Angels game book summary

There, he is seduced by an exotic beauty with the same name as the heroine of his mysteries. Upon completion of the book, he is promised a fortune and fulfillment of his wildest dreams.

David is taken to a mysterious place unknown to but a few, the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. There he is instructed to roam its towering stacks and select a book of his choice. The volume that grabs his attention appears to be a religious treatise.

As David is drawn ever more deeply into the true dark and shadowy intrigue of Barcelona, he realizes the book he selected is similar to the subject matter he is being asked to produce. The Angel's Game is filled with hapless victims who are driven mad or die in random accidents, paranoia, ill-fated love and as the story goes on, the narrative is littered with corpses, murdered policemen and so much more.

Oh, and that cryptic epilogue! That left me with more questions than answers! Okay, now I'm done. View 2 comments. Oct 06, Jim Fonseca rated it liked it Shelves: spanish-authors. And it's all here again: the musty dusty bookstores of Barcelona with their Borges-like labyrinths and secret passageways. Decaying old mansions; a brooding half-crazed, over-caffeinated writer; darkness, shadows, death, murders, mystery and foreboding.

The problem I had was with the plot. I couldn't tell at the end what the resolution was of the plot. I even skimmed back though th Like me, you will probably read The Angels' Game because you enjoyed immensely the author's The Shadow of the Wind. I even skimmed back though the book trying to see what I must have missed and if I could figure it out - no luck. It's still a good read; just not as good as Shadow. View all 16 comments. Aug 23, Will M.

David Martin is a pulp fiction writer struggling in life. He went to Barcelona in hope of a better future, and the mysterious man with an unbelievable offer seemed to fulfill his wish. The events after he accepted the offer changed his life forever. The first book, The Shadow of the Wind managed to exceed my expectations. He once again managed to exceed my expectations. I consider him as one of the best Histori David Martin is a pulp fiction writer struggling in life.

I consider him as one of the best Historical-Fiction writer ever. He knows how to write. He knows how to keep the reader interested and captivated all throughout the novel. The plot was only a bit different than the first one, but still captivating. While reading the novel I once again felt like I was living the life of the main character.

It felt like I was living in Barcelona the whole time. The writing was superb, and I could say that his writing is my favorite alongside Stephen King's. I really like it when the writer can make the character so likable and believable at the same time. Nothing changed from the first book, because both characters were unforgettable. David was just a fun guy to read about. He didn't seem pretentious, and the supporting characters were just as good. Isabella and Christina were both perfect for David, but obviously he only loved one, as the author tried to convey.

Such a shame that they didn't end up together though. I was interested all throughout and the author even made the ending a bit fast paced than usual.

The chapters near the end were action packed and the author surely gave the novel closure, despite the fact that there's a third book in the series. I hate it when a novel feels incomplete because of the ending, thankfully I didn't have that problem with this one. Just as good, or even better than the first one. I can't wait to read the next book and novella real soon.

I'm really recommending this book, and the author to any avid readers out there. Highly recommended with a plead to try out at least one of his novels. View all 9 comments. Dec 09, Becky rated it liked it Recommends it for: Gothic mystery lovers. Shelves: religion-y , reviewed , historical-fiction , library-books , mystery-and-thrillers , I really, really enjoyed it, and wish that I could give it 5 stars, but I feel like the loose ends were kind of rubber-banded together, rather than tied up all nice and pretty.

But first I want to talk about the writing. Ruiz Zafon captured me with the first paragraph. I mean, look at this: "A writer never forgets the first time he accepted a few coins or a word of praise in exchange for a story. He will never forget the sweet poison of vanity in his blood and the belief that, if he succeeds in not letting anyone discover his lack of talent, the dream of literature will provide him with a roof over his head, a hot meal at the end of the day, and what he covets most: his name on a miserable piece of paper that will surely outlive him.

A writer is condemned to remember that moment, because from then on he is doomed and his soul has a price. Must read on! So I did, and found that with every page, I enjoyed the book even more. It was dark and gloomy and despairing and creepy at times, and at others it was laugh out loud funny and light and surprising. David, our narrator, is a young writer, who's had a hard time of life, and is therefore older than his years. He's bitter, and jaded, and sarcastic, but still idealistic in a way.

I loved the way that he looked at things, and the life he brought to the pages. Even when he was writing himself to death, he's still interesting and dynamic and I wanted to know him better. So, in comes Andreas Correlli, mysterious and perfectly dressed and wanting to put David's talent to use for his own vague purposes. I recognized Correlli for what he was right away, as maybe I was intended to, so I waited anxiously for the inevitable.

There is quite a bit of religious speculation and philosophy if that's the right word in this book, which was very interesting to me. The conversations that Correlli and David had regarding religion were maybe a touch over my head, but intriguing to read, because both men had more than reason enough to twist things to their own purposes in their conversations, and I was never quite sure whether what they were saying was really what they were saying.

From David and Correlli's first meeting, things start to get more and more mysterious and strange. Very surreal in a realistic way, and quite intense. There were times when I'd have to force myself to put the book down to go to bed. And the chapters were so short that it was far too easy to justify "just one more". New twists and turns were introduced and I couldn't wait to figure out how they all fit together. But this is where things went a little bit downhill for me.

While things were technically ended, and it wasn't a bad ending, I just wish that we had a bit more explanation as to certain things in the story, and that's why I had to drop a star off. I mean, I guess we could just look at it from a stand-point of "it is because it is because it is", but I'm always looking for the "why" too.

I don't want to ruin this book for anyone who has yet to read it, because it is definitely worth reading, so I will not go into spoilerish stuff here. I will just say that I would have liked a bit more wrap up with certain converging storylines. Overall, I immensely enjoyed this book. The writing has a way of just making me part of the story, and the descriptions made me wish I could be in Barcelona to see it for myself. I look forward to reading "Shadow of the Wind" soon.

View all 15 comments. To be afraid is a sign of common sense. Only complete idiots are not afraid of anything. Shadow of the Wind readers will instantly recognise characters and places in this book, but the new protagonist, the wannabe writer, young David Martin's story takes you to the uncharted waters of Gothic historical fiction, or even possibly supernatural mystery! I need to get started on the next book in this series Last night, I listened to the end of this audiobook with tears in my eyes.

I won't easily forget those last scenes. My favorite parts of this story were the visits to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. I love the idea of a place where: "Every book, every volume you see here, has a soul. The first time someone visits this place, he must choose a book and adopt it, making sure that it will never disappear, that it will always stay alive.

I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as I enjoyed Shadow of the Wind. This tale was slightly darker and more mysterious, but I thought the mystery became a little convoluted.

This was still a wonderful, beautifully written story that had me in tears more than once. What an amazing feeling that is. Highly recommended! View all 4 comments. My, oh my!

I had such great expectations from the book - I know, it's not fair - and I was so disappointed about how it ends I actually don't know anymore if I liked it or not. It starts OK, nothing spectacular at the beginning well maybe that episode when David, a journalist at this point, visits the brothel - I still haven't figured out its connection with the rest of the story , but after the first quarter it gets better and better.

Now a writer, David is asked by a mysterious editor to writ My, oh my! Now a writer, David is asked by a mysterious editor to write THE book, something nobody has ever dared to write before, in exchange for an enormous sum of money. When Isabella shows up, the story gets even better.

Their dialogues are so sparkling and witty and they act so stormy have I watched too many romantic comedies? I almost wanted them to hook up. But well, Zafon had other plans and David remains devoted to his one true love, Cristina, which leads to all kind of complicated events, because this is what love does, it complicates our already complicated lives, right? I somehow wanted the-always-cool-never-scared David to end his life heroically or not , but being a 1st person narrative that was quite impossible.

So OK, let him live, but what have we done to deserve such a cheesy ending? And yes, bookworms or Barcelona admirers, for you too! View all 11 comments. More like a 4. I couldn't get enough of this book. And of course, the importance of books in the story makes it quite an enjoyable read.

The story follows David Martin, a writer for a newspaper and penny dreadfuls who gets sucked into a creepy plot with a figure called "the boss" who employs More like a 4. The story follows David Martin, a writer for a newspaper and penny dreadfuls who gets sucked into a creepy plot with a figure called "the boss" who employs him to write a book. We get taken along on this journey as Martin discovers some secrets about the previous tenant of his home as well as the book Lux Aeterna that he picks up from the Cemetery of Forgotten Books.

He creates such a vivid atmosphere that really transports you into the text. You have to suspend your disbelief and enjoy the fantastical elements.

It's like watching a noir film that has all the classic elements to it, but done in such a satisfying way that you can forgive them for their obviousness. And now I can't wait to do a re-read of Shadow! When I'm reading something good, or even decent, I'll find myself reading just a few more pages when I should be doing housework or some other exciting chore. When I find myself finding all sorts of creative ways to waste time without even thinking of picking up my book, I know it's time to give up on it.

Too bad -- I really liked The Shadow of the Wind. But unfortunately, like the sequel to The Pillars of the Earth , I think the author was trying too hard to recreate his own success at the expens When I'm reading something good, or even decent, I'll find myself reading just a few more pages when I should be doing housework or some other exciting chore. But unfortunately, like the sequel to The Pillars of the Earth , I think the author was trying too hard to recreate his own success at the expense of writing a good book.

Zafon tried to bring back the same setting and some of the same characters and themes, but what seemed mystical and magical in Shadow was simply melodramatic here. Characterization was shallow and simplistic, as were the relationships; the writing was choppy. The story just didn't grab me, and nothing compelled me to push myself through more pages. Jun 25, Jeanette Ms. Feisty rated it really liked it Shelves: all-fiction , miss-trees , four-star-fiction , europe-and-british-isles , creepy-spooky-scary.

Overall a well-told story with a clever and original plot. David Martin is a struggling author living in poverty in the seedy depths of Barcelona.

Josh and Austin uploaded several more videos until strange things started to occur. Austin woke up one night after hearing strange noises in his house, and Josh found a strange drawing and a flash drive in a bathroom stall at his school. MOV , which he uploaded soon after.

The video showed various clips of Josh filming Austin around their school and the nearby area, as well as heavy amounts of distortion. Two days later, Josh discovered yet another cryptic note himself and promptly tore it up on camera. Around this time, Austin suspected that his house may be haunted and began having dreams in which a voice would try to communicate with him, getting louder and louder over time.

Josh told him that he had been hearing a voice as well, whispering to him. The next day, Austin found a second cryptic note and announced his plans to go "to the trees" at Kingston soon. A friend of theirs, Alana Hudson , also started a vlog, under the channel name " Razveeg ", and uploaded her first video. In a video, Josh promoted Alana's channel and denounced Austin's suspicions, saying that he was overreacting or "losing his mind".

At school, Josh confronted Austin about his plans, but was unable to deter him. Josh later tweeted that Austin hadn't been at school since that day. Three days later, a video was uploaded onto Josh's account by the hacker, which was made up of footage from Josh's not yet uploaded update video spliced in with various other clips.

The next day, Josh woke up on the floor of his bathroom and tweeted that he had seen the video. Soon after, Josh posted a video in which he suggested that the golf tees and dice he had found were to be used for the game Aggravation , which his grandmother, whose name meant "Angel" used to play, meaning the hacker had a knowledge of his family's history. Josh posted the notes he had received so far on his Facebook account, which included messages such as "he is coming" and "keep her out".

Ten days after he had disappeared, Josh found Austin slumped over on the ground at school and asked where he had been, but he didn't even realize he had been gone.

Austin, who wasn't able to remember anything from the days he was missing, later posted a video showing how he had went "to the trees" behind the church at Kingston and found a leather bag. He then opened the bag, which contained a drawing , crystals, buttons, and a small yarn doll. Josh, who now believed that something was going on, talked with Austin and decided that he must be "the keeper", Austin must be "the other", and the hacker must be " the dweller ".

He was unsure of who "the creature" might be. Alana began receiving notes of her own, the first of which warned her to "mind her own business".

Josh posted a video and explained that he had begun losing parts of his days, similar to the way that Austin had, and was also starting to feel sick around these times. The Dweller continued posting cryptic messages to Josh's accounts as well as hiding some for Josh and the others to find. One such hidden message was a box Josh found in his closet marked for December 25th, Around this time, Josh began having dreams that he was being followed by something that followed him around every corner and smelled.

In a video uploaded to his account by the Dweller, Josh is shown to be locked in a closet in his house. Whilst he was locked up, the Dweller hid Josh's camera in another closet and apparently spoke to Josh directly.

During this time, a video was uploaded to Austin's account showing him being attacked by a tall man in a suit , which resulted in him briefly being hospitalized. For failing to keep Alana out of the Game as he had been warned to, the contents of the box Josh found were taken from him by the Dweller.

Josh, who had started recording footage of his house during the night, Austin, and Alana, had decided to go back to the woods near the church where Austin had went missing and were driven there by their friend, Nathan. Once there, the three of them looked around the woods while Nathan waited in his jeep. Josh found a page out of an old diary and then decided to leave the forest due to Austin's insistence.

When they reached the jeep, they discovered that Nathan was gone and were then chased by the tall suited man they now knew as the Creature. Austin tried to resist being taken away and walked towards the Creature, but Josh and Alana managed to bring him to his senses in time for the three to escape.

For the first time in weeks, the Dweller began posting videos and leaving clues again, which Josh commented on along with the fact that he once again felt sick. He learns that the previous owner of the house was a lawyer named Diego Marlasca who drowned under suspicious circumstances 25 years earlier.

David believes Diego Marlasca is the D. From Marlasca's widow, David learns that Marlasca became heavily involved in occult rituals following the death of their young son and that he mentioned a writing contract that would bring their son back to life. She directs David to Ricardo Salvador, the only police officer who believed foul play was involved in Marlasca's death.

Salvador says that Marlasca was burned alive. Pedro separates from Cristina because he knows she doesn't love him. David and Cristina agree to leave behind Barcelona, but when David returns from buying train tickets, he finds that Cristina found his manuscript and read it, prompting her to flee. In a fit of despair and fury, David finishes the manuscript.

He tracks Cristina to a sanatorium, where she makes David promise to destroy the book. Out of cowardice and vanity, David refuses. Cristina then escapes to a frozen lake and falls through the ice to her death with an eerie smile on her face. Enraged, David returns to Barcelona to exact revenge on Corelli.