ReadYourMood
Cover of American Gods

Fantasy

American Gods

by Neil Gaiman

4.0 out of 5, from 3,319 ratings from Hardcover readers

A man released from prison after his wife's sudden death takes a job as bodyguard to a charming stranger who knows too much. As they cross the United States, he finds that old gods brought by immigrants are preparing for war with new ones.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2001
Pace
Slow
Length
Long
Pages
635
Format
Book 1 of 2 in American Gods
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you like a strange, atmospheric road trip through folklore and modern America.

Skip this if you want a tight, fast plot, as it wanders through many side stories and ends up slow-burning.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • Sexual content
  • Grief

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Child death
  • Car accident
  • Animal death
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Murder
  • Racism
  • Gore

Quick answers about American Gods

What is American Gods about?
A man released from prison after his wife's sudden death takes a job as bodyguard to a charming stranger who knows too much. As they cross the United States, he finds that old gods brought by immigrants are preparing for war with new ones.
Who should read American Gods?
Read it if you like a strange, atmospheric road trip through folklore and modern America. Skip it if you want a tight, fast plot, as it wanders through many side stories and ends up slow-burning.
How long and how fast is American Gods?
It is a slow-paced, long read of about 635 pages, first published in 2001.
Does American Gods have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, Sexual content, Grief.
Can I borrow American Gods for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends American Gods; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after American Gods?
Readers who liked it often move on to Neverwhere, Good Omens, The Song of Achilles.

Where to get it

StorePriceLink
Borrow free
Libby / OverDriveFree with a library card Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive
Print, new
AmazonCheck price Buy new from Amazon
Ebook
KoboCheck price Buy ebook from Kobo
Google Play BooksCheck price Buy ebook from Google Play Books
Audiobook
AudibleCheck price Buy audiobook from Audible

Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.

Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works

Because you might love it

If you loved American Gods

All picks

Fantasy

More to read

All fantasy