The Monarch of the Glen

The Monarch of the Glen (2004) Neil Gaiman

The Monarch of the Glen appeared first in Legends II (2004) edited by Robert Silverberg, and then in Gaiman’s own short story collection Fragile Things.

It is the story of Shadow, as he is wandering the world following the events in American Gods.

Shadow (and we learn his true name in this story) is wandering Scotland, when he is approached and asked to help provide security for an event happening in a local castle.

And that’s about as much of a description as I can really give, because like everything Neil Gaiman writes, it’s deep and wandering and full of myth and monsters.

It’s also very good.

If you have not read American Gods you could read this as a peek into Gaiman’s writing. But you’re more likely to be wanting to read this if you have already read American Gods and want a peek at what happened to Shadow.

And really, if you’re a Neil Gaiman fan, chances are you sought out this story years ago.
Rating: 8/10

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