Book Review: The Midnight Palace by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Thanks for supporting Lazy Cat Book Club!
I already talked about one of my comfort books. You’d think the other one would be similar, right?
Wrong! It’s a complete tone shift — we’re not even in the same genre anymore. I mean, just look at both books and tell me what they have in common. There’s only one thing… well, actually, two.
They’re both YA, and they’re both written by Spanish authors. But wait! Don’t click off yet — I promise you this one is translated (I checked).
About the Book
Title: El palacio de la medianoche (The Midnight Palace)
Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Year: 1994
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mystery, Horror, Historical
Summary: Calcutta, 1932. A flame-engulfed train arrives in the city. A fire spirit sows terror within the shadows of the night. And that is only the beginning. About to turn sixteen, Ben, Sheere, and their friends from the Chowbar Society must confront the most terrifying enigma in the history of the City of Palaces.
About the Author
Carlos Ruiz Zafón (1964–2020) was one of Spain’s most beloved novelists. His literary career began in 1993 with The Prince of Mist, followed by The Midnight Palace and The Watcher in the Shadows — later compiled as The Mist Trilogy.
He’s best known for The Shadow of the Wind and the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series, which turned him into an international sensation. His works have been translated into over fifty languages and have captivated millions of readers around the world.
Learn more on his official website.
How I Discovered This Book
I know this is a weird choice for a comfort book, but hear me out. I was just a child when I discovered it, and it singlehandedly made me fall in love with the mystery and horror genres (although it’s a pretty light one, compared to what I read nowadays).
To keep things short, all I’ll say is that I accidentally stole this book from its owner. Call me Liesel, for I am the book thief.
I’m joking, obviously — I just borrowed it and never had the chance to return it.
Review
If Donde los árboles cantan is a warm hug, The Midnight Palace is a ghostly whisper in the dark.
Even though I read this book almost 15 years ago, it remains one of my favorites. Every time I want to read something but don’t have time for a full novel, I pick it up, choose a random chapter, and start reading. It has a soothing quality that keeps me coming back.
Themes
The story explores friendship, identity, and the ghosts of the past. It’s about growing up, facing fear, and realizing that love — however strong — can’t always save us. Beneath the mystery lies a beautiful meditation on how we carry our scars and still move forward.
Characters
Each member of the Chowbar Society shines with individuality:
Ben is logical, Roshan quick-witted, Isobel dramatic, and Sheere brave. Their dynamic feels authentic, and their loyalty gives the story emotional weight.
Among the adults, Sheere’s grandmother stands out — complex and flawed — while the villain, Jawahal, embodies a chilling mix of tragedy and obsession.
Plot
The novel follows Ben and Sheere as they uncover their shared past and the dark legacy that connects them. Alongside their friends, they face both supernatural threats and human cruelty.
The story builds steadily toward a heart-wrenching finale that blends mystery, history, and myth in true Zafón style.
It gets pretty dark at times, but if you’ve read other horror novels, you’ll be fine.
Conclusion
El palacio de la medianoche is short enough to finish in an afternoon, but it lingers in your thoughts long after. It’s atmospheric, emotional, and filled with Zafón’s signature gothic charm.
Best of all, it’s available in English — so there’s no excuse not to dive in. Whether you’re new to Zafón’s work or a longtime fan of The Shadow of the Wind, this book will remind you why storytelling matters.
If you enjoyed this review, check out my review of Where the Trees Sing for another magical Spanish read.
You can buy it here:
What do you think — should I keep this more formal tone or go back to the casual style from my previous post? Tell me in the comments!
Image credits
El palacio de la medianoche © Planeta.
