by Frank Darabont, so of course it is!): the ending is radically different and far superior. In fact, it is stunning in its audacity. Kudos to Darabont for refusing studio pressure to change it, and to King for agreeing to the change to his story. Be warned - it is bleak.
Very Readable Horror-Now a Movie., 05 Sep 2008
I read this on a long train ride and it certainly helped to pass the time. People under pressure in a base under seige is always a good bet for an absorbing drama. This 'novella' also shows how people react; bringing out the best and worst in them. Mrs Carmody is a particularly monstrous creation, rivalling anything outside the supermarket. Not sure about the ending though, but you will have to read this to make your own mind up. There is a motion picture of this book now, which I am looking forward to seeing (apparently with a different ending.) A recommended read.
The Mist, 27 J | | |