Uncia on 5/11/2007 at 09:44
For myself, the most jarring event in the 3rd book was the kids going to the underworld. I didn't expect him to use a take on old Greek legends, so it was a surprise.
The actual war against heaven didn't really give me much pause, but then after having read Sandman and Preacher, it did seem rather tame as far as What If stories go.
Thirith on 5/11/2007 at 09:50
Quote Posted by Uncia
For myself, the most jarring event in the 3rd book was the kids going to the underworld. I didn't expect him to use a take on old Greek legends, so it was a surprise.
I liked that bit a lot; I thought it was very evocative and effectively written.
Quote:
The actual war against heaven didn't really give me much pause, but then after having read Sandman and Preacher, it did seem rather tame as far as What If stories go.
I actually thought that Gaiman usually avoids getting too close to the Judeo-Christian god in his writings, which is a shame. It seems like something of a cop-out. On the other hand, I love his short story "Murder Mysteries" and its take on God, free will, predestination, and the morality of the big bearded guy in the sky.
Uncia on 5/11/2007 at 10:08
I haven't read that one yet, should make a point of doing it sometime; I love Gaiman.
Thirith on 5/11/2007 at 10:10
Yay! Common ground! :D Although I must say that I'm somewhat underwhelmed by his work in the last 3-4 years. None of them did as much for me as Sandman, works such as Mr Punch or Signal to Noise, or the short stories in Smoke and Mirrors. (Especially Fragile Things did very little for me compared to S&M.)
Uncia on 5/11/2007 at 10:37
I'm ashamed to say I've been neglecting his work for far longer than 3-4 years, cinematic ventures aside. Which ones would you recommend I nab first? tangentlol
Thirith on 5/11/2007 at 10:45
I can't really recommend any of his more recent books (apart from Anansi Boys, perhaps, which is a lark, but it's also somewhat lacking). My first NG book apart from Good Omens was Smoke and Mirrors, and I love many of its short stories, so I'd go with that one.
I'm sort of curious about the Beowulf movie he's written with Roger Avary, although I'm not sure that I like the CGI visuals.
Uncia on 5/11/2007 at 10:48
I know what you mean, its CGI does little for me and epic fantasy premises are growing thin. I didn't know he was helping with it though- that might make it interesting.
My brother has Anansi Boys, so I'll grab that and S&M for now. Cheers for the suggestions. :)
Thirith on 5/11/2007 at 10:50
Enjoy. :)
As long as we both know you're still wrong about His Dark Materials. :ebil: :p
Uncia on 5/11/2007 at 11:49
Psh. Not my fault you're seeing conspiracy theories in everything, whacko. ;)
Thirith on 5/11/2007 at 11:52
Note to self: wear aluminium foil hat when Uncia's online.
