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The TV adaptation of Good Omens made a huge splash on Amazon Prime, garnering enthusiastic applause from both longtime fans of the book and newcomers. It’s a masterclass in translating the book’s tone using costumes, sets, style, dialogue, and music. The show’s impeccable casting transports us to a Good Omens that feels tailor-made for the golden age of television in 2019.
Now that you’ve devoured the series, the next logical step is to dive into the book. But whether you’ve recently finished reading Good Omens or have revisited it countless times over the years, there’s a plethora of delightful books and comics that capture its unique style and tone perfectly.
Books and Comics to Satisfy Your Good Omens Cravings
So, let’s explore a selection of works by the Good Omens co-authors Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, along with a few gems from other authors that will hit that Good Omens sweet spot.
Mort by Terry Pratchett
Even the personification of Death needs an apprentice, and Mort fits the bill perfectly. While Mort isn’t the first book in Terry Pratchett’s legendary Discworld series (it’s actually the fourth), it solidified fans’ adoration for his work. It’s here that Pratchett’s trademark style, comedic flair, and astute social commentary truly shine. This book was the first in the Discworld series to make me burst into laughter.
Although the Discworld books can be read in any order, Mort serves as an excellent starting point because it features Death as a central character.
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
If you’re searching for a book that captures the essence of Good Omens, Neverwhere is the closest match. Set in London, it intertwines familiar cultural themes with British references, conjuring a magical world that feels astonishingly real and immersive.
You’ll wander through this world alongside Richard Mayhew, a man who rescues an injured girl named Door from the streets of London. From that moment, Richard’s life takes a surreal turn as he becomes entangled in a dangerous chase, pursued by otherworldly assassins. His odyssey propels him into London Below, a shadowy and mystical realm inhabited by Rat-Speakers, a Floating Market, and the enigmatic Angel of Islington.
Ratingperson has compiled a list of 11 Great Books for Mythology Fans that you may also find intriguing.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Few places evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment like a circus. If harnessed by the right talents, a circus becomes a stage for awe-inspiring stories that leave you captivated and astonished time and time again. The Night Circus accomplishes just that. Set in the Victorian era, the novel transports us to Le Cirque des Rêves, a traveling circus that only opens its doors at nightfall and closes at dawn. Within the circus, true magic thrives, both beautiful and dark.
This tale revolves around two powerful magicians engaged in a friendly yet cruel rivalry. Each magician mentors a protege, Celia and Marco, as they plunge into the secrets of magic, becoming pawns in a lethal contest complicated by the emergence of unexpected romance.
Ratingperson has put together a compelling list of the 11 Best Fantasy Audiobooks you shouldn’t miss.
The Gospel of Loki by Joanne Harris
Crafting a cohesive narrative by skillfully intertwining the tales of Norse mythology takes a particular kind of ingenuity. The Gospel of Loki achieves precisely that by reimagining Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology, weaving individual stories into a single, delightful, and witty account that appeals to readers of all ages.
This extraordinary approach breathes new life into ancient Norse myths, making them accessible and infinitely entertaining.
Lucifer by Mike Carey and Peter Gross
First introduced in Neil Gaiman’s iconic comic book series, The Sandman, Lucifer later received his own solo series penned by the brilliant Mike Carey. (Carey’s other work, The Unwritten, is an underrated masterpiece that explores the very essence of storytelling.)
The Lucifer solo series follows our protagonist after he abandons his role as the ruler of Hell (as seen in The Sandman). He relocates to Los Angeles, where he runs a piano bar called Lux. However, his newfound peace is interrupted when a divine creator requests a favor.
The Wicked + The Divine by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie
Perhaps the most socially aware comic of this decade, The Wicked + The Divine portrays twelve deities locked in an eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Every ninety years, these gods incarnate as humans, gaining fame, fortune, and adulation before meeting untimely demises within two years.
This series provides an incisive examination of fame, viewed through the lens of both the famous and their devoted followers. As the metaphor unfolds and evolves, you’ll find yourself engrossed in its layers. The minimalist pop-art style of Jamie McKelvie, combined with Kieron Gillen’s snappy and clever dialogue, adds an extra layer of brilliance to the narrative.
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Neil Gaiman himself was captivated by this colossal, sweeping epic before it was even published. Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is an English tale of magical realism set during the Napoleonic War, blending history and magic in an utterly compelling manner.
Mr Norrell, one of England’s last remaining magicians, single-handedly repels Napoleon’s fleet with his awe-inspiring magic. Unchallenged for years, his supremacy is threatened when Jonathan Strange, a charismatic, naive, and audacious young magician, emerges on the scene. Brace yourself for a spellbinding blend of history and magic that will captivate you from the first page.
These seven captivating reads will transport you to worlds filled with wit, magic, and unforgettable characters. Prepare to embark on thrilling adventures that will leave you yearning for more. Remember, if you’re hungry for personalized recommendations, visit Ratingperson for a wealth of reading inspiration.