The Prince of Mist

The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a haunting young adult novel set during World War II. The story follows a boy named Max Carver, who moves with his family to a small coastal town to escape the turmoil of war. The Carvers settle into a house that was once owned by a wealthy doctor and his wife, who lost their son, Jacob, in a tragic accident at sea. As Max and his sister, Alicia, explore their new surroundings, they encounter peculiar phenomena, such as statues in the garden that appear to move and an eerie presence in the house. They befriend a local boy, Roland, who helps them unveil the dark past of the town and the sinister figure known as the Prince of Mist—a diabolical entity that had made a deal with the previous owner of the house, involving the sacrifice of his firstborn son, Jacob. Through a series of chilling events and discoveries, including old film reels showing a sunken ship and a cursed lighthouse, the three friends learn that the Prince of Mist is back to collect what he was promised. The story culminates in a suspenseful showdown where Max and his friends face their fears and confront the Prince of Mist in an attempt to put an end to his reign of terror and the curse that he has cast over the town. Themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of facing one's past resonate throughout this supernatural thriller.