This book review was part of a podcast discussion.
Listen to the episode here.
(3.8/5 Stars)
What do you get when a satanic nun misplaces the antichrist? You get Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Sir Terry Pratchett (best known for the Discworld series) and Neil Gaiman (American Gods, Sandman), a feel-good story of the end of the world. This story gets 3.8 out of 5 stars because of the brilliant way the authors crafted the interactions between the characters, making the characters feel like real humans, and how charming the apocalypse is in this story. However, I had some issues with the pacing and that the humor was too British sometimes.
The cast of characters in this story include the eleven-year-old antichrist and his gang of children, a witchfinder private, a witch (who is a little too psychic), a demon, and an angel. The interactions of the cast were the strongest point of the whole story. Anytime Crowley and Aziraphale were together I had a huge smile on my face. Their friendship was a joy to listen to and reminded me of my friends. The other interactions were great, like that between Adam and his friends, but they lacked the charm of the dialogue between Crowley and Aziraphale. Truthfully, Crowley and Aziraphale stole the show for the whole book.
Another positive about the characters in Good Omens was how human they feel. The authors capture the essence of what it is to be human. Honestly, it was a little uncomfortable with how human the characters were. My last pro about this story is how charming it was. It was wholesome and sweet at points. It is a genuinely funny comedy and leaves a smile on your face, though I never had a laugh out loud moment.
I only had two problems with the story. One, I am an American and some of humor went over my head, even when the authors were kind enough to provide footnotes to translate. The second, larger issue I had was the slow pace. I never felt a need to find out what happened next. I was listening to the audiobook and it felt like the story dragged on for the longest time.
Overall, I enjoyed the story but it is not one of my favorite books. If you love brilliant character interactions and quirky British humor this book is for you. I am reminded of Johnathan Strange and Mr. Nornell by Susanne Clarke, another quirky British book.
South Carolina
I am new podcaster who has been enjoying the fantasy genre for many, many… many years. I will read most any fantasy book but high and steampunk are my favorite subgenres.
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