Having read Zafon’s other books for adults, I decided to give the first book in his YA series a try. The atmosphere found in his other books emerges nicely in “The Prince of Mist”. It’s easy to see that the talent Zafon has to write full-size adult novels began in his earlier books for youth. Evil from the past enters the present. A debt owed needs to be paid. A nice spooky tale for younger readers. I found the dialogue to be a be disappointing…perhaps something was lost in the translation. The plot moves along nicely. The characters, however, are a bit flat. Not sure if I’ll read more of Zafon’s YA books but am definitely looking forward to his next adult-aimed novel!

First I would like to say for those of you who have read "SHADOWS OF THE WIND" and 'THE ANGEL'S GAME," that this book is a far different genre and was written originally for young adults, but it appeals to all ages. The story is about a boy called Max Carver and his family who move from the city to a seaside town on the coast, in order to get away from a war that is looming. The beach house they move into was once owned by a wealthy family called the Fleischmann's. Richard Fleischmann and his wife had only one son. They tragically lose their only child to a drowning. There is also a wreak of a boat that sunk on the rocks by the shore years ago during a violent storm. The only survivor, an engineer, built a lighthouse along the shore near the rocks and becomes the lighthouse keeper. He is also raising a boy named Roland. Roland, Max and his older sister, Alicia become close friends. They are all haunted by a terrible secret know only to the lighthouse keeper. This book is fast paced. It is very hard to put this book down as it is so engrossing. The book gets more chilling and darker with every page read. It can be quite scary at times as secrets are revealed. This book was Carlos Ruiz Zafon's first novel from1993. Mr. Zafon started writing childrens and young adults books, however, this will definitely appeal to all ages just as the author hopes. It was translated by Lucia Graves who does a wonderful job. Nothing is lost in the translation. I loved this book and I know you will too! MY ONLY COMPLAINT WAS IT WAS A VERY QUICK READ, BUT MAYBE THAT IS BECAUSE IT WAS SO ENGROSSING AND LESS THAN 300 PAGES!

This is a cinematic little tale that has a real timeless quality to it. Evoking WWII, when stories were less action and more atmosphere this beautifully written book somewhat reminds me of The Graveyard Book. No matter what your age is, there's something for you to appreciate. It's not a super original story, but it's a joy to read and contains some genuinely creepy moments. Read this one out loud! The translator has made English sound as musical and romantic as the original Spanish would have.