In Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s blood-curdling novel set in post-war Spain, a young boy sets out on a journey in a world of literature to solve the mystery of the sudden disappearance of an author and his books.

Daniel Gispert Sempere is a ten-year-old boy who discovers a book, “Shadow of the Wind,” in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a haunting cathedral full of forgotten and faithfully protected novels. Captivated by the magnetic pull of the novel, he sets out on a search to find out the truth about the sudden disappearance of the infamous Spanish author Julián Carax and his books. As Daniel goes deeper into his adventure, he finds himself surrounded by horrific secrets and obscure pasts that make it impossible for him to distinguish between the real world and the illusion the books created.

Zafón presents his debut novel about a lost boy who finds himself absorbed in the mystery of literature, which will not only make him question his current identity but who he will become in the future. The author’s compelling writing lures the reader into a fantastical world full of magic and mysteries with clear descriptions of Barcelona’s ancient city set in the 1960s.

Dark fractured roads, flickering street lamps, and the intoxicating scent of musty rain on cement all transporting them into the novel.

Through Daniel’s journey, Zafón includes themes of betrayal, isolation, and identity, which all mirror a huge part of Daniel’s life as he overcomes complex obstacles thrown his way.

The addition of other well-written characters in the novel, such as Beatriz Aguilar, Fermìn Romero de Torres, Clara Barceló, and Julián Carax also paint a deep shade of mystery that intrigues the reader even more.

“The Shadow of the Wind” is an outstanding creation of a novel that portrays the strength of literature and sense of memory throughout the narration. It is an absolute must-read if you adore mystery genres and authors like Stel Palou and Stephen King.

Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s “Shadow of the Wind” will have you completely hooked.