This book was recommended to me by my father, and at first, I had my doubts. The beginning was kind of slow for me, a person so used to more action-filled novels such as Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and The Hunger Games. However, farther in, and I was amazed.
The book has such a different feel of the previously mentioned books and a great mystery with an amazing story arc. Settings are revisited along with characters. As you read the book you witness Daniel Sempere, the main character, grow from a 10-year-old boy with dreams of writing who lost his mother to a teen with a love interest, new relationships, and broken ones. All characters are amazing and well developed, and the detail is phenomenal.
Now, I don't know from experience, but my father told me that reading the book and then going to the part of Barcelona where it happens makes you feel like you are in the story.
Lastly, I want to talk about the story. I won't spoil anything just in case, but like the characters, it is developed with remarkable care and detail. It is different with a different feel, setting, climax and ending than anything I have ever read before, I mean, the book is about books. I especially love how although this book does have it's own story, it provides the foundation for the whole series in a way new to me. This series's story is intricate, with details from all books leading up the end, with everything being important. I am so glad to have read this book as it introduced me to a new type of book. One that is dark and mysterious, with descriptive language beyond anything I have read before, and with a story as precise as a house of cards. This book introduced me to what may very well be the best series out of the countless books I have read. If you are wondering whether it is worth it to give this book a shot, I say with full confidence, yes Especially for people looking for something new, and even if you are hesitant, give it a try. The only thing you can lose is a few dollars if you buy it, but what you can gain is an astounding experience and unforgettable memories.