The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The author of The Shadow of the Wind has written another novel, The Angel’s Game also set in Spain. Zafón concentrates on Spain and his native Barcelona in writing this tale of intrigue along with vivid descriptions of the area. Somewhat on the order of Stephen King, he deals in occult mystery that he manages to piece together in a way that captivates the reader. He brings in some material from The Shadow of The Wind that blends into the story.

David Martín is a struggling young writer whose talent is wasted on a publisher of sleazy novels. His contract calls for prolific production but enables him to move out of his present hovel into a large long deserted edifice. Gradually conditions improve, but he is a captive of his contract to deliver stories.

Along the way, he is visited by several females, one of whom he has a burning passion for but is afraid to show his feelings. A stranger visitor offers him freedom from his publishing captivity by offering a huge amount of money with the need for Martín to produce a specific novel tailored to his benefactor’s wants.

Here is where the occult comes in and Martín tries to solve the mystery. Zafón has him doing research into his benefactor and some of the people that have been connected with him. This leads to several dangerous situations and a surprise ending. Along the way, one will find the need for a dictionary to understand the depth of the book and its author.

The Angel’s Game has the ability to engross the reader and emit a desire to reach the conclusion. Published by Anchor, A Division of Random House, Inc, it is a novel worth seeking out.