The Penultimate volume to the phenomenal Sandman series: distraught by the kidnapping and presumed death of her son, and believing Morpheus to be r...
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Jul 30, 2011
Airiz
rated it: 
After the eeriest and perhaps the biggest portent of a character’s demise in World’s End, Gaiman pulls all the finished literary embroideries that were the previous story arcs and knits them together into this penultimate volume and apex of The Sandman series, The Kindly Ones.
ABUNDANT SPOILER-ISHNESS! The volume is pretty rich with subplots, but the main premise is this: Lyta Hall’s three-year-old baby, Daniel, is missing. With all the peculiar appearances and statements of the Dream K More...
ABUNDANT SPOILER-ISHNESS! The volume is pretty rich with subplots, but the main premise is this: Lyta Hall’s three-year-old baby, Daniel, is missing. With all the peculiar appearances and statements of the Dream K More...
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Dec 30, 2009
Brooke
rated it:
I've rated both this and The Sandman Vol. 7 Brief Lives 5 stars, but I think I liked Brief Lives better, for the sole reason that it contained more scenes with Delerium. Here, Delerium is searching for someone again, this time her talking dog Barnabas, and the scene where they're reunited was charming as all get out.
Practically every other character we've met along the way shows up in the Kindly Ones, and it was just more proof that Gaiman is the master of making everything he write More...
Practically every other character we've met along the way shows up in the Kindly Ones, and it was just more proof that Gaiman is the master of making everything he write More...
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Feb 10, 2011
Tancredi
rated it:
"La nostra esistenza deforma l'universo. Questa è responsabilità."
Sul volume in particolare:
E' il volume della resa dei conti. "The Sandman", ho già detto, è una trama complessa di fili invisibili. Qui si rivelano tutti: tutti i collegamenti tra i personaggi ora sono svelati, ma soprattutto, viene finalmente svelato lo scopo, la meta del "viaggio" intrapreso silenziosamente da Sogno: la morte, per mano delle Erinni. Dalla morte la salvezza dell'uni More...
Sul volume in particolare:
E' il volume della resa dei conti. "The Sandman", ho già detto, è una trama complessa di fili invisibili. Qui si rivelano tutti: tutti i collegamenti tra i personaggi ora sono svelati, ma soprattutto, viene finalmente svelato lo scopo, la meta del "viaggio" intrapreso silenziosamente da Sogno: la morte, per mano delle Erinni. Dalla morte la salvezza dell'uni More...
Dec 14, 2010
Ryan
rated it:
While reading Songs of Love and Death, a fantasy and science fiction anthology compiled by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, I was surprised to find that Neil Gaiman's "The Thing About Cassandra" was my "stand out" story. I was surprised because after reading American Gods, I became convinced that Gaiman's best work was behind him. After all, he wrote the Sandman comics.
For those not in the know (shame on you!), Sandman is the Dream Lord. Among other things, he More...
For those not in the know (shame on you!), Sandman is the Dream Lord. Among other things, he More...
Jun 12, 2010
Joshum
rated it:
This volume was really the climax of the whole series. It's the largest collection in the series, representing the largest and most ambitious story arc of the series as well. The pace is furious and the sheer amount of characters being juggled is truly impressive considering how well the chaotic story holds together. A lot of minor characters are dug up for this one, creating a kind of three ring circus sentiment, which really helps match and temper the intensity of the main narrative thread. Wh
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Mar 22, 2010
January
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Dec 16, 2009
Rob
rated it:
Before I read it I was vaguely aware of "The Kindly Ones"'s status as the peak of The Sandman, in terms of both quality and narrative. It lived up to the hype.
The plot of this volume centres around (Hippo)Lyta Hall's search for revenge on Morpheus, who she believes has taken her child. But this description feels incredibly inadequate. The actual revenge plot could probably be condensed into at most a regular-sized Sandman volume. What makes this into a huge comic is the More...
The plot of this volume centres around (Hippo)Lyta Hall's search for revenge on Morpheus, who she believes has taken her child. But this description feels incredibly inadequate. The actual revenge plot could probably be condensed into at most a regular-sized Sandman volume. What makes this into a huge comic is the More...
Oct 31, 2009
Greenland
rated it: 
This volume is where Morpheus' story itself ends, and it is a poorly constructed mess. I can't help but think that the blame for that begins with Gaiman's decision to hew rigidly to genre tropes and constructs. Gaiman mentions in the afterword of this edition that Morpheus' final story is constructed in the manner of a Greek tragedy, and there's a unhealthy dose of Fantasy climax (everyone and everything must play a part!) stirred in, as well.
Unfortunately, what results from this plo More...
Unfortunately, what results from this plo More...
May 24, 2009
'The Kindly Ones' is the longest, most complicated volume of Sandman's saga, as well as the story's climax. Gaiman knits together his characters and 'yarns' to create an inevitable destiny for Morpheus. He who is Endless must incorporate ending into his story. He who is changeless must integrate change into his being. He who is shadow must face the shadow's shadow. He who is Dream must awaken. Early on, he explains why he creates nightmares: 'Imagine that you woke in the night and rose, and seem
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Jul 11, 2009
Jenny
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This is the account of what happens when the Kindly Ones enter the Dreaming. There is some great stuff in here, and some surprises. I loved learning more about the characters living in the dreaming, particularly Matthew the Raven. I always love Delirium, but she really made me laugh in this particular volume. The randomness is a welcome respite sometimes from what is going on otherwise.
"Most people don't realize how important librarians are. I ran across a book recently whi More...
"Most people don't realize how important librarians are. I ran across a book recently whi More...
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Nov 08, 2011
Manrix
rated it:
The climax of the series.
I have to be honest; graphically, this was the least attractive volume in the series. Some of the arcs were simply too thick-lined and childish to really get me excited about the artwork.
The story, well.. that's something else entirely.
The climax of the story is so good, it got me emotional, and that doesn't happen too often. It happened twice in this volume alone; imagine that. The graveyard scene and near the very ending, where Death show More...
I have to be honest; graphically, this was the least attractive volume in the series. Some of the arcs were simply too thick-lined and childish to really get me excited about the artwork.
The story, well.. that's something else entirely.
The climax of the story is so good, it got me emotional, and that doesn't happen too often. It happened twice in this volume alone; imagine that. The graveyard scene and near the very ending, where Death show More...
Jun 15, 2011
cindy
rated it:
Definetly my fav books!!
I thought Sandman was a collection of short stories about human and other cratures that being told here and there, inconsequential and delirious, but after reading these, I realized that there were a red thread among all stories. It began with Preludes and Nocturnes when The Dream King aka Morpheus was kidnapped, built its foundation in Doll's House and Dream Country, choosen a path in Season of Mist, got kick in a Game of You, filled so more details in Fable More...
I thought Sandman was a collection of short stories about human and other cratures that being told here and there, inconsequential and delirious, but after reading these, I realized that there were a red thread among all stories. It began with Preludes and Nocturnes when The Dream King aka Morpheus was kidnapped, built its foundation in Doll's House and Dream Country, choosen a path in Season of Mist, got kick in a Game of You, filled so more details in Fable More...
Feb 17, 2011
Felipe
rated it:
One of the best book I ever read! About the story of the Holocaust and Nazism through the eyes of one SS officer, Max Aue, who's inserted into a landscape of impressive historical exactitude and the pages describing Stalingrad are especially rich in pace and clarity. But this is also a gripping military adventure story, a study in collective pathology and, above all, a sophisticated exploration of issues of morality, evil and luck. The character of Aue allow us to examine what ourselves might ha
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Jun 20, 2009
H.
rated it: 
While this Sandman volume contained an arching storyline, which in Gaiman's hands is far more compelling as he builds suspense and weaves various subplots together, there were two elements that condemned it to pleasantness and no more. The first thing that assaults the eyes upon the first turn of page is not the Corinthian (ha ha) but art that has taken a sharp southerly turn to shitty. The characters, many of whom have popped up before, become glorified stick figures. One is hard pressed to tel
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Mar 01, 2011
D.M.
rated it:
This is, for most purposes, the end of the Sandman story. What follow are the denouement of The Wake, and the reprise book The Dream Hunters, so the tale pretty much reaches its climax and completion in The Kindly Ones.
It's no mystery that Dream gets his fatal (and largely self-constructed) comeuppance here at the hands of The Kindly Ones (the series' latest incarnation of the triple-goddess). We are revisited by quite a few characters whose contributions to this end have been sprinkled thr More...
It's no mystery that Dream gets his fatal (and largely self-constructed) comeuppance here at the hands of The Kindly Ones (the series' latest incarnation of the triple-goddess). We are revisited by quite a few characters whose contributions to this end have been sprinkled thr More...
Feb 23, 2009
Eileen
rated it:
The Kindly Ones is the climax of the Sandman series and is truly an epic tale. For me, it's the best one out of the series. I also really liked the artwork in this particular story arc; it's very different from the usual comic book style and it really appealed to me visually. Even though the previous volumes prepared readers for Dream's death, I was still incredibly saddened by the loss of Morpheus. Yes, technically, Dream of the Endless does not die; he has existed since the beginning of time a
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Jun 10, 2010
Lord
rated it:
I can't say I'm fond of the art style of this book. Although there are many artists, the art is kinda simplistic and similar for all participants, without any striking originality. But the art is the only weakness of the longest of all Sandman stories. This is not an easy read. Just like good music that you can begin to appreciate only after several listens. It's also difficult to read it without remembering many persons from previous Sandman books. If you don't, you may as well take it for a "
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Dec 03, 2008
Icats
rated it:
When Lyta Hall’s child is taken from her she turns to The Kindly Ones or The Furies to take revenge on whom she thinks is responsible, Morpheus, The Lord of Dream. The Furies do not rest until their vengeance is satisfied and the world of Dream is in peril. But who is really behind the disappearance of Lyta’s little boy, and what sacrifices will have to be made in order to save the Kingdom of Dreaming?
Unlike some of the other Sandman Volumes, like Dream Country, Fables & Reflections, More...
Unlike some of the other Sandman Volumes, like Dream Country, Fables & Reflections, More...
Oct 18, 2011
Tim
rated it:
When Dream dies in this epic volume of the Sandman series, many prototypes for Gaiman's later works are born in his stead. The Loki, Puck, and Odin portrayed in this book are precursors to 'American Gods.' The timeless mythical staple of the triple goddess--known as The Furies, The Morrigan,or any number of other names--plays its role as the destroyer, temptress, and nurturer of Dream and his seemingly Endless, but not immutable, siblings.
It's hard to pin down a specific antagoni More...
It's hard to pin down a specific antagoni More...
Jun 08, 2010
Manee
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jan 29, 2009
Shaun
rated it:
Excellent. Back to a story about the Endless. I enjoyed this story pretty well, though it was a little long. Its ambiguity towards the end fits well with the overall tone of the series, and it feels like a return to form after a long absence for some reason. More than I can say about the art, though. I have been either apathetic towards the art so far or just downright dislike, but this book is bizarre. I liked it at first, merely because it was distinctive when compared to the boring, typical 8
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Jun 24, 2009
Patti
rated it:
The Kindly Ones, collecting issues #57-69 of The Sandman, is my favorite volume of the series, I think. Finally, eight volumes later, here's a story that lives up to the promise of Preludes and Nocturnes (Vol. 1). I'm a big fan of good conclusions, and Gaiman here gives us the perfect ending for the character Dream, the series' protagonist.
With this story arc, Gaiman refrains from neatly tying up loose ends and mostly resists beating the reader over the head with a moral, two proble More...
With this story arc, Gaiman refrains from neatly tying up loose ends and mostly resists beating the reader over the head with a moral, two proble More...
Jan 21, 2009
Nikki
rated it:
The Kindly Ones is the heaviest of all the volumes, and the hardest to get through, because there's a lot packed into it and it's quite emotionally hard-hitting.
As a story, it's pretty amazing. A lot of threads come together in this book and you can finally see where everything was going all along -- so many characters are revisited and their stories tie firmly into the whole. I especially liked the reappearance of the Corinthian, and Nuala's story, which I was anticipating but still More...
As a story, it's pretty amazing. A lot of threads come together in this book and you can finally see where everything was going all along -- so many characters are revisited and their stories tie firmly into the whole. I especially liked the reappearance of the Corinthian, and Nuala's story, which I was anticipating but still More...
Feb 22, 2010
Raj
rated it:
The penultimate Sandman novel, this sees the culmination of the story that's been building up over the past eight books. After her child is kidnapped, Lyta Hall calls on the Furies for vengeance on the one she holds responsible: Morpheus.
The rules that govern the behaviour and actions of the principal characters are far from transparent, but you get the impression that old rules don't necessarily have to make sense, but just have to be "mythic", and that certainly applies her More...
The rules that govern the behaviour and actions of the principal characters are far from transparent, but you get the impression that old rules don't necessarily have to make sense, but just have to be "mythic", and that certainly applies her More...
Oct 22, 2009
Lizzie
rated it:
Well I just started reading this. Here is something about that. I won't even save it til I write the proper review, because, god.
F to this volume's introduction. F F F F F F it. There is the most giant spoiler in this introduction, and I didn't even read it. I'm so annoyed. It's just sitting there in a conspicuous spot on the page, and I think that's on purpose. I saw it as I flipped past and my jaw dropped, so then I stared at it, and ugh. This guy. It is just the most flip More...
F to this volume's introduction. F F F F F F it. There is the most giant spoiler in this introduction, and I didn't even read it. I'm so annoyed. It's just sitting there in a conspicuous spot on the page, and I think that's on purpose. I saw it as I flipped past and my jaw dropped, so then I stared at it, and ugh. This guy. It is just the most flip More...
Jun 14, 2011
Elizabeth
rated it:
Favorite Quotes:
"It's never what they want, and if we give them what they think they want, they like it less than ever."
- The Fates, in Sandman #57: "The Kindly Ones: 1"
"There's a downstairs in everybody. That's where we live."
- The Fates, in Sandman #58: "The Kindly Ones: 2"
"I didn't say it was my fault. I said it was my responsibility. I know the difference."
- Rose Walker, in Sandman #60: " More...
"It's never what they want, and if we give them what they think they want, they like it less than ever."
- The Fates, in Sandman #57: "The Kindly Ones: 1"
"There's a downstairs in everybody. That's where we live."
- The Fates, in Sandman #58: "The Kindly Ones: 2"
"I didn't say it was my fault. I said it was my responsibility. I know the difference."
- Rose Walker, in Sandman #60: " More...
Jan 18, 2010
Reenie
rated it:
There's far too much here for me to even try talking about (or it's lateish, and I'd rather not try... but I think mostly the first one), but it's definitely one hell of a capstone to this series.
It's funny though - the first time I read this, a lot of the art bothered the hell out of me, for being so chunky and stylised. The more I've reread it, though, the more I've come to appreciate it, especially for how the mythical characters turn out (especially Loki, for some reason. He rea More...
It's funny though - the first time I read this, a lot of the art bothered the hell out of me, for being so chunky and stylised. The more I've reread it, though, the more I've come to appreciate it, especially for how the mythical characters turn out (especially Loki, for some reason. He rea More...
Feb 11, 2011
Klytia
rated it:
La conclusione della storia si avvicina e tutti i nodi vengono al pettine così che anche un Eterno come Morfeo non può sfuggire alle leggi immutabili che governano l’esistenza. Daniel è stato rapito o forse ucciso e sua madre Lyta accusa Morfeo del crimine. Impazzita dal dolore e in cerca di vendetta evoca le Furie che entrano nel reame di Morfeo richiedendo un sacrificio che potrebbe cambiare per sempre la natura del Regno del Sogno.</p>
Commento estratto da "Nelle Terre del Sogno: Sa
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Nov 01, 2009
Mike
rated it:
Excellent, and lengthy, Sandman volume. Had to round this up to 5 stars, but it only gets there because it is built on all that went before. Brings together lots of characters, story lines, and threads from issues past and weaves them all together pretty much seamlessly. The resolution of Morpheus and his dominion doesn't come off as a gimmmick, but flows naturally from the storyline, even when you know it is coming. I can see how some might consider it slow moving if it is read as several m
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Jul 24, 2011
Ryan
rated it:
Amazing.
Not much more to say. The tragic epic that is Sandman is concluded emotionally and satisfyingly. This series may start out seeming disjointed and without focus, but it all comes together in the end, in a big way. Bigger than I ever thought the series might go.
This book is like a who's who in the Sandman universe. Characters from all of the previous books return, just as beautifully, entertainingly, and poignantly realized as they were before. The difference is th More...
Not much more to say. The tragic epic that is Sandman is concluded emotionally and satisfyingly. This series may start out seeming disjointed and without focus, but it all comes together in the end, in a big way. Bigger than I ever thought the series might go.
This book is like a who's who in the Sandman universe. Characters from all of the previous books return, just as beautifully, entertainingly, and poignantly realized as they were before. The difference is th More...
