Neil Gaiman is a renowned English author, known for his award-winning short story collections, fantasy books, and graphic novel series. Goodreads reviewers have rated “American Gods” and “Coraline” as his most beloved works.
Gaiman has won numerous awards for his storytelling, including the Hugo and Nebula Awards, and was the first author to win both the Newbery and Carnegie medal for one book. He also teaches a writing MasterClass where he shares his storytelling process. In this article, we will explore the most popular Neil Gaiman novels, as ranked by Goodreads reviewers.
1. Stardust
“Stardust” is a romantic fantasy novel written by Neil Gaiman. The story is set in the small village of Wall, where Tristran Thorn falls in love with a woman named Victoria. In exchange for a kiss, Victoria agrees to let Tristran fetch her a star from the magical faerie world beyond the wall. This sets Tristran on a magical journey filled with adventure and danger.
2. The Ocean at the End of the Lane
“The Ocean at the End of the Lane” is a novel that won the 2014 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel and the 2013 Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Fantasy Novel. It tells the story of a middle-aged man who returns to his hometown in England to attend a funeral.
As he sits by the pond at the end of the road, he remembers a young girl named Lettie Hempstock, who claimed the pond was an ocean and her home. The man slowly reveals the darkness he long kept hidden as he remembers a rush of terrible memories.
3. Coraline
Coraline is a novel written by Neil Gaiman that tells the story of a young girl who discovers a hidden passage to a seemingly better world. However, she soon realizes that the world is not what it seems and that the lost souls of children are trapped behind mirrors.
With only one locked door in her new home, Coraline must find a way to save the children and escape the dangers of the other world.
4. Preludes & Nocturnes
“Preludes & Nocturnes” is the first collection of the popular “Sandman” comic book series. The graphic novel contains issues 1-8 and follows the story of Roderick Burgess, a magician who captures Dream, the king of dreams, instead of his sister Death, in an attempt to gain immortality.
After Roderick’s death, Dream escapes and embarks on a journey to collect his lost objects of power to return home.
5. The Doll’s House
“The Doll’s House” is a graphic novel that is available for purchase on Amazon and Bookshop for a starting price of $15.90. This is the second collection of “Sandman” comics that covers issues 9-16.
The story revolves around Dream, who discovers that some dreams and nightmares have escaped into the real world. As he sets out to collect them, he encounters a woman named Rose Walker who has become a dream vortex. Dream must kill her in the hopes of saving the world.
6. The Sandman: Overture
“The Sandman: Overture” is a graphic novel that serves as a prequel to Neil Gaiman’s popular comic book series “The Sandman.” The story takes place 17 years after the end of the original series and follows Dream as he senses a disturbance in the universe and is summoned to a distant planet to investigate.
This dark fantasy tale is sure to delight any fan of “The Sandman” with its intricate plot and stunning visuals.
7. Anansi Boys
“Anansi Boys” is a sequel to “American Gods” and is available on Amazon and Bookshop starting at $9.19. The story revolves around Charle Nancy, who discovers that his recently deceased father was a West African spider god.
While organizing his father’s funeral and will, he also learns that he has a brother who brings danger and chaos into his life. The book follows Charlie’s journey as he navigates his newfound family ties and the supernatural world.
8. Dream Country
“Dream Country” is a graphic novel that consists of four short stories, which are not directly related to each other. In this third installation of “Sandman” comics, readers get to know about the mother of Dream’s son and his partnership with William Shakespeare in creating “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Although Dream only plays a minor character in these stories, they provide valuable insights into the Sandman universe.
9. Brief Lives
“Brief Lives” is the seventh collection of the “Sandman” comics, covering issues 41-49. It follows Delirium, Dream’s youngest sister, as she embarks on a quest to find their missing brother, Destruction.
The story is a thrilling adventure that explores the themes of family, identity, and change. With only Dream’s assistance, Delirium sets out to locate her brother, who abandoned his Endless family role 300 years ago.
10. A Game of You
“A Game of You” is the fifth collection of the “Sandman” comic books, which includes issues 32-37. This graphic novel follows the story of Barbie, a minor character from “The Doll’s House,” who finds herself in a dream world where she is a princess.
However, when the Cuckoo begins to terrorize her friends and escapes into the real world, Barbie and her roommates must come together to defeat the deadly villain.
11. Norse Mythology
Neil Gaiman’s book on Norse mythology is a carefully researched and highly readable retelling of classic legends. The book covers a range of stories, including the tale of Thor’s hammer and the trickster ways of Loki.
Gaiman’s fascination with Norse mythology shines through in his retellings, which are sure to captivate readers interested in these ancient tales.
12. The Graveyard Book
“The Graveyard Book” is a young adult fantasy novel written by Neil Gaiman. The story follows Nobody “Bod” Owens, a young boy who grew up in a graveyard after his family was murdered by an evil man.
The book takes readers on Bod’s adventures throughout the graveyard, where he must follow one rule: never leave the graveyard, as danger awaits him outside.
13. Fortunately, the Milk
“Fortunately, the Milk” is a children’s fantasy book that takes readers on a wild adventure through time and space. The book follows the story of a father who sets out to buy milk for his children but ends up on a thrilling journey that involves time travel, aliens, dinosaurs, and pirates.
The book, written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Skottie Young, was first published in 2013. It is available for purchase on Amazon and Bookshop, with prices starting at $7.35.
This hilarious and imaginative story is perfect for children who love adventure and fantasy. The book has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its engaging storyline and vivid illustrations.
14. Neverwhere
Neil Gaiman’s “Neverwhere” is an outstanding urban fantasy novel that takes place in a city of monsters and saints beneath London. The protagonist, Richard Mayhew, is a businessman whose life is turned upside down when he stops to help a strange girl on his way to dinner with his fiancée.
15. Season of Mists
“Season of Mists” is a collection of comic books that make up issues 21-28 of the “Sandman” series. The story begins with a meeting of Dream’s family, the Endless, where they confront him about the injustice of condemning his former lover, Queen Nada, to Hell 10,000 years ago.
To make things right, Dream must return to Hell to rescue Nada while facing Lucifer in the process. This story arc explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of past actions.
16. Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fiction and Illusions
Neil Gaiman’s “Smoke and Mirrors” is a collection of short stories that takes readers on a journey to extraordinary new lands through retellings, reflections, and inspired tales. The collection offers a diverse array of subjects and styles that are sure to captivate any reader. Available at Amazon and Bookshop starting from $7.35.
Summary
Neil Gaiman is a prolific author with numerous books to his name. Some of his best books include “American Gods,” “Good Omens,” “Neverwhere,” “The Sandman” series, and “Coraline.” These books showcase Gaiman’s ability to weave intricate and fantastical stories that capture the imagination of readers. Each book offers a unique perspective on the world, with themes ranging from mythology and religion to alternate realities and magical creatures. Overall, Gaiman’s books are a must-read for anyone who enjoys immersive and thought-provoking storytelling.