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The Prince of Mist (Niebla, #1)
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Lucia Graves
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Lucia Graves
The Prince of Mist was written in 1993 when Zafon was in his early twenties. It has only recently been published in English, but although this could make the book feel dated, this is one of those stories that feel timeless.
Timeless kind of like Something Wicked This Way Comes. Also like SWTWC in the way that it almost brings you to tears you are so scared, but always brings you back just in time.
The story takes place during World War II. Max's father decides that he will move his family to a safer, sleepier town, than the large city that they currently live in. Max is 13 when this happens. He is the boy in the middle of an older, brooding teenage sister, and a younger, silly and smart little sister. The relationships between the family members are a bit underdeveloped but, because they are central to the story and played a role in my enjoyment of this story, I think there is enough there to support the story.
Over the course of the story Max learns a lot about himself and his abilities. He also gets to know and really love his older sister. I thought this was one of the best parts of the book. The siblings gain respect and trust in each other and form a lifelong bond. Awesome.
Enough of the touchy feely stuff... this book is also pretty terrifying at times. There is a very very bad character, The Prince of Mist himself, who is evil incarnate and doesn't give a fig for anyone but himself. The Prince of Mist is also beyond human, likes to dress as a clown (seriously scary one, too), and never forgets you once he has met you (so scary!). Max is really no match for TPoM and this makes the story even better. The story is much bigger than just Max and his family, but Max's persistance and courage help to resolve a long and tragic tale.
I put this book on the middle school shelf because I think it is definitely appropriate for younger teens. The horror is, like I said, just enough and doesn't go too far. There is a love story, but it is integrated well into the overall story and is very tame as far as physical contact (some kissing on the beach, yummy!).
-Heather (GWD)
Timeless kind of like Something Wicked This Way Comes. Also like SWTWC in the way that it almost brings you to tears you are so scared, but always brings you back just in time.
The story takes place during World War II. Max's father decides that he will move his family to a safer, sleepier town, than the large city that they currently live in. Max is 13 when this happens. He is the boy in the middle of an older, brooding teenage sister, and a younger, silly and smart little sister. The relationships between the family members are a bit underdeveloped but, because they are central to the story and played a role in my enjoyment of this story, I think there is enough there to support the story.
Over the course of the story Max learns a lot about himself and his abilities. He also gets to know and really love his older sister. I thought this was one of the best parts of the book. The siblings gain respect and trust in each other and form a lifelong bond. Awesome.
Enough of the touchy feely stuff... this book is also pretty terrifying at times. There is a very very bad character, The Prince of Mist himself, who is evil incarnate and doesn't give a fig for anyone but himself. The Prince of Mist is also beyond human, likes to dress as a clown (seriously scary one, too), and never forgets you once he has met you (so scary!). Max is really no match for TPoM and this makes the story even better. The story is much bigger than just Max and his family, but Max's persistance and courage help to resolve a long and tragic tale.
I put this book on the middle school shelf because I think it is definitely appropriate for younger teens. The horror is, like I said, just enough and doesn't go too far. There is a love story, but it is integrated well into the overall story and is very tame as far as physical contact (some kissing on the beach, yummy!).
-Heather (GWD)
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