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Dark Musicals #1
Phantom
The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.
Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.
Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.
Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.
Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.
262 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2012
39 people are currently reading
4485 people want to read
About the author
Laura DeLuca
44 books2,704 followersLaura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her four children and multiple cats. Her works include romantic thrillers, paranormal fiction, contemporary romance, and young adult. Visit her website at www.authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
June 12, 2015
I went through a stage of my life, right before college, where I was absolutely obsessed with Phantom of the Opera. It started with the movie that had Gerard Butler as the Phantom which led to reading the original novel, then Phantom by Susan Kay, and eventually having the pleasure of watching the musical on Broadway a couple of times.
I wanted a new interpretation of the novels with a high school twist, a character just as distorted and flawed as Erik but with more modern problems. I wanted the beauty of the prose of Susan Kay's Phantom with the wonderful storytelling of Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera but in the end, I was more disappointed than a child opening a Cracker Jack box and there not being a toy inside. It was like High School Musical had a terrible one night stand with Phantom of the Opera and wanted to acknowledge it because it's fucking Phantom but didn't want to mention that it was terrible and a horrible mistake.
Alright...I should have known better from the blurb.
I am pretty much over most high school drama, mostly because my experience was incredibly different from a lot of these characters' that you read these days. I went to a small school with a graduating class of 55. Most of us were in the same classes for 8 years together so you sort of learn to live in harmony. Are other high schools this horrible where kids are attacking each other in the hallway and there are catfights and challenges being thrown about like confetti?
Anyways, Rebecca is one of those girls who has never done anything special in her life and then suddenly decides to try out for the main role of her favorite musical. She (of course) lands the role of a lifetime with Christine and she thinks that she connects to the character in a special way. After all, she has spent her life in the high school equivalent of the chorus dancers, staying out of the way and trying not to do anything to gather attention but she can't pass up this opportunity.
So she gets the role, pisses off the popular girl, gets the popular boy Tom to finallyOMG notice her and then the creepy goth guy shows up and steals all of attention. Justyn has a beautiful voice but a tendency towards lurking in the corners and singing lines from the musical to her. Carmen and Debbie, her best friends, think that he's strange and urge Rebecca to stay away from him but she can't resist him and finds herself drawn to him.
Tom, who is supposed to be the basketball player who surfs with an awesome voice is the most over done character I've seen in my life. He's supposed to be perfect and blonde and pretty and oh wait...
I've seen this character before somewhere! I wonder where...
Moving onto Justyn. The goth boy with inconsistent character descriptions. He was originally described with facial piercings, eyeliner and black lipstick. He wears fishnet shirts and chains on his boots. Now, with my obsession over KPOP, I've gotten over most reservations about guyliner but the black lipstick is too much. There was some hazing at my college where the girls in sororities made the pledges wear black lipstick so if they made out with a guy at a party, everybody would know. Sorry, but black lipstick + making out + creepy character role = taking it too far.
And he loves his cape and takes every opportunity to hide in the corner and lurk. He takes himself too seriously and fucking calls himself LORD JUSTYN I SHIT YOU NOT.
Not only that, but randomly the author decides to insert that he is Wiccan into the plot. It does nothing to further the plot but seems to be there just to make him a little bit more different and make it so that his mother won't take him to the hospital when he breaks his ribs. I'm all for natural healing but I'm speaking from personal experience that when you break your ribs, it fucking hurts. It is difficult to sleep, especially if you break them on your side and a little bit of willow bark tea is not going to help much as far as pain scale goes. Take him to the hospital and get him some decent medication and treatment so the boy can sleep!
THIS BOOK WAS TERRIBLE.
Want some quotes? Well, you're getting them anyways. Prepare yourself...
"Why are you so nervous, Becca?" Carmen Webber asked. "You've got to be the only person in the school who's had the entire script memorized since kindergarten. Besides, you have an amazing voice. You're going to be fine. Really!"
I hate teenybopper pep talks, especially as an introduction. Off to a bad start.
"He's the stagehand the Phantom kills right before the intermission. He gets hung."
Being hung is something completely different than being hanged. I get that they're in high school but the editor should have caught that.
"I'm not the one who's been upstaged by some usurping loser from the geek squad."
Ahahahaha...I miss insults like these. It's like all the old teen movies are coming back to laugh at the modern world.
"The phantom always used a noose to kill his victims."
No...he used a Punjab lasso that was utilized like a garrote. Educate yourself.
"I can't believe you two would actually read that dribble on purpose."
This is dribbling. The word you are looking for is drivel.
"I've put up with your crap for long enough, Wendy. The jibes. The looks. The nasty comments. Well, I've had it. It stops now. I got the role of Christine. I have the better voice. And you have been upstaged. Get over it and get on with your life. Being a bitch isn't going to change things."
Ugh, sassy standing up for yourself is soooooooo two thousand and late.
"His one cataract eye was oblique and almost glowing"
Did you even try to edit this thing? Your eye can't be oblique. Cataracts can make your eyes opaque though.
"Willow bark is just a plant."
No, it is the bark off of a willow tree which is where aspirin is derived from. As stated earlier, if you have fallen and broken your ribs, you are going to want a little bit more than some diluted aspirin tea.
"I heard he hung himself in the bathroom stall."
HANGED. He hanged himself. You can't "hung" yourself. It is grammatically incorrect and therefore impossible.
All of this is before even considering the plot, which felt like it was *insert yourself here* fanfiction. Rebecca has no obvious flaws besides being so stupid that you wonder who ties her shoelaces every morning. Her friends are bitchy and have an opinion about everybody and everything. Debbie is described as the scary Amazon (which I personally take offense to) and doesn't stand up for herself through the entire book. Tom and Justyn fighting over her is the most played out plot line ever and the bitchy horrible Wendy is the most stereotypical mean girl I've ever seen.
Also,
I honestly cannot fathom how this thing is rated so high. A 4.05? Are you fucking kidding me? The author can't even call the musical by its proper name, doesn't credit the quotes that she used correctly and spells Andrew Lloyd Webber's name incorrectly at the start of the book. For a fan of Phantom of the Opera, it sucked at being a good tribute to the work.
There are two redeeming qualities from this book. The plot twist was unexpected (but not well written). I can honestly say it surprised me. The other is that it has made me want to find some good Phantom of the Opera literature and reread Phantom and the original novel.
So skip this one. Don't come near it. I've more than warned you. If you are an avid fan of Phantom of the Opera you will be excessively disappointed.
This review actually has more to it than the one posted on my blog because of the spoiler tag but it's also posted at Tara Belle Talking!
not-an-offensive-name
May 23, 2014Not only does this supposedly 'edited' book (purported by Rosa Sophia) use full stops instead of commas for dialogue punctuation, it can't even get the name of the musical or the name of the composer correct.
There's a quote (supposedly) taken from the 1986 musical The Phantom of the Opera at the beginning of the book:
Attributed to Andrew Lloyd Weber.
It's actually Webber .
It also claims the quote is from "The Phantom", which it's not. It's not even from "The Phantom of the Opera" composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It's from the alternate lyrics of the song Music of the Night (yes, originally from the musical), often sung and recorded by popular singers, not the musical. For the real version, find any cast recording (though I recommend the original London), and Webber's ex-wife Sarah Brightman (the original Christine) recorded the correct version on her The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection and Surrender albums.
The show version is thus:
Even then, Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote the music, not the lyrics. Richard Stilgoe and Charles Hart wrote the lyrics, though I'm not sure how one correctly attributed lyrics in this situation (being the alternate lyrics, of whom I do not know the author - Webber himself very may well be the author of those particular lyrics, though they are not from the show).
Not only is this supposedly edited book obviously not, the author can't even get the name of the composer correct, the show correct, or even attribute the correct lyrics.
There's a quote (supposedly) taken from the 1986 musical The Phantom of the Opera at the beginning of the book:
"Close your eyes for your eyes can only tell the truth
and the truth isn't what you want to see...
In the dark it is easy to pretend
that the truth is what it ought to be."
Attributed to Andrew Lloyd Weber.
It's actually Webber .
It also claims the quote is from "The Phantom", which it's not. It's not even from "The Phantom of the Opera" composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It's from the alternate lyrics of the song Music of the Night (yes, originally from the musical), often sung and recorded by popular singers, not the musical. For the real version, find any cast recording (though I recommend the original London), and Webber's ex-wife Sarah Brightman (the original Christine) recorded the correct version on her The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection and Surrender albums.
The show version is thus:
"Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams.
Purge your thoughts of the life you knew before.
Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar,
And you'll live as you've never lived before."
Even then, Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote the music, not the lyrics. Richard Stilgoe and Charles Hart wrote the lyrics, though I'm not sure how one correctly attributed lyrics in this situation (being the alternate lyrics, of whom I do not know the author - Webber himself very may well be the author of those particular lyrics, though they are not from the show).
Not only is this supposedly edited book obviously not, the author can't even get the name of the composer correct, the show correct, or even attribute the correct lyrics.
June 12, 2017
A perfect case of too little too late, I guess. I'm sure if I read this in high school or even at the beginning of colledge, I would really like it. Unfortunatly, this book just got lost somewhere on my shelves and I couldn't get to it in time to enjoy it. Too bad really, 'cause I really like The Phantom of the Opera (the musical). Oh yeah, and I knew who the killer was from the very beginning, like the first 10 pages, so yeah... That was dissapointing.
Over and out
Over and out
January 13, 2013
Lisa's review of
Phantom
By Laura DeLuca
I received a copy of Phantom by Laura DeLuca in exchange for an honest review. First off I have to say that I have fallen in love with Laura's books. I started my journey with her with Destiny and Destiny Unveiled they were absolutely fabulous. Her flow through her books are seamless and effortless it is so hard to put them down she captures your attention on page 1. Her covers on the books are spectacular and engaging. She builds each of her characters in a three dimensional light. In Phantom she brings the love of a classical book, play, and musical into this century The Phantom Of The Opera. I have been living under a big rock for so long that I knew what the story was about but have never read or saw it before, she gave me the desire to do just that. She placed intrigue into her storyline where you don't truly know who the real phantom is until the end and even then you are saying out loud "No Way". Laura has you routing for Becca and Justyn to get together because they bring such magic to the pages. I really recommend that you go out and get her books. Try Destiny and Destiny Unveiled then Phantom. The next book in the Phantom series is Demon and that is soon coming. Laura also has Morrigan coming soon and I can't wait. Thank you Laura for such a intense and amazing reading experience.
Phantom
By Laura DeLuca
I received a copy of Phantom by Laura DeLuca in exchange for an honest review. First off I have to say that I have fallen in love with Laura's books. I started my journey with her with Destiny and Destiny Unveiled they were absolutely fabulous. Her flow through her books are seamless and effortless it is so hard to put them down she captures your attention on page 1. Her covers on the books are spectacular and engaging. She builds each of her characters in a three dimensional light. In Phantom she brings the love of a classical book, play, and musical into this century The Phantom Of The Opera. I have been living under a big rock for so long that I knew what the story was about but have never read or saw it before, she gave me the desire to do just that. She placed intrigue into her storyline where you don't truly know who the real phantom is until the end and even then you are saying out loud "No Way". Laura has you routing for Becca and Justyn to get together because they bring such magic to the pages. I really recommend that you go out and get her books. Try Destiny and Destiny Unveiled then Phantom. The next book in the Phantom series is Demon and that is soon coming. Laura also has Morrigan coming soon and I can't wait. Thank you Laura for such a intense and amazing reading experience.
June 13, 2012
The Phantom of the Opera is hands down not only one of my absolute favorite books but also movie (Especially since Gerard Butler plays Phantom) and plays. But I admit that reading the book or watching the movie fills me with a sadness and hollows out a place in my heart. Why must the phantom forever be shunned by Christine? Why can't in one reproduction or version can't Christine run away with the Phantom? It is a longing that has often plagued me as I wipe away the tears after she once again spurs him for Raoul. I would like just once to see my long tormented phantom have a happy ending. Rebecca shares my passion in this. She has been in love with this production for as long as she can remember. Rebecca has spent her highscool years doing her best to disappear amongst the other teens. But when she discovers that the senior play is going to be Phantom, she knows she must find the courage to try out. She has every song and every line from the book and the play memorized and can hit all the high notes perfectly. But can she tap down her fear of the spotlight long enough to blow the competition out of the water?
Tom is the All-American basketball/surfer star in the highschool and the one guy Rebecca has always had a crush on. He always excels at everything and has always been active in the drama-club, which usually results in him as the lead role. But that all changes his senior year. A new kid has moved into town that posses the haunting voice that is needed to play the Phantom and knocks Tom ambitions out in left field.
Justyn is an eccentric, artistic teen that has recently moved to their small town. He prefers to dress all in black and has perfected the Gothic vampire look minus the teeth. Upon discovering the senior play was going to be Phantom, he comes out of the shadows to audition and shocks everyone with the beauty of his voice. But after strange thing begin to happen off and on the set, will Justyn take the blame because he is the obvious choice?
I admit, I like a great mystery. I was about half way through the book mentally checking off the list of suspects when I settled on the one I thought was doing it. lol...I was really off because that character died exactly two pages later. The ending was quite surprising. I really had no clue and was way off!! But I was delighted by that fact! I hate predictable books!! This was a great read. I'm sure all fans of Phantom will love it!!
Tom is the All-American basketball/surfer star in the highschool and the one guy Rebecca has always had a crush on. He always excels at everything and has always been active in the drama-club, which usually results in him as the lead role. But that all changes his senior year. A new kid has moved into town that posses the haunting voice that is needed to play the Phantom and knocks Tom ambitions out in left field.
Justyn is an eccentric, artistic teen that has recently moved to their small town. He prefers to dress all in black and has perfected the Gothic vampire look minus the teeth. Upon discovering the senior play was going to be Phantom, he comes out of the shadows to audition and shocks everyone with the beauty of his voice. But after strange thing begin to happen off and on the set, will Justyn take the blame because he is the obvious choice?
I admit, I like a great mystery. I was about half way through the book mentally checking off the list of suspects when I settled on the one I thought was doing it. lol...I was really off because that character died exactly two pages later. The ending was quite surprising. I really had no clue and was way off!! But I was delighted by that fact! I hate predictable books!! This was a great read. I'm sure all fans of Phantom will love it!!
August 20, 2012
Oh my... wow! I don't know where to start, but first I have to write that I Seriously loved this story! It really is set in high school, and a lot of seniors play some major parts in the upcoming school production of Phantom, including the ever reserved, Rebecca Hope. She has a stunning voice though, and two different, and I mean different types of guys see that. Now they want her attention, as she is the star; she gets to play Christine! The two other guys include Goth dude: 'Lord' Justyn and Rebecca's surfer crush for like four years, Tom. This turns out to be one interesting love triangle, for reals! :) But of course there are thrilling and mysterious events throughout the story that are chilling and even threatening because innocent people die, and the finger is immediately pointed to an obvious choice, a choice, that Rebecca cannot even consider, even though it is made obvious it might be the guy she is truly falling for. I just have to say that the ending is so not to be missed!! It was just so...unexpected!! And I think you will perhaps be shocked as I was when the truth is revealed....the rest, well, all of it, you just have to read for yourself, and I think you will love this story as there was definitely romance, a whole lot of mystery/chilling moments, and lyrics/singing of course!
The characters were really believable, realistic, and descriptive. In the beginning when the Play auditions occur, how everything was described, including Becca's uneasiness with performing, even in front of some other classmates, was relatable and reminded me a few years ago when I auditioned for a high school play. The feelings of nervousness and all those unsettling fears; what Rebecca feels was very relatable. The writing was phenomenal; there was a good pace, nice flow, everything from light romantic scenes to suspenseful ones, it's very absorbing! At times the writing could be so intense, the scene so intense, and it makes you read just a little faster, turning the page, after page to see what the result is. I indeed felt myself do this a few times, especially towards the end. My heart was beating just a tad fast and the suspense was written perfectly well...just Perfect! DeLuca is a wonderful writer!
I found this story to be unpredictable at times, which I love, because I do ultimately like to be surprised; I like how a story can take fast unpredictable turns, it's great! This story will keep you on the edge of your seat at times. This is a story that played in my head, like a film, and this would be such a cool one to actually see on the big screen, just saying! Also, the different musical lyrics were well picked and just beautiful and just imagining whom is signing it, is even better :)
The characters were really believable, realistic, and descriptive. In the beginning when the Play auditions occur, how everything was described, including Becca's uneasiness with performing, even in front of some other classmates, was relatable and reminded me a few years ago when I auditioned for a high school play. The feelings of nervousness and all those unsettling fears; what Rebecca feels was very relatable. The writing was phenomenal; there was a good pace, nice flow, everything from light romantic scenes to suspenseful ones, it's very absorbing! At times the writing could be so intense, the scene so intense, and it makes you read just a little faster, turning the page, after page to see what the result is. I indeed felt myself do this a few times, especially towards the end. My heart was beating just a tad fast and the suspense was written perfectly well...just Perfect! DeLuca is a wonderful writer!
I found this story to be unpredictable at times, which I love, because I do ultimately like to be surprised; I like how a story can take fast unpredictable turns, it's great! This story will keep you on the edge of your seat at times. This is a story that played in my head, like a film, and this would be such a cool one to actually see on the big screen, just saying! Also, the different musical lyrics were well picked and just beautiful and just imagining whom is signing it, is even better :)
August 13, 2012
I have never read The Phantom Of The Opera, many of my friends said it was good, but I never gave it the chance. After reading this book, I am definitely going to read The Phantom of The Opera. I cannot begin to describe this book, it's a mix between horribly beautiful and magically creative.
Rebecca's obsession was always the musical "Phantom of The Opera", when her high school chooses the Phantom as their annual production, she jumps at the chance. With her exotic voice, she gets to play the role of the heroine, Christine, who is caught between the darkly seductive Phantom and the rich lord who are both in love with her.
What Rebecca didn't know is that her life was about to mirror the famous play. She is caught between the two boys, the mysterious, seductive, Gothic Justyn and the All-American jock,Tom. What's more? Someone is turning the scenes from Phantom into reality, and is using verses from the musical to threaten Rebecca. It could have been a joke but people are ending up dead in Phantom style.
Can Rebecca stop the series of deaths? Can she find out who is threatening her? And who willl che choose: Tom or Justyn? Find out much more when you read this terrifying, ground-breaking read, Phantom...
I liked this book very much! Laura Deluca took the original idea of the play. She twisted and turned the idea like an elastic band to produce this electrifying version of The Phantom. I have to say that the characters are all very typical, some of them are even one-dimensional. Like, I don't know anything about Rebecca's life outside the school. She doesn't speak about her parents, her house nor anything else outside of the play and the rehearsals and her two love interests.
The story is unique and the writing style of the author is organized, I liked it! This book is really terrifying and horrible, in a good way. The end is really scary and the phantom will end up being someone you haven't expected AT ALL! Although this book won't make it to my top favorite books, it is still a wonderful addition to my reading list, you better try this or you're missing out!
Want to read
July 19, 2012The 411 by Maria:
First, don't be thrown off by the cover. The 3 characters are very Sims like and there is more to this book than this cover depicts. It is much deeper and you will find yourself completely engrossed in this modern day version of Phantom!
This is my third Laura DeLuca book and what I can tell you about Laura is that you can tell that she really loves creating her characters. Each character in Phantom is important to the story and all very well rounded. I wonder if she has a back story for each one! I wouldn't be surprised.
Rebecca is like every one of us in high school. She has a few friends. She longs for the popular boy but he is so far out of reach. Her talent as a singer would probably have gone unnoticed if the school wasn't looking to cast the roles of her absolute favorite play Phantom of the Opera. Overcoming her shyness and nerves she sings the songs that she knows by heart and wins the lead role of Christine. While she has been dying to be on popular boy Tom's radar forever, she is now drawn to new guy, Justyn who wins the lead of the Phantom. With Tom and Justyn vying for her attention and affection, Rebecca finds her life paralleling Christine's.
People are dying, accidents at every corner and Rebecca is living the role she obsessed over.
What a great read it made me long to see Phantom of the Opera again.
This was a mystery, love story, and musical all tied into one! There were so many quotes from the play, the songs, the words of the lovelorn Phantom and his obsession with Christine are throughout the book. Laura must be a BIG fan of Phantom!
Also, kudos to Laura, it wasn't until I was 85% through the book that I finally realized who the villain was. Whenever I thought I had it figured out, I didn't. If you read it and knew before that, I would love to hear from you.
Great young adult book!
First, don't be thrown off by the cover. The 3 characters are very Sims like and there is more to this book than this cover depicts. It is much deeper and you will find yourself completely engrossed in this modern day version of Phantom!
This is my third Laura DeLuca book and what I can tell you about Laura is that you can tell that she really loves creating her characters. Each character in Phantom is important to the story and all very well rounded. I wonder if she has a back story for each one! I wouldn't be surprised.
Rebecca is like every one of us in high school. She has a few friends. She longs for the popular boy but he is so far out of reach. Her talent as a singer would probably have gone unnoticed if the school wasn't looking to cast the roles of her absolute favorite play Phantom of the Opera. Overcoming her shyness and nerves she sings the songs that she knows by heart and wins the lead role of Christine. While she has been dying to be on popular boy Tom's radar forever, she is now drawn to new guy, Justyn who wins the lead of the Phantom. With Tom and Justyn vying for her attention and affection, Rebecca finds her life paralleling Christine's.
People are dying, accidents at every corner and Rebecca is living the role she obsessed over.
What a great read it made me long to see Phantom of the Opera again.
This was a mystery, love story, and musical all tied into one! There were so many quotes from the play, the songs, the words of the lovelorn Phantom and his obsession with Christine are throughout the book. Laura must be a BIG fan of Phantom!
Also, kudos to Laura, it wasn't until I was 85% through the book that I finally realized who the villain was. Whenever I thought I had it figured out, I didn't. If you read it and knew before that, I would love to hear from you.
Great young adult book!
August 22, 2012
I love The Phantom of the Opera, but not as much as the heroine of our story, Rebecca, does. Rebecca has seen the play a ton of times, read the book countless more times, and seen every single movie version ever made. When her school’s drama department decides to do Phantom of the Opera, Rebecca knows that she has to be part of it – and spurred on by the encouragement of her besties Carmen and Deb she tries out. To her surprise she wins the lead role of Christine. This immediately makes her the enemy of Wendy, the school’s normal starlet. It also catches the attention of all-American boy Tom and gothic and mysterious Lord Justyn.
Over the span of the book, Rebecca receives threats in the form of letters quoting lines from Phantom of the Opera. She then goes on to receive more direct threats. There are “accidents” and several people die. Who is killing people in this school theater? Could it be Justyn, the new student – who is not only gothic, but Wiccan? Rebecca’s friends keep putting the suspicion on him. Could Wendy be taking her vendetta against Rebecca to the extreme? How many people will die at the hands of the school’s Phantom killer, and will Wendy escape with her life? You must read Phantom to find out.
I think Laura DeLuca did something cool and unique by writing a book interwoven with The Phantom of the Opera. I always loved the play, and found myself so sad for Erick (the Phantom) and the fact that he could never really have Christine. I, like Rebecca, often wished I could rewrite that ending.
I loved the way this story was done. The characters are all really well done. I don’t want to tell you who the culprit is, but it came as a complete surprise – not only the person, but the motivations behind the atrocities committed. I liked the supporting cast. It’s hard to make up my mind about Tom. He seems sweet at times, but your average high school popular guy at other times. Justyn was more my type. I like dark and brooding. I won’t tell you who Rebecca ends up with – you should read Phantoms and find out. I can hear some of you sighing, because there is a love triangle – and usually I would be right there with you. In this case, it works. For one thing the original Phantom of the Opera is based on a love triangle between Christine, Raoul, and Erick (the phantom). Rebecca is playing leading lady Christine and Tom and Justyn have the roles of Raoul and Erick respectively, so it’s only fitting there would be a love triangle. It’s done well.
Overall, the book is really well done. The writing is excellent. Lauren DeLuca paints a creepy word picture. I was literally on edge in certain parts of the book. Ms. DeLuca is excellent with build-up and making the reader emotionally invested. I felt like I was there among the cast. Almost everything about the book is so well done I give it 5 stars.
I have two issues I feel are worth mentioning. My first issue is the cover. Many people judge a book by its cover, whether that’s right or wrong. Most people I talk to are drawn first to pretty, well done covers. I would have read this book regardless, because of the subject, but I think that having a better cover would make this book more appealing to others.
My second issue has to do with all of the threats, warnings, “accidents” and deaths. Rebecca doesn’t tell the police. Even when she gets a phone call warning her someone has been murdered she never tells her parents or the police. Rebecca notices things around “accidents” that alert her to the fact that someone did them on purpose and/or tampered with things. She never tells the police. Ms. DeLuca isn’t the only author lately who’s teen character doesn’t report to her parents or police incidents that I feel any normal teen would speak up about. I don’t understand this trend. I just wish Rebecca had been a little more responsible in this area.
Other than that – the book is an excellent read and I highly recommend it for adults and young adults.
August 2, 2012
WOW! There were so many different ways this book could have ended - because there were so many different people that could have done this -
WOW!
Loved this book! I had seen the Phantom of the Opera way back when I was a little kid - I didn't know much of what was going on at the time, but after reading this book, I think I may want to read the actual book!
Becca is an ordinary girl trying to blend in, but when the drama club announces that they're doing a production of her all time ever favorite play Phantom, she just had to get a role. She knew the whole thing by heart, had every sound track out and could recite every word from the play by memory. But she had never done it all in front of people before. Yikes!
Tom was your all around typical American dream guy. Blonde hair, dreamy blue eyes, and a body to go with it all. He was popular and always the star of the show.
Then there was his strange best friend Jay who no one but Tom liked. Jay was a goofy guy, sarcastic, rude, and every bit of a cocky jerk. But for some reason he was Tom's best friend.
But when the new guy in town , the weird Goth freak that keeps to himself shows up for the audition, and not only does a great job at singing his lines, but does a BETTER Job than Tom. Instant hatred comes of the two as Justyn disappears just as quickly as he came.
Then it was Becca's turn. Her stomach turned to knots, but once she spied Justyn in the shadows watching her, suddenly she became Christine, and could sign to him. And she did. When she was able to pull of those seprano notes that even Wendy, the usual female star of the show couldn't hit, Daggers were glared at here in every direction.
it wasn't any surprise to Becca's friends when Becca saw her name at the top of the list... and when Tom had seen his name under hers, and Justyn's on top, he was beyond upset.
Rehearsals started off immediately, and both Tom and Justyn were competing for Becca's attention. And yes, she loved it.
But when things scary and strange things started to turn up in real life, She became terrified.
First with the doll in her locker, than the strange phone call while at home...
in contrast with these strange notes and phone calls, people were actually getting hurt, and even killed!
Becca kept quiet about most of the phone calls, after all, everyone had already told her that it was just a joke. But she couldn't help but feel that she could have somehow stopped these terrible things from happening!
I love a good love triangle. Especially when she has feelings for both the All-around American guy, and the hot romantic Goth guy, and let me tell you, Justyn was REALLY a sweetheart! I loved him always singing out lines from the play in order to tell her how he's feeling! But was he really capable of hurting people??
What about Wendy? She was so upset that Becca got the lead role, was she capable of hurting people?? And what's the deal with the janitor?
GAH!! This book was hard to put down, new things got thrown in each time, and it was hard to piece together everything until the end :)
WOW!
Loved this book! I had seen the Phantom of the Opera way back when I was a little kid - I didn't know much of what was going on at the time, but after reading this book, I think I may want to read the actual book!
Becca is an ordinary girl trying to blend in, but when the drama club announces that they're doing a production of her all time ever favorite play Phantom, she just had to get a role. She knew the whole thing by heart, had every sound track out and could recite every word from the play by memory. But she had never done it all in front of people before. Yikes!
Tom was your all around typical American dream guy. Blonde hair, dreamy blue eyes, and a body to go with it all. He was popular and always the star of the show.
Then there was his strange best friend Jay who no one but Tom liked. Jay was a goofy guy, sarcastic, rude, and every bit of a cocky jerk. But for some reason he was Tom's best friend.
But when the new guy in town , the weird Goth freak that keeps to himself shows up for the audition, and not only does a great job at singing his lines, but does a BETTER Job than Tom. Instant hatred comes of the two as Justyn disappears just as quickly as he came.
Then it was Becca's turn. Her stomach turned to knots, but once she spied Justyn in the shadows watching her, suddenly she became Christine, and could sign to him. And she did. When she was able to pull of those seprano notes that even Wendy, the usual female star of the show couldn't hit, Daggers were glared at here in every direction.
it wasn't any surprise to Becca's friends when Becca saw her name at the top of the list... and when Tom had seen his name under hers, and Justyn's on top, he was beyond upset.
Rehearsals started off immediately, and both Tom and Justyn were competing for Becca's attention. And yes, she loved it.
But when things scary and strange things started to turn up in real life, She became terrified.
First with the doll in her locker, than the strange phone call while at home...
in contrast with these strange notes and phone calls, people were actually getting hurt, and even killed!
Becca kept quiet about most of the phone calls, after all, everyone had already told her that it was just a joke. But she couldn't help but feel that she could have somehow stopped these terrible things from happening!
I love a good love triangle. Especially when she has feelings for both the All-around American guy, and the hot romantic Goth guy, and let me tell you, Justyn was REALLY a sweetheart! I loved him always singing out lines from the play in order to tell her how he's feeling! But was he really capable of hurting people??
What about Wendy? She was so upset that Becca got the lead role, was she capable of hurting people?? And what's the deal with the janitor?
GAH!! This book was hard to put down, new things got thrown in each time, and it was hard to piece together everything until the end :)
July 31, 2012
Phantom is the tale of high school wall flower Rebecca, who throughout her entire highschool history, had been determined to stay on the side lines, not wishing to bring any attention to herself. Now, in her senior year, she appears to have actually succeeded in this goal, until the school drama department decides to put on The Phantom of the Opera.
This is one of Rebecca’s all time favorite productions, she is absolutely obsessed with it, having all the fan gear, books and anything else she can set her hands on regarding the subject. What many at Rebecca’s school, except her closest friends…Carmen and Debra…do not know is that Rebecca can sing extremely well. So on the spur of the moment, Rebecca decides to try out, and after singing the song of the play’s main character Christine, which no one else was able to do; Rebecca was actually given the lead role. Now Rebecca is not only thrust into the lime light, she is now the center of a boy feud between the leading man, Justyn; and the hero of the play, Tom, who Rebecca had been crushing on since her Freshman year. Life intimates art, as the two boys begin to vie for her attention. Also, things begin to heat up, as accidents begin to plague the production, showing Rebecca, that someone doesn’t want her to have the part, the boy or even possibly her life…
Review
Phantom was exciting from the very first page, I was intrigued actually at the very beginning due to this fresh, unique take on a YA novel…I found it extremely thrilling:) I was familiar with the Phantom Of The Opera, but this story brought it alive to me and peaked my interest enough that I wanted to know more about the original. I found that this story would be a wonderful way for today’s YA readers to be introduced to the classic, and that really impressed me!
Although, the subject intrigued me, and drew me into the story; Ms. Deluca’s storytelling kept me reading. She is truly a gifted writer; the story had equal amounts of romance without getting too sappy, and adventure without being worn out:) plus, the mystery she threaded through the story was superbly done; Clues were given, I loved how she used the dialogue from the Phantom Opera, as the messages to the young heroine in the book.
Again, I saw that as a great way for young people to be introduced to this classic story. I never saw the twist at the end, and I am usually pretty good at figuring out mysteries at times, but I was floored to be honest, with whom the modern day phantom truly was! Ms. Deluca carried the mystery, leading the reader where she wanted them to go and keeping them entertained the entire time.
I really enjoyed this book, and I am a big fan of Ms. Deluca’s and look forward to more works from this author!
This is one of Rebecca’s all time favorite productions, she is absolutely obsessed with it, having all the fan gear, books and anything else she can set her hands on regarding the subject. What many at Rebecca’s school, except her closest friends…Carmen and Debra…do not know is that Rebecca can sing extremely well. So on the spur of the moment, Rebecca decides to try out, and after singing the song of the play’s main character Christine, which no one else was able to do; Rebecca was actually given the lead role. Now Rebecca is not only thrust into the lime light, she is now the center of a boy feud between the leading man, Justyn; and the hero of the play, Tom, who Rebecca had been crushing on since her Freshman year. Life intimates art, as the two boys begin to vie for her attention. Also, things begin to heat up, as accidents begin to plague the production, showing Rebecca, that someone doesn’t want her to have the part, the boy or even possibly her life…
Review
Phantom was exciting from the very first page, I was intrigued actually at the very beginning due to this fresh, unique take on a YA novel…I found it extremely thrilling:) I was familiar with the Phantom Of The Opera, but this story brought it alive to me and peaked my interest enough that I wanted to know more about the original. I found that this story would be a wonderful way for today’s YA readers to be introduced to the classic, and that really impressed me!
Although, the subject intrigued me, and drew me into the story; Ms. Deluca’s storytelling kept me reading. She is truly a gifted writer; the story had equal amounts of romance without getting too sappy, and adventure without being worn out:) plus, the mystery she threaded through the story was superbly done; Clues were given, I loved how she used the dialogue from the Phantom Opera, as the messages to the young heroine in the book.
Again, I saw that as a great way for young people to be introduced to this classic story. I never saw the twist at the end, and I am usually pretty good at figuring out mysteries at times, but I was floored to be honest, with whom the modern day phantom truly was! Ms. Deluca carried the mystery, leading the reader where she wanted them to go and keeping them entertained the entire time.
I really enjoyed this book, and I am a big fan of Ms. Deluca’s and look forward to more works from this author!
September 6, 2012
**Originally on Read-A-holicZ, HERE!**
I can not express how MUCH I LOVED this BOOK! It was creepy, romantic, and with an reveal to DIE FOR! The cover looks ominous & beautifully portrays the book in it. And am extremely glad that i was asked to review this book! ^_^
I have not read the book Phantom of the Opera BUT i have seen the play, sorta. BUT I just loved how the play quotes where in their and how the story itself was based on it. You might think, "oh that just gave the whole book away" but guess what, IT DOESN'T!! I COMPLETELY devoured it! ^_^
Yes there are accidents & murders BUT the creepy & mysterious part is that you really DON'T Know who the killer is. You might think it's one of the guys...Ah, the guys. I LOVED JUSTYN! I mean he was all decked out in goth clothes and believed in Wicca. Which by the way is explained in the book & is not as EVIL as you might think. It really opened my eyes to it and for that i am grateful! Back to guys, I didn't much like Tom in the book. You would think he was the all american guy but sometimes he acted like a jerk.
There were other interesting characters like Carmen, Rebecca's best friend, and Debbie, the sweet supportive friend with a dark side. Of course we see some characters crack & show their true sides, like Wendy & Tom.
I have to say that reading about Rebecca & her guys was interesting. I LOVED how each had a chance to make her fall in love with them. I also liked that they fought for her & how the play worked it's way at each of those tense & touching scenes.
I LOVED that she had to make hard choices & how their were misunderstanding & that broke me down & actually made me cry! Their is just this chemistry between her & Justyn that made feel their emotions. I really got attached to them. Especially when she doubts him & breaks his heart a few times. ;)
The climax is definitely the part where the "Phantom" is revealed. It is a sad & shocking part. I was flabbergasted. I had no words for that revelation. Believe me it IS NOT WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT WAS! The Ending was sweet & it made everything that the characters had to go through worth it.
Overall I could NOT GET ENOUGH of this book. I feel in LOVE with the story & could not put it down. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you read this book. It will NOT DISAPPOINT! So i give it 5/5 STARS!! =D
I can not express how MUCH I LOVED this BOOK! It was creepy, romantic, and with an reveal to DIE FOR! The cover looks ominous & beautifully portrays the book in it. And am extremely glad that i was asked to review this book! ^_^
I have not read the book Phantom of the Opera BUT i have seen the play, sorta. BUT I just loved how the play quotes where in their and how the story itself was based on it. You might think, "oh that just gave the whole book away" but guess what, IT DOESN'T!! I COMPLETELY devoured it! ^_^
Yes there are accidents & murders BUT the creepy & mysterious part is that you really DON'T Know who the killer is. You might think it's one of the guys...Ah, the guys. I LOVED JUSTYN! I mean he was all decked out in goth clothes and believed in Wicca. Which by the way is explained in the book & is not as EVIL as you might think. It really opened my eyes to it and for that i am grateful! Back to guys, I didn't much like Tom in the book. You would think he was the all american guy but sometimes he acted like a jerk.
There were other interesting characters like Carmen, Rebecca's best friend, and Debbie, the sweet supportive friend with a dark side. Of course we see some characters crack & show their true sides, like Wendy & Tom.
I have to say that reading about Rebecca & her guys was interesting. I LOVED how each had a chance to make her fall in love with them. I also liked that they fought for her & how the play worked it's way at each of those tense & touching scenes.
I LOVED that she had to make hard choices & how their were misunderstanding & that broke me down & actually made me cry! Their is just this chemistry between her & Justyn that made feel their emotions. I really got attached to them. Especially when she doubts him & breaks his heart a few times. ;)
The climax is definitely the part where the "Phantom" is revealed. It is a sad & shocking part. I was flabbergasted. I had no words for that revelation. Believe me it IS NOT WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT WAS! The Ending was sweet & it made everything that the characters had to go through worth it.
Overall I could NOT GET ENOUGH of this book. I feel in LOVE with the story & could not put it down. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you read this book. It will NOT DISAPPOINT! So i give it 5/5 STARS!! =D
October 26, 2012
Originally posted in Night Owl Reads
The first time I heard about Phantom of the Opera was when the movie came out in 2004, and I wasn't interested in it thinking that it was too serious or just wasn't my type. Four years later, I decided to watch it and ended up loving it! I was singing the songs from the movie for months, and even now I would still belt out to it from time to time. I know it doesn't compare much to seeing it in live theatre or reading the original novel, but still, I loved it! That's why I signed up for this tour.
It starts off like a typical high school story, Rebecca is a shy girl who tries out for the school play instead of playing in the orchestra like she usually does, and ends up bagging the lead role. Everything changed when she snags the role of Christine. Suddenly, like in the story of Phantom, she finds herself in the middle of a love triangle between the cool surfer dude and the wiccan goth who resembles the Phantom himself.
What seems to be a harmless high school affair turns dark when a mysterious stalker sends threatening notes to Rebecca and accidents keep on happening on stage, someone even ended up dead. The mystery behind the stalker kept me guessing and the revelation totally came as a surprise. Although I guessed it right, I was clueless as to what the motives of this person was. I was not expecting it to end that way, but it did feel like watching a slasher film from the 90s.
As for choosing sides, well, I didn't really like Tom in the first place. He only noticed Rebecca when he heard her sing, his attraction is superficial, in my opinion. I'm team Lord Justyn all the way, even if he is, as they say, creepy vampire freak.
I enjoyed reading this book and it made me want to watch The Phantom of the Opera again. Maybe I'll read the book one of these days too (I wish I had time for it). I found a copy of the performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011 and I can't wait to see that version.
I also like the idea of a popular story reflecting what's happening in your life. We are all fans of something and at some point we dream of being part of a fictional world. If you could choose a story, (be it a movie, a book, or a tv show), to happen/reflect in your life, what would it be?
The first time I heard about Phantom of the Opera was when the movie came out in 2004, and I wasn't interested in it thinking that it was too serious or just wasn't my type. Four years later, I decided to watch it and ended up loving it! I was singing the songs from the movie for months, and even now I would still belt out to it from time to time. I know it doesn't compare much to seeing it in live theatre or reading the original novel, but still, I loved it! That's why I signed up for this tour.
It starts off like a typical high school story, Rebecca is a shy girl who tries out for the school play instead of playing in the orchestra like she usually does, and ends up bagging the lead role. Everything changed when she snags the role of Christine. Suddenly, like in the story of Phantom, she finds herself in the middle of a love triangle between the cool surfer dude and the wiccan goth who resembles the Phantom himself.
What seems to be a harmless high school affair turns dark when a mysterious stalker sends threatening notes to Rebecca and accidents keep on happening on stage, someone even ended up dead. The mystery behind the stalker kept me guessing and the revelation totally came as a surprise. Although I guessed it right, I was clueless as to what the motives of this person was. I was not expecting it to end that way, but it did feel like watching a slasher film from the 90s.
As for choosing sides, well, I didn't really like Tom in the first place. He only noticed Rebecca when he heard her sing, his attraction is superficial, in my opinion. I'm team Lord Justyn all the way, even if he is, as they say, creepy vampire freak.
I enjoyed reading this book and it made me want to watch The Phantom of the Opera again. Maybe I'll read the book one of these days too (I wish I had time for it). I found a copy of the performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011 and I can't wait to see that version.
I also like the idea of a popular story reflecting what's happening in your life. We are all fans of something and at some point we dream of being part of a fictional world. If you could choose a story, (be it a movie, a book, or a tv show), to happen/reflect in your life, what would it be?
July 13, 2012
Of all the fictional novels I have ever read-this was by far the best one! I wish there were stories like this when I was a teenager.
I could relate to so many of the different characters in this story and saw so many personality traits of myself in many of them. Even the ending sent chills down my spine as I went through a difficult situation and could relate so much to what was revealed when the murderer was discovered.
The book ties into the original "Phantom of the Opera" but it is it's own original and unique story.
An innocent and shy young teenager reminded me so much of myself when I was a young girl,nerdy and shy,nothing like how I am now...was caught in a serious crush to the boy next door and then along comes the Gothic Justyn,mysterious and sexually intriguing,caught in the love triangle between the two,and then the unusual relationship of his mother which I can so relate to as a witch and had my son not have died would be the same age as Justyn,sweet 17 and more than likely-a Goth...very much like the way a lot of pagan households are today.
The ending was above all else,twisted and shocking...but in a good way.When reading this story-read the whole story and don't read the ending first or you will miss so much.I can visualize this as a movie and as I read each page,I could not set it down,I stayed up all night until I read the entire book.
I could relate to so many of the different characters in this story and saw so many personality traits of myself in many of them. Even the ending sent chills down my spine as I went through a difficult situation and could relate so much to what was revealed when the murderer was discovered.
The book ties into the original "Phantom of the Opera" but it is it's own original and unique story.
An innocent and shy young teenager reminded me so much of myself when I was a young girl,nerdy and shy,nothing like how I am now...was caught in a serious crush to the boy next door and then along comes the Gothic Justyn,mysterious and sexually intriguing,caught in the love triangle between the two,and then the unusual relationship of his mother which I can so relate to as a witch and had my son not have died would be the same age as Justyn,sweet 17 and more than likely-a Goth...very much like the way a lot of pagan households are today.
The ending was above all else,twisted and shocking...but in a good way.When reading this story-read the whole story and don't read the ending first or you will miss so much.I can visualize this as a movie and as I read each page,I could not set it down,I stayed up all night until I read the entire book.
May 28, 2012
I remember briefly studying Phantom of the Opera in highschool. The magic behind the music and story was enticing. Phantom is a novel that shares the same undying love and magic.
The highschool drama club has decided to take on a huge task and perform the magical Phantom of the Opera. Rebecca has known this play since she was young so she finds herself trying out for the part of Christine. Her long time crush is trying out for a leading role as well. When along comes mysterious Justyn, who steals the heart of Rebecca as soon as he begins to sing. Rebecca is drawn to the mystic ways of Lord Justyn and how he is just like the Phantom. After roles are casted the excitement begins. Rebecca finds herself drawn between two men. The Phantom of the Opera is starting to take on a life of its own. People start getting hurt, then dead. Rebecca starts believing that Justyn is as dangerous as the original Phantom. She doesn't know how to believe it but Justyn is a killer in her friends eyes. Becca starts to question everything she thought she knew.
Rebecca is your average teenage highschool girl. She struggles with peer pressure, friendships, and relationships. She decides one day to break out of her mold and try something different, try out for the highschool play. Never did she expect to get a landing role. Rebecca soon finds herself living the scary life of Christine, the person she portrays. Rebecca is in a love triangle between the good and the bad, or so she thinks.
Tom is a handsome athletic highschooler. He leads the typical jock life, hanging out with friends, being popular and being cute. His personality revolves around his friends and he tends to sometimes give in quickly. But is loved by most.
Justyn is an outcast. He wears dark clothing, makeup, and jewerly. Deacribed by other students as a vampire. He pratices the Pagan culture and is a dark mystrious male.
The end of the book is shocking and very terrifying. You find yourself wrapped up into the emotions of the characters. You learn about true love and how someone can turn from it. The "phantom" is revealed and it catches you offguard. I loved the twist in the story.
You won't be dissapointed in this page turner. From start to finish you want more. Just when you think you got it figured out you don't. My only complaint is I disliked the cover of the book. I felt it did not properly identify with the lead characters in the book.
Help ot
June 13, 2012
I will be quick to admit I am only familiar with Phantom of the Opera through the musical and the movies not through the book so I can't attest to this book according to the actual book. But I must say I am impressed. Ms. DeLuca has managed to weave a story that parallels a story without becoming too something that would make the story over-the-top or just too much like the original. Ms. DeLuca makes the story work with the current day and time and fit in the young adult genre quite well.
I loved the characters, especially Justyn and how he played the Phantom role and how he was the goth boy/outsider as well in the book. I like Rebecca as the surprise voice that had never stood out before, the girl who had never been noticed as a perfect Christine. And Tom as the perfect boy-next-door popular guy as Raoul. Each played their part in the book which parallels their part in the play. I have to admit Justyn was my favorite, there was just something about his character that called to me. But I liked Rebecca and could relate to her. She was torn, some might see her as indecisive, but who hasn't been there as a teenager. I just saw her as a caring girl who wanted to follow her heart but cared about others as well.
The plot was fascinating. It could have been the typical teenage adaptation, but the twists and turns were amazing. I started this and was halfway done in a matter of hours. I could not put it down. I found the novel and story line well written. Great suspense and interesting character development move this book along very well. It's fresh and exciting and hard to put down.
When I accepted this book for review I was expecting a story I would enjoy, I ended up with so much more with this book. It was deeper and so much more enjoyable than I ever thought. I think it will be one of my most recommended books of the year, at least so far. It was fast-paced, refreshing and very interesting with wonderful characters that I think will appeal to all ages whether you have read, listened to or watch Phantom before or not.
I loved the characters, especially Justyn and how he played the Phantom role and how he was the goth boy/outsider as well in the book. I like Rebecca as the surprise voice that had never stood out before, the girl who had never been noticed as a perfect Christine. And Tom as the perfect boy-next-door popular guy as Raoul. Each played their part in the book which parallels their part in the play. I have to admit Justyn was my favorite, there was just something about his character that called to me. But I liked Rebecca and could relate to her. She was torn, some might see her as indecisive, but who hasn't been there as a teenager. I just saw her as a caring girl who wanted to follow her heart but cared about others as well.
The plot was fascinating. It could have been the typical teenage adaptation, but the twists and turns were amazing. I started this and was halfway done in a matter of hours. I could not put it down. I found the novel and story line well written. Great suspense and interesting character development move this book along very well. It's fresh and exciting and hard to put down.
When I accepted this book for review I was expecting a story I would enjoy, I ended up with so much more with this book. It was deeper and so much more enjoyable than I ever thought. I think it will be one of my most recommended books of the year, at least so far. It was fast-paced, refreshing and very interesting with wonderful characters that I think will appeal to all ages whether you have read, listened to or watch Phantom before or not.
August 23, 2012
Right before I sat down to read this book, I watched Phantom of the Opera for the first time ever! I liked the movie but I was kind of bummed she didn't end up with the Phantom. I have to say that I liked the book by Laura DeLuca even more than the movie! It was super creepy. I would not want to go to their high school, that's for sure. But fans of the movie phantom of the opera are sure to love this book!
This book is a total mystery. I could not figure out who the true opera ghost was until the very end and I was shocked right along with everyone else. Normally I am better at figuring these things out. But it is a true murder mystery book. I both loved and was scared of the mystery unfolding. The only thing I didn't totally love was the fact that no one seemed to be doing anything or saying anything about all of these kids getting injured, or even killed, from the drama department! I mean, it seems like a big deal to me, but no one put two and two together. Other than that, the book felt just like the movie Phantom of the Opera. It had the same dark, creepy feel with the threats of notes and Becca was so perfect. She was like a spunkier version of Christine.
As for the guys, it was a clear winner from the start. Tom was nice and all, but he never clicked for me. He was too caught up in appearances. Justyn just seems so sincere all the time. He really was a tortured soul. I just really liked him the whole time.
I'm not going to say too much more. This really is a book you have to read for yourself if you like Phantom or murder mysteries in general. I loved the writing and the incorporation of the quotes and lines from the play. It was great. A real treat for Phantom of the Opera fans!
This book is a total mystery. I could not figure out who the true opera ghost was until the very end and I was shocked right along with everyone else. Normally I am better at figuring these things out. But it is a true murder mystery book. I both loved and was scared of the mystery unfolding. The only thing I didn't totally love was the fact that no one seemed to be doing anything or saying anything about all of these kids getting injured, or even killed, from the drama department! I mean, it seems like a big deal to me, but no one put two and two together. Other than that, the book felt just like the movie Phantom of the Opera. It had the same dark, creepy feel with the threats of notes and Becca was so perfect. She was like a spunkier version of Christine.
As for the guys, it was a clear winner from the start. Tom was nice and all, but he never clicked for me. He was too caught up in appearances. Justyn just seems so sincere all the time. He really was a tortured soul. I just really liked him the whole time.
I'm not going to say too much more. This really is a book you have to read for yourself if you like Phantom or murder mysteries in general. I loved the writing and the incorporation of the quotes and lines from the play. It was great. A real treat for Phantom of the Opera fans!
June 1, 2020
Phantom had me hooked from just reading the synopsis. I was completely drawn in by the idea of a modern twist on the story of The Phantom of the Opera.
Phantom follows Rebecca during her senior year. Throughout her high school life she has stayed in the shadows but when she discovers that the school play for the year will be Phantom of the Opera, she just has to audition. After the play is cast, all hell starts to break loose.
There are so many unpredictable twists throughout the book. The plot is seriously awesome – I actually couldn’t stop reading.
The characters are fabulous. Rebecca’s typical high school life before she gets the part in the play is very relatable. She is strong when she needs to be and is a very likable character.
Justyn, or should I say Lord Justyn, is totally awesome. I adored him and his lifestyle - he isn't your average teenage guy! He is a fascinating character to read about and I can totally understand why Rebecca is so taken by him. The building of the relationship between him and Rebecca is adorable.
I also liked Tom. He was sweet and I did feel sympathy towards him throughout the story. The three of them made a really entertaining love triangle and there were some funnier moments when Tom and Justyn were both fighting for Rebecca’s affections.
The ending was spectacular! I couldn’t see it coming from a mile off. It was such a spooky and heart-racing ending to everything.
Phantom was a great mysterious read and I definitely recommend it to anyone, especially lovers of a good mystery thriller! There are plenty of 'OMG!' moments to keep you entertained until the end.
Phantom follows Rebecca during her senior year. Throughout her high school life she has stayed in the shadows but when she discovers that the school play for the year will be Phantom of the Opera, she just has to audition. After the play is cast, all hell starts to break loose.
There are so many unpredictable twists throughout the book. The plot is seriously awesome – I actually couldn’t stop reading.
The characters are fabulous. Rebecca’s typical high school life before she gets the part in the play is very relatable. She is strong when she needs to be and is a very likable character.
Justyn, or should I say Lord Justyn, is totally awesome. I adored him and his lifestyle - he isn't your average teenage guy! He is a fascinating character to read about and I can totally understand why Rebecca is so taken by him. The building of the relationship between him and Rebecca is adorable.
I also liked Tom. He was sweet and I did feel sympathy towards him throughout the story. The three of them made a really entertaining love triangle and there were some funnier moments when Tom and Justyn were both fighting for Rebecca’s affections.
The ending was spectacular! I couldn’t see it coming from a mile off. It was such a spooky and heart-racing ending to everything.
Phantom was a great mysterious read and I definitely recommend it to anyone, especially lovers of a good mystery thriller! There are plenty of 'OMG!' moments to keep you entertained until the end.
July 9, 2012
Phantom, is about a shy teenager girl who auditions for one of her favorite characters in her favorite play!
And just like in the play, book, movie, people start disappearing, dying, etc.
Becca has no idea why or how all of this started, and she's determined not to let it affect her performance. Shy and naive, she is now the center of a competition between two boys she seriously likes. She knows she should go with the safe bet, but there's something that's so alluring with the danger presented by her very own Phantom.
It's really the play come to live in this book, by Laura DeLuca! Becca is in love with both boys, who are cast the main male roles beside her in the play. Decisions are so difficult, she almost quits. Just when you think things have calmed down, they start right back up again. Becca's mind is reeling trying to understand why these things are happening, when both boys she cares about tell her they have nothing to do with the horrible accidents that have occurred.
Desperate, her friends even start to turn on her. She has no idea what to do, and now no one to turn too. The opening night of the play isn't too far off, and they still have a killer on the lose, and no leads! How is she supposed to pretend like everything is fine? People she cares about are in danger, and they aren't any closer to stopping the lunatic on the loose.
Laura is an amazing author who's style of writing keeps you hooked til the very end. And with this book, you will be SHOCKED when the book comes to an end.
And just like in the play, book, movie, people start disappearing, dying, etc.
Becca has no idea why or how all of this started, and she's determined not to let it affect her performance. Shy and naive, she is now the center of a competition between two boys she seriously likes. She knows she should go with the safe bet, but there's something that's so alluring with the danger presented by her very own Phantom.
It's really the play come to live in this book, by Laura DeLuca! Becca is in love with both boys, who are cast the main male roles beside her in the play. Decisions are so difficult, she almost quits. Just when you think things have calmed down, they start right back up again. Becca's mind is reeling trying to understand why these things are happening, when both boys she cares about tell her they have nothing to do with the horrible accidents that have occurred.
Desperate, her friends even start to turn on her. She has no idea what to do, and now no one to turn too. The opening night of the play isn't too far off, and they still have a killer on the lose, and no leads! How is she supposed to pretend like everything is fine? People she cares about are in danger, and they aren't any closer to stopping the lunatic on the loose.
Laura is an amazing author who's style of writing keeps you hooked til the very end. And with this book, you will be SHOCKED when the book comes to an end.
August 29, 2012
So - what's a sci-fi/fantasy addict doing reading a High School romantic thriller?
Having fun! That's what!
I'm fortunate enough to have actually seen "Phantom of the Opera" about 5 years ago in London's West End. So, I was intrigued to find out what this - a romance/thriller set in the final year of a group of students at High School was about.
When her high school drama club chooses "Phantom" as their annual production, quiet, clumsy, shy and retiring Rebecca Hope is forced to come out her shell and is amazed to land the lead female role of Christine.
Her success leads to a love triangle between Tom Rittenhouse, the High School heart-throb who lands the role of Roul, and the dark and mysterious Lord Justyn Patko, who wins the coveted role of Erik, the Phantom.
That isn't the only pressure she has to face however, as initial joy quickly turns fear when events chillingly begin to follow a pattern mirrored in "Phantom" itself. Threats, warnings, accidents, murder! Who will die next?
Who is responsible? Who is stalking Rebecca? Is it one of the two new men in her life, jelous of the others attentions on their intended lover?
Find out - read "Phantom" for yourself.
It's easy to read, has a great pace, has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing - AND - you'll enjoy the deeper message the story conveys.
Having fun! That's what!
I'm fortunate enough to have actually seen "Phantom of the Opera" about 5 years ago in London's West End. So, I was intrigued to find out what this - a romance/thriller set in the final year of a group of students at High School was about.
When her high school drama club chooses "Phantom" as their annual production, quiet, clumsy, shy and retiring Rebecca Hope is forced to come out her shell and is amazed to land the lead female role of Christine.
Her success leads to a love triangle between Tom Rittenhouse, the High School heart-throb who lands the role of Roul, and the dark and mysterious Lord Justyn Patko, who wins the coveted role of Erik, the Phantom.
That isn't the only pressure she has to face however, as initial joy quickly turns fear when events chillingly begin to follow a pattern mirrored in "Phantom" itself. Threats, warnings, accidents, murder! Who will die next?
Who is responsible? Who is stalking Rebecca? Is it one of the two new men in her life, jelous of the others attentions on their intended lover?
Find out - read "Phantom" for yourself.
It's easy to read, has a great pace, has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing - AND - you'll enjoy the deeper message the story conveys.
October 10, 2012
I loved this book. I'm in my late thirties and daydreaming about a high school boy. If you've read "Phantom", you won't find that odd. If you haven't, you should read it before you label me as anything other than normal. When I started reading this book, I instantly connected with Rebecca. She is your typical girl next door. She imagines herself with the most popular boy in school and thinks he'll never notice her. She lands the lead role in the school play and that changes. She develops a relationship with two very different guys. Rebecca takes us on quite an adventure as she finds herself and discovers true love. "Phantom" is a mystery that makes Rebecca question everything around her. Justyn is the type of guy you're probably not drawn to from the beginning, but you'll secretly (and then openly) cheer him on in the end. DeLuca has a way with words-that's obvious once you read her books. The real magic is the way Laura DeLuca gets the reader to fall head over heels with her characters. It has happened every time I've picked up one of her books! Steady paced novel keeps you guessing until the very end. If you like mysteries, you must read this book!
Disclosure: I received a copy to review on my blog, however a positive review was not required.
Disclosure: I received a copy to review on my blog, however a positive review was not required.
May 5, 2012
If you love the Phantom of the Opera, you are going to love this book. You don't have to be a teenager to apprecaite this well written story. It is chock full of mystery and suspense, but its also an endearing tale of love that will give you goosebumps and make you cry more than once. Much like the original Phantom, Justyn is a character who will capture your heart, even when you suspect he might be doing horrible things. You will find yourself rooting for him, even when you should hate him. And you will spend the whole time you're reading this book hoping that Rebecca, the modern day Christine, doesn't take the safe road and let a little bit of a dark side scare her away from true love. I could say so much more about this book, but I don't want to give away the best parts.
September 10, 2012
Amazing read ... I swear, I was so tensed and eager to keep reading as the plot was unravelling, that I was almost compelled to call the author to find out from her what the ending would be. I couldn't read fast enough. I was litterally sitting on the edge of my seat on the train. I was so engrossed in the book that I looked like a mad woman on a dash to something important!
The ending was quite suprising and that just made the book even better. In my head, I had a few different outcome, but not this one.
I would recommend this book. Wish there was more stars to rate it.
The ending was quite suprising and that just made the book even better. In my head, I had a few different outcome, but not this one.
I would recommend this book. Wish there was more stars to rate it.
July 30, 2012
Wow, where to begin. First don’t judge a book by its cover. This novel blew me away! The writing was superb, and the ties to the real Phantom of the Opera play were great! I really enjoyed this book from start to finish, and couldn’t put it down. In fact, when I needed to put it down, I felt agitated and couldn’t wait to get back to it. Not many books have done that to me, and I am an avid reader.
Kudos to Ms DeLuca. I can’t wait to read more!
Kudos to Ms DeLuca. I can’t wait to read more!
September 22, 2012
The author's love of "Phantom of the Opera" shines through as her diverse mix of characters performs the musical for the high school drama club. Its wonderful the way Laura address the many complex issues facing teens in high schools as well as resolutions and overcoming adversity all while keeping the reader in suspense and delivering a surprise ending. Looking forward to the second book of this series.
July 31, 2012
I think Phantom was a very good book. It was like one big mystery that I had to solve. My favorite character was Justyn because he was fun and mysterious and truly cared about Becca. I give this book five stars!
May 5, 2012
This is my mom's book and it is my favorite one! I love Justyn, and I wish he was real.
August 19, 2012
Fantastic book, loved the modern day with this book, and the comparisons, and the shocking twist at the end, totally didn't suspect it! Such a wonderful book, loved it!
October 9, 2012
Who was that shape in the shadows? Whose is the face in the mask? - The Phantom of the Opera, the Musical (1986)
the line between art and life blurs and evolves into something threatening and violent for a group of teenagers involved in Phantom, a high school play. something or someone is lurking in the shadows and Rebecca Hope's life is put in terrible danger as she performs the role of Christine Daae.
weaving together suspense and teen romance, author Laura DeLuca's novel is a worthy addition to the lore of the Opera Ghost. the writer's passion for and knowledge of Gaston Leroux 's masterpiece is evident in the storyline and she gives it a refreshing and unique contemporary twist.
the characters are well fleshed out and the dialogues brim with wit, humor and teenage angst. i was more than impressed to find within the pages bits and pieces of original lyrics penned by the author which even Andrew Weber and his lyricists would be proud of.
the novel is also a fast-paced read. there was never a dull moment and the denouement was both chilling and unexpected.
anyone familiar with The Phantom of the Opera will delight in this story and anyone who is not will still be mesmerized by it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy of Phantom from the author. i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
the line between art and life blurs and evolves into something threatening and violent for a group of teenagers involved in Phantom, a high school play. something or someone is lurking in the shadows and Rebecca Hope's life is put in terrible danger as she performs the role of Christine Daae.
weaving together suspense and teen romance, author Laura DeLuca's novel is a worthy addition to the lore of the Opera Ghost. the writer's passion for and knowledge of Gaston Leroux 's masterpiece is evident in the storyline and she gives it a refreshing and unique contemporary twist.
the characters are well fleshed out and the dialogues brim with wit, humor and teenage angst. i was more than impressed to find within the pages bits and pieces of original lyrics penned by the author which even Andrew Weber and his lyricists would be proud of.
the novel is also a fast-paced read. there was never a dull moment and the denouement was both chilling and unexpected.
anyone familiar with The Phantom of the Opera will delight in this story and anyone who is not will still be mesmerized by it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy of Phantom from the author. i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
July 23, 2013
NOTE: I was provided a free copy for promotional purposes, with no expectation of a favorable review.
This book, the first of the Dark Musicals Trilogy, follows the story of a young girl named Rebecca, who finds herself thrust into the High School spotlight after winning the lead in the school's production of Phantom Of The Opera. The production is plagued with accidents, threats against Rebecca, and a bitter rivalry between two of the stars for Rebecca's affections.
The author manages to capture the High School experience perfectly, while also introducing readers to the story of the Phantom, as well as the Wiccan religion. The writing is descriptive, and the characters are fun and relatable. I felt myself rooting for Rebecca to succeed in both the play, and with her choice between the two boys. I loved the secondary characters as well, who added a nice texture to the story. It actually reminded me a lot of the Christopher Pike books I fell in love with back in High School. I would definitely recommend this one to YA fans, and am looking forward to seeing how the whole story plays out.
This book, the first of the Dark Musicals Trilogy, follows the story of a young girl named Rebecca, who finds herself thrust into the High School spotlight after winning the lead in the school's production of Phantom Of The Opera. The production is plagued with accidents, threats against Rebecca, and a bitter rivalry between two of the stars for Rebecca's affections.
The author manages to capture the High School experience perfectly, while also introducing readers to the story of the Phantom, as well as the Wiccan religion. The writing is descriptive, and the characters are fun and relatable. I felt myself rooting for Rebecca to succeed in both the play, and with her choice between the two boys. I loved the secondary characters as well, who added a nice texture to the story. It actually reminded me a lot of the Christopher Pike books I fell in love with back in High School. I would definitely recommend this one to YA fans, and am looking forward to seeing how the whole story plays out.
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