Book Review of Sandman Book Two by Neil Gaiman

This book review of Sandman Book Two by Neil Gaiman is part of my Sandman Series Reading Quest.

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I just finished Sandman Book Two, and let me just say, this was a really fun ride. After finishing the first compendium of Sandman, I was beyond excited to dive into the second one. The first book completely blew me away. I loved the mix of myth, magic, and history, and I couldn’t wait to see how Neil Gaiman would expand on the world of Dream and his siblings. After finishing this compendium, I can confidently say that it did not disappoint. Gaiman takes us even deeper into the world of Morpheus, but this time, there’s more focus on the complex relationships between Dream and the people (and gods) around him. There are plenty of twists, historical stories, and emotional stakes to make this book super captivating.

Plot Summary

In Sandman Book Two, we pick up where we left off with Morpheus, aka Dream, continuing his journey through the realms of dreams, nightmares, and reality. The book is split into several interconnected stories, each focusing on different parts of Morpheus’s life. One of the most fascinating parts is how Gaiman blends historical events and figures into the storyline. For example, we get a look at ancient Rome through the eyes of the emperor Augustus, who has some serious interactions with Dream himself. Then there’s the tale of the French Revolution, where the spirit of vengeance and justice plays a big part in how Morpheus gets involved.

But it’s not all history. Gaiman spends a lot of time fleshing out Morpheus’s relationships with his siblings, the Endless. These include Destiny, Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium, and Destruction. One of the more emotional storylines in the book is about Morpheus’s past actions and how they affect those around him, especially the people he’s hurt or abandoned. There’s a recurring theme of redemption, but also of consequences, and it’s clear that Dream is not some flawless god-like figure—he’s flawed and even kind of tragic.

My Review

Strengths

One of the biggest strengths of Sandman Book Two is how Gaiman blends fantasy with real-world history. I loved the parts about Augustus and the French Revolution, not just because they were cool historical events, but because Gaiman makes these real people and moments feel connected to Dream’s world. It’s this mix of myth and history that really makes Sandman stand out from other comics. In the case of the French Revolution, the whole story about the ghosts of the past coming back to haunt the living was creepy and powerful, but also deeply tied to real emotions and historical guilt. It’s this kind of storytelling that keeps me coming back for more.

Another thing I really liked was how Gaiman digs deep into his characters, especially Morpheus. Sure, Morpheus is cool with his moody, mysterious vibe, but in this book, we see more sides of him. He’s not just the god of dreams who pulls the strings from his dark palace. He’s someone who has made mistakes, hurt others, and now has to face the consequences. It makes him feel a lot more human, which I didn’t expect. The way Gaiman explores his internal struggles with his siblings, especially his brother, Desire, is fascinating. These relationships aren’t just background noise—they’re crucial to the plot and help build the emotional stakes.

The artwork, too, is stellar. The way the artists (mainly Sam Kieth and Mike Dringenberg in this one) use dark, atmospheric illustrations really brings Gaiman’s world to life. I’ll admit it took time to grow on me, as I think all good art does. The characters’ expressions, the haunting dreamscapes, and even the little details in the background make the story feel rich and immersive. It’s like every page is a piece of art that pulls you deeper into the story. At times I found myself just staring into the panels, lost in both the story and the artwork. It was really special.

Weaknesses

If I’m being honest, there were a few things in Sandman Book Two that were a bit slow or confusing. Some of the stories—especially the ones that involve more obscure or less memorable characters—took me a minute to fully get into. For example, the part with the historical figures (like Augustus and the revolutionaries) is fantastic, but sometimes the transitions between timelines or places felt a little jarring. Not that it ruined the story, but it did make me pause and re-read a few things to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

Also, I think that at times, the sheer amount of mythological and historical references might be overwhelming for some readers. I’m a huge fan of history and love when stories mix in real events, but for someone who’s not familiar with the French Revolution or ancient Roman history, some parts might be harder to follow. Gaiman does an amazing job weaving it all together, but there were moments where I had to stop and think about the context before fully understanding what was happening.

Who Should Read This Book?

If you loved the first Sandman book, then Book Two is absolutely a must-read. It builds on everything that was great about the first one—dreams, mythology, history, and incredible character development—and adds even more depth to it. Fans of fantasy and darker stories will definitely find a lot to enjoy here.

That said, if you’re not a fan of graphic novels, or if you like your stories to be super straightforward and action-packed, this might not be for you. Sandman is more about atmosphere, character study, and blending genres than it is about fast-paced plot. It’s perfect for readers who are into stories that are a little more cerebral, where you have to think and reflect on what’s happening, rather than just passively consume it.

Also, if you enjoy stories where real historical events are mixed with fantasy elements (like The Sandman does with the French Revolution and ancient Rome), you’ll really appreciate Gaiman’s approach. The way he brings these historical moments to life through Dream’s eyes is one of the standout features of this book.

Parting Thoughts

Sandman Book Two takes everything that made the first book special and expands on it in ways I didn’t expect. The mix of historical fiction with fantasy is pure gold. And the character development, especially of Morpheus, adds emotional depth that makes this more than just another supernatural tale. The relationships between the Endless are complicated and messy, and Gaiman does an amazing job exploring those dynamics. Plus, the art really helps bring the whole world to life in a way that’s hard to describe—everything about it just works.

Even though there were a few moments where I got a little lost in some of the historical bits or slower sections, those didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. If you’re a fan of Sandman or just enjoy rich, multi-layered stories that mix myth, history, and deep character exploration, this book is for you. I’m already looking forward to what comes next in the third compendium. Gaiman has definitely earned my trust as a storyteller, and I can’t wait to see where Dream’s journey takes us next.

In the end, Sandman Book Two is another solid entry in one of the best graphic novel series out there. Highly recommend it!

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Other Related Reviews

• Book review of Sandman Book 1 by Neil Gaiman
• Book Review of White Sand by Brandon Sanderson

About the Author

Neil Gaiman is a British author best known for his work in fantasy, horror, and graphic novels. He started his career as a journalist before becoming a full-time writer. His breakout success came with The Sandman, a groundbreaking graphic novel series that redefined the genre. Gaiman has written many best-selling novels, including American Gods, Coraline, and Neverwhere. His work has earned him many prestigious awards, like the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker Awards. Gaiman has also been honored with a Newbery Medal for The Graveyard Book and a Carnegie Medal for The Graveyard Book as well. Known for his vivid imagination and poetic writing, Neil Gaiman continues to be a major figure in contemporary fantasy literature.