The Cemetery of Forgotten Series Books 1 - 4 Collection Set by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (Shadow of the Wind, Angel's Game, Prisoner of Heaven & Labyrinth of the Spirits)

My favourite series . Left my copies in Spain so now have complete set for this wnters reading

Only a very few writers throughout the ages have managed to pen such extraordinary novels, Dickens, Thomas Hardy, The Bronte sisters are notable examples. These works are entrancing. There are not words that can really explain their magnificence only that they must have been written when the author has been the recipient of divine inspiration, a veritable Literary Damascene Epiphany.

Never get tired of reading this book. Great in every way. Bought the set this time so something to look forward to

i was halfway through an older editiion of book 1 and, being a compulsive completionist i had to have the set. hopeless. but i love everything about these books, the style of writing, the imagery, everything. even his descriptions of the weather, when he talks about rain you can feel yourself getting wet - not lke that, cheeky. and chapter 1 of the first book has one of the best opening lines i've ever, ever read, and i'm not one of those people who's going to say what it is, like when book critics tell you all the best bits as though they thought of them themselves, or film critics who give away the ending - "they all die" - you'll have to buy it and read it for yourself - ha.

I liked both “the shadow of the wind” and “angle’s game”, but my favourite was the second.

Interesting books although I haven't read them all yet

Sumptuous writing and intricate plotting

This is a great set. Zafon writes brilliantly. Definitely recommend.

I read the first book “Shadow of the Wind” back when I was in college 2010. I fell in love with the story and for years, after moving here in the States, that I cannot find it any bookstore. But Shadow of the Wind has never left me, and thought was very well -written and haunted me for years. I went back to reading after so many years and decided that I must get the set this time to be sure. I held back and read mostly fiction books written in present years, but got tired and decided to pick up the 2nd book, after reading the first page, once again, I fell in love. Some people says that this book’s binding is poor. But I am lucky enough that this wasn’t the case for me. I prefer my books to be paperback as I am used to slightly bending the pages while reading considering I have that bad habit, this book fortunately held up pretty good, pages still intact and no rib cracks or lines. Anyway, I am glad there’s Amazon. I was able to get a hold of this book series.

Great read

Thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this fantastic collection. Clare M

Not sure what to make of this book (The Shadow of the Wind - so far only read the first one in the series). There is a quote from Stephen King on the jacket saying how great the book is - that's why I decided to read it. And there are many beautiful scenes, and stories, and stories within stories. What kept bugging me though was the way he wrote women. All the women speak as if they are the stupidest people alive and just fully always wanting to be sexed up. Any male character that comes in contact with any female you immediately get some kind of sexual situation or a run down of her body. And there are many many situations where a man hauls off and smacks or beats a woman (fathers smacking their daughters until they bleed, police punching women in the face, etc.). The male characters are interesting and clever and say funny things or thoughtful things the female characters are for sex (or getting beat) and say crap like, "Do what you like to me." Groan. Who speaks that way? I assumed the writer was some kind of misogynist by the end of the book or at the very least, a creep. While the book ultimately (spoiler) ends on a positive note it is so depressing how sad all the characters lives are, not all books have to be happy but so many characters are murdered and have their lives destroyed it starts to feel kind of overwrought.

Ruiz Zafon was reaching the highest prestige among the Spanish writers. Unfortunately he died quite young. This trilogy is his most famous. His talent for description and the intricate plot he weaves are fascinating. This is an excellent and elegant gift.