I love ALL things Phantom Of The Opera. I've read the original book. I've read various books based on the story. I've seen the play (numerous times). I've watched the plethora of movies and TV shows based on the book. I have worn the soundtrack out and I pretty much know every song by heart. So yea, when I saw this book up for review on NetGalley I broke a nail clicking the “request” button. And I am very glad I did because I pretty much LOVED Heather Webb's take on this classic.
~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~
The writing in this one was FANTASTIC. The pace was perfect, and I never felt the need to skim. The plot was engaging and had me hooked on the very first word. I loved the whole “illusionist” angle that the author added. As well as the whole spiritualist movement subplot. I loved the setting. It was romantic. It was suspenseful. It was just superb.
~HERO~
RAUL...I loved how the author portrayed Raul in this re-imaging. In the original, I have always found him to be a bit bland and I pretty much always wish that Christine would have stayed with the Phantom. He had a bit more personality in this book and because of that, I felt his and Christine connection more.
THE PHANTOM...yes I am putting him under the HERO section because that is usually how I view his character. In this version of the story, his character takes on a much more malevolent air. A departure from the usual tortured misunderstood soul of the original.
~HEROINE~
CHRISTINE...is the most fleshed out character in the book. In the original, she is a very naïve and easily manipulated character. That somewhat remains the same in the beginning of this one but the author does a good job of developing her character past that original naivety into a more self aware and decisive individual. I also quite liked the addition of having Christine be interested in illusion.
~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
There were some good character additions to the original story in this one. I very much like Claudette and her friendship with Christine. Monsieur Delacroix and his hunt for the Opera ghost. Madame Valerius. These additions on top of the familiar faces we already know added some good depth to the plot and rounded out the story well.
~HEAT LEVEL~
None. It's not a romance book per se so there is no sex in it. That said, it still had a layer of romance running through it.
~ANGST LEVEL~
Low. It is somewhat angsty regarding the Phantom and his behavior. Christine and Raul's relationship got a little romance book like angsty near the end with a touch of OW drama.
~IN THE END~
I ADORED this book. It was a fabulous re-imaging of the classic. It was well written and paced. Had a well developed plot. Intriguing characters. If you are a huge Phantom Of The Opera fan like me, then I think this book would be something you would enjoy very much. Two HUGE thumbs up from yours truly.
