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Chanson de l'Ange, Book 1: The Bleeding Rose- An Epic Retelling of Phantom of the Opera
Important announcement. This is an earlier edition of Chanson de l'Ange, now out of print and only available through 3rd party sellers. To purchase the new revised 3 part series in both ebook and paperback, visit the Amazon link for Paisley Swan Stewart: http://www.amazon.com/Paisley-Swan-St...
Chanson de l’Ange by Paisley Swan Stewart is an epic retelling of the classic novel, the Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux. Inspired by the legend of The Opera Ghost in all its incarnations, the author weaves her own captivating tale of mystery, high romance and madness, while remaining faithful to traditional story elements. Chanson de l’Ange creates bookends to the compelling tale of the Opera Ghost through an imaginative account of Christine Daae’s childhood companionship with the Angel of Music; while the final gripping chapters unveil her years beyond the opera house. The novel will be released in 2 separate volumes:
Chanson de l’Ange Book One: The Bleeding Rose
Book One opens with the tragic death of 10 year old Christine Daae’s father; ushering in dramatic changes when she is left in the care of Madame Louise Giry, ballet mistress at the Paris Opera House. Christine makes her new home in the opera’s conservatory, where she encounters a bohemian world of singers and dancers, and where she is visited by the unseen Angel of Music. A bond of obsession and music is forged as Christine’s dark Angel methodically makes himself known. Through the illusory mirror of her dreams and desires, Christine will discover that not all angels have wings and not all devils are what they seem.
Chanson de l’Ange by Paisley Swan Stewart is an epic retelling of the classic novel, the Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux. Inspired by the legend of The Opera Ghost in all its incarnations, the author weaves her own captivating tale of mystery, high romance and madness, while remaining faithful to traditional story elements. Chanson de l’Ange creates bookends to the compelling tale of the Opera Ghost through an imaginative account of Christine Daae’s childhood companionship with the Angel of Music; while the final gripping chapters unveil her years beyond the opera house. The novel will be released in 2 separate volumes:
Chanson de l’Ange Book One: The Bleeding Rose
Book One opens with the tragic death of 10 year old Christine Daae’s father; ushering in dramatic changes when she is left in the care of Madame Louise Giry, ballet mistress at the Paris Opera House. Christine makes her new home in the opera’s conservatory, where she encounters a bohemian world of singers and dancers, and where she is visited by the unseen Angel of Music. A bond of obsession and music is forged as Christine’s dark Angel methodically makes himself known. Through the illusory mirror of her dreams and desires, Christine will discover that not all angels have wings and not all devils are what they seem.
636 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2010
About the author
Paisley Swan Stewart
4 books48 followersThe Angel's Song, a CD of all original music and songs inspired by Paisley's novel series is now available in CD format or download from http://www.ImmortalAria.com.
Inspired by her favorite author CS Lewis, Paisley Swan Stewart describes herself as a person of magical thinking. She spent her youth performing in musical theater and studying classical voice. She began writing songs and poetry in her early teens, and is an accomplished colored pencil artist who once sold her artwork through her family owned and operated gift shop-gallery. Paisley notes that her writing is often influenced by her personal faith in Jesus Christ, and her diverse artistic interests.
Paisley and her husband of 35 years reside in a modest home in the beautiful Pacific NW. When not busy with home improvements, the couple enjoy spending time with their closest friends, and taking walks in their favorite local park. Between them, they have 3 grown sons and 3 grandchildren. Paisley and her husband are currently making the most of his retirement by landscaping their property, and by enjoying the many doves, hummingbirds, wild birds and squirrels that visit their yard.
An avid fan of social networking, in the winter of 2005, Paisley began regularly communicating with her readers. Nestled with a laptop in her comfortable chair, on any given day Paisley continues her outreach to fans and friends as she plots the intricacies of her next novel.
Inspired by her favorite author CS Lewis, Paisley Swan Stewart describes herself as a person of magical thinking. She spent her youth performing in musical theater and studying classical voice. She began writing songs and poetry in her early teens, and is an accomplished colored pencil artist who once sold her artwork through her family owned and operated gift shop-gallery. Paisley notes that her writing is often influenced by her personal faith in Jesus Christ, and her diverse artistic interests.
Paisley and her husband of 35 years reside in a modest home in the beautiful Pacific NW. When not busy with home improvements, the couple enjoy spending time with their closest friends, and taking walks in their favorite local park. Between them, they have 3 grown sons and 3 grandchildren. Paisley and her husband are currently making the most of his retirement by landscaping their property, and by enjoying the many doves, hummingbirds, wild birds and squirrels that visit their yard.
An avid fan of social networking, in the winter of 2005, Paisley began regularly communicating with her readers. Nestled with a laptop in her comfortable chair, on any given day Paisley continues her outreach to fans and friends as she plots the intricacies of her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 23, 2010
I'm the author, but this is the first time I'm actually reading through the entire book! It's not bad! LOL!
February 2, 2011
Thank goodness for snow days! A day to catch up on your book, and what a book to curl up with & finish up on! Let me first say the forward from the author of this was pretty much a "prequel" for me as to how this book would unfold,she laid her heart bare & I felt such powerful emotion behind her words that I knew the same would go into her book. I was not disappointed! This book truly comes from the heart,& threw her words you could feel the love,pain,& torment of Christine & Erik's story. The re-telling of the classic love story captured me right from the start,and while staying true to the story & the characters the author has a style of her own that made this book so much more enjoyable. I felt threw her book the pieces that were missing in the original were put into place and there was much more explained. I felt I got to know the characters better, not just Erik & Christine but the others as well, she gave them more "personality" and to me made the story much fuller. As for Erik my heart cries out for you once again, and I cant find the words to explain how the author makes you feel such pain in his heart for the things he cannot have or share, many a times I cried threw the story. This book has so many elements to it, mystery,passionate romance,madness,a tormented soul that cries to be heard. A beautiful,wonderful,powerful story!!! I did not want this book to end, and cannot wait till book 2 is out! A very talented author who shared her love for a timeless love story. Thank you Paisley for sharing such a beautiful,emotional,journey with me. This is a MUST read for fans of Phantom Of The Opera! 5 STARS+++!! and 2-thumbs up!!
September 8, 2010
From the first few pages, I found it very hard to put this book down, even to sleep! What a beautiful story and telling. Paisley has a wonderful grasp of the Phantom in all his glory, sorrow and beauty. She has a wonderful idea on Christine Daae, starting with the day her father dies, and working from the time she comes to the Opera house to stay with Mme. Giry and her daughter, Meg. They quickly become dear friends, and Christine, although missing her father terribly, blossoms under their friendship, and the love of mme. Giry. But it is a strange man who comes to her under the guise of "The Angel of Music" a story her father used to tell her when she was very young, and inspires her to become a famous singer. he is enthralled with her voice, and offers to tutor her, behind the mirror, of course, as he does not want her to see his face. As she matures, he realizes that he feels much more than mere friendship, and as their relationship deepens, they soon finally meet, and she comes to his lair and meets him face to face. She has also found an old friend, Raoul, who is a Vicomte, and the Phantom(Erik) becomes very jealous. Torn between feelings between both men, the story unfolds. This is the first of two books of this story, and I cannot wait until Ms. Stewart publishes the second volume. Very higly recommended from one Phantom author to another. Bravissima, Paisley!!!
June 22, 2013
Chanson de l'Ange : Book One: The Bleeding Rose is a lush, romantic reinterpretation of The Phantom of the Opera. In Ms. Stewart's version Erik hears a voice, from far below in the cellars, he is riveted by it. It is amazingly beautiful and he is haunted by it until he finally discovers who this heavenly instrument belongs to. A sad and lonely little girl, recently orphaned and taken in by the Ballet Mistress, Madame Louise Giry to train as a ballerina and chorus girl and be raised by her alongside her own daughter, Meg. It is, of course, the young Christine.
Erik is drawn to her. He keeps watch over her and hears her prayers to her father from behind the enormous two way mirror that hangs in her room. She begs her father not to leave her alone, but to send her the Angel of Music he promised her.
Angel of Music? Despite his cynicism, Erik's heart is touched. Here is a challenge. A project! Something to distract him from his isolation living 5 stories below the Opera House, where, although he has his music and all the things anyone could need... he doesn't have someone to care for and to care for him.
He goes to Madame Giry, his one friend at the Opera, and the one who brought him there as a boy when she was a young girl. He wants to provide for Christine. He wants to be her mentor, musically, and arrange to give her voice lessons, although, he does not want his masked visage to frighten her, he decides to teach her from the chamber behind the mirror.
In this story, Erik is a commanding figure, impeccably dressed, a musical genius and an artist, condemned by his face to live with that genius unrecognized. Christine is a lovely, warm and talented girl who grows to be a stunningly beautiful woman. And, of course, there is the dashingly handsome Raoul reaching out to the girl he knew by the seaside, who stole his heart back then and never let it go.
Without giving away any of the drama, let me say that Ms. Stewart has brought her Erik and Christine to life in a complicated dance of love and trust and learning that sometimes you can't always get what you want...to paraphrase the Rolling Stones, no matter how much you want it.
The author has said that Chanson de l'Ange will be republished as a trilogy and will wrap up, hopefully, what took place in this addictive saga. I will be waiting and if you haven't had a chance to read the one volume edition, if you love the Phantom as much as I do, you'll want to pre-order this series or put it on hold at your local library and then lose yourself in this dark, passionate and beautifully realized world!
Erik is drawn to her. He keeps watch over her and hears her prayers to her father from behind the enormous two way mirror that hangs in her room. She begs her father not to leave her alone, but to send her the Angel of Music he promised her.
Angel of Music? Despite his cynicism, Erik's heart is touched. Here is a challenge. A project! Something to distract him from his isolation living 5 stories below the Opera House, where, although he has his music and all the things anyone could need... he doesn't have someone to care for and to care for him.
He goes to Madame Giry, his one friend at the Opera, and the one who brought him there as a boy when she was a young girl. He wants to provide for Christine. He wants to be her mentor, musically, and arrange to give her voice lessons, although, he does not want his masked visage to frighten her, he decides to teach her from the chamber behind the mirror.
In this story, Erik is a commanding figure, impeccably dressed, a musical genius and an artist, condemned by his face to live with that genius unrecognized. Christine is a lovely, warm and talented girl who grows to be a stunningly beautiful woman. And, of course, there is the dashingly handsome Raoul reaching out to the girl he knew by the seaside, who stole his heart back then and never let it go.
Without giving away any of the drama, let me say that Ms. Stewart has brought her Erik and Christine to life in a complicated dance of love and trust and learning that sometimes you can't always get what you want...to paraphrase the Rolling Stones, no matter how much you want it.
The author has said that Chanson de l'Ange will be republished as a trilogy and will wrap up, hopefully, what took place in this addictive saga. I will be waiting and if you haven't had a chance to read the one volume edition, if you love the Phantom as much as I do, you'll want to pre-order this series or put it on hold at your local library and then lose yourself in this dark, passionate and beautifully realized world!
July 20, 2015
Please note this review is actually for the revised edition of Chanson*** Book 1, Orphan in Winter.
I had been saving this series to read and yes, it was definitely well worth the wait. Although I am more of a Leroux purist and it's obvious from page one that this story is more in line with the Andrew Lloyd Webber/2004 film version of the Phantoms story, this was still an enjoyable read and very nicely plotted. One of the most interesting aspects of this story is the concept that Christine came to stay at the Opera House from a very young age as a ward of Madame Giry, following the untimely death of her violinist father. This is similar to the 2004 movie, but Chanson expands further on this event and makes it more plausible with the revelation that Madame Giry was a friend of Christine's father and a professional colleague. Christine comes to stay in the opera dormitories as a student of voice and ballet. Subsequently this sets up the introduction of Erik/Phantom very easily in Christine's life, first and foremost because Madame Giry cannot afford to pay all of Christine's tuition and secondly because Erik is intrigued by the idea of becoming Christine's voice teacher - he views the vocal instructors at the Opera as incompetant and useless, the proof being their most popular protege, leading Soprano Carlotta. Erik wants the opportunity to tutor a singer using his own methods, thereby helping to produce a superior singer who he hopes will eventually outshine and perhaps replace Carlotta.
It should be explained here that like the 2004 movie, Madame Giry knows Erik very well and actually helped him hide in the opera when he first came to her attention as a young boy. So it is actually Madame Giry who initially serves as the means for how Erik and Christine become acquainted. Erik agrees to become Christine's tutor and sponsor. Christine thinks her voice teacher and patron are two separate people - one, the mysterious Angel who conducts her lessons unseen from behind a mirror and the second, also unseen, as simply a Monsieur E who purchase new dresses and other niceties. Monsieur E's gifts are always presented by Madame Giry, who explains their origin and has Christine compose thank you notes to her sponsor. Christine's easy acceptance of these events are quite plausible, given that she is an imaginative, lonely and grieving nine-year-old at the time of these events. To her, the Angel has come to her because of a promise made to her by her dying father and in many ways, Erik unwittingly becomes a surrogate father - singing soothing melodies to her when she cannot sleep and saving her life during an outbreak of Influenza.
As Christine matures into a beautiful and gifted 16-year-old, Erik's feelings and perception of her begin to change. The author does a fine job of charting this subtle change, through the symbolism of changing gifts....ball gowns, for example, and perfume compared to earlier packages with dolls and winter cloaks. Even the color of the roses he gives her after every performance alter, no longer pink with white ribbon but red with black ribbon on her debut performance as the lead in Faust.
All in all, a nice first book in this series, very well written and worth a summer beach read.
I had been saving this series to read and yes, it was definitely well worth the wait. Although I am more of a Leroux purist and it's obvious from page one that this story is more in line with the Andrew Lloyd Webber/2004 film version of the Phantoms story, this was still an enjoyable read and very nicely plotted. One of the most interesting aspects of this story is the concept that Christine came to stay at the Opera House from a very young age as a ward of Madame Giry, following the untimely death of her violinist father. This is similar to the 2004 movie, but Chanson expands further on this event and makes it more plausible with the revelation that Madame Giry was a friend of Christine's father and a professional colleague. Christine comes to stay in the opera dormitories as a student of voice and ballet. Subsequently this sets up the introduction of Erik/Phantom very easily in Christine's life, first and foremost because Madame Giry cannot afford to pay all of Christine's tuition and secondly because Erik is intrigued by the idea of becoming Christine's voice teacher - he views the vocal instructors at the Opera as incompetant and useless, the proof being their most popular protege, leading Soprano Carlotta. Erik wants the opportunity to tutor a singer using his own methods, thereby helping to produce a superior singer who he hopes will eventually outshine and perhaps replace Carlotta.
It should be explained here that like the 2004 movie, Madame Giry knows Erik very well and actually helped him hide in the opera when he first came to her attention as a young boy. So it is actually Madame Giry who initially serves as the means for how Erik and Christine become acquainted. Erik agrees to become Christine's tutor and sponsor. Christine thinks her voice teacher and patron are two separate people - one, the mysterious Angel who conducts her lessons unseen from behind a mirror and the second, also unseen, as simply a Monsieur E who purchase new dresses and other niceties. Monsieur E's gifts are always presented by Madame Giry, who explains their origin and has Christine compose thank you notes to her sponsor. Christine's easy acceptance of these events are quite plausible, given that she is an imaginative, lonely and grieving nine-year-old at the time of these events. To her, the Angel has come to her because of a promise made to her by her dying father and in many ways, Erik unwittingly becomes a surrogate father - singing soothing melodies to her when she cannot sleep and saving her life during an outbreak of Influenza.
As Christine matures into a beautiful and gifted 16-year-old, Erik's feelings and perception of her begin to change. The author does a fine job of charting this subtle change, through the symbolism of changing gifts....ball gowns, for example, and perfume compared to earlier packages with dolls and winter cloaks. Even the color of the roses he gives her after every performance alter, no longer pink with white ribbon but red with black ribbon on her debut performance as the lead in Faust.
All in all, a nice first book in this series, very well written and worth a summer beach read.
June 14, 2012
You will not be disappointed! You will be captivated from page one! I read the book in 2 days!! I didn't want to put it down. I am actually starting to read it a 2nd time while waiting for the next book to come out. I just love the detail of the start of Christine and Erik's relationship when she first came to the Opera House. Erik's love for this little girl is just amazing! Even the start of Christine and Raoul's relationship when they first met on the beach is just excellent!! As the story unfolds and Christine is torn between Raoul and Erik; prepare for some late night reading; it will be even harder to put the book down! POTO phans you will not be disappointed!!! If you are a follower of the POTO you will enjoy Paisley Swan Stewart's book series. To Paisley I would like to say Thank You so much for an absolutely AMAZING!! and WONDERFUL!! book series that I know I will read and re-read over and over again; and will recommend to friends; relatives; acquaintances; and book lovers alike :)
October 31, 2010
A wonderful, emotional novel from the beginning to the end. And it is only the first half!
This is the first Phantom novel that I have read were I can truly say I would have a hard time chosing between the Phantom or Raoul and that for me is something amazing as I usually find Raoul a complete wimp and would go with the Phantom wither he was crazy or not just because he was the best of the both lol. But this novel will truly have you questioning what makes a relationship and just how any different kinds of love are there.
In one word amazing.
In two words. Beautiful and amazing.
Brava Ms Swan I can not wait to read your continuation of this fantastic story.
This is the first Phantom novel that I have read were I can truly say I would have a hard time chosing between the Phantom or Raoul and that for me is something amazing as I usually find Raoul a complete wimp and would go with the Phantom wither he was crazy or not just because he was the best of the both lol. But this novel will truly have you questioning what makes a relationship and just how any different kinds of love are there.
In one word amazing.
In two words. Beautiful and amazing.
Brava Ms Swan I can not wait to read your continuation of this fantastic story.
October 20, 2010
Best. Christine. I. Have. Ever. Read!
I love how the author took the threads of different Phantom stories and wound them into her own. This book was just wonderful and Christine was just how I imagined her to be. It took me quite some time to find that Christine but now finally someone got her perfect (for me at least) and also Erik is torn between his humanity and his demonic side that he may not be able to control one day. I was just so emotion reading this book! I was crying at one moment and laughing the next!
I love how the author took the threads of different Phantom stories and wound them into her own. This book was just wonderful and Christine was just how I imagined her to be. It took me quite some time to find that Christine but now finally someone got her perfect (for me at least) and also Erik is torn between his humanity and his demonic side that he may not be able to control one day. I was just so emotion reading this book! I was crying at one moment and laughing the next!
January 11, 2011
I watched The Phantom of the Opera movie, but couldn't understand most of what Christine was saying, so I decided to read the book. After scouring through all the different editions on Amazon, this one seemed like the best. Even though I'm a fast reader, it took me awhile to get through this book. I'm glad I stuck with it, because the book just gets better and better. I love the changes that Christine goes through, and that she doesn't always make the obvious choice. I loved the way and the book ended, and I can't wait for the sequel!
November 24, 2011
This is a very good re-telling of The Phantom of the Opera through Christine's point of view. I Always have wondered about Christine's character, this story gives you a good image of Christine's character.
November 9, 2011
This book is definetly going to surface your emotions. I recommmend it for those who love Phantom of the Opera.
October 20, 2024
Solid first book i guess
April 26, 2016
Let me just say that these books (this series) was fantastic. It gave me everything I had ever dreamed for a "Phantom of the Opera" book. The book begins when Christine is a child, and how the Erik sees her and takes it upon himself to stop her tears. There is this strange love that develops, that . . is felt. I mean, honestly - this book is a book full of feels. You're going to feel sadness and love and anger and . . everything. Paisley Swan Stewart does an amazing job capturing the story and developing it beyond what Gaston Leroux or Andrew Lloyd Webber offered in their own version.
Once you finish one novel, you'll be dashing to the next and the next, until you realize - it's over.
It lingered with me for days, and I wanted to go back and re-read it for the first time (again.)
If you're a Phantom Phan, you're always looking for that one book to give you the ending you've always wanted, or the love between the Phantom and Christine, and let me tell you readers - you have found it. You have truly found it.
Don't go looking any further. Ms. Stewart is the answer to your Phantom craving.
I recommend this book so much. I've even mentioned it on my own blog: chantalgadoury.blogspot.com on a "My Favorite Things Monday" when I talk about everything Phantom. Don't think about it - just buy it and read it.
5 Stars HANDS DOWN.
Once you finish one novel, you'll be dashing to the next and the next, until you realize - it's over.
It lingered with me for days, and I wanted to go back and re-read it for the first time (again.)
If you're a Phantom Phan, you're always looking for that one book to give you the ending you've always wanted, or the love between the Phantom and Christine, and let me tell you readers - you have found it. You have truly found it.
Don't go looking any further. Ms. Stewart is the answer to your Phantom craving.
I recommend this book so much. I've even mentioned it on my own blog: chantalgadoury.blogspot.com on a "My Favorite Things Monday" when I talk about everything Phantom. Don't think about it - just buy it and read it.
5 Stars HANDS DOWN.
April 16, 2012
The release of The 25th Anniversary of Phantom has given me an insatiable craving for everything Phantom... So far this is shaping up to be a great adaptation!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews