The Prince of Mist

''One time in a million, someone who is still very young understands that life is a one-way journey and decides that the rules of the games don't agree with him. It's like when you decide to cheat because you know you can't win. Usually you're found out and you can't cheat any more. But sometimes the cheat gets away with it. And if, instead of playing with dice or cards, the game consists of playing with life and death, then  the cheat turns into someone very dangerous indeed.'‘

Undoubtedly atmospheric, with a few haunting moments, but in my opinion. the writing felt dry and clumsy and the dialogue seemed almost naive and lifeless. I don't know whether the fact that it was Zafon's first novel or the possibility of a genuinely soulless translation is to blame but I am not particularly eager to try my luck with the rest of his work. 

A YA novel (or whatever you want to call it) is no excuse for pure boredom, predictability and ridiculous remarks. Our teenagers deserve better than today's writing which wants to treat them like fools. Don't be idiots.