logo

71 pages 2 hours read

The Angel's Game

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Angel's Game

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

672

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Barcelona, Spain • 1920s

Theme
Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón follows young crime novelist David Martín in 1920s and 1930s Barcelona as he navigates a complex and dangerous conspiracy involving an enigmatic publisher, a mysterious book, and his own terminal illness. Amid political turmoil, David's journey intertwines with love, betrayal, and Faustian bargains leading to dark, supernatural revelations. The novel includes themes of murder, terminal illness, and occultism.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

174,834 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is widely praised for its atmospheric settings and intricate plot. Critics compliment the novel's blend of mystery, gothic elements, and rich narrative. Some, however, find the storyline convoluted and the characters less compelling compared to Zafón's previous works. Overall, it's an engaging but complex read for fans of literary suspense.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Angel's Game?

Fans of The Shadow of the Wind or The Historian will relish The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. This atmospheric and intricate gothic novel is perfect for readers who appreciate dark, twisting plots set against a richly detailed historical backdrop. Its compelling blend of mystery, romance, and suspense will captivate those who enjoy deep literary narratives.

4.2

174,834 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

David Martín

A mystery writer born in Barcelona who overcomes a challenging childhood and gains the mentorship of a wealthy patron. He narrates his story, facing numerous supernatural and psychological struggles throughout his life.

The assistant of Pedro Vidal, whom she eventually marries. She is deeply tied to David through their shared past and complex relationships, struggling with obligations and emotions.

A middle-aged publisher who offers David a Faustian bargain with significant and mysterious implications. His interactions with David lead to questions about identity and motive.

A wealthy and charming owner of a newspaper who helps David start his writing career. He shares a complicated relationship with both Cristina and David.

A lawyer who encounters supernatural dilemmas after accepting a daunting offer from Corelli. His actions intersect with David's, leading to dramatic confrontations.

A young aspiring writer who becomes David's assistant and mentee. She plays an important role in David’s personal and professional life.

A kindly bookseller and surrogate father figure to David. He introduces David to influential literary resources and supports him throughout his life.

A police inspector assigned to investigate David amid a series of mysterious events. His role extends into a complex web of motives and interactions.

Book Details
Pages

672

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Barcelona, Spain • 1920s

Theme
Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.