Book Review: Good Omens

Had it really been more than two years since my last reading of Terry Pratchett? And more than half a year since my first full Neil Gaiman novel? Well, the time was ripe to continue my exposure, and I'm happy to say that this early collaboration of theirs (neither especially famous yet) shows signs of both their styles and strengths. They actually couldn't agree later who wrote what -- and suspect that the project developed a mind of its own.

Published in 1990, it seems to have a millenarian implication, albeit with tongue firmly in cheek. The forces of both heaven and hell are preparing for an 11-year-old Antichrist to launch a war between them. One catch: The Omen-like hospital switcheroo got more complicated than the Satanists had planned, and only near Apocalypse time does the truth come out that they've focused on the wrong kid. Mind you, even without the intended upbringing, the Antichrist (Adam Young) can exercise extreme powers, so nobody's writing off an imminent Apocalypse yet.

( Cut for length )

For the sake of a semi-rebuttal, I've started reading That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis.