I really loved The shadow of the Wind, the first book in this series. While The Angel's Game has the same lyrical and melodramatic writing and creepy gothic atmosphere, it just can't compete with the first book. The story never felt very cohesive and the protagonist continually left the scene or was missing in action for almost every single plot twist. (view spoiler)[ The author created an interesting and varied cast of characters that are then methodically disposed of one by one, which was a real disappointment. (hide spoiler)] The writing is enthusiastic and lovely to read, but the story itself is as easily forgotten as the books left in the cemetery.