I just finished reading American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition: A Novel by Neil Gaiman and it was not a mere sheaf of printed paper stuck together between card stock cover. This book was an immersive experience.

Written by Neil Gaiman, I don’t need to point out that the writing is flawless and technically perfect. It shines like the Hope Diamond; brilliant, larger than life and trailing dark mystery behind like a comet in my mind. That’s signature Gaiman.

I have loved his stories since Sandman. Gaiman’s work runs deep with significance like coal twisting through the earth. Like coal, his stories lie in the mind, cold but alive and with the potential to flame. Once you take in these tales, they continue to live inside you, birthing thoughts you never thought would live inside you. They are always lovely—disturbing sometimes, frightening, enlightening—but always, always beautiful.

I won’t bother telling you mundane details like plot and character. You don’t need to know. Just trust this is Gaiman, leading you to places you haven’t been or ever thought you’d go. Let him lead you through an America as you’ve never seen it but always suspected existed. American Gods will introduce you to a true America – one built on foreign blood and imagination taking root to create a new world. Five stars from me, with thanks to Gaiman for the experience.