Helpful Score: 11
This is an excellent work of urban fantasy! Richard is a typical office worker in London, and isn't too thrilled with his mundane life. When he finds an injured girl lying on a sidewalk, he follows her into "London Underground" where strange creatures and stranger characters exist and aren't exactly friendly. It's a bit like Alice In Wonderland for grown-ups.
Peggy L. (paigu) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 120 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This book was like a dark fairy tale, and by dark I don't just mean the wolf scaring grandma into her closet. In this book, the wolves are sadomasochistic eaters of the dead- and the living. The tales of the sewer alligators of NYC and the "beast of London" are all true in this book. Richard Mayhew is an average, if not a bit foolish (he collects those ugly troll dolls), man living in London whose life changes when he plays "good samaritan" and saves the life of a special little girl.
Less esoteric than "American Gods" this book was a much easier read!
Less esoteric than "American Gods" this book was a much easier read!
Helpful Score: 4
Mind the Gap.
A wonderfully imaginative and dark story of London Above and London Below. This was my introduction to Gaiman's writing and I'm hooked. I can't get enough of him.
A wonderfully imaginative and dark story of London Above and London Below. This was my introduction to Gaiman's writing and I'm hooked. I can't get enough of him.
Cherie S. (Glitterbug) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Loved it! As a friend of mine said once, Neil Gaiman must have some special fairy dust he sprinkles on all his books--they're all great reads!
Helpful Score: 4
Great book! This is one of those great books that sets up an underground, unbeknownst to us sort of fantasy world that the main character stumbles into- done right! Not all writers can pull this sort of plot off, but Gaiman does great it great. (if you've already seen the BBC production of this, don't worry its not as bad as they made it at all!)
Amy S. (chaiteareader) -
Helpful Score: 4
I only made it half-way through this book....and that was because I kept pressing on thinking things would start to make sense or come together. Now, I may never know, but I'm ok with that. This is a very imaginative story, with many unexpected turns and characters...and you would think that would make it a winner, right? It was just too much. Too many characters...perhaps leading to...NoWhere? After allowing my imagination to follow this book where-ever it was leading...in the end, I put it down because I just didn't care to finish it. Gross creatures and wierd deaths were it's most gripping moments. Jumps through time...or is it space...left me confused. All-these characters and none of them seemed to connect or be fully built. Just suddenly they are there and then not there. Sort of a dark "Alice in Wonderland"...without the silly, fun, or humor. Sorry to say, for all it's great other reviews, Neverwhere was...Neverfinished for me!
R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 1436 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman is an urban fantasy. The wonderful read takes place above and below the metropolis of London! Sometimes I forget how much I enjoy an author's writing until I read another novel by that author. Such was the case with Neverwhere. It is a very good read. Who could not like the bumbling hero, Richard Mayhew, and the talented heroine, Door. The plot is so good and the book flows so well that one cannot wait to turn the next page and suddenly the book has ended. I wish it could have lasted longer.. And, who cannot help but smile at the antics of the rascal, the marquis de Carabas. I give this one 5 stars! Wonderful job Gaiman.
Helpful Score: 3
I'd recommend this book a hundred times over. It was my favorite read throughout junior high and high school. I still revisit it every once in a while, just for the good memories. Gaiman is at his best here -- seamlessly mixing magic and reality in the story of Richard, an everyman office drone who stops one night to help an apparently homeless girl he finds bleeding on a London sidewalk. The girl turns out to be Lady Door, an aristocrat from the Other London; a feudal, underground world where people who fall through the cracks of our reality live side by side with monsters, immortals and the occasional angel. By helping Door, Richard unwittingly becomes a part of her world.
Now his apartment and his job are taken over by strangers; his friends and family don't recall that he ever existed. Richard follows Door on a quest to help her discover who killed her family, hoping that along the way, he'll find a path back to his old life. They meet a host of memorable characters (including Messrs. Croup and Vandemar, who are hands down the most delightfully evil villains I've ever read), and battle ultimate evil; and Richard begins to wonder if his old, safe life is really the one he wants to lead.
Now his apartment and his job are taken over by strangers; his friends and family don't recall that he ever existed. Richard follows Door on a quest to help her discover who killed her family, hoping that along the way, he'll find a path back to his old life. They meet a host of memorable characters (including Messrs. Croup and Vandemar, who are hands down the most delightfully evil villains I've ever read), and battle ultimate evil; and Richard begins to wonder if his old, safe life is really the one he wants to lead.
Pippa M. (freakazoidP) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 39 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
The kind of book I would have adored at 12.Entertaining enough for adults though.The London underground takes on a whole other meaning in this novel.
Helpful Score: 2
Fantasy with a comic book flair. I love the imagination and imagery Gaiman conjures with his writing.
Scott H. (cinequip) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Once you get into story, it's a very enjoyable read. Hard to get all the characters straight in the begining, but once there, you will be captivated. The book is graphic and mystical in nature, and I generally avoid this genre. If you ridden the London Underground, it is especially interesting. Mind the gap!
Cat S. (catscritch) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 158 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
What a delightful fantasy filled with refrences so thick and tasty you can't put it down. Class status, haves and have nots but have everything. From start to finish, you can't wait to read what happens next!
Nymphadora T. (nymphadora) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 95 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I guess I am missing something in the translation because normally Neil Gaiman is a fantastic writer. I just couldn't get into this book at all. I really didn't care what happened to any of the characters because I just didn't bond with any of them. Maybe the TV series that this book is based on is better?
Melissa B. (dragoneyes) -
Helpful Score: 2
I had gone to a Neil Gaiman's book signing. Not because of this one book but because of others of his. I noticed that when his fans asked him questions it was mainly about this book. I decided I must buy it and read it.
How glad I am that I did. The story takes place in London. Not just the London we know (which is called London above in the book) but also one called London below. Which of course is underground. There a man named Richard is swept from his comfortable and boring life in London above to the more magical and dangerous London below. He meets many new and different people, goes through many perils and is on his own quest to get back to London Above. I don't want to ruin it for you from there but the one thing I can say is that I hated for this book to end. I think I could of gone on forever reading it.
How glad I am that I did. The story takes place in London. Not just the London we know (which is called London above in the book) but also one called London below. Which of course is underground. There a man named Richard is swept from his comfortable and boring life in London above to the more magical and dangerous London below. He meets many new and different people, goes through many perils and is on his own quest to get back to London Above. I don't want to ruin it for you from there but the one thing I can say is that I hated for this book to end. I think I could of gone on forever reading it.
Michelle W. (MichelleMcG) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
London Below is the parallel universe beneath London (London Above) and home to people who've fallen through the cracks in the world. Richard is an "upworlder" who joins the crazy inhabitants of London Below after he stops to help a woman in crisis. Neverwhere takes you on a wild ride where nothing is what it seems. It takes a couple chapters to settle into the pace of the book but once you do, you won't want to put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved it. I took me a short while to get into it, but once I did, I was hooked. Not sure I would categorize it as science fiction, but that might be the closest genre. Anyway, I highly recommend it. A truly great read.
Amy B. (BaileysBooks) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 491 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was everything that I have come to expect from Neil Gaiman: witty, clever, very creative, a little creepy, rather dark, and an overall great read.
"Neverwhere" was a fascinating glimpse into the previously unseen world of an alternative and underground London. There was so much to like about this book! I reveled in the banter between the pair of primary hitmen. I was just as swept away as the main character, Richard, when the humors and horrors of this brand new world were steadily revealed.
And while I enjoyed this book immensely, I did have a few compalints. This new world was creative and intriguing, but it was also incomplete. I wanted to know more! Some of the characters were only partially developed. In a sense this book would have been better written as a trilogy in order to fully understand the history and motivations of all of the characters. There was a lot in the book that you had to simply take on faith. There was very little explanation for many of the "why's" and "how's" for characters and events, and in that sense I felt the book was a little lacking.
But these are complaints only of someone who liked the book so much that I was truly disappointed that there wasn't more to read. Overall, it is still a rewarding read and one that is well worth recommending.
"Neverwhere" was a fascinating glimpse into the previously unseen world of an alternative and underground London. There was so much to like about this book! I reveled in the banter between the pair of primary hitmen. I was just as swept away as the main character, Richard, when the humors and horrors of this brand new world were steadily revealed.
And while I enjoyed this book immensely, I did have a few compalints. This new world was creative and intriguing, but it was also incomplete. I wanted to know more! Some of the characters were only partially developed. In a sense this book would have been better written as a trilogy in order to fully understand the history and motivations of all of the characters. There was a lot in the book that you had to simply take on faith. There was very little explanation for many of the "why's" and "how's" for characters and events, and in that sense I felt the book was a little lacking.
But these are complaints only of someone who liked the book so much that I was truly disappointed that there wasn't more to read. Overall, it is still a rewarding read and one that is well worth recommending.
Marykay H. (marykayh) -
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent dark journey of a man who slips through a crack in the world and finds another.
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
Helpful Score: 1
This was just horrible and boring to boot. The premise was fine (since I picked it up it must have been appealing) but it just rambles and rambles about nothing and they travel and travel and get nowhere. The characters were unlikable and the plot was ridiculous and the cliches! I understand there is actually a TV show based on the book and it's better so just watch that instead and save yourself many hours of unpalatable boredom.
Amber H. (ambersunrise) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was recommended to my by the bookstore clerk and I am SO glad I gave it a try. This is a dark, sad, exciting and thought provoking book. It takes you to a dark mysterious society where people live under London. Richard Mayhew thought he was one of the few lucky people able to go back to his old life after being submerged in this twisted and disturbing under world but is it so lucky???
Keri (TXGrobanite) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 270 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I absoutely loved this book. Very outside of my normal genre (historical fiction) but I still loved it. The parallel world in 'London Below' is fantastic--now it has me wondering, "could it be real?". I stayed up late in the night and had to force myself to put it down in order to get some sleep. I even loved how it ended--it left me wanting more! Will definately go on my favorite list!!!
Alice F. (Lookinforbooks) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book to be a LOT of fun to read. Perfect commuter book, extremely visual and funny. I really enjoyed it.
Kim M. (kimba) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Kept me intrigued throughout... I didn't want to put it down!
Christine M. (horizontallies) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
It definitely started off slow, but once the action picked up it really was a wonderful book!
Matt K. (Moforious) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A hidden underworld kingdom in London. Gaiman at some of his best.
Helpful Score: 1
A very unique book and my first by Neil Gaiman. A dark fantasy of underground London, brimming with imaginative characters and adventure. I wasn't sure how I felt about it when I first started it because it was so different than anything I have ever read, but I finished it in less than three days and will gladly try another by this author.
Steffanie G. (luvinbooks) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was my first book in a sci-fi genre. Gaiman tells an amazing story about what lies beneath London, and the society that thrives in the tunnels. Really good!
Marilyn H. reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
four stars
A book about the London underground and tunnel-dwelling creatures would have been cheesy, overdone, and just plain stupid if not written by a talented author, such as Neil Gaimon! Not my usual kind of book, but I am glad I read it. Enjoyed the occasional humor and wit, as well as a villainous pair, who where horrible, but had me chuckling at times with their use of ten and twenty-dollar words.
A book about the London underground and tunnel-dwelling creatures would have been cheesy, overdone, and just plain stupid if not written by a talented author, such as Neil Gaimon! Not my usual kind of book, but I am glad I read it. Enjoyed the occasional humor and wit, as well as a villainous pair, who where horrible, but had me chuckling at times with their use of ten and twenty-dollar words.
Karen B. (SciFiFan) -
Helpful Score: 1
This is a fabulous book! It is like Alice in Wonderland for adult lovers of thrillers and adventure!!! I will be reading everything by Gaiman that I can get my hands on!!!!!!!!!! You will LOVE it!
Dianna L. (hairgoddess) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was Alice in Wonderland for adults. I haven't read a fairytale for adults that I fell so in love with in years. If you don't read this, you are missing a real treat. Creative, amazing and beautiful.
Tracy P. reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Quite a different book. It took only a chapter or two to get swept into the underground word. I wish there had been a sequel but this book was great. Reminded me a little of Wonderland and the marketplace from Stardust.
Cherie (CheriePie) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 149 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was the first book or story I've read by Neil Gaiman, and I found it a pretty interesting read. It had the air of a wild, trippy hallucination. One of the blurbs at the front of the book compared it to dark Alice in Wonderland which I think is a pretty accurate comparison.
So why didn't I rate it a full 10 if I liked it so much? Well, though I can't say there's anything I really disliked about it, I couldn't rate it up there with my all-time faves simply because none of the main characters really endeared themselves to me in the same way the characters from my other favorite novels have. Perhaps it was the inability to fully relate and sympathize with any particular character or their situation. It was probably on purpose anyway that the story was written with a certain level of detatchment, which I believe adds to the whole surreal-ness of it.
I definitely plan to read more of Gaiman's work in the future.
So why didn't I rate it a full 10 if I liked it so much? Well, though I can't say there's anything I really disliked about it, I couldn't rate it up there with my all-time faves simply because none of the main characters really endeared themselves to me in the same way the characters from my other favorite novels have. Perhaps it was the inability to fully relate and sympathize with any particular character or their situation. It was probably on purpose anyway that the story was written with a certain level of detatchment, which I believe adds to the whole surreal-ness of it.
I definitely plan to read more of Gaiman's work in the future.
Helpful Score: 1
Besides Coraline, this is the first book I've read from this author. I got it because I had read good reviews and I'm so glad I did. The story is fabulous and the characters so much fun. Totally worth the time and effort.
Carolyn W. (carolynlovesthefun) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of those books you give up sleep to finish reading. The underworld and fantasy of it all keeps you wanting more. Great read, even after the third time around.
Helpful Score: 1
Such a good book. He is able to give a view straight into his imagination
Helpful Score: 1
What a fun romp this one is! Neal Gaiman takes us into the London Underground, but as an alternate reality that you would love to believe exsists.
Gloria C. (Gloria) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 39 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I love stories where mundane real life gets involved with the fantasy world. Gaiman does a great job with this in Neverwhere. A very entertaining book.
Monique T. (psomom) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 115 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
An engaging adventure - felt a bit familiar, but the imagination in this book, the world created, was something I wanted to share more of.
Althea M. (althea) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 774 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was probably my favorite Neil Gaiman book I've read. I'd seen the BBC series, so nothing was much of a surprise (the 2 versions are pretty faithful), but it's just a weird and wonderful story - and with the ending that many many such books OUGHT to have but don't!
Reading this book reminds me of reading TS Eliot when I was a kid, before I'd ever been to England, and all the place-names were imbued with a mystic and legendary feeling....
Reading this book reminds me of reading TS Eliot when I was a kid, before I'd ever been to England, and all the place-names were imbued with a mystic and legendary feeling....
Carolee W. (superdilettante) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Here's a link to the Amazon reviews, which say more than I could say myself.
LJ C. (bubba) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Not what I expected from all the hype. A very good peek into basic Gaiman worldview, but it was written without all the typical richness I usually expect from this author, in my opinion. He has written better, but still was worth the read.
Autumn S. (ashultz) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Another instance where Neil Gaiman shoots us off into another world. I found myself caught up with the characters emotionally. A fun adventure!
Laura P. (sfreadergrl) - , reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 146 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
"A dark contemporary 'Alice in Wonderland'" Richard Mayhew goes from his normal life as a London securities broker to being invisible to the people he knows after rescuing a damsel in distress
Kimberly N. (kimberlyrav) -
I tried with this book. I got half way and gave up. It seemed to me as though an excellent author who was drunk or really tired was trying to write this story, sometimes you were on track, then the next you had no clue what was going on.
I love Neil Gaiman, he is one of my favs, I loved, "The Graveyard Book", I thought reading, "Neverwhere" would be a cinch, surly it would be as good, well....no way, no how, NO. I know from other reviews people loved this book, I am not one of them. It felt like I was in a nightmare, I had to keep pushing myself to continue on. I just couldn't do it, by the time I finished half way, I was so confused I had no idea what was happening.
I love Neil Gaiman, he is one of my favs, I loved, "The Graveyard Book", I thought reading, "Neverwhere" would be a cinch, surly it would be as good, well....no way, no how, NO. I know from other reviews people loved this book, I am not one of them. It felt like I was in a nightmare, I had to keep pushing myself to continue on. I just couldn't do it, by the time I finished half way, I was so confused I had no idea what was happening.
Good quick read, but not as good as American Gods (AG is on my top s books read all time). Gaiman's story focuses on a young man who lives is London + becomes involved in the underworld, a place where the regular laws of physics do not hold. He becomes entangled with Door, a girt of she underworld, who is on a quest to discover who and why her entire family was murdered. The protagonist finds himself unable to return to his regular life in London, and thus joins Door in her quest.
Carl G. (albooks) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 35 more book reviews
An earlier Gaiman book ever bit as good as "American Gods".
Mandy M. (driftlessdells) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Reminded me a bit of the TV show "Beauty and the Beast"with the subterranean alternative universe
Dave F. (psychoticduality) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Very interesting and unique plot. Great read.
Ryan L. (electricrocket) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
An okay work. Interesting, but nothing in here that wowed me.
Very well-written, very imaginative. Not your typical fantasy novel. Gaiman creates a whole new world and brings the reader in completely. I definitely recommend.
Jennifer S. (Rowan) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 44 more book reviews
Very good! I didn't want this story to end.
So I think I have a love/hate relationship with Gaiman books. Everything about them says I should love them, but 50% of the time I...well I don't hate them, but I also don't love them. This was another that I didn't love. It's fantasy, adventure, intrigue, and good narration (I listened and read along with my nook because I won't take my paper books on the bus.)
It follows Richard, a Londoner who lives a fairly normal boring life with a very unlikeable girlfriend who seems to only want to control his every move. He gets mixed up with Door, who is from the London Under, which is the world beneath the regular world, the place where the people who fall through the cracks end up. After his first encounter with Door, rescuing her and helping her to get back to her world, Richard inadvertently becomes part of London Under. It's as if he doesn't exist in his world. So Richard adventures to London Under hoping to find Door and her guide the Marquis De Carabas. They are on a mission to learn who killed Door's family and trying to kill Door. Richard is hopeful that once their mission is complete there will be a way for him to fully return to his world.
The story just didn't hold my attention. I couldn't get into it and was easily distracted from the story. The best and most interesting part was the short story of the Marquis and his quest to find his missing coat. It was just meh for me. Maybe a re-read at a later date will be in order.
It follows Richard, a Londoner who lives a fairly normal boring life with a very unlikeable girlfriend who seems to only want to control his every move. He gets mixed up with Door, who is from the London Under, which is the world beneath the regular world, the place where the people who fall through the cracks end up. After his first encounter with Door, rescuing her and helping her to get back to her world, Richard inadvertently becomes part of London Under. It's as if he doesn't exist in his world. So Richard adventures to London Under hoping to find Door and her guide the Marquis De Carabas. They are on a mission to learn who killed Door's family and trying to kill Door. Richard is hopeful that once their mission is complete there will be a way for him to fully return to his world.
The story just didn't hold my attention. I couldn't get into it and was easily distracted from the story. The best and most interesting part was the short story of the Marquis and his quest to find his missing coat. It was just meh for me. Maybe a re-read at a later date will be in order.
Chris K. (littleacorn) - , reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 43 more book reviews
This book was awesome! A highly entertaining read.
Makayla C. reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
I thought this book was wonderful and i really couldnt put it down, i loved it and i w would recomend it to anyone who likes a well-crafted, Highly Visual, imaginative book. it was sorta like a dark contemporary 'alice in wonderland'
Jasmine F. (prairiewind) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
Pleasantly suprised to discover Neil Gaiman is not as overrated as I feared. This one is kind of a Alice in Wonderland meets The Hitchhiker's Guide fantasy/mystery. Who killed Door's family? Will Richard ever find his way back to his familiar London? One of a kind to be sure.
Danielle R. reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Very well written and definitely has a creative plot. I liked it enough to want to read more by him!
London is a crazy city. Look underneath the no-nonsense streets full of busy shops and offices, and there you will find the pulsing blood vessels of the city, the Underground. Neverwhere is a novel with a plot based on London's filthy, dark and intriguing passageways mostly designed to transport people; Neil Gaiman weaves it into a fascinating story about a young man's descent into a mysterious and perilous other world. This story is a lot like Clive Barker's short story, "The Midnight Meat Train" that happens in the New York City's subway system, except this is classic Neil Gaiman, which means that it is a lot more sweeter with much more fantastic and mystical qualities.
Richard Mayhew is a decent sort of fellow, with a respectable job albeit under a terrible boss, with a girlfriend from a respectable background. He doesn't realize that he ought to be unhappy with his life, but goes with the flow nonetheless. When a young girl appears out of nowhere, bloodied, and collapses in front of him on the street, he decides to help her out despite the disapproval from his social climbing girlfriend. The young girl appears to be a derelict, but she has these special powers, and she is being hunted down by these nasty assasins from the underworld. Thus begins Richard's spiral into the mad, mad world of the Underground.
This book is definitely recommended. Also check out his other books, "American Gods" and "Anansi Boys," and if you can't get enough of it, his short story collection "smoke and Mirrors" features some of the characters from Gaiman's other books.
Richard Mayhew is a decent sort of fellow, with a respectable job albeit under a terrible boss, with a girlfriend from a respectable background. He doesn't realize that he ought to be unhappy with his life, but goes with the flow nonetheless. When a young girl appears out of nowhere, bloodied, and collapses in front of him on the street, he decides to help her out despite the disapproval from his social climbing girlfriend. The young girl appears to be a derelict, but she has these special powers, and she is being hunted down by these nasty assasins from the underworld. Thus begins Richard's spiral into the mad, mad world of the Underground.
This book is definitely recommended. Also check out his other books, "American Gods" and "Anansi Boys," and if you can't get enough of it, his short story collection "smoke and Mirrors" features some of the characters from Gaiman's other books.
Susan V. (nrlymrtl) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 297 more book reviews
I have read Neverwhere a few times over the past dozen years and each time I wish Neil Gaiman would write a sequel, or prequel, or additional book set in this world. This book still has so many mysteries to explore. Neverwhere, my first Gaiman book, showed me a different kind of fantasy, one without princess-gobbling dragons, puns, elderly wizards, or lengthy sword fights. It is urban fantasy, but more than that, it is about Richard finding his place in the world. He hungers for a top job at the office, to impress his girlfriend Jess, and be a very popular guy. But none of that is happening. In fact, one might look at Richards life and think it is a bit of a joke. Hes a paper-pusher, his friend makes snide jokes at his expense, and his girlfriend has his life planned out to meet her exacting standards. Poor dude. But then one evening a bloody girl ends up on the sidewalk in front of him, begging for help. Lady Door is in desperate need of assistance. Her family has been massacred by unknown assailants for mysterious reasons.
Neverwhere isnt my favorite Gaiman book and I would even say it is not his best work. But it has a warm place in my heart and it is worth a reread every few years. The character development only goes so far and then plot drives the rest of the book. The story, while wrapped up for the immediate needs, leaves several questions churning in the readers head; hence, my desire to see another book set in this world.
Neverwhere isnt my favorite Gaiman book and I would even say it is not his best work. But it has a warm place in my heart and it is worth a reread every few years. The character development only goes so far and then plot drives the rest of the book. The story, while wrapped up for the immediate needs, leaves several questions churning in the readers head; hence, my desire to see another book set in this world.
Good stuff! Complex and futuristic, a beneath the ewarth sci-fi that is very well written.
Katy G. (katyslp) - , reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
I never thought I would enjoy this kind of story, but I could not put this book down. I cannot wait to read more of Gaiman's work!
Cami Z. (MissZ) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
In Neverwhere, Gaiman's characters are believable and rich. Gaiman creates a fantasy world that the reader can imagine actually exists. This book kept my attention throughout, and I was anxious to find out what would happen next. This is a classic mixture of the dangling carrot and the grass is greener on the otherside, but Gaiman gives it a few twists to keep it really interesting. The main character spends a lot of time pining for the past while missing the excitement of the present. He does not relize this until after he encounters a few challenging obstacles. He must overcome these obstacles to regain what he's lost only to discover that the very thing he tried to get away from is the very thing he loves. Sound confusing? It is until you start reading. Neverwhere is much better than American Gods because the author picks one story line and sticks with it throughout. Good read.
Scott K. (squid1) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
A very good book. Gaiman doeas a great job of having his main character comically stumble through a serious story with some very dangerous people. Take ' The Hitchhikers Guide' and trough some blood and murder into it, and you get an idea of how this book reads.
Karen S. (Satori) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
Very interesting story and interesting concept. It's hard to put this one down!
Katie K. (SassyBlonde) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
A great book by a very imaginitive author. Very dark, but extremely engaging.
Ann K. (liblit) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 130 more book reviews
An interesting combination of fantasy and horror. About Richard Mayhew who is (book jacket) "propelled into a world he never knew existed - a dark subculture flourshing in abandoned subay stations and sewer tunnels below the city - a world far stanger and more dangerouw than the only one he has ever known."
Not knowing London this book didn't have the same shock value that American Gods had for me, but still memorable
Not knowing London this book didn't have the same shock value that American Gods had for me, but still memorable
Barbara M. reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 147 more book reviews
I believe I picked this book up 2-3 years ago at a thrift store. Just got around to reading it in the last month. When I selected this from my bookcase and saw the author's name, I recalled that I had read another of his books (The Ocean at the End of the Lane) and hadn't liked it. I discovered I didn't like Neverwhere, either. Fantasy and sci-fi are usually not genres to which I gravitate but I have read some of both and enjoyed them.
I didn't like Richard, the central character. I don't recall what his job was but he was a "young professional" who had a beautiful but high maintenance girlfriend (Jessica). The pairing of Jessica and Richard didn't ring true. Richard's sudden disappearance into the underworld really had no explanation (unless I missed something)--he simply was no longer visible except to those in the underworld. I was intrigued enough to keep reading because I wondered who the top bad guy was, and that was a surprise.
POSSIBLE SPOILER: The end was thought provoking. Richard had managed to return to the real world and found that he had been promoted. I don't recall how long Richard was back in the real world (I finished the book 2-3 weeks ago) before he became disillusioned and decided he preferred life in the underworld. END OF SPOILER
I didn't like Richard, the central character. I don't recall what his job was but he was a "young professional" who had a beautiful but high maintenance girlfriend (Jessica). The pairing of Jessica and Richard didn't ring true. Richard's sudden disappearance into the underworld really had no explanation (unless I missed something)--he simply was no longer visible except to those in the underworld. I was intrigued enough to keep reading because I wondered who the top bad guy was, and that was a surprise.
POSSIBLE SPOILER: The end was thought provoking. Richard had managed to return to the real world and found that he had been promoted. I don't recall how long Richard was back in the real world (I finished the book 2-3 weeks ago) before he became disillusioned and decided he preferred life in the underworld. END OF SPOILER
This is an amazing book that based on a tv series which was based on a famous comic book series. It is about an ordinary Londoner meets an injured girl in the street and is whisked away to a parallel city of London. It is an under-world populated by sad, cruel and desparate people, including the young girl who is trying to avenge her parents murder. He gradually loses more and more his connections to "London above" as he gets sucked into the mysterious "London below".
Neverwhere was an easy and interesting read. The plot twists and climactic scenes were, perhaps, somewhat simplistic, but in a good way. The dry, absurd humor reminded me a bit of Terry Pratchett. Also, the lack of well defined rules for the world that Gaiman constructs reminded me of Discworld. And of course, all the references to particular places in London would likely mean more to people familiar with the city than they did to me.
Julie S. reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 31 more book reviews
A dark sontempory Alice in Wonderland.
I loved this book, it is unique and will keep you up at night!
Julia F. (Farmerswife) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 52 more book reviews
I have always liked Neil Gaiman's books, but it usually takes me several chapters to get into them. Neverwhere hooked me from the first chapter! As the result of one act of kindness, Richard Mayhew finds himself forced to live in an alternate London he never knew existed. Now he must find a way to get his old life back. This book is Alice in Wonderland AND The Wizard of Oz for adults.
If you are a Neil Gaiman fan, you will not be disappointed.
If you are a Neil Gaiman fan, you will not be disappointed.
I absolutely loved this book. In fact, had I not accidentally bought a second copy, this would never leave my bookcase. I recommend any of Gaiman's work.
Incredibly inventive, creative and imaginative. Highly recommended!
Definitely a Fun read. Some fantasic ideas are throughout this book. At times the humor seems a little forced or rote. This was my first book by Gaiman (alone, I have read books he coauthored) and I will read more of his work.
Ken B. (kenarchy) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Fun, well-written dark fantasy.
This book was my introduction to Neil Gaiman, and I enjoyed it very much. I've always loved darker fantasies, without the disneyfied glitter that has ruined so many tales like this, and this is one I think I'll be returning to again and again.
Colleen O. (CT1Colleen) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 146 more book reviews
Neil Gaiman's world of London Below is well thought out and it sounds like a delightful place to visit. I really enjoyed this book, the humor just sneaks up and bites you. I would recommand this book to anyone looking for something different.
Kristen S. (ULookSoPrecious) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
A book that will keep you turning the page, hoping to reach the end so you'll find out what happens, but wishing it would never end because you don't want it to be over. I'm usually not a fan of science-fiction/fantasy type novels, but this one definitely grabbed my attention right from the beginning, and kept it through to the end.
Robin M. (rtmezz) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
This was a very quick, couldn't put it down read. A combination of Alice in Wonderland/Wizard of OZ tale. Loved it!
Ashley (ashleyhoffenberg) -
Neverhwre is a dark, gothic urban fantasy that takes place in London Underground. While the characters are eccentric and unique, you will find no vampires, weres or faeries in this novel. Instead, Gaimans fantastical world is a reflection of reality an alternate reality.
Richard is a young businessman leading a normal existence. On his way to dinner with his fiancé one evening, he stops to rescue a young women who is lying on the sidewalk, bleeding. He takes the girl named Door back to his apartment. The next day, she has fully recovered and asks him to find someone name the Marquis de Carabas. She needs this person to aid her in escaping some of the most evil, vile characters Ive ever encountered in fiction Croup and Vandemar. Once Richard returns to his apartment with the Marquis, the Marquis and Door both vanish immediately.
Richard soon learns that his interactions with these strange people have literally turned him invisible to the world. He loses his job, his apartment, no one recognizes him anymore. He has now become a part of London Below. People who "slip through the cracks" takes on an entirely new meaning in this novel.
Richard sets out to find Door in London Below so he can get his life back. Along the way, he meets Rat Speakers, crosses a dark and mysterious underground bridge that has the tendency to gobble people up as they cross, and finds a Floating Market under Harrods, of all places. He discovers that Lady Door is someone of nobility in this underworld, and she is on a mission to discover the people behind her familys demise. At this point, Richard has no other option but to join her in the quest to bring down the malevolence that is out to destroy this world.
The series of events in this book are intense, grim and treacherous. Richard is quite unremarkable and about as normal as one can be, but he grows on you. His desire to get back to his normal existence in London Above is his main motivation to continue on this insane ride, but the more involved he comes with London Below, the more his chances to leave it diminish. Door is a fantastic character who is way more than she seems.
The descriptions of these areas and people are very visual and detailed. Gaimans writing is engaging, simplistic and full of wonderful expression. He has a sense of humor when breathing life into his characters. For example, Croup and Vandemar are like Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, but cruel and inhumane. They are vile and enjoy bringing pain and death, yet they speak as though they have been raised by the Queen herself. They are extremely eloquent, which is in contrast to their despicable personalities. Its odd and funny. Also, the entire cast of eccentric and odd-ball characters are accepted for who they are in London Below. They can be themselves without being shunned by society. It kinda makes you wonder which reality is better
When I recently visited London for the first time, it was so great to see all the landmarks talked about in this book. The names of tube stations were especially fun for me because of their use in the book. The Earl of Earls Court is quite a character in the book, and runs his court on an abandoned Tube train that has its own schedule and route. I wanted to take a picture in front of the Earls Court Tube sign, but it never happened. That scene is one of my favorites. The Black Friar monks are housed in Blackfriars and Islington is an Angel, an important character in the story.
Neverwhere was actually an urban fantasy TV mini-series in the mid 1990s that aired on BBC. Ive watched some of the series through Netflix and it so hokey and ridiculous! But, Gaiman decided to put the TV series into book form, and it is gloriously awesome. Its very much an Alice in Wonderland-esque story, which is probably why I was drawn to it. Alice is my favorite Childrens book! In short, Gaiman is a wonderful storyteller, and this story is sure to keep your interest until the very end. This book receives every star I own.
Richard is a young businessman leading a normal existence. On his way to dinner with his fiancé one evening, he stops to rescue a young women who is lying on the sidewalk, bleeding. He takes the girl named Door back to his apartment. The next day, she has fully recovered and asks him to find someone name the Marquis de Carabas. She needs this person to aid her in escaping some of the most evil, vile characters Ive ever encountered in fiction Croup and Vandemar. Once Richard returns to his apartment with the Marquis, the Marquis and Door both vanish immediately.
Richard soon learns that his interactions with these strange people have literally turned him invisible to the world. He loses his job, his apartment, no one recognizes him anymore. He has now become a part of London Below. People who "slip through the cracks" takes on an entirely new meaning in this novel.
Richard sets out to find Door in London Below so he can get his life back. Along the way, he meets Rat Speakers, crosses a dark and mysterious underground bridge that has the tendency to gobble people up as they cross, and finds a Floating Market under Harrods, of all places. He discovers that Lady Door is someone of nobility in this underworld, and she is on a mission to discover the people behind her familys demise. At this point, Richard has no other option but to join her in the quest to bring down the malevolence that is out to destroy this world.
The series of events in this book are intense, grim and treacherous. Richard is quite unremarkable and about as normal as one can be, but he grows on you. His desire to get back to his normal existence in London Above is his main motivation to continue on this insane ride, but the more involved he comes with London Below, the more his chances to leave it diminish. Door is a fantastic character who is way more than she seems.
The descriptions of these areas and people are very visual and detailed. Gaimans writing is engaging, simplistic and full of wonderful expression. He has a sense of humor when breathing life into his characters. For example, Croup and Vandemar are like Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, but cruel and inhumane. They are vile and enjoy bringing pain and death, yet they speak as though they have been raised by the Queen herself. They are extremely eloquent, which is in contrast to their despicable personalities. Its odd and funny. Also, the entire cast of eccentric and odd-ball characters are accepted for who they are in London Below. They can be themselves without being shunned by society. It kinda makes you wonder which reality is better
When I recently visited London for the first time, it was so great to see all the landmarks talked about in this book. The names of tube stations were especially fun for me because of their use in the book. The Earl of Earls Court is quite a character in the book, and runs his court on an abandoned Tube train that has its own schedule and route. I wanted to take a picture in front of the Earls Court Tube sign, but it never happened. That scene is one of my favorites. The Black Friar monks are housed in Blackfriars and Islington is an Angel, an important character in the story.
Neverwhere was actually an urban fantasy TV mini-series in the mid 1990s that aired on BBC. Ive watched some of the series through Netflix and it so hokey and ridiculous! But, Gaiman decided to put the TV series into book form, and it is gloriously awesome. Its very much an Alice in Wonderland-esque story, which is probably why I was drawn to it. Alice is my favorite Childrens book! In short, Gaiman is a wonderful storyteller, and this story is sure to keep your interest until the very end. This book receives every star I own.
Mary D. (BluddyMurry) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
I loved this book. Of course, I love just about anything by Gaiman, but this book is a definite favorite; I really had trouble turning homework in the two or so days I spent reading it.
Mr. Gaiman is just so nice to look at, too.
Mr. Gaiman is just so nice to look at, too.
One of the most thoughtful and delightful books, by one of the most wonderful authors. Read this book, you will be better for it.
Judy H. (Judyh) -
Dark, thrilling, scary. Lots of colorful characters and creepy villians and a not-so-perfect hero.
Deborah B. (DebBrown) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
What a great story! And from an expert storyteller. I haven't read a Gaiman book that I didn't love. This one is very clever and so well done.
Very intersting concept. I enjoyed this book a lot, and will be looking for more books by this author.
James A. (vonJunzt) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 53 more book reviews
Neil Gaioman -- nuff said!
Krista (berries674) -
Ok, i read a lot of reviews on this book that praised it. Apparently im not on the same page. I liked the concept, it reminded me of that of The Devil's Advocate. As far as the storyline, character development and fantasy-like content, i was not impressed. While i don't much prefer fantasy/sci-fi i was willing to give it a go, but here i found it somewhat annoying and difficult to get "into" the Underground characters (Rat-people???). They seemed very vague, and somewhat irrelevant to one another. The use of symbolism was keen, but overall, I felt as though there was no structure or explanation of how these people got to the "underworld" and felt anxious to just get through the last few chapters.
Ron C. (Hophead) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 285 more book reviews
Fun to read.
Barbi S. reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
like an adult Harry Potter with more sinister twists.
Lynda C. (Readnmachine) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 1439 more book reviews
This reads like the adventures of the love child of Alice in Wonderland and Arthur Dent, as transcribed by Stephen King.
Gaiman's fantasy adventure takes place in a âLondon Belowâ as his protagonist gets sucked into a mad and dangerous quest in a magical / malevolent culture existing under the streets of London, where time is fluid, loyalties shift, and violent death is a constant possibility. First of a series.
Gaiman's fantasy adventure takes place in a âLondon Belowâ as his protagonist gets sucked into a mad and dangerous quest in a magical / malevolent culture existing under the streets of London, where time is fluid, loyalties shift, and violent death is a constant possibility. First of a series.
Tristana H. (Tristana) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
While an interesting idea, I wasn't fond of the way it was written. I had an extremely hard time getting into the book. While I did finish it, I had to force myself to do so.
Terry M. (tmulcahy) -
A fascinating story. It appealed to the part of me still charmed by magic. I enjoyed the characters and the settings, reading the better part of it while sitting on my ass in a disused hospital room with other background actors like me, dressed as patients, doctors, nurses, orderlies, a few lawyers, and even as U.S. Secret Service agents protecting a mythical dream-sequence TV wannabe President. It occurs to me that I participate in magic on a regular basis myself, so I shouldn't be too hard on written stories that emply magic as a plot device, although often a rather convenient one.
The story transported me to another world, taking me away from this one, which is what I count on fiction to do, and it did so very admirably. The writing is smooth and clean and the story is crafted to move along quickly. Some things made me laugh, and some made me smile. I could see this world quite clearly, and almost smell it. Sucked me right in. Thank you Mr. Gaiman.
The story transported me to another world, taking me away from this one, which is what I count on fiction to do, and it did so very admirably. The writing is smooth and clean and the story is crafted to move along quickly. Some things made me laugh, and some made me smile. I could see this world quite clearly, and almost smell it. Sucked me right in. Thank you Mr. Gaiman.
Christine D. (christylisty) -
Neil Gaiman is an incredibly gifted writer, and while "Neverwhere" might fall in the genre of young adult fantasy, it is with guilt that I admit I enjoyed every minute of it. I've read two other books since this, yet his characters linger as does the alternate world he created in the London underground and subway system. There was never a moment when I was bored or wanted to put this book down. Given that I'm many decades older than Gaiman, this is a testament to his writing skill and his ability to create an entire world from pure imagination. Loved it. Love this writer.
Amy B. (BaileysBooks) reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 491 more book reviews
This book was everything that I have come to expect from Neil Gaiman: witty, clever, very creative, a little creepy, rather dark, and an overall great read.
"Neverwhere" was a fascinating glimpse into the previously unseen world of an alternative and underground London. There was so much to like about this book! I reveled in the banter between the pair of primary hitmen. I was just as swept away as the main character, Richard, when the humors and horrors of this brand new world were steadily revealed.
And while I enjoyed this book immensely, I did have a few compalints. This new world was creative and intriguing, but it was also incomplete. I wanted to know more! Some of the characters were only partially developed. In a sense this book would have been better written as a trilogy in order to fully understand the history and motivations of all of the characters. There was a lot in the book that you had to simply take on faith. There was very little explanation for many of the "why's" and "how's" for characters and events, and in that sense I felt the book was a little lacking.
But these are complaints only of someone who liked the book so much that I was truly disappointed that there wasn't more to read. Overall, it is still a rewarding read and one that is well worth recommending.
"Neverwhere" was a fascinating glimpse into the previously unseen world of an alternative and underground London. There was so much to like about this book! I reveled in the banter between the pair of primary hitmen. I was just as swept away as the main character, Richard, when the humors and horrors of this brand new world were steadily revealed.
And while I enjoyed this book immensely, I did have a few compalints. This new world was creative and intriguing, but it was also incomplete. I wanted to know more! Some of the characters were only partially developed. In a sense this book would have been better written as a trilogy in order to fully understand the history and motivations of all of the characters. There was a lot in the book that you had to simply take on faith. There was very little explanation for many of the "why's" and "how's" for characters and events, and in that sense I felt the book was a little lacking.
But these are complaints only of someone who liked the book so much that I was truly disappointed that there wasn't more to read. Overall, it is still a rewarding read and one that is well worth recommending.
Christine S. reviewed Neverwhere (London Below, The World of Neverwhere, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Awesome author check out all his books!
