Pure indulgence, the sort of book to tuck in with on a cold wet weekend. Again I'm trying out a new genre - for my 1st shot at ‘urban fantasy’ I picked this one, it's Gaiman’s solo debut. A premise that hooked because it made perfect sense to me. I mean anyone who’s taken a subway alone late at night, who’s glanced nervously down the track into a damp tunnel dimly lit by flickering lights would agree - if there IS a one-way portal to a subterranean world that’s where it's most likely to be...Plus I’ve always loved subways, as a kid in Toronto I’d ride around aimlessly for hours just killing time, never outgrew it – done the same on 'grown-up' trips to New York & London, and this story plays out in my favorite one of them all - London’s infamous Tube.
“Understand this: there are two Londons. There’s London Above—that’s where you lived—and then there’s London Below—the Underside—inhabited by the people who fell through the cracks in the world. Now you’re one of them”
An adult fairytale with the prerequisite quest - not saying any more at risk of spoiling. Peopled with a host of weird & wonderful characters like the Sewer Folk "After the Great Stink they really came into their own, living in a world of gurgles and drips", the Rat-Speakers, a Marquis by the name of de Carabas that’s pretty special, a kick-ass warrior babe, there's even an angel.
Outshining them all though are Mr. Croup & Mr Vandermar, the most delightfully wicked team of villains I’ve ever had the pleasure of coming across – worth reading just to make their acquaintance. In a voice like rancid butter it’s Mr. Croup who does most of the talking. "I’m afraid we don’t have any redeeming features" , who answers the phone "Croup and Vandemar - eyes gouged, noses twisted, tongues pierced, chins cleft, throats slit." When Mr. Vandemar does speak it's in a voice like a night wind blowing over a desert of bones. "I’ll make you suffer, spoil your day." Gross alert (view spoiler)
Entertaining and just plain fun – a solid 4 stars.
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Cons: The 2 main characters are pretty weak. Richard Mayhew is an annoying wuss, though I liked him anyway & Lady Door could definitely use some work...