American Gods is a novel by Neil Gaiman that tells the story of Shadow Moon, a man who is released from prison early after his wife dies in a car accident. Shadow is hired by a mysterious man named Mr. Wednesday, who turns out to be the Norse god Odin in disguise. As Shadow travels with Mr. Wednesday across America, he discovers that the gods of old are still alive and well, but they are losing power as people's beliefs shift to new gods of technology and media.
Throughout the novel, Shadow encounters a variety of gods from different mythologies, including Anansi, Czernobog, and Mad Sweeney. He also learns about a brewing war between the old gods and the new gods, led by Mr. World. As Shadow becomes more embroiled in the conflict between the gods, he must decide where his loyalties lie and what he is willing to sacrifice for the gods he believes in.
American Gods explores themes of belief, identity, and the power of storytelling. It is a dark and fantastical tale that blends mythology with modern-day America, creating a unique and captivating world that challenges readers to question their own beliefs and values.