Author: A.G. Howard
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Amulet Books (January 10, 2017)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Retelling/Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!
Book Description:
In this modern day spin on Leroux’s gothic tale of unrequited love turned to madness, seventeen-year-old Rune Germain has a mysterious affliction linked to her operatic talent, and a horrifying mistake she’s trying to hide. Hoping creative direction will help her, Rune’s mother sends her to a French arts conservatory for her senior year, located in an opera house rumored to have ties to The Phantom of the Opera.
At RoseBlood, Rune secretly befriends the masked Thorn—an elusive violinist who not only guides her musical transformation through dreams that seem more real than reality itself, but somehow knows who she is behind her own masks. As the two discover an otherworldly connection and a soul-deep romance blossoms, Thorn’s dark agenda comes to light and he’s forced to make a deadly choice: lead Rune to her destruction, or face the wrath of the phantom who has haunted the opera house for a century, and is the only father he’s ever known.
With Howard's imaginative take on Alice in Wonderland with her Splintered series, it wasn't a surprise that I would want to see what she could do with another classic like Phantom of the Opera. A classic already riddled with dark intent, mystery, and an obsession that bordered the line of love and hate and most of all one that transcended time.
I wouldn't of expected anything short of fabulous and anything less than the strange, unusual, and the fantastical.
Howard has a skill to not only recreate a classic but completely twist it up and give it not only a darker edge but one that makes it feel completely new. She never fails to create something almost unimaginable and yet so very believable all at the same time. Something beautiful and almost poetic in execution and design.
This was a beautiful story that held true to the classic but still managed to hold up as its own story and was every bit as enchanting as the classic.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
That's great to know. Some authors just know how to do amazing retellings. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteShe is definitely one of those. ;)
DeleteI haven't read anything by this author but I love that this is a re-telling of Phantom of the Opera since that's a classic that rarely gets re-told. I'm not a fan of Alice in Wonderland which is why I never checked out her previous work, but this is going straight to the TBR. Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteI really hope you like it, I think she did it very well!
DeleteI'm hoping to pick this up soon and I'm thrilled to see you loved it, Ali! It sounds like a lovely take on the Phantom of Opera! I can't wait! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely and fun too with the paranormal element she added.
DeleteI like retellings of classics. Sounds like an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteI really do too, they can be a lot of fun.
DeleteI hadn't stopped to read the blurb before so hadn't realized this was a retelling! lad it worked for you. Great review!
ReplyDeleteYep and glad I could let you know. ;)
DeleteI'm hoping to read this one in a couple of days. I really enjoyed the Phantom of the Opera so I'm curious to see what changes Howard brings to the classic.
ReplyDeleteI really hope you like it but I think that you will. ;)
DeleteI love a good retelling. Thanks for sharing, Ali!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by and checking it out Tyler!
DeleteI didn't know about this one but I remember seeing her other series everywhere. I'm curious
ReplyDeleteI hope you try it and love it!
DeleteSo glad you liked this one. I just started it and now I can't wait to get more into it! Brilly review.
ReplyDeleteThank you and I'm excited you are reading it, hope you like it too!
DeleteI've only seen the phantom of the opera movie. But this sounds great. I've been meaning to read her splintered series for a while!!
ReplyDeleteTori @ In Tori Lex
I've loved them both, she is so imaginative. ;)
DeleteOh I have to get this for my daughter. She loved Splintered and the Phantom of the Opera is a favorite of hers, she can sing every song.
ReplyDeleteI have a daughter like that as well Kim. ;)
DeleteOh, this is a stand alone? I thought it was part of the Alice series. I'll have add it since I won't have to play catch up.
ReplyDeleteNope, definitely a stand alone and not about Alice (or Alyssa) at all.
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ReplyDeleteI never did either Heidi, well, I read most of it but I never finished it, I really should get to it.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I loved RoseBlood too, and I completely agree about Howard's ability to take something familiar and twist it into something new and amazing.
ReplyDelete~Marie @ Ramblings of a Daydreamer
So happy you loved it too!
DeleteGorgeous cover! I haven't read Howard, because Alice in Wonderland isn't my favorite. I'm not sure about Phantom of the Opera either. I'm glad you liked it though. I'm interested in the mystery part. Is it a large part of the story?
ReplyDeleteIt is for the most part, not all of it is hard to figure out but there is a mysterious atmosphere about it throughout.
DeleteI'm going to be posting my review for this one shortly. I loved this one too. I really like A.G.'s work!
ReplyDeleteOh good, can't wait to read it!
DeleteSo curious about this one, too on account of the story being based on Phantom of the Opera. I'm glad she delivered another hit for you, Ali!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joy and she really did do a good job with it.
DeleteCan I just say I'm drooling right now! I'm waiting on my copy and keeping the eye out for the mailman tomorrow. Hopefully, he doesn't think I'm stalking him rather than my book :)
ReplyDeleteLOL! I hope you love it Kim!
DeleteI'm actually not familiar with Phantom of the Opera. I know, I should expand my horizons. This does have me intrigued though. I've never read this author. I love the cover. Great review.
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads
It' okay, the classics aren't for everyone but this is a good alternative if you want something easier to read and with a paranormal edge to it.
DeleteThis does sound too good to pass up. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Glad you think so. ;)
DeleteExcellent review! I really want to read this one. I still have the first Splintered book I need to read though. 😋
ReplyDeleteThey are both very good so hopefully you will like them as well. :) I really liked how this was a stand alone.
DeleteHoward is one I've been meaning to try for ages. Awesome she's able to give a good twist on the classics :)
ReplyDeleteShe is fun for sure. ;)
DeleteI so want to pick this up, but I have not read the first series >.<
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to read the first to read this, it's a complete stand alone. ;)
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