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This is quite an amalgam of beliefs, myths and ideas. I found it suspenseful, intriguing and quite fun to read, although some bits were quite creepy as well. As always, the design of the book is a treat in itself, and the saga is a compelling twist in the story of The Sandman. ( )

http://books.moonsoar.com/archives/20... ( )

Season of Mists is the fourth collection of The Sandman, and the strongest yet. The 3rd volume had been disappointing on three levels - firstly because it only collected 4 issues, secondly because it only had stand-alone stories that did not tie into a larger story arc, and lastly because none of the stories really developed the histories or characters of the endless. None of these issues plague Season of Mists.

(Minor Spoilers follow:)

The story arc here follows the consequences of what might be seen as Lucifer's second rebellion against God - he decides he no longer wants to reign in hell and abandons it - kicking out all of its denizens and handing the keys over to the Sandman. Of course once the rest of the various supernatural/divine pantheons learn of this, they alternately try to woo, bribe, flatter, intimidate or deceive Morpheus into handing them the key to this prime spot of real estate.

(End spoilers)

All in all this collection has all the ingredients of what makes The Sandman such an outstanding series. Imagination, the macabre, weird and bizarre, humour, horror and that wonderful knack Gaiman has to taking myths and symbols that we think we know so well and making them just that extra bit uncannier. I look forward to the next volume. ( )

I left DC wanting more endless, and Seasons of Mists provides just that. In fact, the first story is that of a family meeting. I felt like I was in heaven, but really it was just the garden of destiny :) During the family meeting, we meet the youngest of the Endless, Delirium, and are properly introduced to the other siblings except for the "lost brother". Although I like SM, to me it feels completely plot driven which never feels entirely right to me. I like to know that the characters are making their own choices as if they were real people but with SM, it almost constantly feels like Mr Gaiman is just throwing situations at them just for something to do. There is a chance I'm wrong, however, and for what it's worth, I do think SM is well written and incredibly interesting, but it's not excellent.

Three stars for being good, and the half for the fast paced, draw you in, nature of SM. ( )