The Midnight Palace by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

“The Midnight Palace” is a young adult novel written by Spanish author Carlos Ruiz Zafón. It was originally published in Spanish in 1994 as “El Palacio de la Medianoche” and was later translated into English by Lucia Graves. The book is part of Zafón’s Niebla (Mist) series, which consists of four novels interconnected by themes and characters.

Set in Calcutta, India, “The Midnight Palace” follows the story of a group of friends who were born at the same moment on the same night. They form a close bond and call themselves the “Midnighters.” The story revolves around their lives as they confront a mysterious and malevolent figure named Jawahal, who seeks revenge for events that transpired in the past.

The novel blends elements of mystery, suspense, and supernatural occurrences. It explores themes of friendship, loyalty, destiny, and the struggle between good and evil. Zafón’s signature atmospheric writing style and his ability to create a sense of eerie and enchanting settings are evident in this book.

While “The Midnight Palace” is often considered a standalone novel, it shares thematic connections with Zafón’s other works, particularly his more well-known “Cemetery of Forgotten Books” series, which includes books like “The Shadow of the Wind,” “The Angel’s Game,” and “The Prisoner of Heaven.” These novels often involve intricate mysteries, historic settings, and characters grappling with dark secrets.

Overall, “The Midnight Palace” offers readers a blend of adventure, mystery, and supernatural elements, making it a captivating read for fans of Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s storytelling.