Master of the Opera, Act 6: Crescendo

Master of the Opera #6

by Jeffe Kennedy

In the sixth and final installment of Jeffe Kennedy's sizzling "Master of the Opera," a man and a woman risk everything they've ever loved-for the most dangerous passion they've ever known. . .Caught in a web of secrets and lies, Christy Davis has come under the suspicion of the local police. Since becoming an intern at the Sante Fe Opera House, she has witnessed strange occurences in the underground tunnels. She has heard inexplicable whispers in the shadows after midnight. And she has found the lover of her dreams in the masked man who lives down below. But after the discovery of a dead body and other sinister events, Christy realizes that her life is in danger. Two men hold her fate in their Roman, the opera house's wealthy benefactor who uses his money and power to control her. And the masked maestro known as the Master who demands her surrender and commands her pleasure with each stroke. Both want her;only one can have her. . .

In a rising crescendo of madness, obsession, and lust, Christy must take a chance and follow her heart-to a breathtaking climax as powerful as love itself.

15,000 Words

Genres: Romance, Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, BDSM

56 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 20, 2014

About the author

💙She/her💙 Award-winning Bestselling Author of epic fantasy romance. Taoist. Swiftie. Santa Fean. Cat lady @sfwa_inc Past-President. Rep by @seyitsme

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review is for the entire Master of the Opera series which includes the following 6 instalments:
Act 1. Passionate Overture
Act 2. Ghost Aria
Act 3. Phantom Serenade
Act 4. Dark Interlude
Act 5. A Haunting Duet
Act 6. Crescendo

When I started this serialised novel I was expecting a dark and dirty retelling of Phantom of the Opera with added BDSM so I had high hopes and fully expected to love it. Unfortunately that isn't what I got and it turned into a weird and confusing mystical realism that included a bizaire orgy with incorporeal beings in the spirit realm! In all honesty it just got a little bit too weird for me and I came very close to not reading all 6 instalments.

It seemed to start out well and Christy seemed to be the right mix of naive and innocent but it didn't take long before she started to get on my nerves. There were so many times I just wanted to shake some sense into her and I ended up not caring about whether she was going to survive or not. The Master was deliciously creepy in the beginning but he remained too much of a mystery, we never really got to know him well enough for me to connect with his character so I didn't feel invested in what happened to him either.

It didn't help that I hated the other main character Roman, I know we weren't supposed to like him but his character was such a stereotypical controlling (bordering on abusive) boyfriend and I would have liked a bit more depth. I think that's my main issue with all of the characters really, we never really got to see below the surface and that meant I never fully engaged with them.

This isn't a bad story, in fact it has a lot of fantastic reviews so I'm in the minority for not loving it, I guess it just wasn't for me.

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

Crescendo is a horrible ending to a pretty good serial. I didn't like the weird, superstitious turn that the story took in the previous part, but I at least wanted a bit more explanation. Well, there is none. This part starts off with Christy and her dad having a chat, where the truth that we already learned is confirmed. From there it very quickly bounces from each plot thread and wraps them up, quickly and without fuss. The murderer was revealed, along with a half-assed motive. Master is "freed," but not really. In fact, that part was just dumb and didn't really make much sense. I wanted more romance, dammit!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[Tiblu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still a Crazy Convoluted Carnival Ride but....

Still a Crazy Convoluted Carnival Ride but, I liked the ending..... We had to wait til the very,very end to get something we SHOULD have gotten a WHOLE lot sooner and. Then the moment we get it it's over ?!?!? WTH?!?!? You finally,finally get in the last few pages hat I'm sure we've all wanted all along not just me but the moment we get it it's over.... I'm grateful it ended on a high note w/everyone getting what they deserved per say but what finally happens between the two MC's is what we've all been hoping for but seconds after it happens its THE END.... WTH!!! After sticking w/this crazy,crazy ride for 6 books of something was more a story about bring down evil and breaking a curse than it was romance, when the couple finally get to be one it sucks sewer filled mud pies to just end it there .. I'm soo F'ing sorry I ever followed my curiosity here.. This soooo,soooo was NOT worth it!!! Even if it had been KU it wouldn't have been worth it but at least then I would have just wasted 6 bucks on this... I know I sound ugly and harsh,but I'm feeling hurt and stupid for investing my Twitter me and money in this .... ( Amazon wouldn't have been happy w/that word)

[The Glassed And The Furious · Rating 2 out of 5]

That actually was quite a disappointing ending. I mean, honestly, a lot of it didn't make any sense to me. Frankly, it was all a little too easy and I'm not sure what exactly happened. One minute Christy is falling to her death, then she's in 'Master's' arms, she does something to free him, he's gone, Roman dead and everyone is happy. Ding dong the witch is dead and all that hoopla. But after this 5-book build up this was just such a letdown. I also am a sucker for happy endings, but the ending still has to make sense, not just be there for the sake of a happy ending.
So, definitely not the book I was hoping for and not on the same level as the rest of this story which has been quite good up until this final installment.

[Pax · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay… these were different, esp for a POTO retelling (which was not a bad thing). Some of the installments were better than others, but I think they were all generally too short - especially the ending, which was very rushed & honestly kind of confusing IMO. However, Jeffe Kennedy’s writing was pretty good & I would read more by her

Roman sucked & I called it from the first book. Also was not a fan of the random orgy?? Pass, sorry

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've received the sixth and final installment of Kennedy's serial novel Master of the Opera from Netfalley of which I'm very grateful as I already had the first five parts on my Kindle waiting to be read after the sixth would have been released.

I've discovered that I really like retellings. They can be very well done and it's like you're discovering possibilities of a well-known story that you've never thought about before. Jeffe Kennedy uses the characters of the Phantom of the Opera story and the general plotline but creates something totally new.

Christine Davis wants to stand on her own two feet and not be dependent on her rich daddy. She moves to Santa Fe to start an apprenticeship at the opera house. Though there might have been better ways to seperate herself from her heritage since the opera house belongs to her father, she is determined to prove her place through hard work and dedication. She also gets close to Roman, son of an old family friend and the local financial mogul Domingo Sanclaro. Christy loves working at the opera house, soon finds a sweet girlfriend in Hally and feels like she's finally ready to start life on her own.

But then Tara, the former apprentice, is found murdered and she starts hearing an ominous music calling to her in the theater's numerous basement levels. Soon she meets the mysterious Master who demands her submission. Meanwhile she gets sucked deeper into the Sanclaro family where not everything is as it seems from the outside.

I don't really understand why serials are so popular right now. Why not put those parts together into a whole book? Because for me, this is one book and I'll rate and review it as one. That's why I won't tell you any particular details about the last book because I certainly don't want to spoil anything for you. Let's just say that the mystery is solved in Crescendo, the last installment of the serial. The finale is grand and very fitting. Though for me, some questions have been left unanswered, or have only been dealt with on the margin (like Angie's part of the story) or been answered too easily and quickly, which was a pity.

Still I enjoyed these books very much. The writing was smooth and kept up the tension. I especially enjoyed the paranormal aspects of the story. The mix between mystery and erotica was perfect and I'll definitely read more from this author.

I've only been missing one element, the music. It was much more important in the original story and I felt that the opera and music aspect wasn't exactly drawn out in this book. Characters like Carla or Charlie would have been even more complex if their work made an impression on the reader, the importance of the music, the plays that are rehearsed on stage.

Kennedy weaves the known Phantom of the Opera tale into a complex blend of mystery and passion, combining Indian folklore, the adventure of sexual domination and submission, a family saga, and a feminist coming-of-age story. Along with the murder mystery this makes a fascinating book (or serial, however you'd like to call it).

[L.E.Olteano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
Originally posted at Butterfly-o-Meter Books on March 20th 2014:

Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: In the final installment of the serial, we get to see some more of the Santa Fe Opera and some awesome paranormal elements. Totally in love with the diversity of paranormal/fantasy going on in the world of this serial.
Characters: Christine finally grows in a way that compels me to call her that instead of Christy. I loved to see her make sense of herself and the world(s) around her, and the blend of instincts and smart thinking make her a definite favorite for. I was glad to see other characters grow too, like her dad, and some of the Sanclaros too in fact.
Of course, my favorite remains the Master, though he starred less than I’m used to in Jeffe Kennedy’s stories. Definitely awesome character though, and the chemistry between him and Christine was delicious all the way.
Plot: Not only does the romance reach a happy ending (and I was fidgeting at one point there wondering if it would, but I trusted Jeffe Kennedy until the very last page and she delivered as she always does), but the mystery part of the story is also resolved. Honestly, I didn’t see it coming, I mean the murderer (won’t be named and spoil it for you guys) wasn’t who I thought it would be – cool!
Writing: As with the rest of the parts, third person narrative from Christine’s POV. Since this is the end of the whole story, I’ll say I’ve deeply loved the imagery all through and the way Jeffe Kennedy built and kept the tension going from part to part was totally awesome.
Curb Appeal: Awesome cover, instant buy author name – total impulsive buy material.

All in all, I felt this serial was a great read and I totally recommend it if you’re into paranormal / fantasy elements and awesomely hot romance. There’s some super-awesome imagery going on in this story as a whole and this is a definite must read if you’re into creative, original romance stories. Trust Jeffe Kennedy to make your toes curl and butterflies flutter in your tummy and keep you biting your lips. Master of the Opera is an awesome read, and now you can get it all and read it one go, so I say go for it!

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...

After much suspense, the conclusion to Jeffe Kennedy’s Master of the Opera serial is finally here! For anyone who hasn’t been following the previous reviews, Master of the Opera is a serialized erotica novel that’s based on Phantom of the Opera. You can see the review for Act 1 here. This is going to be a very short review, because I don’t want to give away the ending.

Crescendo starts off with Christine trying to come up with a plan to take down the Sanclaros, especially her jerkface fiance, and free the Master, a Native America god trapped beneath the opera house. To do that, she finally reconciles with her father, and the two of them come to a new and more grown-up understanding of each other as flawed people who are just trying to do the best that they can.

Once they put their plan in action, there are some twists, turns, and surprises. The ending was incredibly cheesy in an oh-so-satisfying way. I’m the sort of person that demands a happy ending when I read fluffy romance/erotica, so I was glad to see the series end the way it did. And even though the story paralleled “Phantom of the Opera,” it wasn’t so close to the original story that every moment was predictable. I particularly liked the subplot that ran throughout the series of Christine cutting as a kid, and then as an adult trying to reconcile what she perceived as a weakness with the strong person she’s becoming. Seeing herself through the eyes of someone else helped her to accept what happened in the past and to learn to live with it.

This was a really fun series. Light, sensual, and suspenseful with a taste of the supernatural, it’s helped me get through this year’s seemingly never ending winter without completely losing my mind. I want to go outside and frolic in the sunshine already, goddammit!

[Cerian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Rookie Romance.

So, this is it. The final installment in the Master of the Opera serial novel, and the title certainly fits as the climax of the story builds and we finally get resolution in Christy and the Master's tale.

The mysticism that slowly builds through the installments is in full force as everything is revealed. I won't spoil it but everything is explained. You find out more of the Master's story and the part Christy plays in it- as well as the Sanclaros.

Whilst not as exciting as the first few installments in the series, it definitely is an improvement on Act 5. There are plenty of surprises in store, as the person behind the mysterious attacks is revealed. I was also immensely satisfied with the ending. The way the end was handled was a bit of a risk, but I thought it paid off and was great.

Overall, this story is fascinating and has plenty of depth, with complex characters and a compelling plot. It may have had a few speedbumps, but I definitely feel that the strong start makes up for the slightly shakier middle. If you're a fan of Phantom of the Opera re-tellings and steamy mysteries with a supernatural twist, then Master of the Opera is for you- especially now all 6 installments are available!

*I received a review copy from the publisher, for my honest opinion. Thank you!

[C.W. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like some of the previous reviewers, mine is for all six parts in this serial.

I’ll admit it. I’m a huge fan of the Phantom of the Opera, and I’m also a sucker for supernatural love stories, especially when done well. When I found out about this serial, I figured it was right up my alley, and boy, it did not disappoint. I was so drawn in by the mystery and romance, and felt anger, sadness, hope, joy, and disbelief, but most of all, the story kept me on the edge of my seat. At the end of every novella, I was eager to read the next one. Good thing I bought them all at once! I devoured the entire serial in about a week (probably the fastest I’ve ever read through, well, anything more than a few pages).

The scenes and all the characters were well-written, with lovely prose and descriptions, and I could visualize and imagine the opera house, and Santa Fe, and the ending was satisfying. I truly felt the chemistry between Christine and The Master, and only wished we could have seen more of their relationship. The writing flowed and was easy to follow. Not too many slow parts, the story moved quickly, and the love scenes, though not many of them, were quite graphic. If Ms. Kennedy ever decided to write another novella, or a sequel, I’d totally pounce on it. She has found herself a new fan =)

[Amy R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was curious how Master of the Opera Act 6: Crescendo by Jeffe Kennedy was going to compare to Act 5: A Haunting Duet and was even a little nervous. A Haunting Duet was so powerful to the story. However, Crescendo did not disappoint. Jeffe was able to tie up the story very well and pull together all the additional story lines into one final episode of this e-serial. I was quite surprised at the turn of events, too!

We were left in A Haunting Duet with Christine escaping the Sanclaro compound. In Crescendo we get to see how she handles everything once she is out and the knowledge that she has gained. She now has an idea of what she needs to do in order to free Master. How is she going to do it, though?

Reading this final act I was sad to see it end. I wanted more of Christine and Master. I was so pleased to see Christine's father in the picture, though, and he totally kicked butt against those Sanclaro's. For those that have been following the story you will love it. Jeffe sure had me in quite a fit of emotions at the end. I thought it was going to end one way and was coming to terms with it but then she gave me quite a surprise! All I can say is that I hope this series comes out bundled together because I can't wait to read it all again at one time.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Master of the Opera, Act 6: Crescendo by Jeffe Kennedy is the final book in her Master of the Opera serialized novels.

What an ending - very classy. The story is wrapped up succinctly and neatly with just enough drama to stay consistent with the series but not so much it seems like a cheap shot thrown out for added "bang for the buck".

We discover WHO has been attacking people inside the opera house. We get to meet Christine's father for the first time. We learn about the secrets he knows and see whether his arrival in Santa Fe is fortuitous or ominous (liking my big words today). And most of all we get an ending, or resolution, of sorts , between Christine and the Master.

The steamy scenes in this series have been STEAMY, but the series itself is not about only sex, so my libido is a little sad but my brain is entertained.

For everyone who HATES serialization - all the books are out now. The whole story - no waiting !!!

[Felicia (Ferishia) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the last story in the six part serial novel Master of the Opera.

This is my first serial novel, and I'm not quite sure if I like that it was. I think since I had all the parts and didn't have to wait for them worked for me, rather than having to wait for each individual part. There were a few cliffhangers at the end of a couple of the parts and I'm not a fan of those. If I had to wait for them longer than a few weeks to get to the next part, I'd find it annoying. But it was easier to read being that each of the stories were no more than 50-60 pages.

There was light erotica and a tiny bit of BDSM in just one or two of the serials. I usually take my erotica on the heavy side. This felt as though this wasn't the authors usual genre to write so it felt just a little awkward to me.

The main character of Christine annoyed me at times and "The Master" left me confused on what he really was, human, beast or ghost. The story and characters were interesting, but a little confusing. But overall an enjoyable read.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved this entire series, but was not so keen on the last book. (this seems to be a habit of mine I will admit). The Opera Ghost is a ghost, not a person secreted away in the basements of the opera houses. His life is connected to the evil family that has his spirit bound to the place to maintain their heritage of wealth. The first books in the series make a big deal about the whip and color on the secret door, but that only comes to play in one book and is never really picked up again. Then the mysticism just falls flat for me and I love a good spirit story.

That being said, I love the way the author writes and plan to continue to read her stories.

[Jennifer Waller · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review is for the series as a whole (since I binge read I don't remember exactly what happened in which segment).

First off, I can't count how many times I was hungry while reading as Kennedy has a tendency for picking some yummy restaurants for her characters to eat at.

On a more serious note. I was cautious at first, as I am a long time fan of the original Phantom by Leroux. I need not have worried. This re-imagining draws on some elements of the original, but is dramatically different. (in a good way)

There were areas where the story felt slow, but it did wrap up in a fantastic manner and it made the slow parts worth it.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the last installment a little bit disappointing, but Act 6 was fantastic. Everything comes together, you find out who the killer is, and you finally find out what's been going on the whole time.

Everything is tied up nicely, and Christine gets her happy ending. A truly fantastic end to the series!

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic and suspenseful read. I enjoyed the whole series.