The Angel's Game

By: Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Narrated by: Dan Stevens

From master storyteller Carlos Ruiz Zafón, 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, its streets would whisper stories to me, secrets I could capture on paper and narrate to whomever cared to listen . . .”

In an abandoned mansion at the heart of Barcelona, a young man, David Martín, 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, Zafón 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 dizzingly constructed labyrinth of secrets, the magic of books, passion, and friendship blend into a masterful story.©2009 Carlos Ruiz Zafon; (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

Praise for The Shadow of the Wind

“One gorgeous read”—Stephen King

“Diabolically good”—Elle magazine

“Superbly entertaining”—Washington Post

“Breathtaking”—New York Times

“Wondrous”—Entertainment Weekly

“Magic”—New York Times Book Review

“Absolutely marvelous”—Kirkus

“Infectious”—The Economist

“Outstanding”—Library Journal

“Lavish”—Booklist

“Gripping”—Philadelphia Inquirer

Intriguing. I'm still wondering...

Intriguing, kept me wondering. It made me want to visit Barcelona. Wish there truly were a cemetery of lost books.

The Angels Game

He is one of the best writers of this decade! Amazing plot, riveting imagination. I got totally absorbed for 5 days reading page by page a journey of his mind. Exploration of human suffers and triumphs!

Interesting, but also baffling

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The first half was very good, but I found the second half strange and baffling. I was not sure what was going on.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The picture of Barcelona was the best part of the story, and the language was beautiful

Which scene was your favorite?

The scenes where Isobel comes and takes care of him were the most beautiful.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Dan Stevens is a terrific narrator. I could listen to his voice anytime.

Love Carlos Ruiz Zafron!! Great book!

Loved it! I was not expecting it to be read in an English accent, but love the story anyway.

Nothing Like Shadow of The Wind

Nothing happens for 13 hours. Then it still doesn’t have a satisfying ending. So many unanswered questions which is a Bummer because it’s beautifully written. Just a big nothing burger. Skip it.