I picked this up off the donations table at the library, expecting to find it a mildly amusing quick read that I'd put back on the table when I was done. And that is exactly what happened. I'm not really into reading humor; I just don't find it particularly engaging. That said, the book was really witty and fast-moving, had some great characters and some real tension. I still put it back on the donations pile when I was done. ( )

It's time for Armageddon. We've waited long enough. Heaven and Hell are finally ready for their ultimate battle, and the world is facing impending destruction in a matter of hours. Only one problem: a few years back, someone inadvertently threw a wrench in the works, and now nothing is going according to plan. As a matter of fact, angels and demons may actually have to work together if they want to set things right. Which is to say, set them wrong. But for the right reasons. Er....

This novel is a fun jaunt through all the possible pratfalls that might divert the apocalypse. But rather than show only one side of the epic battle of Good vs. Evil, Gaiman and Pratchett paint a world in which there are no absolutes. After all, there can be no good without evil, and vice versa. In addition to being a remarkably well constructed story, with fun characters and an exciting plot, the story is a good reminder of the wonderful things that come in gray packages, rather than in black and white.

One of the most delightful things about this book is that things of the world that are made by angels, and things of the world that are made by demons, are virtually indistinguishable. In fact, even the angels and demons don't know who's responsible for which, and many of the world's best and worst things are caused not by divine intervention, but by humans themselves. We think. Gaiman and Pratchett certainly don't settle on any one particular dogma (predestination and free will get equal face time)... though the religious elements are decidedly Christian.

This book is much better written than some of Gaiman's, which leads me to believe that Pratchett may have had a controlling influence (in a good way!) that led to a tighter plot and more cohesive story line. The narrative drags a bit in the middle, but the witty banter and nothing-is-as-it-seems twists more than make up for it.

It's possible that some readers might be put off by the humor that is simultaneously reverent and irreverent. Much of what's in this story could be taken in a number of ways, so readers are cautioned to approach with an open mind, expecting a good time. With that approach, you will not be disappointed.

The fact that this book is so humorous and imaginatively-conceived (and passably-well written, as well) more than makes up for whatever offense my religious sensibilities suffered. I had never read Neil Gaiman or Terry Pratchett before, though I was aware of the cult following these two authors have, and I was prepared to be disappointed by another overhyped work I would've more enjoyed in middle school--but I was very pleasantly surprised.

This book is clever, thought-provoking, and amusing enough to make a commute that much shorter. I'd definitely recommend this to my more liberal friends. ( )

To quote Book-a-Minute, Five billion people almost DIE, and it is FUNNY.

That's the gist of Good Omens. But let's forget about the five billion almost dying, and focus on the funny. Because it's funny. Brilliantly so. Hilarious, actually.

It may sound obvious, but think about Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, and put them together. Terry Pratchett's humour and Neil Gaiman's knack for surreality. That's all in there, tied together so well, that it is impossible to tell them apart.

Good Omens is about the Apocalypse and its Four Horsemen, the Anti-Christ, The Beginning and End of Things, Angels and Demons and everything else that comes with it. But most of all it is a set of stories that all converge into one point. The characters are believable, they are surreal, and you do expect them to pop out in the your street at any time, even if it is The Antichrist.

This book is a favourite of mine. When I need something that will amuse me and provide a good read this is usually the book I pick up. If I am to be found chuckling or even laughing out loud alone, this book is sure to be the cause of it. ( )

The Apocalypse is nearing, but the Antichrist has been misplaced, and an angel and demon that have been around since Creation are realizing that they're rather fond of the world and would prefer if it didn't end just now. This is a funny book. The bizarre asides, reminiscent of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, are really the best part. I can see now why this book is so popular among fans of humorous fantasy: it's wonderful. It's one of the rare books I could see myself reading multiple times. ( )