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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “This book was surprising in many ways. Just as suspenseful, gothic, and foreboding as its predecessor, The Shadow of the Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafón's Angel's Game wound its slow way through a Barcelona seemingly of another age, though the story takes place in the twentieth century;...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “Amazing how you can enjoy one book, and that the next book by the same author can be such a disappointment. And I cannot quite put my finger on it what Shadow of the Wind had that this book hasn't. Is it just that it's hard to sympathize with the main character?” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“Shelfari review: From master storyteller Carlos Ruiz Zafon, author of the international phenomenon The Shadow of the Wind , comes The Angel’s Game — a dazzling new page-turner about the perilous nature of obsession, in literature and in love. The whole of Barcelona stretched out at my feet and I wanted to believe that when I opened those windows — my new windows — each evening its streets would whisper stories to me, secrets in my ear, that I could catch on paper and narrate to whomever cared to listen … In an abandoned mansion at the heart of Barcelona, a young man, David Martin, makes his living by writing sensationalist novels under a pseudonym. The survivor of a troubled childhood, he has taken refuge in the world of books and spends his nights spinning baroque tales about the city’s underworld. But perhaps his dark imaginings are not as strange as they seem, for in a locked room deep within the house lie photographs and letters hinting at the mysterious death of the previous owner. Like a slow poison, the history of the place seeps into his bones as he struggles with an impossible love. Close to despair, David receives a letter from a reclusive French editor, Andreas Corelli, who makes him the offer of a lifetime. He is to write a book unlike anything that has ever existed — a book with the power to change hearts and minds. In return, he will receive a fortune, and perhaps more. But as David begins the work, he realizes that there is a connection between his haunting book and the shadows that surround his home. Once again, Zafon takes us into a dark, gothic universe first seen in The Shadow of the Wind and creates a breathtaking adventure of intrigue, romance, and tragedy. Through a dizzyingly constructed labyrinth of secrets, the magic of books, passion, and friendship blend into a masterful story.
Bill C wrote this review yesterday. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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“Um enredo muito intenso...interessante”
Cristina N wrote this review 5 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Another wonderful mystery about books. Considered a prequel to Shadow of the Wind - but read this after. ”
Kathleen W wrote this review 7 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The book opens:
Laala K wrote this review 8 days ago. ( reply | view 2 replies | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A writer never forgets the first time that he accepts some money or praise in exchange for a story. He never forgets the first time that he feels the sweet venom of vanity in his blood, and he believes that if he manages that no one discovers his lack of talent the literary dream will be capable of placing a roof over his head, a hot plate for the end of the day and his deepest yearning: his name impressed on a miserable piece of paper which surely will survive longer than he. A writer is condemned to remember that moment, because from then on he is lost and his soul has a price. ”
I was more excited to read this book than any other book I remember. I waited, breathlessly, with the same anticipation I had for the Harry Potter books. I fell head over heels for Shadow of the Wind — that book reinstated my faith in novels after reading mediocre books for a while. So for two years I waited. The day it came out, I rushed to the bookstore and bought it. I read it in just over two days. So. Bare in mind this review is from the perspective of a reader who absolutely adores Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
The book was an immense disappointment. Perhaps a lot of it had to do with how much I loved Shadow. I had the same expectations, if not higher, for Zafon’s next novel. I was excited that it would feature the Cemetery of Forgotten Books and the Sempere & Sons bookstore. However, I felt the book lags and didn’t flow as beautifully as the first. I felt like while the plot was intelligent, the execution was weak, which almost made me cry. The last 40 pages or so are packed, while most of the rest of the book moves at a ridiculously slow, muddled pace. There are some beautiful passages. But it is not beautiful from start to finish. It feels more like a first draft of a great novelist’s idea, rather than the actual finished novel.
I’d give it a 3/5, though that’s a pity rating. If I were being honest and frank, it’s a 2. And that breaks my heart.
”“Still reading. Loved the Shadow of the Wind & so bought this one. Finding I read, then read another book, go back to this one...
Dee C wrote this review 8 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Intriguing link to the Library of Forgotten Books. Story is picking up at the moment, sure I will really enjoy end.”
“I really enjoyed it. I have not heard anyone else you loved it as much as I did. I really enjoyed the experience. ”
Brian S wrote this review 12 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The story has a dreamlike or nightmarish quality it reminds me of The Magus by John Fowles, it was one complicated plot about mind games, someone playing god on the protagonists. It leaves the reader unable to distinguish between a hallucination/a dream/a nightmare and reality. Zafon has wit and humor that i really admire and it is illustrated in the characters of Pedro Vidal, Senor Sempere, Isabella and David. The ending was unexpected...all the while the plot leads to a sinister fate of David Martin...ah but Zafon pulled a good ending on this one.
maydayeve.. gearing up for para-sailing wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This will end up among my favorites. Highly recommended!
”“I loved this book!”
Alison J wrote this review Wednesday, November 25 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Not as amazing as his first one, SHADOW IN THE WIND, which I strongly recommend, but the ending of this was interesting and thought-provoking.”
Kate Kaio wrote this review Monday, November 23 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
