This book is sort of what you would expect if you took the movie The Omen and combined it with The Marx Brothers or Abbott and Costello. In other words it is a genius story combining Armageddon with so much subtle irony and hilarious comedy of errors that your stomach hurts when you finish reading it! If you have read any other books by either Terry Pratchett or Neil Gaiman, then you don't need me to convince you that this book is genius, but in case you have managed to get to adult-reading-hood without reading any books from either author . . . What the hell??? Where have you been?! Anyway, the book is ostensibly about the birth of the Anti-Christ, who is handed off to a member of a demonic group of nuns, in a hospital on a day when two OTHER baby boys [naturally it's a boy! A girl would know better!] who look almost identical are born in the same rural hospital, so you kind of know right from the get-go that Armageddon just isn't going to run tickety-boo as per the demonic plan! And so it turns out to be. Things go wrong, people get confused, demons become attached to their vintage Bentleys, and Angels find they actually enjoy the company of certain demonic adversaries [who drive vintage Bentleys]. My favourite part is a conversation between the forces of "good" and "evil" that goes like this: "It's not given to us to understand the ineffable plan," said the Metraton [Voice of God]. "But of course the Great Plan - " "But the Great Plan can only be a tiny part of the overall ineffability," said Crowley [Demon from Hell who'd prefer the world not end]. "You can't be certain that what's happening right now isn't exactly right from an ineffable point of view." "It izzz written!" bellowed Beelzebub [other Demon from Hell]. "But it might be written differently somewhere else," said Crowley. "Where you can't read it." "In bigger letters," said Aziraphale [Angel of God]. "Underlined" Crowley added. "Twice" suggested Aziraphale. "Perhaps this isn't just a test of the world," said Crowley. "It might be a test of you people too, Hmmmm?" "God does not play games with His loyal servants," said the Metraton, but in a worried tone of voice. "Whooo-eee!" said Crowley. "Where have you BEEN?!" Like I said - genius!! There really is no way to do proper justice to this book in a review. It contains all the typically off-centre humour, ironic wit, and intelligent jabs at the stupidity of humanity that only the British can do properly. All I can tell you is this is one of the best books I've ever read, and anyone who enjoys satiric, smart fiction with the British sense of humour should give this book a try.

I can't believe I hadn't read this before now. It is such a great book. If Douglas Adams had written this I would say that it was his best book - and that is saying something, as I dearly love Dirk Gently and Arthur Dent. Gaimen and Pratchett are fantastic story tellers and this novel does not disappoint. If you are not a fan of ridiculous British humour it might not be your thing, but otherwise you will find yourself reading every other paragraph aloud to whoever will listen.

I had never read much of Terry Pratchett or Neil Gaiman before this, and I was recommended by several coworkers to read this, so I thought I'd give it a go. Simply put, it was excellent; the perfect mix of humor, dark wit and character development. The only warning I can give is that if you don't like British humour, I'd be a little wary if I were you. Other than that, I'd recommend it to any fantasy fan.

I think I should preface this review by saying that I have read more Pratchett than Gaiman prior to reading Good Omens, so while I understand that collaborative efforts between two authors will generate something 'new', I still had some subconscious expectations that this book did not meet. It was quite funny in some parts but very dry in others (making it somewhat painful to read). Being more of a fan of Pratchett, it was easy to recognize his contribution in the book, any fan of the Discworld series will get a larf out of his parts. The interplay between Aziraphale and Crowley was fantastic (quite similar to that of Satan/Raphael in "I, Lucifer"). While it is not necessary to understand the book, I do suggest you watch "The Omen" (either version) before reading to fully appreciate the references made throughout Good Omens. (For a better Pratchett story on the apocalypse, I do recommend his "Thief of Time") Over all, not the funniest thing I have read, but a decent book nevertheless.

This book is a joint effort by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman; although the two authors have vastly different styles of writing, they merge well together, particularly for this topic. The end of the world has never been funnier, and even (almost) 20 years after having first read this book, I still quote parts of it with friends. Whenever I'm in need of a pick-me-up, I read this book, and immediately feel better; it's just a funny book, with a very light-hearted look at life.

This was one of the most humorous and darkly entertaining books that I have read in a long time.

I don't think I've talked to anyone about this book that didn't love it, but it was too scattered for me to fully enjoy. Since this book follows a lot of characters, there were some characters that I found rather boring. I really enjoyed Aziraphale and Crowley though! The idea of good and evil vs. humanity was quite an interesting one! Imagine how that would play out! Overall, given all the buzz around this book, I was disappointed.

Totally irreverant and laugh-out-loud hilarious, I heartily recommend this book - the very best of British humour. Meet the angel and serpent from the Garden of Eden, the 11 year old Anti-Christ with sraped knees and ragged trainers, the Eight Bikers of the Apocalypse to name just a few. Pratchett and Gaiman have come up with a clear winner of a book!

you should really read this book... it is beyond amazing and really exciting I seriously didn't want to put it down! A little hard to follow the english humor i admit but still amazing all the same and a great read!

all i can say is it is great!Holy cow is it good!