Fantasy Annotation: American Gods

American Gods

After choosing to read a fantasy book and reading up on the fantasy genre, I realized just how diverse the category is. If you’re curious, check out Reader’s Advisory Online’s “Fluent in Fantasy.” I would categorize American Gods as a mix between paranormal fantasy and myth & legend fantasy.

2001 By Neil Gaiman
Fantasy Fiction (paranormal / legend and myth)
Setting: Mostly in modern day America, some episodes are historical and some are other-world.

Plot Summary:
When Shadow is unexpectedly released early from prison the surprise is not all happy. Faced with the death of his wife Shadow sets out on a journey of grief, illusion, myth and gods. As Shadow half heartedly returns home for his wife’s funeral he is met by Mr. Wednesday, who has a job for Shadow. After his wife’s funeral Shadow reluctantly joins Mr. Wednesday’s crew. On this unexpected journey Shadow is able to answer the mysteries of his past, have closure with his wife and ultimately save new gods and the old gods from a bloody battle. Gaiman creates a believable story of modern myth and post millennium, “ worship,” all while weaving in the stories of the “old gods” who were brought to American in the minds of their believers hundreds of years ago.

Appeal Terms:
- Intricate plot/ story line: Gaiman tells the story of Shadow and his journey with Wednesday, while also interweaving the stories of other “old gods” and their journeys to America.
- Character Driven: Gaimain focuses on Shadow. The reader is aware of all that Shadow sees, feels, hears and senses.
- Dark Humor: There is a subtle dark humor in this tale

Read Alikes (From Novelist using these search terms: Fantasy Fiction, Intricate Plot, Character Driven, Darkly Humorous)

Anasi Boys by Neil Gaimain
His past marked by his father's embarrassing taunts and untimely death, Fat Charlie meets the brother he never knew and is introduced to new and exciting ways to spend his time. (Novelist)

Wicked Series by Gregory Maguire
The Wizard of Oz redux! A revisonist narrative of L. Frank Baum's classic story, this series sheds new light on the political history and social problems of Oz. Green-skinned Elphaba, better known as the Wicked Witch of the West, attempts to overthrown the corrupt and tyrannical Wizard of Oz, but the fight for equality and freedom doesn't end with her. (Novelist)

October Daye Series by Seanan McGuire
(First book in series) Half-fae Toby retreats to the human world after being rejected by her Faerie family, but finds her anonymity compromised by the murder of an important countess who binds her to investigate, forcing Toby to resume her fae position.(Novelist)

Alison Wonderland by Hellin Smith
After divorcing her philandering husband, Alison Temple works at the agency she hired to catch him under the name Alison Wonderland, tackles a case involving the shady dealings of a pharmaceutical company, and helps her best friend with her depressed mother. (Novelist)