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The Graveyard Book
In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served.
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Amazon: £6.49
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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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Coraline
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £0.49
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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.
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
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £1.22
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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.
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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M is for Magic
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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.
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
Not many new stories, 21 Oct 2007
Most of these short stories are found in Neil Gaiman's other anthologies: 'Smoke and Mirrors' and 'Fragile Things', so expect nothing new except for the first and last story, if you already have these 2 books. If you haven't, then this is probably a good way begin. Whilst the stries themselves are exceptional, for this book itself, if it wasnt for the addition of 2 new stories, I may have given it 3 stars, as you are better off sticking to the other anothologies.
Courtesy of Teens Read Too, 20 Aug 2007
M IS FOR MAGIC is a collection of eleven short stories. This book was geared for elementary/middle school but I thought that I couldn't read many of the stories aloud in my classroom because some of the themes are pretty adult.
I liked many of the stories, especially THE WITCH'S HEADSTONE. This was a story about a real boy who was living in a graveyard and being raised by ghosts. He decides to do a very kind thing for a ghost who didn't get a gravestone and the story follows the adventure that goes with that decision.
I also enjoyed THE CASE OF FOUR AND TWENTY BLACKBIRDS. It was a detective story set with nursery rhyme characters. The detective needs to solve the mystery of who killed Humpty Dumpty. It is told with attitude and is very funny.
There are also stories that are scary or just plain creepy. The story about the jack-in-the-box just gave me chills. So if you want to read some good, strange stories that only take about an hour to read, check this book out.
Reviewed by: Marta Morrison
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The Living Dead
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Stephen KingJoe HillGeorge R. R. MartinClive BarkerNeil GaimanLaurell K. HamiltonJoe R. LansdalePoppy Z. BriteHarlan EllisonRobert SilverbergKelly LinkSusan Palwick;
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*Amazon: £6.79
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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.
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
Not many new stories, 21 Oct 2007
Most of these short stories are found in Neil Gaiman's other anthologies: 'Smoke and Mirrors' and 'Fragile Things', so expect nothing new except for the first and last story, if you already have these 2 books. If you haven't, then this is probably a good way begin. Whilst the stries themselves are exceptional, for this book itself, if it wasnt for the addition of 2 new stories, I may have given it 3 stars, as you are better off sticking to the other anothologies.
Courtesy of Teens Read Too, 20 Aug 2007
M IS FOR MAGIC is a collection of eleven short stories. This book was geared for elementary/middle school but I thought that I couldn't read many of the stories aloud in my classroom because some of the themes are pretty adult.
I liked many of the stories, especially THE WITCH'S HEADSTONE. This was a story about a real boy who was living in a graveyard and being raised by ghosts. He decides to do a very kind thing for a ghost who didn't get a gravestone and the story follows the adventure that goes with that decision.
I also enjoyed THE CASE OF FOUR AND TWENTY BLACKBIRDS. It was a detective story set with nursery rhyme characters. The detective needs to solve the mystery of who killed Humpty Dumpty. It is told with attitude and is very funny.
There are also stories that are scary or just plain creepy. The story about the jack-in-the-box just gave me chills. So if you want to read some good, strange stories that only take about an hour to read, check this book out.
Reviewed by: Marta Morrison
Outstanding, 11 Nov 2008
I read this at 14 and was my first ever stephen king book, i loved it. the powerful and vivid way it has been wrote just enticed me to read more and more. I feel this is the best one in the series and one of kings best pieces of fiction. the gunslingers struggles and choices throughtout the book make you hate him but also feel for him. this is a must buy for king fans
Utter Disappointment, 03 Nov 2008
I was convinced this series would be a joy to read, something original and sinister, the celebrated masterpiece saga of one of the masters of horror and fantasy.
I gave it a try... and tried very hard to finish it. I could not bring myself to enjoy neither the story nor the style. Still, I decided to read the second book as well, convinced that there was something I had yet to discover, this certain something that seems to make so many readers enraptured with the Dark Tower books...
Well, I haven't been able to discover it! Many have loved this book and undoubtedly many more will, but personally I find it incoherent,dragging and overtly blunt - a bluntness which feels unsupported and pointless, nothing to resemble what I have come to expect from King.
I prefer to leave the Dark Tower saga here and move on to other stories.
One of my favourites, this series gets under your skin, 23 Apr 2008
This is my favourite series of books and Gunslinger is probably one of the books I re-read most. "The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed"....great opening! This book is a bit weird and different to the others in the series, but it still works well.
We get a great introduction to the enigmatic Gunslinger, Roland Deschain and his quest to catch the man in black and to find the Dark Tower. His world is a strange echo of ours, but it has 'moved on.' A strange mix of the old Wild West and a post apocalyptic future, where paper is rare and machinery is ancient, with its original purpose forgotten. Roland meets a boy called Jake, who appears to have died in our reality and somehow crossed over to this other world. They form a fragile partnership as they pursue the man in black...but things seem pretty doomed from the start.
There are many questions raised in this book, and you have to read the rest of the series to find the answers. You enter the story in the middle of it really, and there is a lot of hopping around the timeline to explain things. Roland is a tough character to love, but you get there in the end! That is his appeal, his harshness and his fervent determination to get to the Tower, no matter the cost.
Try this if you want a change! It's not like anything I have read, but it goes without saying, it's a must for King fans and people who like a good, epic fantasy. Thankee sai! Long days pleasant nights! If you read the set you may find you end up talking oddly, it has that effect! READ
Try the graphic novel too, based on the Wizard and Glass book. Great representation of young Roland.
The Gunslinger, 01 Apr 2008
The first instalment of Stephen King's fantasy series is unashamedly inspired by that other fantastic series, "The Lord of the Rings". King made no attempt to hide this and refers to it in each of his surprisingly-interesting forwards, but the thought of reading something so obviously "inspired" put me off. It was only after the release of the final book in the series I was persuaded to pick up "Gunslinger", and was appalled at how brilliant it was.
It's easy for people to say King's off his game, but he wasn't then and he isn't now - the final book, released only recently, is testament to this. "Gunslinger" is arguably everything that Stephen King isn't: beautiful, poetic, and not really horror. Technically it's fantasy, post-apocalyptic fantasy, and on top of that it's a Western of sorts. It's a glaring divergence from King's usual style, but what appalled me was that it was good. Very, very good, and despite the assumption that King's unfamiliarity with the genre would prove to be the novel's downfall, it is also full of everything that King is wonderful at: suspense, mystery, and very real characters.
A review column isn't the place for a synopsis, so I'll keep it brief. This book has one real character and that's the mysterious hero, the eponymous gunslinger who is a throwback from a bygone age that existed before the world "moved on". The brevity of the novel lends itself to this kind of storytelling, in which we follow a single character in a series of events, a tale told in a surreal, rippling narrative that is like looking through water at an alternate world. The other novels don't keep up this dreamlike form of storytelling, which makes "Gunslinger" all the more precious.
If you like King, you'll love this, regardless of the change in genre. If you pick this up and hate it, you'll still come away with a fresh idea on what novels are all about, reminded why people write. Simple story. Complex characters. You don't have to read the others if you don't like it, but if you want a fresh piece of fiction from an established super-writer, then for God's sake try "Gunslinger"!
A good 'part one' book., 02 Feb 2008
If you're thinking of getting this book I can't list a reason you shouldn't except that this really isn't a stand alone novel, rather it's an introduction to a world and a character to be taken up by the many later instalments of the series. Yes, it has it's own plot, but really it's just there to get us started on the journey. Thus, don't read this unless you're prepared to be hooked and end up forking out for all the others.
Having said that, it's hardly a major flaw and the book really is very enjoyable and extremely intriuging. King creates a world which is brutal, surreally dream-like and a million miles from anything else in fantasy, horror or any other genre. His protagonist is tragically human, his antagonist eerily sinister and beautifully cruel, and everyone who gets caught between them is made hugely sympathetic by their status as just that - something that gets caught in the way.
King's experience as a horror writer really comes across here, making this a fantasy world born of and premeated by the horror genre. The setting is a vast and desolate wasteland to which none of it's inhabitants really belong, lending the whole thing an eeriness that keeps the reader on edge throughout and adds a certain grotesque quality to much of what happens.
If you're a fan of King, a fan of horror, a fan of fantasy, or just a fan of really great storytelling then you should definitely check this out. But prepare to be hooked.
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The Long Walk
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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.
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
Not many new stories, 21 Oct 2007
Most of these short stories are found in Neil Gaiman's other anthologies: 'Smoke and Mirrors' and 'Fragile Things', so expect nothing new except for the first and last story, if you already have these 2 books. If you haven't, then this is probably a good way begin. Whilst the stries themselves are exceptional, for this book itself, if it wasnt for the addition of 2 new stories, I may have given it 3 stars, as you are better off sticking to the other anothologies.
Courtesy of Teens Read Too, 20 Aug 2007
M IS FOR MAGIC is a collection of eleven short stories. This book was geared for elementary/middle school but I thought that I couldn't read many of the stories aloud in my classroom because some of the themes are pretty adult.
I liked many of the stories, especially THE WITCH'S HEADSTONE. This was a story about a real boy who was living in a graveyard and being raised by ghosts. He decides to do a very kind thing for a ghost who didn't get a gravestone and the story follows the adventure that goes with that decision.
I also enjoyed THE CASE OF FOUR AND TWENTY BLACKBIRDS. It was a detective story set with nursery rhyme characters. The detective needs to solve the mystery of who killed Humpty Dumpty. It is told with attitude and is very funny.
There are also stories that are scary or just plain creepy. The story about the jack-in-the-box just gave me chills. So if you want to read some good, strange stories that only take about an hour to read, check this book out.
Reviewed by: Marta Morrison
Outstanding, 11 Nov 2008
I read this at 14 and was my first ever stephen king book, i loved it. the powerful and vivid way it has been wrote just enticed me to read more and more. I feel this is the best one in the series and one of kings best pieces of fiction. the gunslingers struggles and choices throughtout the book make you hate him but also feel for him. this is a must buy for king fans
Utter Disappointment, 03 Nov 2008
I was convinced this series would be a joy to read, something original and sinister, the celebrated masterpiece saga of one of the masters of horror and fantasy.
I gave it a try... and tried very hard to finish it. I could not bring myself to enjoy neither the story nor the style. Still, I decided to read the second book as well, convinced that there was something I had yet to discover, this certain something that seems to make so many readers enraptured with the Dark Tower books...
Well, I haven't been able to discover it! Many have loved this book and undoubtedly many more will, but personally I find it incoherent,dragging and overtly blunt - a bluntness which feels unsupported and pointless, nothing to resemble what I have come to expect from King.
I prefer to leave the Dark Tower saga here and move on to other stories.
One of my favourites, this series gets under your skin, 23 Apr 2008
This is my favourite series of books and Gunslinger is probably one of the books I re-read most. "The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed"....great opening! This book is a bit weird and different to the others in the series, but it still works well.
We get a great introduction to the enigmatic Gunslinger, Roland Deschain and his quest to catch the man in black and to find the Dark Tower. His world is a strange echo of ours, but it has 'moved on.' A strange mix of the old Wild West and a post apocalyptic future, where paper is rare and machinery is ancient, with its original purpose forgotten. Roland meets a boy called Jake, who appears to have died in our reality and somehow crossed over to this other world. They form a fragile partnership as they pursue the man in black...but things seem pretty doomed from the start.
There are many questions raised in this book, and you have to read the rest of the series to find the answers. You enter the story in the middle of it really, and there is a lot of hopping around the timeline to explain things. Roland is a tough character to love, but you get there in the end! That is his appeal, his harshness and his fervent determination to get to the Tower, no matter the cost.
Try this if you want a change! It's not like anything I have read, but it goes without saying, it's a must for King fans and people who like a good, epic fantasy. Thankee sai! Long days pleasant nights! If you read the set you may find you end up talking oddly, it has that effect! READ
Try the graphic novel too, based on the Wizard and Glass book. Great representation of young Roland.
The Gunslinger, 01 Apr 2008
The first instalment of Stephen King's fantasy series is unashamedly inspired by that other fantastic series, "The Lord of the Rings". King made no attempt to hide this and refers to it in each of his surprisingly-interesting forwards, but the thought of reading something so obviously "inspired" put me off. It was only after the release of the final book in the series I was persuaded to pick up "Gunslinger", and was appalled at how brilliant it was.
It's easy for people to say King's off his game, but he wasn't then and he isn't now - the final book, released only recently, is testament to this. "Gunslinger" is arguably everything that Stephen King isn't: beautiful, poetic, and not really horror. Technically it's fantasy, post-apocalyptic fantasy, and on top of that it's a Western of sorts. It's a glaring divergence from King's usual style, but what appalled me was that it was good. Very, very good, and despite the assumption that King's unfamiliarity with the genre would prove to be the novel's downfall, it is also full of everything that King is wonderful at: suspense, mystery, and very real characters.
A review column isn't the place for a synopsis, so I'll keep it brief. This book has one real character and that's the mysterious hero, the eponymous gunslinger who is a throwback from a bygone age that existed before the world "moved on". The brevity of the novel lends itself to this kind of storytelling, in which we follow a single character in a series of | | |