The "London Below" Effect
If you’ve ever looked at a subway map and wondered if there was a literal "Blackfriars" or "Angel" living under the pavement, you’re already in Gaiman’s headspace. This book created the modern template for urban fantasy. It’s the reason every "secret world" story since 1996 feels a little bit familiar. But where modern YA often rushes to the romance or the chosen-one prophecy, Neverwhere stays focused on the atmosphere. It feels damp. It feels dangerous. It’s the kind of book that makes you look twice at the person sitting on the sidewalk, which is exactly why it resonates so well with teens who are starting to notice the world isn't as tidy as it looks on the surface.
Why it’s harder than it looks
Richard Mayhew is a refreshing protagonist because he is, quite frankly, a bit of a mess. He isn't a secret warrior or a wizard. He’s a guy who works in an office and collects troll figurines. His "superpower" is that he’s the only person who bothers to stop and help a bleeding girl named Door. This is a great hook for a conversation: Richard loses his entire life—his job, his apartment, his fiancé—just for being a decent person. It’s a cynical starting point that leads to a very earnest conclusion, but that initial "no good deed goes unpunished" vibe can be a lot for a younger kid to chew on.
The villains are the other major friction point. They aren't just "scary"; they are talkative, polite, and completely devoid of empathy. There’s a specific ordeal involving a bridge and some very hungry rats that might make a younger reader put the book down for good. It’s the kind of horror that feels like a cold draft on the back of your neck rather than a jump scare.
The "Nevermoor" Connection
If your reader is coming off a binge of the Nevermoor series, they might recognize the "girl with a mysterious power and a weird mentor" trope. But don't let the similar names fool you. While Morrigan Crow’s world is full of giant cats and magical hotels, London Below is built out of scraps. It’s the gritty, older version of that same fantasy. If Nevermoor is the dream, Neverwhere is the nightmare you don't necessarily want to wake up from. It's the perfect "next step" for a kid who is outgrowing the whimsy of middle-grade fantasy but still wants that sense of discovery.
The Marquis and the "Side Quest"
The inclusion of the short story "How the Marquis Got His Coat Back" in modern editions is a huge win. The Marquis de Carabas is easily the most charismatic person in the book, a trickster who trades in favors and secrets. For a teen who loves a "morally grey" character type, he’s the main event. The book often feels like a series of high-stakes side quests, which makes it a great pick for kids who are into tabletop gaming or RPGs. The world-building isn't just flavor; it's a set of rules that the characters have to navigate or die trying. If they like stories where the world feels like a puzzle to be solved, this is the gold standard.
