You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A very theatrical and melodramatic book. Initially this was annoying and the characters very unlikable because of how fainthearted and sensitive they were. But about halfway through everything became even more exaggerated and dramatic and the result was very entertaining.
Even after reading the novel, there were still a couple of unclear points that were not explained, like the man with the felt hat and the rat-catcher, whose function in the story I have not understood. Everything considered, the book was entertaining after a slow-going beginning. Complex themes were generally avoided except for considerations about how much of the cruelty of the Phantom was just a reflection of what he had to go through.
The writing style was unobtrusive but I found some of the ways that have been used to increase the suspense tiresome, like waiting more than 2 chapters to explain some simple points just to create mystery, while it would have been reasonable and in line with the plot to reveal the notions immediately. I suppose this is a byproduct of the original serialized release
adventurous dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
reading_vixen's profile picture

reading_vixen's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 36%

I like the idea behind this story just the writing was too hard to follow and seemed so pretentious

I've really enjoyed the story of Phantom of the Opera since I saw the Broadway production when I was 18. I have seen the Broadway, read the book, and own the movie. I would highly recommend this story!
challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
dark emotional mysterious sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was very different from the musical but I still love Erik. 
dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

For years I have loved the incredible play of The Phantom of the Opera, so when I found out it was initially a book, I just had to read it!
When I read books that have been adapted into a play, I am filled with complete awe at how talented people are that they can create music out of the events of a novel such as this.
This was my first “horror” book, and I have never been so enraptured. The way the author took me on the journey through the trapdoors of the opera house until the final encounter with the Phantom. It was beautifully written and almost lyrical. Absolutely stunning book!