Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Publication Date: May 4, 2010 (republished)
Genre: YA Historical/Paranormal
Copy provided by: Library
Summary (via Goodreads):A mysterious house harbors an unimaginable secret . . .
It’s wartime, and the Carver family decides to leave the capital where they live and move to a small coastal village where they’ve recently bought a home. But from the minute they cross the threshold, strange things begin to happen. In that mysterious house there still lurks the spirit of Jacob, the previous owners’ son, who died by drowning.
With the help of their new friend Roland, Max and Alicia Carver begin to explore the suspicious circumstances of that death and discover the existence of a mysterious being called The Prince of Mist— a diabolical character who has returned from the shadows to collect on a debt from the past. Soon the three friends will find themselves caught up in an adventure of sunken ships and an enchanted stone garden, which will change their lives forever.
Why I read this: It was highly recommended to me by a friend - can't remember who though.
Plot: Absolutely fantastic. This book is a paranormal thriller set during WWII. A family moves to a town on the beach - one that has a history of a mysterious shipwreck. Creepy things start happening and it's up to Max and Alicia (brother and sister) to find out what is going on with the help of a native boy named Roland. I was definitely creep-ed out quite a bit reading this book and I loved the twists and turns this novel took. Definitely a thrilling read.
Characters: Max seems fearless to me. He dives headlong into the mystery surrounding the town no matter what the consequences. Through his eyes, you also get to know Roland - a local boy who is fun-loving and up for the adventure - as well as his older sister Alicia - who he felt he never truly knew until they moved.
And the Prince of Mist - what a truly horrible bad guy. I shiver just thinking about how evil he really is.
Relatability: There's many ways to relate to this book - relationships with family, romantic relationships, moving to a new place. I really also loved the creepiness of this story. Seriously, it was so thrilling.
Cover Commentary: Very fitting to the plot!
Rating: 5/5 Roses 
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So glad you loved this one! I did too - and I'm not a ghost/horror fan at all.
ReplyDeleteIt was deliciously creepy!
This looks interesting and original. great review
ReplyDeleteI really likethe cover - very unusual
ReplyDeleteCool cover!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good one. "I shiver just thinking about how evil he really is." Love when books can give those kinds of feelings.
ReplyDeletealthough I liked this book and found portions creepy, it really didn't have a strong enough scare factor. I will say that Zafron's writing is filled with great sensory details and that it was a great first novel
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting, I'm not sure if I will pick it up, I am not a huge fan of horror
ReplyDeleteI've only recently stumbled upon this book and it does grab my interest. Whilst I'm not really a big fan of anything that's capable to creep me out, I think I'm still willing to give it a go based on some promising reviews that I've read!
ReplyDeleteOoo - sounds like a good one! Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I love all paranormal and that is a great cover as well. Sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. This book sounds really interesting.
ReplyDeleteSaw this one while I was shopping online at Barnes and Noble, but I wasn't sure about it. Glad it was good! I love it when authors mix historical fiction with fantasy/paranormal!
ReplyDeleteI think i should look or this one.Nice review ;p
ReplyDeleteI've had my eye on this book for awhile, but I get scared easily so I've been hesitant to pick it up. But man it sounds interesting!
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