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bluem's review
3.0
this was confusing as heck and i'm confused as heck about my feelings so i guess that's why i give it 3stars??
neekelf's review
3.0
I loved it. It was so well written. I wish that Mrs. Kay had done more about the Phantom and the managers, but overall the best adaption of the Phantom of the Opera.
caseynathan's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
alicihonest's review against another edition
4.0
Ah man, this could have been a 5 star. Far from the expected POTO fanfic (at first), Erik's early life was woven artfully and enticingly. Stop there. Stop reading as soon as Christine is mentioned. Because after that, it's offputting, cardboard fanfic with gross liberties taken. But hey, she doesn't actually come into the story until about 75% through, so there's plenty of good story to earn 4 stars.
primore's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
4.25
This book has violently catapulted me back into my Phantom obsession (though, if I’m being honest, it never truly left, only lied temporarily dormant).
Apologies if you encounter me anytime soon; Susan Kay is to blame
You have been warned
Apologies if you encounter me anytime soon; Susan Kay is to blame
You have been warned
bookhero6's review against another edition
5.0
Rereading after 18 years. The best parts of this are the ones leading up to the Opera. The backstory is rich and inspired and answers a lot of why questions. Denied love, who could help but be a monster?
Erik the child, Erik the young man, Erik the genius, is a likable character, despite everything. Kay creates a sympathetic character, by surrounding him with likable characters who display, sometimes, the better parts of human nature.
When I read this as a child, I strove for the love story, the so-called exciting part. As an adult, it is the origin story that most delights me, and where this book earns its 5 stars. It is such a setup for dismal depressingness that the happy ending comes as a surprise. Christine I found a little lacking but Erik and Raoul were fairly magnificent.
Even after all these years, I am still entranced by the Phantom of the Opera. Shh don't tell: I may have also listened to parts of the Lloyd Webber musical while reading this.
Erik the child, Erik the young man, Erik the genius, is a likable character, despite everything. Kay creates a sympathetic character, by surrounding him with likable characters who display, sometimes, the better parts of human nature.
When I read this as a child, I strove for the love story, the so-called exciting part. As an adult, it is the origin story that most delights me, and where this book earns its 5 stars. It is such a setup for dismal depressingness that the happy ending comes as a surprise. Christine I found a little lacking but Erik and Raoul were fairly magnificent.
Even after all these years, I am still entranced by the Phantom of the Opera. Shh don't tell: I may have also listened to parts of the Lloyd Webber musical while reading this.
contralistation's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
bella1109's review
5.0
This is one of the books that I would re-read once a year (sometimes more) since I discovered it almost 15 years ago at my school library. A must read for phantom of the opera lovers.
One of the most expensive book I've owned. It was really hard to track it down and I had to go to one of the big bookstores in the city center to order it, but this book is worth every cent. This book is centered around Erik's background since he was born up to the burning of the opera. If you ever wonder about Erik's background, wonder no more. This book is wonderful and I simply can't express my appreciation for it. Thank you, Ms. Kay for such a lovely book.
One of the most expensive book I've owned. It was really hard to track it down and I had to go to one of the big bookstores in the city center to order it, but this book is worth every cent. This book is centered around Erik's background since he was born up to the burning of the opera. If you ever wonder about Erik's background, wonder no more. This book is wonderful and I simply can't express my appreciation for it. Thank you, Ms. Kay for such a lovely book.
therearenobadbooks's review
5.0
Such delight. We get to see different stages of Erik's life since his birth and learn what he has learned and done, and where he lived until he becomes the famous Opera Ghost. The book is divided into multiple parts with different POVs. It's never dull. The rhythm of the story is full of detail and emotion. It never disappoints.
Not many books make me cry. This was one of them. How I longed for a book like this for a long time. This one has taken the place that Wuthering Heights occupied for years. And Erik is right there besides Heathcliff. I love a villainous and dark main character.
The perfect book for Phantom of the Opera fans.
Not many books make me cry. This was one of them. How I longed for a book like this for a long time. This one has taken the place that Wuthering Heights occupied for years. And Erik is right there besides Heathcliff. I love a villainous and dark main character.
The perfect book for Phantom of the Opera fans.