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Smoke and Mirrors

Smoke and Mirrors

Short Fictions and Illusions
Short storyFantasyFolklore
Pages
352
Published
1998
Language
English

Synopsis

Step into a world where the ordinary is a thin veil over the extraordinary. In Neil Gaiman's "Smoke and Mirrors," magic is real, and it lurks in unexpected places. Discover tales of second-hand shops selling holy relics, assassins advertising in the classifieds, and desperate bargains struck with creatures from folklore. This collection offers a glimpse into Gaiman's unique vision, where reality is bent and reshaped by imagination.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

DarkMysteriousWhimsicalThought-Provoking
Multiple POVs

Genres

Fantasy Folklore Horror Literary Fiction Paranormal Short Stories

About the author

N
Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman (born 10 November 1960 in Portchester, Hampshire) is an English writer of novels, short fiction, comics, screenplays and audio drama. He worked as a journalist before moving into comics, where his DC series The Sandman, begun in 1989, recast the title character as Morpheus, lord of dreams, and became one of the most acclaimed comics of its era. His novels include Good Omens, written with Terry Pratchett, as well as Neverwhere, Stardust, American Gods, Anansi Boys, Coraline and The Oc...

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Smoke and Mirrors connect to Neil Gaiman's other works?

    Several stories in Smoke and Mirrors feature characters or settings that reappear in Gaiman's larger fictional universe, offering glimpses into the broader tapestry of his mythology. Readers familiar with his novels will recognize subtle nods and deeper connections that enrich the reading experience.

  • Are there any adaptations of stories from Smoke and Mirrors?

    Some individual stories within Smoke and Mirrors have been adapted into other media, including short films and comic book issues. These adaptations often explore specific tales from the collection rather than the entire anthology.

  • What makes Smoke and Mirrors unique among Gaiman's short story collections?

    Smoke and Mirrors is notable for including a significant number of Gaiman's early and experimental short fiction, showcasing his developing style and thematic interests. It also features several poems and non-fiction pieces alongside the traditional short stories, offering a broader look at his creative output.

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