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A review by annettebooksofhopeanddreams
Roseblood by A.G. Howard
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.