Smoke And Mirrors
Start with "Smoke And Mirrors" to begin the Short Fiction Collections and Non-Fiction. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.
✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)
This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.
Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the Neil Gaiman's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.
Fragile Things
Book #2 of 8 in Series
Complete Series Reading Order
Publication Order
Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Chronological Order
May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.
Order Confidence
Why this order?
Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for Short Fiction Collections and Non-Fiction conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip reading Smoke And Mirrors?
This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.
Can I read Smoke And Mirrors before other books in the series?
Yes, Smoke And Mirrors is the first book in the series and is the ideal starting point for new readers.
Is Smoke And Mirrors required reading for the Short Fiction Collections and Non-Fiction?
Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.
What comes after Smoke And Mirrors in the reading order?
The next recommended book after Smoke And Mirrors is Fragile Things (Book #2).
More by Neil Gaiman
Spawn Origins Collection 2
2010
Neil Gaiman Young Readers' Collection (Coraline / Fortunately, The Milk / Graveyard Book / Odd And The Frost Giants)
2014
The Year's Best Fantasy And Horror--ninth Annual Collection
2021
The Neil Gaiman Audio Collection (Cinnamon / Crazy Hair / Day I Swapped My Dad For Two Goldfish / Wolves In The Walls
2004