The Angel's Game

By: Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Narrated by: Dan Stevens

Length: 15 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

In an abandoned mansion at the heart of Barcelona, a young man, David Martin, 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, Zafon 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

"The plot resolves in a rush, for the author finds himself with many a loose end to tie up, but once it sinks in, the result is more than satisfying. Zafón delivers a warning about the dangers of obsession, mixed with an obvious passion for literature and the printed word; his book is also a song of love for Barcelona with all its creaking floorboards and hidden subbasements. A nice fit with the current craze for learned mysteries and for spooks of both the spying and the spectral kind." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Descriptive and alluring story-Zafon is brilliant.

Zafon is truly genius in the way he writes. His descriptions are like none I've ever read and it makes me wish I had such talent! His plots are such fun and mysterious labyrinths that the books are very hard to put down. At times I feel frustrated at the unanswered questions that arise, but at the same time it makes me want more.

Stunning

An incredible noir, terrifying, moving, erotic, dark, and haunting. Had just finished Shadow of the Wind, and although this story reads much more like a noir film psychological thriller, it gave such a richness to the world Zafon builds, and created a stunning backdrop to his other works. Very complex, excellent narration. Not to be missed.

Edit: I've since listened to this a dozen times, and its now one of my favorite books ever. The narration is incredible and I notice new things with each read.

Incredible author

A close second to the Shadow of the Wind, one of the best modern storytellers

I am obsessed with this series, and this author!

Any additional comments?

I listened to my first book by this author, and didn't realize that it was the second in a series of three books. (Shadow of the Wind; The Prisoner of Heaven; The Angel's Game) The Spanish names of streets and characters can be confusing at first. But, I love the use of language and beautifully crafted dialogue, as well as the complicated plot. So, I started over, and read all three in the right order.

There are many questions to be answered, and I found myself going back and listening to previous chapters. The intricate story web is not to be taken lightly, and the characters are so finely drawn, and with wise observations of human nature sprinkled in. What a joy it was to read, and reread these books! I plan to let it rest for a few months and then listen to all three all over again. I know that there are nuggets in there that I missed this time. It was kind of like reading the Count of Monte Christo, or the Man in the Iron Mask. Weighty, wonderful literature and skilled story telling.

All three books were read by different narrators, but each was wonderful. Of all the Audible Books that I have listened to over the years, this is my favorite and most admired series.

Very very good

This is a very good story, but it is for an intelligent reader and may not appeal to some. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Great story line and premise with a good finish. Spooky and heartfelt dont let the negative reviews detour you it is an excellent read.

Tough decision not to finish

I made it through about 5 hours of this book, and Mr. Zafon’s prose is really beautiful. He is very talented at his craft. Mr. Stevens is a wonderful narrator, and his voices are truly fantastic. I wanted to finish the book badly for those reasons alone, but I just never could invest in the story itself. Those reasons unfortunately weren’t compelling enough, and I found myself turning it on only because I spent a credit. I dreaded having to wade through more of the story and I found myself searching for other things to listen to instead. So I decided with sadness it’s not a book for me. I did love the character of Sempere and he is really the only one I found I cared much about.

What a great listen!!!

Listened twice. Enjoyed so much. First book I read\bought by this author. A+++ will buy his other books

Tremendous Narrator

Best narration I have yet encountered. Fantastic, and did the story its proper justice.

A thriller and love story in one.

I got lost in The Angel's Game.I didn't want to stop listening. So many twists and turns it was hard to keep up. Great narration and captive story. I can't wait for the next one.

Wonderful!

If you could sum up The Angel's Game in three words, what would they be?

The Angel's Game is reminiscent of old noir crime movies, of fedoras and cigarette smoke.

What about Dan Stevens’s performance did you like?

His voices were spectacular. Sometimes I would wait for a particular character to come up just because I liked the voice.