Scan barcode
curiousgeorgie1928's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to love this book but unfortunately it was all over the places and I ended up having no feelings and attachments to the characters or Erik that I felt when actually reading my favourite original Phantom of the Opera.
illusie's review against another edition
1.0
This book was too strange for me. The writing is good, but I didn't enjoy the plot. It's a weird mix of vampires and the phantom of the opera.
idahobekah's review against another edition
2.0
Pretty boring and confusing honestly. I thought I'd love this considering it's by the same author of "Splintered" series which was also an adapted story, but this just felt like a rushed-romance with an overly-complicated magic system.
wabcoqueen's review against another edition
4.0
A Phantom of the Opera retelling with a good fantasy showing. The only downfall for me was Erik got off to easily with little explanation.
lovely_99's review against another edition
3.0
Me gustó aunque se me hizo muy pesado, por partes casi lo abandono. El final es bonito. Esperaba algo mejor porque me encantó Susurros pero estuvo bien
adelle_bookworm's review against another edition
2.0
DOČTENO! ZVLÁDLA JSEM TO!
Řeknu to takhle. Ten příběh je dobrý. Fakt jo. Zvládl by být výborný. Kdyby to autorka neuměla podělat každou druhou větou.
Rune je tak neskutečně pitomá, až to bolí. Skoro bych řekla, že je bezcharakterní, protože tak rychle ji autorka snad ani měnit nemohla. A ten konec byl neskutečně rychlej. Ale romantická linka funguje. Jak psala ty pasáže z Trnova pohledu, ty mě hrozně bavily! Kdyby se radši soustředila celou dobu jen na něj, bylo by to daleko lepší. Pokud by z něj neudělala stejného blba jako z Rune.
Jednu hvězdičku tomu nedám jen proto, že takových dvacet stránek před koncem to bylo super. Fantomův svět byl super. Kdyby se autorka držela jenom toho... (A pokud umíte francouzsky, přivřete očko nad tou zkomolenou francouzštinou.)
Řeknu to takhle. Ten příběh je dobrý. Fakt jo. Zvládl by být výborný. Kdyby to autorka neuměla podělat každou druhou větou.
Rune je tak neskutečně pitomá, až to bolí. Skoro bych řekla, že je bezcharakterní, protože tak rychle ji autorka snad ani měnit nemohla. A ten konec byl neskutečně rychlej. Ale romantická linka funguje. Jak psala ty pasáže z Trnova pohledu, ty mě hrozně bavily! Kdyby se radši soustředila celou dobu jen na něj, bylo by to daleko lepší. Pokud by z něj neudělala stejného blba jako z Rune.
Jednu hvězdičku tomu nedám jen proto, že takových dvacet stránek před koncem to bylo super. Fantomův svět byl super. Kdyby se autorka držela jenom toho... (A pokud umíte francouzsky, přivřete očko nad tou zkomolenou francouzštinou.)
aprilsflower's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
mllejoyeuxnoel's review against another edition
4.0
Okay. Disclaimer: I'm giving this book four stars because I am most definitely its target audience; I will almost always enjoy things having to do with The Phantom of the Opera (or the Phandom, as the kids on Tumblr call it). In terms of hitting on the themes that always go with anything Phandom-inspired, the book hit the mark. The writing was also enjoyable.
However, I think I enjoyed this book almost purely because I tend to love all things Phantom. The plot had so much going on that it felt like every other page had a big reveal. The magic inserted into the book makes sense as a device and fits within the original parameters of the Leroux story as well as the musical, but there was also a LOT of it - something to be aware of that may be off-putting if unexpected. I think there were some elements of the story that were unnecessary to character development and seemed to clutter up the narrative. I would have liked to have actually seen one particular loose thread of the ending tied up, rather than simply having it referenced in dialogue; I won't say which here to avoid spoilers. And I found the heroine to be a bit flat. I didn't get much of a sense of personality from her, and I would have liked to have felt more like rooting for her.
Overall, I'd say if you're a fan of Leroux or ALW's Phantom, this is a fun read if you're in the mood to dip back into that world for a minute. But to non-fans, I wouldn't recommend it.
However, I think I enjoyed this book almost purely because I tend to love all things Phantom. The plot had so much going on that it felt like every other page had a big reveal. The magic inserted into the book makes sense as a device and fits within the original parameters of the Leroux story as well as the musical, but there was also a LOT of it - something to be aware of that may be off-putting if unexpected. I think there were some elements of the story that were unnecessary to character development and seemed to clutter up the narrative. I would have liked to have actually seen one particular loose thread of the ending tied up, rather than simply having it referenced in dialogue; I won't say which here to avoid spoilers. And I found the heroine to be a bit flat. I didn't get much of a sense of personality from her, and I would have liked to have felt more like rooting for her.
Overall, I'd say if you're a fan of Leroux or ALW's Phantom, this is a fun read if you're in the mood to dip back into that world for a minute. But to non-fans, I wouldn't recommend it.
pineconebiscuit's review against another edition
5.0
So intriguing and fast paced. Loved all the characters and the role they played in the story! Elaton of course my fave 💜
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
This book has been on my shelves for quite some time already and it were the negative reviews that kept me from picking it up. But hey, I'm a grown up girl. I can decide for myself if I like something or not. And I totally loved Splintered and I've always been fascinated by the Phantom. I just wanted to read this and see what I'd think.
And although I can understand why this is absolutely not everyone's cup of tea, I ended up loving this take on the famous tale and myth of the Phantom of the Opera. This story captures the atmosphere of the original story: A little bit of horror and thriller, a little bit of drama and a little bit of love, but it becomes its very own story, with its very own characters in the centre of attention, with its very own plot that also somehow feels familiar.
Howard's writing style isn't always easy to read, but it's very beautiful. It's flowery and poetic, but therefore the sentences and words start singing in my bones. And even though it takes me much longer than usually to make it through her books, I enjoy the ride so much. Howard sucks me into the story, makes me feel it, makes me connect with the characters, makes me part of it.
And I personally think that the supernatural element of this story truly fits the character of the Phantom. Just like I think Howard has managed to do him justice. We see his intelligence, his caring and loving side, his human side. But we're also confronted with his trickery, his anger and longing for justice and vengeance, his strong will going after what he wants, despite the costs and consequences. It's a thin line, but I hated and loved Howard's Phantom equally. And I personally think that's how it's supposed to be.
The story is just like Splintered: Dark, twisted and little mad. It's challenging the imagination of the reader. And yet, when you give in and just allow the story to consume you, you won't be disappointed.
And although I can understand why this is absolutely not everyone's cup of tea, I ended up loving this take on the famous tale and myth of the Phantom of the Opera. This story captures the atmosphere of the original story: A little bit of horror and thriller, a little bit of drama and a little bit of love, but it becomes its very own story, with its very own characters in the centre of attention, with its very own plot that also somehow feels familiar.
Howard's writing style isn't always easy to read, but it's very beautiful. It's flowery and poetic, but therefore the sentences and words start singing in my bones. And even though it takes me much longer than usually to make it through her books, I enjoy the ride so much. Howard sucks me into the story, makes me feel it, makes me connect with the characters, makes me part of it.
And I personally think that the supernatural element of this story truly fits the character of the Phantom. Just like I think Howard has managed to do him justice. We see his intelligence, his caring and loving side, his human side. But we're also confronted with his trickery, his anger and longing for justice and vengeance, his strong will going after what he wants, despite the costs and consequences. It's a thin line, but I hated and loved Howard's Phantom equally. And I personally think that's how it's supposed to be.
The story is just like Splintered: Dark, twisted and little mad. It's challenging the imagination of the reader. And yet, when you give in and just allow the story to consume you, you won't be disappointed.