Neil Gaiman artfully creates a dark, fantasy land that parallels with our own world. Beneath the streets of London (referred to as London Above), an entire civilization pulses and thrives, unnoticed by any who live above it. That changes, however, when a good samaritan named Richard Mayhew attempts to save the life of a dying girl in the streets. By helping her, he inadvertently sets the story into motion and traps himself in London Below, which he must escape from if he is not killed by mercenaries, monsters, or his own clumsiness first. Gaiman is unique in that he creates a fantasy world that the reader, just like his main character Richard, does not necessarily want to be involved in. London Below has frightening, funny, stand-offish residents that are unwelcoming and full of dark intentions. He taught me a lot about dialogue and setting, and how these two things can shape a character when done correctly. Gaiman introduces a wealth of characters in this book, all of whom are unique from one another, and does so with ease and grace. He also creates a parallel universe that is connected to an accessible, well-known place, but completely separated from it at the same time.