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3.15 AVERAGE
3.15 AVERAGE
-POTENTIAL SPOILERS-
This was unexpected. While I knew I wouldn't consider this to be an amazing masterpiece, I did find parts of it to be unique and original.
I liked the heavy gothic atmosphere surrounding this book, as well as the ties to the original novel., like the stuff with the Persian and Christine.
I also really liked the side characters in this novel. I actually found them more interesting than the main characters, and wished I could just have a novel focusing on them.
Plus the writing in this book is really good! This author can write! Even people who don't like her novels have to at least admit that.
Aside from that, literally the first two hundred pages of this book were a huge slog to get through. They were just so boring, and nothing much happened in them. Plus the first few chapters were just major info-dumps. I don't mind info-dumps at the best of times, but this was just annoying.
Plus I hated the whole twist with the Phantom and Christine's baby. It just seemed....creepy and really out-of-place. It reminded me way too much of that terrible musical Love Never Dies, and the less we talk about that, the better.
Plus, why do people find that cover pretty? It looks weird to me, and misleading. When I first saw it, I got all excited because I thought it was a genderswapped retelling of Phantom of the Opera, which I'd be all for. But it's not. At least that model looks like the main character.
Overall, a fairly decent book that I was highly anticipated and was mildly disappointed by.
This was unexpected. While I knew I wouldn't consider this to be an amazing masterpiece, I did find parts of it to be unique and original.
I liked the heavy gothic atmosphere surrounding this book, as well as the ties to the original novel., like the stuff with the Persian and Christine.
I also really liked the side characters in this novel. I actually found them more interesting than the main characters, and wished I could just have a novel focusing on them.
Plus the writing in this book is really good! This author can write! Even people who don't like her novels have to at least admit that.
Aside from that, literally the first two hundred pages of this book were a huge slog to get through. They were just so boring, and nothing much happened in them. Plus the first few chapters were just major info-dumps. I don't mind info-dumps at the best of times, but this was just annoying.
Plus I hated the whole twist with the Phantom and Christine's baby. It just seemed....creepy and really out-of-place. It reminded me way too much of that terrible musical Love Never Dies, and the less we talk about that, the better.
Plus, why do people find that cover pretty? It looks weird to me, and misleading. When I first saw it, I got all excited because I thought it was a genderswapped retelling of Phantom of the Opera, which I'd be all for. But it's not. At least that model looks like the main character.
Overall, a fairly decent book that I was highly anticipated and was mildly disappointed by.
1.5 STARS
Well, this is definitely not for me I guess. Throughout the whole damn book, I was like “Meh.” Phantom of the Opera is new to me. I have watched neither the film nor did I read the book. But for the storyline, I picked it up from Wikipedia. I will blame the cover because it lured me in the pretense of giving me some darkness to behold. Basically, I love to writhe in darkness. But what I got is the combination of some weird things. It doesn’t feel creepy but somehow it weirds me out. And most of the time it was just blank for me.
Bleeding rose, ghostly cat, sudden urge to break out a damn song in the middle of nowhere, the ploy with mannequins, dead birds and the shadow of the tell-tale Opera Ghost. If these things didn’t feel weird, then I don’t know what it is. It would crap the hell out of everyone (including myself) if you think someone is watching over your every move. And I would be pissed off even more if I’m the only one who can see them. But after living and hunting with Dean and Sam, I’m sure I’m holding up fine. (A perfect time to let you know guys that I started to watch Supernatural and god I’m obsessed with DEAN. He is EVERYTHING. I don’t get attached to someone easily, but if I did I can’t control my freaking emotions. BECAUSE I’M CRYING MY HEART OVER EVERYTIME I SEE DEAN LOSING IT) Okay, now I’m leading the track somewhere. So I’ll stop
it.
Was the setting admirable? Learning music in (haunted) opera house doesn’t happen often, though. And I would love to explore the house even when it was rumored to be haunted. There is the need to talk about the writing. It is gorgeous and dreamy. I constantly drifted off from the story. The romance between Rune and Etalon was burning. God, I loved the electric streams. The soul connection burned me even before they touched. The intensity of it made me see the stars. At least for the writing, I would add her other works to my ever growing tbr pile.
I don’t know anything about the Phantom. Maybe that’s why I expected him to show his power every often. Sure he is one hell of a manipulator with his voice alone. The music from his mouth definitely leads the way to destruction. The pain, the sorrow, and the madness that love could bring. Geez, his madness reached a level even I felt pity towards him. He plans stuff for everyone. He saves a child from some bastards and gave him a roof to live under. If that isn’t kindness (Even though he had some ulterior motives behind it), then what is? But I don't care for the characters. NOT AT ALL.
MUSIC. Even though I don’t have any talent in music, the longing to learn some musical instruments is strong. This book built a solid foundation for it too. And you know what? I had this sudden urge to break into a song (Opera Style) in the middle of the road/class/bus. I can do that on my home but outside it has become hard. #struggles
Overall, I was not impressed. Maybe I need to watch the movie?
Well, this is definitely not for me I guess. Throughout the whole damn book, I was like “Meh.” Phantom of the Opera is new to me. I have watched neither the film nor did I read the book. But for the storyline, I picked it up from Wikipedia. I will blame the cover because it lured me in the pretense of giving me some darkness to behold. Basically, I love to writhe in darkness. But what I got is the combination of some weird things. It doesn’t feel creepy but somehow it weirds me out. And most of the time it was just blank for me.
Bleeding rose, ghostly cat, sudden urge to break out a damn song in the middle of nowhere, the ploy with mannequins, dead birds and the shadow of the tell-tale Opera Ghost. If these things didn’t feel weird, then I don’t know what it is. It would crap the hell out of everyone (including myself) if you think someone is watching over your every move. And I would be pissed off even more if I’m the only one who can see them. But after living and hunting with Dean and Sam, I’m sure I’m holding up fine. (A perfect time to let you know guys that I started to watch Supernatural and god I’m obsessed with DEAN. He is EVERYTHING. I don’t get attached to someone easily, but if I did I can’t control my freaking emotions. BECAUSE I’M CRYING MY HEART OVER EVERYTIME I SEE DEAN LOSING IT) Okay, now I’m leading the track somewhere. So I’ll stop
it.
Was the setting admirable? Learning music in (haunted) opera house doesn’t happen often, though. And I would love to explore the house even when it was rumored to be haunted. There is the need to talk about the writing. It is gorgeous and dreamy. I constantly drifted off from the story. The romance between Rune and Etalon was burning. God, I loved the electric streams. The soul connection burned me even before they touched. The intensity of it made me see the stars. At least for the writing, I would add her other works to my ever growing tbr pile.
I don’t know anything about the Phantom. Maybe that’s why I expected him to show his power every often. Sure he is one hell of a manipulator with his voice alone. The music from his mouth definitely leads the way to destruction. The pain, the sorrow, and the madness that love could bring. Geez, his madness reached a level even I felt pity towards him. He plans stuff for everyone. He saves a child from some bastards and gave him a roof to live under. If that isn’t kindness (Even though he had some ulterior motives behind it), then what is? But I don't care for the characters. NOT AT ALL.
MUSIC. Even though I don’t have any talent in music, the longing to learn some musical instruments is strong. This book built a solid foundation for it too. And you know what? I had this sudden urge to break into a song (Opera Style) in the middle of the road/class/bus. I can do that on my home but outside it has become hard. #struggles
Overall, I was not impressed. Maybe I need to watch the movie?
*4.25*
I genuinely enjoyed this book however I did have some issues with it. I felt the romance was quite forced, the storyline was rather odd (vampires that suck energy from living things???) and the ending was quite unsatisfactory. Rune also annoyed me a lot and I still think it’s insanely weird that they altered animals voices? However, I loved the writing style and the beginning of the book. I also absolutely love Phantom of the Opera so I thoroughly enjoyed how that was woven into the storyline.
I genuinely enjoyed this book however I did have some issues with it. I felt the romance was quite forced, the storyline was rather odd (vampires that suck energy from living things???) and the ending was quite unsatisfactory. Rune also annoyed me a lot and I still think it’s insanely weird that they altered animals voices? However, I loved the writing style and the beginning of the book. I also absolutely love Phantom of the Opera so I thoroughly enjoyed how that was woven into the storyline.
This was a lovely read. Although the plot got slower at times in the book, the book had an unique story that can not be forgotten!
2018
Everytime I think of this I get angry so I'm lowering it to 1 star, I can't stand this book, sorry
2017
2.25 stars for the beginning which I liked a little more and the audiobook which was what made me continue and not DNF it... anyway wtf did I just read? Can´t even start to write my feelings...
I really wanted to like it since I'm Phantom of the Opera trash, but this one ended up being my least favorite book of the year (Leroux's Phantom was my favorite book of the year btw)... Again wtf...
(*insert Hadley's Raoul disaproves gif) I need to learn how to put gifs here :P
Everytime I think of this I get angry so I'm lowering it to 1 star, I can't stand this book, sorry
2017
2.25 stars for the beginning which I liked a little more and the audiobook which was what made me continue and not DNF it... anyway wtf did I just read? Can´t even start to write my feelings...
I really wanted to like it since I'm Phantom of the Opera trash, but this one ended up being my least favorite book of the year (Leroux's Phantom was my favorite book of the year btw)... Again wtf...
(*insert Hadley's Raoul disaproves gif) I need to learn how to put gifs here :P
First off I want to say that A.G. Howard is an AMAZING writer. There's a beautiful poetry to her words and they quickly captivated me and stirred up the perfect images in my mind to convey the scenes. And I would actually LOVE to read more by her.
She knows her stuff. She has really researched the story of the Phantom to the point where she's even reciting very little known information in the book. She is drawing connections and states very accurate news from the inspiration of Phantom. It's clear a lot of love went into this book and I highly honor that.
It's fun to read a story about a girl who is obsessed with the Phantom of the Opera, and not just someone who falls into a similar situation.
Her depiction of Erik is honestly THE BEST I have read outside of the Original novel. There are a couple of slip ups here and there but my word, she really has a grip on his mentality and accurately portrays him as, well... a terrible person. Let me say it again. SHE DOES NOT ROMANTICIZE ERIK ONCE. HE IS STILL DESPICABLE IN THIS BOOK, SOMETHING NOBODY SEEMS TO GET RIGHT.
However...
Psychic vampires. This book revolves around the idea of psychic vampires. I admit, it is an interesting take, and honestly... may have been the only way to really modernize the idea of the story.... But I guess my question is why did he need to be practically immortal at all? Why couldn't this just have been inspired by the Phantom rather than it actually being Erik?
And... Did we HAVE to have Christine and Erik eventually have a child together??? Why must this trope pop up again???
Okay. I'm calm.
That being said, I still recommend it. There are things that bother me, but... it is clear that this is a well-researched book and written very much out of love. And it is so wonderfully written. The fact that it broke me free from a couple years of reading books very slowly is a testament to the engagement of the book. It is exciting. It's 400 pages and I devoured it over the weekend. It's definitely enjoyable and looking into. 7/10. Not terribly high, maybe, but I'm hard to please with Phantom. I am actually okay with displaying this one with pride. Good job, A.G. Howard. Good job.
She knows her stuff. She has really researched the story of the Phantom to the point where she's even reciting very little known information in the book. She is drawing connections and states very accurate news from the inspiration of Phantom. It's clear a lot of love went into this book and I highly honor that.
It's fun to read a story about a girl who is obsessed with the Phantom of the Opera, and not just someone who falls into a similar situation.
Her depiction of Erik is honestly THE BEST I have read outside of the Original novel. There are a couple of slip ups here and there but my word, she really has a grip on his mentality and accurately portrays him as, well... a terrible person. Let me say it again. SHE DOES NOT ROMANTICIZE ERIK ONCE. HE IS STILL DESPICABLE IN THIS BOOK, SOMETHING NOBODY SEEMS TO GET RIGHT.
However...
Psychic vampires. This book revolves around the idea of psychic vampires. I admit, it is an interesting take, and honestly... may have been the only way to really modernize the idea of the story.... But I guess my question is why did he need to be practically immortal at all? Why couldn't this just have been inspired by the Phantom rather than it actually being Erik?
And... Did we HAVE to have Christine and Erik eventually have a child together??? Why must this trope pop up again???
Okay. I'm calm.
That being said, I still recommend it. There are things that bother me, but... it is clear that this is a well-researched book and written very much out of love. And it is so wonderfully written. The fact that it broke me free from a couple years of reading books very slowly is a testament to the engagement of the book. It is exciting. It's 400 pages and I devoured it over the weekend. It's definitely enjoyable and looking into. 7/10. Not terribly high, maybe, but I'm hard to please with Phantom. I am actually okay with displaying this one with pride. Good job, A.G. Howard. Good job.
2 1/2 stars. I hoped against hope for more, but this ended up being pretty much what I expected: wish-fulfillment-filled Phantom of the Opera fan-fiction. Nothing inherently wrong with that-- I'm a huge Phantom fan, that's why I picked this one up in the first place-- but PoTO is so bittersweet, so darkly romantic and I was craving that tone. I wanted something deeper, darker, less cliche YA.
There were a few intriguing moments in the second half-- especially any of Thorn's backstory and finding out what Erik had been up to all this time. But it focused too much on a largely cliche Mary Sue (who complained so. much.) and her veeeery tortured, broody, mask-wearingalbeit unnecessarily...? YA love interest. (Don't get me wrong, I'm all for tortured and broody. I mean, O.G. wrote the book on it. But these YA brooders are bleeding into one for me.)
Overall, this one is very teenage-soap-opera instead of dark gothic masterpiece. Not quite the type of opera I was craving.
There were a few intriguing moments in the second half-- especially any of Thorn's backstory and finding out what Erik had been up to all this time. But it focused too much on a largely cliche Mary Sue (who complained so. much.) and her veeeery tortured, broody, mask-wearing
Overall, this one is very teenage-soap-opera instead of dark gothic masterpiece. Not quite the type of opera I was craving.
I have loved the Phantom of the Opera story since I first watched the Gerald Butler movie. So when I saw this book in my bookstore, it immediately went on my TBR list. I finally got to it and I'm very glad I did. I very much enjoy the "supernatural" take on the story. I feel pity for Rune and Etalon, and was very happy about the ending, even though I was worried it would end differently. This book keeps you intrigued with the question of who is connected to whom and how does it all work together. A. G. Howard does a great job of bringing everything together and I especially love that she added her research process into her notes.
Not a bad story but definitely overly descriptive. I love flowery language but you don't need to describe every damn thing. Also the ending was very lame.
OMG, this book!? THIS BOOK?! Honestly has taken me by surprise. It started off with a slow pace but once they really meet and things get flowing you can’t stop reading it, it’s like you’re in a “trance”
I was very skeptical coming into this book one splintered has set the bar high for me and I was nervous her other books may not have been to my liking. Boy was I wrong, Thorn and Rune have captured my heart equally to Morpheus and Alyssa, their love story is amazing. I won’t say any spoilers but I will say what they have is so deep and moving. I promise you will not regret picking up this book.
I was very skeptical coming into this book one splintered has set the bar high for me and I was nervous her other books may not have been to my liking. Boy was I wrong, Thorn and Rune have captured my heart equally to Morpheus and Alyssa, their love story is amazing. I won’t say any spoilers but I will say what they have is so deep and moving. I promise you will not regret picking up this book.