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Summary: So much better than Neverwhere
Review: In "Neverwhere" Gaiman seriously bit off more than he could chew. But in this book of short stories, Gaiman's intensely creative ideas and fantastic imagination are perfect for the art that is the short story. I like how he puts two entirely unrelated ideas together. Like his opening tale of an old woman who finds the Holy Grail at her local thrift shop and is pursued by a handsome Knight of the Table Round (Yes, somehow he is from the past) who desperately wants the cup so he can complete his quest. You won't believe what he offers her in the way of exchange! These stories are so cool, I highly recommend this book!
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Summary: An Enchanting Collection from the Modern Master of Fantasy
Review: In praising Neil Gaiman, author of the award-winning Sandman comic book series, Stephen King called him "a treasure house of story". For those who only know the inimitable Mr. Gaiman from his comic book works, this collection represents a treasure trove of the author's prose work, with a generous helping of verse thrown in to boot.The stories contained within Smoke and Mirrors range from straight horror to wild fantasy. While the stories range widely in quality, the 337 pages of this collection fly by, and even where Gaiman misses the mark, he makes an impression. I highly recommend "Murder Mysteries," a tale of a murder investigation in Heaven before Lucifer's Fall (or was he pushed?); "Troll Bridge," concerning dark happenings beneath a highway bridge; and "The Price," a story about a cat's sacrifice which I believe Mr. King found quite wonderful. Gaiman thoughtfully includes a detailed introduction wherein he describes the genesis of these stories. Fellow writers will find this section fascinating as a window on the author's creative process. Short story collections are of necessity a mixed bag, but even casual Gaiman fans will find Smoke and Mirrors rewarding.
Rating: 
Summary: A Must for Fans of Dark Fantasy or Contemporary Classics
Review: Neil Gaiman is quickly becoming one of the world's most recognized and revered authors, and with good reason. His stories are fantastical, but not to the point that they are merely escapist enteratinment. When one reads a work by Gaiman, they come back into the real world and look at it differently, through smoke tinted glasses if you will.
Every story in here is good, but some are better than others.
-"Chivalry" is, as Gaiman himself says, a very friendly story. It's very funny and much lighter than his other works.
-"Tastings" is not so much fantasy as it is eroticism, but it's different than what you would expect. There is more to this story than sex.
-"Snow, Glass, Apples" is a very disturbing take on the Snow White mythology. A very chilling read that makes you see the Disney film in new light.
-"Murder Mysteries" is one the best short stories ever written. Not only is it intricately plotted, but it also has a resonating message that anyone could find inspiration in, and if not inspiration then despair.
-"The Price" is my personal favorite along with "Murder Mysteries". It takes a whole new spin on the good vs. evil motif, has a twist that will throw you for a loop, and really makes you appreciate things you might perceive as normal, and in some cases annoying.
-"The Wedding Present", the story Gaiman hides in the introduction, is chilling and thought provoking. My next favorite of the collection.
This is a great book and should be on the shelf of everybody who loves a good read.
Rating:
Summary: Stop reading this and go get this book now!
Review: There is so much variety in this book you'd think it wasn't written by the same person, but it is, and how well it was done. Most of it pertains to sci-fi/fantasy, as that is what Gaiman usually writes. Some of the stories are truly touching, some haunting, and some very funny. There are about 30 short stories and poems.
There are brief introductions to each piece, which is very interesting. Good for a read every now and then or all at once. Good stuff that you will remember for a long time after reading it. It blew me away, especially the last two stories, "Murder Mysteries" and "Snow, Glass, Apples." Those were the most memorable and well written, in my opinion. Just like they say, save the best for last.
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