Rating: 
Summary: the smoke blurs. . .
Review: I have to agree: this was one of the best collection of short stories that i've read in a long time. I loved the different variety of stories here and the very weird stuff in each: murdering angels, life eating trolls, werewolves, etc. Gaiman's style is amazing. Just wish there were more. . .can't wait till his next book.
Rating: 
Summary: Waiting for Gaiman
Review: Smoke and Mirrors is, as accurately pointed out by the author, nothing more than smoke and mirrors...if you're into magic, then you believe the illusion. But otherwise... I have to commend Gaiman on The Goldfish Pool and Other Stories which is the best short story by a contemporary author that I've ever read. BUT, most of the other stories seem pointless and even dull at times. Perhaps the story in the introduction set me off on the wrong foot with Gaiman, but through it, and most of the other stories, I was plagued by a constant notion. It felt like characters actually put in these situations would probably not react in the manners portrayed. That is to say, although the scenery, the secondary characters, and even the fantastic elements of the stories all seemed right on, the main characters of many of the stories reacted peculiarly to their surroundings.I do think Gaiman is an author worth checking out (his prose is beautiful and his work IS innovative at times), but for a little more substance, Hawthorne or Gogol probably push the stronger literary tides.
Rating:
Summary: VERY worth it
Review: This is Gaiman at his best, flooding the reader with a confusedly wonderful mass of humor, horror, lust, anger, poignancy, trippy-ness, and love. "Snow, Glass, Apples" makes this worth it on it's own (what an AMAZING way to think about Snow White!), as do a dozen or more others, like "Babycakes," the piercing and disturbing commentary on animal rights, and "The Goldfish Pool and Other Stories," which is longest by far and creates an extremely intricate atmosphere that is dear to anyone who's ever lived in (or even visited for an extended period) Los Angeles. His poetry, in typical Gaiman fashion, draws you in and doesn't let you go (just check out "Nicholas was..." and especially "Cold Colors"). The Sandman proved his narrative skill and sweeping imagination in the realm of comics. Neverwhere proved that he could write a great novel on his own (unlike "Good Omens", which was a joint effort). Smoke and Mirrors proves his skill in every written form not yet mentioned to everyone who hasn't had the privilege of being a longtime fan who collects things like "Angels and Visitations". The bottom line: get this no matter what, unless you're dying to get some other Neil Gaiman work first. Then get this.
Rating: 
Summary: Neil Gaiman's latest book is one of his best.
Review: Although the book reprints several stories from "Angels and Visitations" the new material is spectacular. Particularly the story about silent film stars. It would be very hard for anyone not to enjoy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Gaiman's short stories are excellent
Review: "The Wedding Present", the short story buried in the middle of the introduction, is worth the price of the book by itself. After "Neverwhere", I was exceedingly disappointed, but "Smoke and Mirrors" restores Gaiman as the worthy story teller in my mind. As with "The Sandman", short work really seems to be Gaiman's strong suit.
Rating:
Summary: Smoke and Mirrors is more than amazing.
Review: Once I read "Neverwhere", I just knew that I would have to purchase "Smoke and Mirrors". What I've got was one book, filled with short stories that both Stephen King and Clive Barker will never be able to be better at it, if as good. For readers out there who want something new, "Smoke and Mirrors" is possibly the book to get. A good gift for Christmas.
Rating:
Summary: Wow.
Review: He's done it again. For anyone who, like me, already owns Angels and Miscellany and is wondering if it's worth it to buy this as well the answer is a resounding yes. Most of the fiction from "Angels" is back (12 stories double) but with 18 new pieces this is another must own collection.
Rating:
Summary: Worth it even if you have Angels & Visitations
Review: I've got Angels & Visitations. I've got ashcan editions of stuff. I've got anthologies with Gaiman bits tucked away in them. I still think it's worth it to plunk down the bucks, if only to have it all in one place for easy access, but also for the material I haven't seen, and the nice little story in the intro (kind'a like the sting in the scorpion's tail. Only coming out of its belly.) It's Gaiman! --what more need be said?
Rating:
Summary: Neil Gaiman is THE GREATEST WRITER OF ALL TIME!
Review: "Smoke and Mirrors" includes some of Neil's best (strangest) stories ever! Some of the highlights include "Chivalry", "Nicholas Was...", "Troll Bridge", "We Can Get Them For You Wholewale", and more! Even the introduction is an amazing example of Mr. Gaiman's skill. I can't wait for his next book!
Rating:
Summary: Short Stories/Long Entertainment
Review: I've always been a fan of Neil Gaiman. Ever since the Sandman, Gaiman has been wowing us with his ability to create likable characters. This book has likeable characters and everything else you love about Neil Gaiman. It's witty, intelligent, and well worth your money. Enjoy! I did!
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