A Review of ‘The Sandman: Act II’

Written by Shae Rufe

There are very few things that bring me more joy that the works of Neil Gaiman, and this is no exception. Gaiman has been a favorite author of mine ever since I picked up his novel Nevermore. I have since gone out of my way to devour his works. When I heard his works were being adapted into Audiobook form, I nearly fainted with excitement. I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but for me, reading long periods is hard. For those who may not know I am legally blind, and while I can and do read normal printed books, I can’t binge read like I want to. The invention of digital books has helped that some and while helpful and amazing, it sometimes is still straining and exhausting. Which is why the audio adaptations have made me so unbelievably happy. 
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I know that audio books are enjoyed by millions of people, as well they should, but for me it has been the best experience. Audio books have allowed me freedom in a way I have always craved. With Gaiman’s audio adaptation of The Sandman I was so much in love and now the second installment’s arrival has made my entire year. I have had a countdown going since it was announced, and if you know me, you know that means I have no patience. Well, the wait is finally over! I have never been happier to announce how amazing this audiobook is. Thank you to Audible for entrusting me with a chance to experience this adventure early, it was such a gift, this was truly an honor.

There is something just magical about the casting of the The Sandman: Act II. The voice cast is not just on point, it is as though each actor was made for this role. Kat Dennings as Death is pure magic. She embodies the character so amazingly it’s as though she was born to play this role. Not to mention anytime Michael Sheen and David Tennant are in a project together, you know it’s going to be the best thing ever. Add James McAvoy as Morpheus and an All-Star Cast and this audiobook is the single best audiobook to ever exist. I was blown away by the amount of talent in this. Audiobooks have not only become one of the fastest growing mediums over the past few years, but they have really changed storytelling with the inclusion of so many different voices. Audiobooks are no longer one reader, it’s a whole cast that make a whole show. I think it’s high time that audiobooks get their own award categories during the Emmys or the Oscars.

Right, so, what to expect? Well, The Sandman: Act II is a continuation of The Sandman, but it is an adapted collaboration of A Game of You, Season of Mist, and Fables and Reflections. Morpheus is still recovering from his imprisonment but believes he is completely fine, and we start with a family meeting where everyone else disagrees, as families tend to do. And as families also do, they remind Morpheus that he has things he needs to fix, mistakes he made long before he was ever captured, and that he should probably get right on that. Turns out, that, throwing someone into the pits of literal Hell for not dating you is kind of a super, not so good thing. Morpheus realizes this and does go to Hell to retrieve Nada and free her. Just, one, tiny minor issue. Lucifer has decided he no longer wants to rule Hell and lets Morpheus deal with it. 

Not going to lie, this is probably something I would do too. Also, Michael Sheen as Lucifer is my new favorite anything ever. Add David Tennant as Loki and this is just priceless. Gaiman narrates the work making it all that more special. Really, with Hell now as his problem Morpheus must figure out what to do. Beyond that is the return of episodic chapters that are near standalones. Emma Corrin makes her debut as The Witch Thessaly, Joanna Lumley as Lady Johanna Constantine, Brian Cox as Augustus, Arthur Darvill as William Shakespeare, and Laurence Bohhvard as Barbie, as well as so many more, delve into the world between worlds and a few worlds we know. The episodes or chapters that diverge from the main story of Morpheus focus on everything from historical Rome, England, The French Revolution and so much more. The character development that occurs in the second installment sets up for Act III very nicely.

When not falling in love with the story and characters, the visual settings are also stunning. It sounds weird to say visual settings when talking about an audiobook, but it’s completely true. This is so well done that the visual aspect is spot on. It all comes together as one seamless piece while expanding the world we’ve come to know and love. But how does it end? Does Nada end up forgiving Morpheus? Does Barbie defeat her mysterious adversary? Are Lucifer and Loki besties? Is there another family dinner? To find out what happens you’re just going to have to listen for yourselves. The Sandman: Act II is out on Audible today. Become an Audible Premium Plus member and gain access to stories for free! Audible is currently offering their Premium Plus accounts for free for 30 days, otherwise it’s only $14.95. Not bad for one of the most engaging ways to listen to books and stay tuned for more coverage of this amazing audiobook because this review just scratches the surface and there is so much more about this adventure that we need to highlight and celebrate. 

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