American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition (A Full Cast Production)

By: Neil Gaiman

Narrated by: Ron McLarty, Daniel Oreskes, full cast

Length: 19 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Now a STARZ® Original Series produced by FremantleMedia North America starring Ricky Whittle, Ian McShane, Emily Browning, and Pablo Schreiber.

Locked behind bars for three years, Shadow did his time, quietly waiting for the day when he could return to Eagle Point, Indiana. A man no longer scared of what tomorrow might bring, all he wanted was to be with Laura, the wife he deeply loved, and start a new life.

But just days before his release, Laura and Shadow's best friend are killed in an accident. With his life in pieces and nothing to keep him tethered, Shadow accepts a job from a beguiling stranger he meets on the way home, an enigmatic man who calls himself Mr. Wednesday. A trickster and a rogue, Wednesday seems to know more about Shadow than Shadow does himself.

Life as Wednesday's bodyguard, driver, and errand boy is far more interesting and dangerous than Shadow ever imagined. Soon Shadow learns that the past never dies . . . and that beneath the placid surface of everyday life a storm is brewing—an epic war for the very soul of America—and that he is standing squarely in its path.

"Mystery, satire, sex, horror, poetic prose—American Gods uses all these to keep the reader turning the pages."—Washington Post

©2011 Neil Gaiman (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"This full-cast performance of the tenth anniversary edition of Neil Gaiman's American Gods (think director's cut) is one of the most mesmerizing audio experiences ever.... Ron McLarty plays a randy, crusty old Odin disguised as a white-collar con man to perfection. Daniel Oreskes's Shadow, the hero who doesn't know quite what he is, is masterful. Oliver Wyman, who did Mad Sweeney the Leprechaun, is a genius. Hats in the air for the whole cast, a flawless production, and a tour de force of a tale." ( AudioFile)

Not ready to leave the world of "American Gods."

Going straight to "Fragile Things" and not looking back. I love this book and look forward to listening to it again for many years to come.

loved it.

personally one of the best books ive read , um heard in a while. great performances. it gave me ease in imagining the story. simply lovely.

One of my favorites!

I have listened to this book 4 times. It is a terrific story, and the narration is the best I've heard.

My first Gaiman novel. I get it now.

This was the perfect companion for long trips in the car. Once I finished it, I missed the characters. As much as I enjoy audio books, this one may demand a reread.

My First Gaiman, and Certanly Not My Last

What made the experience of listening to American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition (A Full Cast Production) the most enjoyable?

A very good ensemble cast narrating this. Very well done. Similar in production quality to Dune, which I still think is the best Audible has done. This book was part horror story, part fantasy, part adult crime noir and part metaphysical treatise on what it means to be an American. This book takes on a lot and delivers. I intend on reading more Gaiman in the coming year, a good writer with big ideas.

What was one of the most memorable moments of American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition (A Full Cast Production)?

Probably when Laura first encounters Shadow after her....well I will let you sort that out...fellow reader.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Shadow is one of the most memorable characters I have encountered in a while.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The overall tone where Shadow accepts his fate and follows through on his mission/job, I thought that was not only interesting but at times moving.

Any additional comments?

Great book. I was looking for something different. I had wanted this year to explore some fantasy novels but a lot of fantasy is targeted to the young adult crowd. This is decidedly not. This is adult fiction, dealing with adult themes within a fantastic, surreal backdrop. At times it reminded me of Kurt Vonnegut, and at other times of Dan Simmons (Hyperion). I would highly recommend it.

Part with the credit, it's incredible.

I could write a novella describing why you should buy this book, but I won't.

Get it, and pay attention. You won't want to miss a word.

Great narration, great story. It's a unique tale that you'll struggle to explain to your friends, but you'll feel obligated to, because they won't see you until you've finished it.

I loved this book

performances are really good. Gaiman's stories are always awesome. I would recommend this story to anyone!

War of the Gods

America is not a good country for gods, apparently. So they are jockeying for position, interest, and fealty. The construct of this story is brilliant and thoroughly entertaining. The full cast narration is very effective in drawing out the characters.

great short stories but no real good ending

this could have been great stories were good but no solid ending.... everything started but never a solid finish...

Like no other

Could not stop listening to this book. Fantastic production and an enthralling story. Recommend to all readers who love good storytelling in an "other-worldly" setting.