As a long-time fan of both Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, it should come as no surprise that one of my all-time favorite novels is Good Omens. This book is a hilarious and irreverent romp through the end of the world, as envisioned by two of the most imaginative and witty writers of our time. If you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy as soon as possible.

First published in 1990, Good Omens tells the story of the unlikely friendship between an angel named Aziraphale and a demon named Crowley, who team up to stop the apocalypse from happening. The novel is filled with quirky characters, snappy dialogue, and a healthy dose of satire aimed at everything from organized religion to pop culture. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, comedy, or just good storytelling, Good Omens has something for everyone.

What makes it a true fantasy masterpiece is not just its appeal to a wide readership, but also the sheer scope of its world-building. From the Garden of Eden to the streets of modern-day London, Pratchett and Gaiman create a rich and detailed universe filled with angels, demons, witches, and a host of other supernatural creatures. The level of detail and imagination on display here is truly remarkable, and it’s easy to get lost in the sheer breadth of the authors’ vision.

And of course, no discussion of Good Omens would be complete without mentioning the authors’ impeccable sense of humor. From the witty one-liners to the clever pop culture references, this book is a veritable treasure trove of comedy gold. Whether you’re a Monty Python fan or just appreciate a good pun, there is something in this novel to make you laugh out loud.

Sadly, Terry Pratchett is no longer with us, and did not live to see the Good Omens BBC and Amazon-produced TV series that debuted in 2019 (which Neil Gaiman scripted) but his memory lives on. Both Neil and Terry’s other works come highly recommended, but this sole collaboration between them will always remain my favorite.

To wrap up this short recommendation, I reiterate that Good Omens is a novel that everyone should read at least once. It’s delightful, insightful, and laugh-out-loud funny. It’ll leave you feeling both entertained and enriched. But don’t just take my word for it. Go read it for yourself, then come back and thank me.