These audiobooks are done so well, and the two main storylines in this one are 2 of my favorites from the Sandman run. I hope they continue to release these for the entire series. ( )

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Sandman Act II

The Sandman Act II continues the brilliant audio adaptation of The Sandman graphic novels. Each voice actor captures the very essence of the story with fantastic audio narration. This collection of stories will tie up some loose ends from the previous volume, but it will also take readers on a journey across the world and across time to witness how Morpheus is influential in various cultures.

The focus of the story is going to drift. While there are a few overarching plot points, the majority of Act II is going to bring readers through side stories. And not every story has the Dream King as a center point. Readers will witness various cultures' perspectives of Morpheus and how they integrate belief in him into their lives. While some view him as a God, others seek him out for personal gain. And while Morpheus is never outright malicious, the price for gaining your heart’s desire is rarely what you expect it to be.

And while the settings and characters may change from tale to tale, the underlying dark tone remains the same. From the dead coming back to life and haunting the living to the demons being released from hell, there are a host of disasters to be found. And there will be no holding back on how the creatures torment the living.

The Sandman Act II is another strong installment of the audio adaptation. Act I kept my interest better due to the consistent story, but being able to witness Morpheus in different parts of the world was interesting. I’m eager to see what new tales will be told in the next volume. ( )

Perhaps not as enjoyable as Volume One, though I would say the same for the graphic novels, in that I love the earlier volumes more. There’s still much to love here. Also, it’s impossible to have one collection without the other if you enjoy these dramatisations. A special delight was in correctly recognising more voices. I’ve enjoyed these equally much as the graphic novels and only if my arm were twisted to choose one over the other would I opt for the books and give up these. I’m one of those people who can enjoy more than one version of a thing without it detracting from the original. ( )

I'm absolutely loving the Audible adaptations of the The Sandman graphics. Gorgeous sound with a well-adapted story and the casting! David Tennant, Michael Sheen, Joanna Lumley along with Neil himself as the narrator. A pure delight. ( )

The Audible adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman covers the events of Gaiman, Sam Keith, and Mike Dringenberg’s series from Season of Mists through Distant Mirrors, which appeared in issues 21-40 & 50 (the fourth through sixth collected volumes of the comic). It’s lovely to hear Gaiman himself provide his dulcet tones as the narrator while James McAvoy brings a brilliantly brooding presence to Morpheus. Kat Dennings perfectly captures Death’s optimism. Emma Corrin is worldly as Thessaly, Brian Cox brings the perfect amount of gravitas to Augustus, John Lithgow is dignified as Emperor Joshua Norton, Joanna Lumley returns as Lady Johanna Constantine, as does Miriam Margolyes as Despair, Kristin Schaal as Delirium, Andy Serkis as Matthew the Raven, Michael Sheen as Lucifer, and Jeffrey Wright as Destiny. Joining them are Regé Jean-Page as Orpheus, Bill Nighy as Odin, Kevin Smith as Merv Pumpkinhead, and David Tennant as Loki.

It helps if readers are familiar with the work. While Gaiman narrates each chapter and provides descriptions as necessary, the stories began in the comic book medium with its blend of text and visual storytelling so some details are lost in translation. The theme also overwhelms at times, with chapters structured like a television series featuring a “teaser” prior to the main titles. That being said, the adaptation gets the story beats right and captures the tone of the original comics perfectly. It’s a great adaptation for fans looking to rediscover the series. ( )