The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
I’m not a big fan of ghost stories. I spook easily and end up having to sleep at night with my lights on and an eye half open. I am, however, a huge fan of Zafon’s writing and The Prince of Mist proved worthy.
Although The Prince of Mist lacked the more poetic writing of The Shadow of the Wind and The Angel’s Game, it still captured that gothic, dark feeling that I loved about the books. I could definitely tell this was a book geared more toward a younger audience – it was short, easy to read and drew me in from the very get-go.
Young Max has to move from his childhood home. With him are his two sisters (one older, one younger) and his parents. They move to a house with a history, a house on a beach, and they stumble into a story involving magic, ghosts and some of the creepiest elements of a ghost story that can be used.
There was a little bit of everything in this book. It played on my fear of graveyards, clowns, “The Ring” movie and many more fears. I read the book in an evening, but had to set it down several times because of random noises that had me jumping and looking over my shoulder. It’s just a book, I’d remind myself. I’m such a wimp.
This is a fantastic addition to the YA world. The beginning writing is a bit simple, but push through it and you’ll find a story that has every element needed to make it interesting, scary, fun, romantic, sad and just plain creepy.
Ooo I didn't realise he had another book out, I'm going to have to look out for this one!
Fantastic review! I want to try this book. I don't like horror (or clowns) but this sounds intriguing and I love YA books.