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)

Strangely addictive

One of the strangest books I have listened to lately. At its heart, it's a straightforward thriller/con story but cast into a behind-the-scenes war of old -- and mostly forgotten -- gods. There were moments when the author meandered off into strange places that I had no particular interest in following (some of the sex scenes seemed utterly unnecessary and felt like added to attract adolescent readers) but I found myself strangely attracted to this book and simply couldn't put it down (figuratively speaking). As the book was entering its last quarter I was getting very nervous about it ending with an unpleasant cliffhanger or open threads but I found myself delighted seeing Gaiman wrap everything up in a deeply satisfying way. I totally get it why this book seems to polarize readers. It's not going to make it on my list of favorite books but it was an Audible credit well spent.

The hype is valid

I really enjoyed this book. I get why there are so many rave reviews. This is my first Neil Gaiman book but have seen Caroline and Gods and Omens. I can't wait to download more from him.

American Gods felt like a freaky fairy tale with a heart made of gold protagonist. It's so original with a kick ass ending. I highly recommend.

best book I've ever listened to

one of the best books I've ever read, I really love the mixture of myth with reality.

A masterpiece

One of my favorite novels ever. I read it once and loved it so much that I was worried about revisiting this story and finding that it had lost its magic. It didn't. This time, it was an audiobook. Neil Gaiman is an Englishman who moved to America. He sees this country through foreign eyes. I am myself an immigrant and I was surprised at how Gaiman's vision resonated with my own experiences since moving to America. The funny thing is, I gave this book to friends who were born and lived here all their lives and I gave it to my sister, who's never lived here, and no one got it the way I did. So maybe there is a part of America that only foreigners see. Anyway, back to the book, a second reading was just as good and the audiobook is simply perfect. I wish I could memorize it. It may not be for everybody, but I just love it.

Loved it

My favorite book now. I wish I could've just listened to the whole book in one sitting. I'll probably listen to it a few more times.

Magnifacent

It's always best to read a book made into a series. It tells so much more!

A must!

The story is without compare and has something for everyone. Gods and mythology, manipulation & tragedy, belief and endless possibilities.

All performances are fantastic!

A compelling reading road trip

I loved the journey of this mystical book, written like a rolling wheel that spins and bumps and travels the byways of belief and perspective. The performers made it lively and alive, threading common thoughts and mysteries together, creating questions and drawing out the answers, placing the characters permanently in my mind. Sometimes, I listen to books more than once, but American Gods is one time only because once is more than enough. Bravo, Neil Gaiman, cast and editors. Many thanks Audible.

The author himself was the best narrator

This audiobook has a full cast of narrators, I liked the story. A bit into the book i heard one of the narrators, whose performance I felt stood above the rest. Turns out it was Neil Gaiman himself! Not only is Neil a terrific aouthor, he is also a great narrator!

I recommend.

Just amazing

I absolutely loved this book! I'm a huge fan of Neil Gaiman and honestly I started watching the show before I started reading this book but wow, what a great story.