120th out of 357 books
—
1,062 voters
The Phantom Diaries (The Phantom Diaries #1)
by
Kailin Gow (Goodreads Author)
What happens to the Phantom after the tragedy at the Paris Opera House is the basis for this fantastic tale of The Phantom Diaries, loosely based on Gaston Leroux's classic, The Phantom of the Opera, but with a new tale and a modern twist. This new series for older teens and young adults is told through the eyes of 18 year-old Annette Binoche, who lands a job at the New Yo...more
Paperback, 220 pages
Published
May 31st 2010
by The Edge
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Feb 18, 2011
Jillian -always aspiring-
rated it
1 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone who wants to see one of their favorite stories massacred
The Phantom Diaries was a book I was so ready to love. After all, I was already hopelessly in love with the story that inspired it, so what could go wrong? So much could, I would soon learn.
I was exposed to the wonder and heartbreak of The Phantom of the Opera way back before I had even started first grade. I remember it so well: the place was a small dinner theatre, but it didn't matter to me that there was no large stage or balcony seats or anything like that. What mattered to me was the show...more
I was exposed to the wonder and heartbreak of The Phantom of the Opera way back before I had even started first grade. I remember it so well: the place was a small dinner theatre, but it didn't matter to me that there was no large stage or balcony seats or anything like that. What mattered to me was the show...more
Okay. I just finished reading this book, so this is my "emotional review". Later, I might erase this one and write another one, but I kind of doubt it, as will be explained below.
I think the Phantom of the Opera is both a book and a movie. I uh, think. I've only watched the movie with Gerard Butler as the Phantom, so I can't really compare this book to the original book, as movies very rarely are like their written counterparts. But if I could... huh.
Kristine Daea or whatever her last name is in...more
I think the Phantom of the Opera is both a book and a movie. I uh, think. I've only watched the movie with Gerard Butler as the Phantom, so I can't really compare this book to the original book, as movies very rarely are like their written counterparts. But if I could... huh.
Kristine Daea or whatever her last name is in...more
Feb 24, 2011
Kailin
rated it
5 of 5 stars
· (Review from the author)
Recommends it for:
YA Paranormal/Fantasy Fans, Paranormal Fantasy, Horror, YA Romance Readers
Shelves:
teen
I believe in my books so heck yeah I'm going to rate it a five.
This is loosely-based on the Gaston Leroux classic Phantom of the Opera and gives another take on Eric (purposely spelled "Eric" not "Erik") and Kristine (purposely spelled "Kristine" not "Christine") to modernize and change the characters a bit. Obviously with the addition of a new character to the story - Annette, a new setting, and placing this in modern times; this is not going to be about Phantom of the Opera. The Phantom Diari...more
This is loosely-based on the Gaston Leroux classic Phantom of the Opera and gives another take on Eric (purposely spelled "Eric" not "Erik") and Kristine (purposely spelled "Kristine" not "Christine") to modernize and change the characters a bit. Obviously with the addition of a new character to the story - Annette, a new setting, and placing this in modern times; this is not going to be about Phantom of the Opera. The Phantom Diari...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I wasn't real sure how I would feel about this one when I received it. One, I've never read The Phantom of the Opera, so I had nothing to compare it to, even though it's loosely based on that. Two, the author sent it to me along with these words, "The Phantom Diaries is for older teens and young adults (age 17 and up). It is a romance novel loosely based on the Phantom of the Opera, and does contain a few racy scenes due to the prominent characteristics of two characters. If that is not the kind...more
I always hate giving books bad reviews, or thinking badly of them when the author has put so much into the writing and 'birth' of the story but this was just...missing something for me.
Erik didn't strike me at all as the sexy seductive Phantom. Instead he just seemed far too moody and dare I say emo for a grown man who is supposed to have been alive for the past 100 years. And he's not even deformed but I won't go into how he is missing his deformity.He struck me as being whiney, dim and a bit t...more
Erik didn't strike me at all as the sexy seductive Phantom. Instead he just seemed far too moody and dare I say emo for a grown man who is supposed to have been alive for the past 100 years. And he's not even deformed but I won't go into how he is missing his deformity.He struck me as being whiney, dim and a bit t...more
Okay...first, I have to say I was a bit annoyed to read this novel believing that it was the first in the series when actually there are two books thay precede this one! Book 0.1 and Book 0.2!!! Who does that?!? I guess I'm to blame for not doing my homework, but come on...!
Aside from that, I thought this book was pretty good. I didn't like it much at first, but it got better toward the end. I love Gaston Leroux's "Phantom of the Opera," which I thought was an excellent read. This waned in compa...more
Aside from that, I thought this book was pretty good. I didn't like it much at first, but it got better toward the end. I love Gaston Leroux's "Phantom of the Opera," which I thought was an excellent read. This waned in compa...more
Once again I thoroughly enjoyed Kailin's work! The Phantom Diaries is considered YA but I recommend it for older teens because there are a few suggestive areas. I didn't have an issue with it but I'm an adult YA reader. (I know there are a lot of us!)
I love the way the author writes about her characters. She gives you enough to get a feel for them but not to much where you get tired of hearing about them. She always creates real and flawed characters. The only problem I had was that I thought th...more
I love the way the author writes about her characters. She gives you enough to get a feel for them but not to much where you get tired of hearing about them. She always creates real and flawed characters. The only problem I had was that I thought th...more
Jun 10, 2010
Melissa Nunez
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Young Adults, Twilight Moms
Recommended to Melissa by:
Friend
After reading Bitter Frost, I read Phantom Diaries. Two different books, but still strong in story. Bitter Frost will appeal to all ages, especially teens. Phantom Diaries is more mature and will appeal to young adults and adults. Mature teens would devour this book, too. Like Bitter Frost, you are drawn into another world. I enjoyed being drawn into the mystery, suspense and romance of Annette's world. I've seen Phantom of the Opera on stage. Phantom Diaries captures that dynamic drama and make...more
At first I had my doubts about this book, more because I didn't know if I would enjoy the topic seeing as how I usually focus more on fantasy books with vampires and werewolves and faeries etc. But once I began reading I was instantly intrigued.
It enveloped me instantly with mystery and questions.
The book focuses on the life of a girl named Annette, she was called upon to New York to work at the MET Opera house as a seamstress, and even though she is very talented in creating the beautiful costu...more
It enveloped me instantly with mystery and questions.
The book focuses on the life of a girl named Annette, she was called upon to New York to work at the MET Opera house as a seamstress, and even though she is very talented in creating the beautiful costu...more
Interesting take on the original Phantom story, however character development was minimal and I found it hard to really like the main character all that much. Perhaps I couldn't really identify with her supposed naivety and innocence...to me she was a tease. I mean 3 guys...really??? I also thought that while the take on the Phantom story was original, I couldn't shake the thought that the surprise twist was borrowed from a movie I've seen. To her credit, the author pretty much guaranteed that p...more
I had pretty high hopes for this one, especially after seeing the four/five star ratings on Goodreads. I also love the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, but I'll admit I've never read the original story. Still, I was excited for the story to continue in Gow's book. I found the synopsis intriguing, and couldn't wait to pick it up. Due to my high expectations, I was a bit disappointed. There were, however, a few aspects of the book that I did enjoy.
I really enjoyed reading the last quarter of the bo...more
I really enjoyed reading the last quarter of the bo...more
I don't know much about Phantom of the Opera the book, but I have seen the movie with Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler. Because of the movie, I had to read the book. I did and I love it! Now about The Phantom Diaries, I'm usually a YA reader, so The Phantom Diaries fit that. Phantom of the Opera fans would LOVE this book because of the reference from the Phantom of the Opera book BUT you do not need to know the Phantom of the Opera story to enjoy this new story. The author does an amazing job honin...more
Jun 21, 2010
E.J. Stevens
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
fiction,
paranormal-romance,
magic,
mystery,
paranormal,
romance,
supernatural,
read-in-2010,
urban-fantasy
What is going on with the Opera House and how is the masked musician connected to events from over a century ago?
The Phantom Diaries is a fast paced romantic adventure filled with passionate characters and a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and obsession. A tragic legend, and an unearthed tale of black magic and revenge lend a chilling backdrop to this story of heat and passion. Every man falls for Annette, but in the end, who can she trust and who will she love?
I enjoyed The Phantom Diaries an...more
The Phantom Diaries is a fast paced romantic adventure filled with passionate characters and a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and obsession. A tragic legend, and an unearthed tale of black magic and revenge lend a chilling backdrop to this story of heat and passion. Every man falls for Annette, but in the end, who can she trust and who will she love?
I enjoyed The Phantom Diaries an...more
Apr 02, 2012
Lynne weir
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-from-kindle,
ghost
OMG!!! A modern version of the phantom of the opera!!!! I have to get this. I mean...AAHHH!!! Sorry not the most mature review I've done but I cant help it. Lets hope its really good or I may cry in disappointment.
***Update***
I have to say this book was better than I thought it would be. I am a major Phantom of the Opera fan. I have the movie with Gerald Butler in it, along with a movie of the stage version and another movie of Love never dies which left me in tears. I have also read the origin...more
***Update***
I have to say this book was better than I thought it would be. I am a major Phantom of the Opera fan. I have the movie with Gerald Butler in it, along with a movie of the stage version and another movie of Love never dies which left me in tears. I have also read the origin...more
The Phantom Diaries is an incredible story of love, revenge, and passion that can consume one's soul. Amazingly narrated by young Annette Binoche, the book's writing emerges you completely. I cannot stop reading until I was finished and yet I wanted more. More of Eric, more of Chace, and more of Aaron! The ending was incredible! WOW. Gow's next Phantom Diaries book cannot come soon enough. Phantom Diaries is my second young adult book from Gow, and she continues to weave some of young adult fict...more
Fabulously fascinating, engrossing and addictive. The Phantom Diaries by Kailin Gow, is an incredibly modernized and paranormal twist on the highly recognized story, The Phantom of the Opera. A first in a new series, readers will be hooked and aching for more, as the final page is read. Geared toward young adult readers, this is a story that will appeal to, not only its target audience, but to adults as well.
The Phantom Diaries is the story of Annette Binoche, an eighteen-year-old girl who, thr...more
The Phantom Diaries is the story of Annette Binoche, an eighteen-year-old girl who, thr...more
Even if you haven't heard of Phantom of the Opera, which Phantom Diaries is loosely based on, read this book! Every page is dripping with heat, and there is no graphic explicit sex so it's truly YA. Gow is a truly talented writer to have turned an old classic into a hot modern YA romance with paranormal teen appeal. The chemistry between Annette and Eric is scorching. You almost forget you're reading YA, but at the same time, it is mature and unique. The members of my book club instantly voted t...more
Don't start this expecting to read something that is exactly the same as The Phantom of the Opera. Although it has it's similarities and uses a couple similar names it is its own story. Kailin takes a classic that we love and turns it into something new and different that we can love.
I think the reason this twist was so acceptable to me was the new characters. I become much more critical when they are using the exact same people (even if they try different names).
I liked Annette. I did find a...more
I think the reason this twist was so acceptable to me was the new characters. I become much more critical when they are using the exact same people (even if they try different names).
I liked Annette. I did find a...more
I can't finish this. I have tried other series by Kailin Gow and this one is no different. The character development is so weak that it is hard to connect and to care about their story. The story itself jumps from scene to scene with little in between to develop the story, explain the characters responses or to impart backstory. You are simply lead to each scene assuming you will understand how the character ended up there. For example, Enter Eric, surprise Annette. Stranger behind you. Cut to n...more
First Impressions: Lovely Annette Binoche leaves her small loving home in Louisiana to hit ‘The Big Apple”. It’s there she meets so many different people it makes her head spin. Annette is so happy working with her mother’s best friend from childhood as a seamstress at the Met. In fact she couldn’t be happier until strange things start to happen after Annette arrives causing the Diva Marie to flee the Opera House, vowing never to return.
My Review: Annette is overwhelmed by New York City she’s ha...more
My Review: Annette is overwhelmed by New York City she’s ha...more
Annette Binoche is a young girl who has moved from New Orleans to New York to work as a seamstress for an opera house. She ends up becoming the lead in the opera. She meets Eric this mysterious guy who wants her to succeed in the lead role. She helps her practice and hone her skills. He pushes her beyond the normal vocal coach role.She is also entranced with Chace the first chair violinist from the show. Aaron the owner of the opera house also has a fascination with Annette. I loved this book. I...more
This passionate modern steamy (not graphic or explicit steamy) retelling of The Phantom of the Opera will get teens to read the old Leroux story. It made me pick up The Phantom of the Opera AFTER reading this young adult/teen paranormal romance version. Romantic from the very start, Phantom Diaries draws you into a world of music and mystery. Annette, young seamstress arrives in New York from New Orleans, and she quickly gets drawn into the seductive world of the New York opera house. With exqui...more
I am a mild Phanatic. I read the original novel by Gaston Leroux earlier this year and I'm enamored with the movie starring Gerard Butler. I love the story, except for the fact that Christine didn't end up with the Phantom. So I thought this would be the story to change that.
Well, it sort of is. Taking place in 2009, Annette comes to the New York opera house to become a seamstress. With the help of a mysterious vocal coach, she becomes the new lead and wins the hearts of many. She begins to wond...more
Well, it sort of is. Taking place in 2009, Annette comes to the New York opera house to become a seamstress. With the help of a mysterious vocal coach, she becomes the new lead and wins the hearts of many. She begins to wond...more
I grew up loving The Phantom of the Opera and have dragged my family and friends to see it on Broadway more times than I'll admit out loud, so getting the chance to read Kailin Gow's new twist on my old favorite was very exciting for me. I wasn't sure what to expect but once I opened to the first page and dug in I couldn't put it down. It had all the old romance, mystery, tension and wonder that I was hoping for and have come to expect when dealing with this classic. Gow's writing was quick, rel...more
I read the kindle version of this after I downloaded and read Kailin's other books Pulse and Bitter Frost. Oh. My. God. This isn't written like your typical romance novel, but romance and passion is gushing out on every page. I haven't read Phantom of the Opera. You don't need to at all. Actually, it can stand alone and be its own story. I highly recommend it!
Jun 07, 2011
Sydney
marked it as to-read
Excited to read this...I must admit: I base almost every single book by its cover. This looks awesome.
P.S. Even if the book was horrible, I would still think it's great just because of the front.
P.S. Even if the book was horrible, I would still think it's great just because of the front.
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Kailin Gow uses her author platform to bring awareness to issues affecting young adult and women. She has appeared on national radio as a regular guest on topics such as body image, self-esteem, dating and sexual relationships, bullying, and more; often brought up in her fiction books for young adults and women.
She is a graduate of the Annenberg School for Communications Masters in Management pro...more
More about Kailin Gow...
She is a graduate of the Annenberg School for Communications Masters in Management pro...more
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“The passion I feel for you is more than you’re prepared for. - Eric”
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