Rating: 
Summary: At least Death isn't as dumb in this sequel
Review: I wasn't particularly impressed with "Death: The High Cost Of Living", which is the prequel to this book. The only reason I read this sequel is that I purchased both at the same time. Actually, I wound out liking this "Death" book better than the first, though it is less about Death and more about living. Death has a little more power in this book, and is not as silly or giddy as before. Taking the side characters Foxglove and Hazel from "THCOL" and centering on them, this book continues with Foxglove's career taking off at a phenomenal pace. Hazel's baby Alvie is now born, and Hazel stays at home while Foxglove is out making appearances and records. On top of which, Foxglove has been advised by her manager not to reveal the nature of her lesbian relationship with Hazel. But unknown to Foxglove, Hazel has made a deal with Death in her attempt to save Alvie's life. Foxglove is now not only going to have to choose between her family and her career, but also between life and death. Three stars is still as high as I can go for this tale, and that is purely out of respect for Neil Gaimen. In all honesty, I dislike "touchy-feelie" books and this one has "syrup" written all over it, along with more cheesy song lyrics to be subjected to trying to finish the storyline. Gaimen's other works are much better, and if you like his books and his Sandman series, save these little "Death" graphic novels for last. They are not worthy of his other works and should be purchased only to fill in the holes in your collections.
Rating: 
Summary: For fans of Sandman and his sister Death
Review: If you're a fan of the Sandman or you love his sister Death, this is probably a pretty sure thing for you. You probably aren't reading this; you already have a copy, have read it, have reviewed it and moved on. If you enjoyed _Death: The High Cost of Living_ (the other Sandman spin-off based on Death), I can't promise anything. Unlike _High Cost_, this novel focueses more on a lesbian couple (who appeared in _High Cost_) and the death of their child than Death herself. The mother makes a bargain with Death who appears during that part of the story and at the end, but she is not the focal point. Nonetheless, the story is well-written, as is typical of Neil Gaiman. It is the story of a couple and the struggles they go through when one becomes famous and is on tour and hiding her sexuality (I gueess this was pre-Melissa Etheridge, Indigo Girls, K.D. Lang, etc). When the child dies, early in the sotry, Death steps in and things get weird. I know, that's not descriptive, but I don't want to ruin it for you! I'm not sure but I heard this graphic novel recieved an award from GLADD for its accurate and compassionate portrayal of a lesbian couple and their child.
Rating:
Summary: For fans of Sandman and his sister Death
Review: If you're a fan of the Sandman or you love his sister Death, this is probably a pretty sure thing for you. You probably aren't reading this; you already have a copy, have read it, have reviewed it and moved on. If you enjoyed _Death: The High Cost of Living_ (the other Sandman spin-off based on Death), I can't promise anything. Unlike _High Cost_, this novel focueses more on a lesbian couple (who appeared in _High Cost_) and the death of their child than Death herself. The mother makes a bargain with Death who appears during that part of the story and at the end, but she is not the focal point. Nonetheless, the story is well-written, as is typical of Neil Gaiman. It is the story of a couple and the struggles they go through when one becomes famous and is on tour and hiding her sexuality (I gueess this was pre-Melissa Etheridge, Indigo Girls, K.D. Lang, etc). When the child dies, early in the sotry, Death steps in and things get weird. I know, that's not descriptive, but I don't want to ruin it for you! I'm not sure but I heard this graphic novel recieved an award from GLADD for its accurate and compassionate portrayal of a lesbian couple and their child.
Rating:
Summary: If you like Sandman, well...
Review: If you've read Sandman, you're familiar with Gaiman's character, Death. If you've chose to read Death: The Time of Your Life to learn more about Death, you may have to consider a couple of things. One reviewer said that Death is not like the character that we know from Sandman, simply because she gave Alvie a few more weeks to live. This is true, partially. However, in the four Sandman trade paperback, Death lets dead Charles roam about with Edwin until she has more time and energy to come back and get him. In essence, she lets him have his way about death for a little while, which is the same thing she did with Alvin. We see that Death can be a little human-like, showing mercy or even just being tired. So, if you're worried about reading this because you think it may hurt your perception of Gaiman's writing or just of the character Death, I'd say it's safe to read it. Another thing: Death appears in The Time of Your Life about as often as she appears in the fourth Sandman trade paperback. That's not too often, though it is a little more than she appears in most of the others. You may be a little disappointed if you just want to read something that focuses on Death. If you want to read Death: The Time of Your Life to learn more about Hazel and Foxglove, then, by all means, pick this up. The Time of Your Life focuses on them. You'll probably be satisfied.
Rating:
Summary: If you like Sandman, well...
Review: If you've read Sandman, you're familiar with Gaiman's character, Death. If you've chose to read Death: The Time of Your Life to learn more about Death, you may have to consider a couple of things. One reviewer said that Death is not like the character that we know from Sandman, simply because she gave Alvie a few more weeks to live. This is true, partially. However, in the four Sandman trade paperback, Death lets dead Charles roam about with Edwin until she has more time and energy to come back and get him. In essence, she lets him have his way about death for a little while, which is the same thing she did with Alvin. We see that Death can be a little human-like, showing mercy or even just being tired. So, if you're worried about reading this because you think it may hurt your perception of Gaiman's writing or just of the character Death, I'd say it's safe to read it. Another thing: Death appears in The Time of Your Life about as often as she appears in the fourth Sandman trade paperback. That's not too often, though it is a little more than she appears in most of the others. You may be a little disappointed if you just want to read something that focuses on Death. If you want to read Death: The Time of Your Life to learn more about Hazel and Foxglove, then, by all means, pick this up. The Time of Your Life focuses on them. You'll probably be satisfied.
Rating: 
Summary: Do you have someone you'd die for?
Review: In the hands of most ordinary writers, this book would be a disaster. It juggles a myriad of complex issues, such as sexuality, the fleeting nature of fame, the multiple meanings of love, desire, and committment, and the value of friendship and life. Each of these concepts would be enough for a book on its own...
Aren't we lucky that Neil Gaiman is definitely no ordinary writer? And his character of Death is extraordinary too; she cares.
Foxglove is struggling personally even as her fame shoots through the roof - she wonders whether she should stay in the closet, and whether she should stay with Hazel and their son Alvie or go it alone. Hazel is struggling too; she wants to know the value of her relationship, and to save her son's life, most of all. Death listens. Understandingly. Patiently. And because of her, Hazel and Foxglove realize what matters most to them.
Though it lacks the immediacy and emotional power of Death: The High Cost Of Living, this is still a captivating companion piece. It carries through the same message as D:THCOL - the most important thing in life is to remember to live.
Rating:
Summary: Not Gaiman's best...
Review: It is a fun read, but not as thought provoking as Gaiman's other Endless stories. I agree with an eariler review stating the character of Death suffers in this story. I kind of took my impressions of this book and swept them under a rug and treat it as a separate entity. I know it's just self deceit. I'd say it's still worth buying.
Rating:
Summary: rather bland, and yes - cliched
Review: let's see, i just finished reading this... so let me try and spill my guts from the frontline. it may have been written by good ol Gaiman, but the story isn't that interesting. coffeehouse lesbian rocker who treats her lover and child badly (although the book doesn't really harp on her for it). but death lurks in the mix somehow, so obviously they'll be death. only... i dunno, there's nothing really satisfying here. death isn't around most of the time so we are just following a rather dispassionate chick around as she goes through the motions of what the unfolding events entail. nobody gets any comeuppance, there aren't really any lessons or insights, the art is subdued (for sandman world) and the whole celebrity storyline is as uninteresting as when you see a tv show about a fictional celebrity 'on letterman' and other celeb things. all the lingo of showbusiness is there and stuff, but really, who [cares]? and the lesbian issue i don't see in a manner as anything interesting, it's hackneyed. it's not a total loss, even a sandman universe stinker is worth something, i'd give it a B actually, a rather plain B.
Rating:
Summary: .Amazing.symbolism incarnate.
Review: Neil Gaiman and the crew are extremely talented and bring excellant examples of life-style and psychology into today's society. Sometimes, people need to stop being ignorant and pay attention to their state of mind and surroundings. Death is a beautiful incarnate of what's going on in the world. Excellantly symbolic book. Highly reccomended.
Rating:
Summary: Toward a more complete world
Review: Neil Gaiman continues to impress with his sharp attention to creating a wholly developed world of characters. _Death: The Time of Your Life_ is a welcome spotlight on two characters that have traveled through several "Sandman" novels, as well as Death's previous novel, _The High Cost of Living._ While their appearance was brief in _The High Cost of Living_ (Foxglove taking center stage for one song, then fading into the background with a second) both the songs and the characters have a far deeper lineage within the Sandman series. Indeed, if you begin to trace the origins of Foxglove and Hazel, you will be treated to one of the richest, most complex story lines in the Sandman universe. Begin with _A Game of You,_ and you will learn what Foxglove meant when she said, near the end of _The Time of Your Life,_ "We'd had a bad night once, in Manhattan, years ago. Bad dreams, people died." You will also discover the origin of the song "George's tongue." You will meet the friend, Wanda, to whom Foxglove refers when introducing her second song, back in _The High Cost of Living._ So many details. Keep looking and you will find more. Follow the story arc backwards to _The Doll's House,_ where Foxglove's "small world" is perhaps at its tightest. You will meet someone who knows Donna Cavanaugh, before she turns into Foxglove. You will meet someone who will later share an apartment building with Foxglove and Hazel. You will find several allusions to, and a newspaper clipping of, a defining moment in Foxglove's life. "24 Hours," perhaps the single most riveting story in the Sandman series, can be found in _Preludes and Nocturnes._ Foxglove sings about this event ("My name is Judy and I died/on a bad day in eighty-nine") in her debut. This story is like a rock thrown into a pond, waves rippling in all directions. Shortly afterward, same novel, "The Sound of Her Wings" will be Death's first appearance. _Death: The Time of Your Life_ is, on it's own, a terrific short novel. It should also server to punctuate Mr. Gaiman's tremendous abilities as a storyteller. This story is woven into his existing tapestry with care, subtlety, and expert craftsmanship.
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