drey's library

Note: You don’t have to read either of the previous books before reading The Prisoner of Heaven, but if you like this one as much as I do, you’ll be picking up The Shadow of the Wind and The Angel’s Game sooner rather than later. This is the story of a young man who finds out that his closest friend has secrets, and not just any kind of secrets but the ones that could kill a man. And did. Or so the government says. What does a young man do?He helps his friend, of course. And in so doing, learns Fermín’s story – one of misfortune, certainly. Definitely lacking in the mercy department. But oh so full of will – the will to live, to survive this calamity that has befallen him.Carlos Ruiz Zafón gives us a fabulous tale of survival in The Prisoner of Heaven. I loved the story, the characters, and their voice. I loved that the story arch reveals yet another connection between Daniel and Fermín – one that Fermín is aware of, but not Daniel. I loved the darkness of the tale – you can’t tell a story set in a prison and not have it be dark, and this one is so brilliantly told that you appreciate the dark while at the same time cringe from it too.Most of all, I love Zafón’s compelling, beguiling, enchanting prose. I’m definitely picking up Zafón’s other books now – I want more of that beautiful storytelling.drey’s rating: Excellent!