Phantom

Wonderful Adaptation

I am a huge Phantom of the Opera fan and was not disappointed with this book. Going beyond the normal storyline of the phantom comes the story of Erik who was born horribly disfigured but excelled in everything that he did. This book is both darkly psychological and romantic all at once. There have been many books before this one but Susan Kay blows the genre out of the water and breathes new life into the mythos that is The Phantom of the Opera. A very quick and excellent read and you will find yourself drawn deeper into the history of the time and the fiction that makes this tale so great!

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

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Phantom

This is a truly remarkable book; it seemed so real that I couldn't put it down. A wonderful story.

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

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Brilliant take on a Classic Tale

Susan Kay did a most excellent job of taking the time honored tale of the one we simply knew as "The Phantom" and allowing us to take a look at how he developed into the role he claimed as his own. Whether it was a story told from the perspective of Erik's own mother, Christine, or from Erik himself, Kay weaves you into the tortured and longing mind of Erik. She bases most of the book on Leroux's original, so this should make it that much better for those rabid fans who insist that no further written work is needed. Even if its your first incursion on the journey into Erik's life, it will be a wonderful trip nonetheless. I can't recommend it highly enough.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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Brava...brava

I cannot believe that I didn't want to read this at first because I THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD INTERFERE WITH MY ERIK PERCEPTION. How could I have been so wrong? This book grabs from the first sentence. Susan Kay is an incredible writer with a style that easily conveys the message, often in quite a heart-rending way--about halfway into the book I started crying and I didn't stop until a few minutes after I'd finished. There is also humor--see page 210 for a particular zinger--yet another object which serves to enhance Erik's spectacularly presented 'as all the others are, too--Sasha and Ayesha, I love you!'character. We get POV of multiple characters, extensive exposition 'very well handled', and a remarkable ending. I intend to buy this book as soon as posible, as it has immediately earned the rank of 'favorite' in my library.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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Phantom is Phantastic!

Susan Kay has effectively taken the classic Leroux story and completed it, lifting the veil of mystery that shrouded Eric's early life. This volume must go side by side with the original in my library. I found myself in tears along with the infant Eric and feeling his rage at the injustices played out later in his life. This lush epic-like story will leave you with a little better understanding of Leroux's enigmatic 'Opera Ghost'. A beautiful and haunting story that will stay with you long after finish it.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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Wow

Okay so it isnt the classic phantom of the opera. This book takes a look into the past, starting from Erik's birth and ending with his death. He goes from tragidy to tragidy, making you cry, laugh, and scream in excitement. Every turn of the page brought a new and eonderful look into the life of everyones favorite opera ghost. I enjoyed this book EVEN MORE THAN THE ORIGNAL!

If you are a fan of the movie, play, or orginal book then do mot hesitate to read susan kays phantom. Erik has a womderful sense of humor that kept me laughing. Love this book, totally worth it to buy!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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The phantom of the opera is here.. inside my mind

This is my favorite book of all time. It took an eternity to get it from the store because they do not keep it in stock, but everything was worth it. I have been enthralled with Phantom of the Opera ever since the recent movie with Gerard Butler. I then read the Gaston Leroux novel which was dazzling in its descriptions of Erik. The phantom is my favorite literary character of all time so when I discovered this novel I was estatic. It is a mesmerizing journey of a scorned soul who it appears will never find happiness, or is too blind to see it. All of the characters are fantastically developed and it follows the Leroux novel rather well. I prefered this ending naturally. Erik is a tortured and beautiful soul. This book is a curse because you will become enthralled in the world of the phantom.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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A Must for Phantom of the Opera fans

I read this book several years ago before ever seeing the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. After seeing the show, I HAD to purchase this book and read it again. The show leaves you asking questions like where did the Phantom come from, why does he act the way he does, and so many more. This book answers all those questions and more.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Touched My Heart

This is truly my favorite book. I'm a real 'phanatic' when it comes to Phantom of The Opera. I felt so drawn to this book. I read many, many great reviews on it. Before I was even done with it I already wanted to read it again it was so good. Susan Kay wonderfully expresses Erik and the conflict within himself and the rough journey throughout his life.

It is written in mutiple prospectives. From his mother, to the persian. Which was a nice touch. This is a sad story and you may feel like crying at some parts. Susan Kay deserves much praise for this wonderful book. She also remains faithful to Gaston LeRoux's Phantom.

She adds depth and perspective to Erik's long struggle to survive in a world that could never accept him as he is. Being born deformed, Erik had to find some type of escape from the world. Susan Kay explains his drive to widen his knowlegde of the world and its wonders.

With my life struggles, this book has been a great escape for me. I was truly moved and touched by this book. I loved Phantom of The Opera already. This just made everything better. So, this book has a special place in my heart.

I highly recommend this book. Even if you're not a 'huge' fan of Phantom of The Opera. Read this! Even the cover has a beautiful desgin. On top of everything else that's great about this book.

Overall, if you even liked "The Phantom Of The Opera" by Gaston LeRoux or know someone who does. You/They will like this. You are not wasting time or money.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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AWESOME

This adaptation is the best I've ever read as a true phan I must reccommend it to all true fans of The Phantom of The Opera

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Please bring in Nook books...

I have this book and would snap it up in ebook format in a heartbeat. One of the best books I've ever read. If I could I would give it 6 stars...

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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a story of love & darkness

i have been wantin to read this book for so long that i got tired of waiting 4 it at the library so i purchased it myself and u know what ---- ITS WORTH THE PAY IN EVERYWAY!!! and am glad that i made the purchase instead of wait.

Erik was my favorite character from the moment i began reading. he's everythin 1 could ask for (which is my opinion). i fell in love him as i read on. Phantom made me think of beauty & the beast. Erik has gone through so much in his life & didnt let that stop him from living on. it also tells the tale of survival, care, emotions, love & life which is all descrbed thru erik. i was so glad when he discovered what love really was when he met christine. for she was the one who showed him what love was really about & it didnt have to do with the outside and how one looks/appears. its all from the inside.

Phantom is somewhat similar to the classic Phantom of the Opera by author Gaston Leroux but has more to it than one would expect. almost like tellin the life story of the character creaated by Leroux but from the day he was born til his end. i am so glad that i purchased it. i dont know why but as i read it i felt so familiar with the story. as if i been there already. when i came 2 certain parts it was as if it were things that i, myself, went thru.

Phantom has become 1 of my favorite books & could be yours too. i have recommended it several other people & already know they too will love it. dont let this chance to get Phantom get away --- GRAB IT ASAP. you wont regret it ---- i know i didnt. NOR WILL U 4GET IT...i know i wont. if it never comes back to the library i can understand why (and it probably never will).

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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A Phan Favorite!

From the first line of the novel I was hooked and coudln't stop reading. This book is a must read for the "Phanatic" and it does not disappoint.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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review by kerilynn

i have read many phantom books but i keep coming back to this one. i enjoy finding out what happened to erik in his past that Leroux eluded to. you can better understand the pain he suffered. i also enjoy the ending, it helps any erik lover like christine a little more. i personally have read this book 8 times, going on 9.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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THE book of the century!

I discovered this beautiful gem after reading the Gaston Leroux version, and loving the musical. It is rare, since being out print for a long time, but once I recieved it, I was spellbound. Divided into different perspectives throughout the story, it shows the story of Erik before he reached Paris and fell for Christine (that's near the end). His life of the cruel circus, traveling to Rome and Persia; this is a novel everyone has to read at leat once in their lifetime. Its sad she hasn't anything since this, but she has left behind a legendary story with an original concept, compelling characters, and classic lines from the Phantom himself.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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amazing book!

Hello. Most amazing book which I could take the opportunity to read it. I'm Persian and THE NADIR section impressed me . while reading this book you really feel the scare within yourself , then you decide to put it away but a wonderful power invited you to go ahead, continue , scare , fear , even scream or shout but don't put the book away. It's a power which originated from creativity of the writer. Thank you SUSAN KAY. thank you very much. Best rgds, Reza

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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I Love Erik

I am a HUGE 'Phantom of the Opera' movie fan, so I decided to check out the books. I first read Leroux's novel, which is a classic but it dissapionted me because it talked more about Raoul than Erik, the Phantom. So I decided to try Susan Kay's novel. Let me tell you that I usually hate reading, but I actually enjoyed this book (and I'm very picky.) But this book is outstanding! You get to know more about Erik, his past, and why he does what he does. I can't put the book down once I've started, and with other books I get bored reading one sentence. This is the absolute best book ever the only book I've ever liked. Also, it made me love Erik even more than you have before. He is so musical, passionate, and loving- this book helps you see it more. I recomend this book to anyone, even people who usually hate reading.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Made me cry...

i loved this book. i find it interesting that he has had such a horrible childhood and had not known the loving touch of a woman. it is a very touching tale and the end made me cry because even though he was very mean to Christine, in the end they still shared a love that would overcome everything...

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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a better view

I first read this book in the mid-nineties... i loved it, i made the mistake of allowing a friend borrow it who never returned it. I am so extatic that i have been able to find it agian. This is one of those books that over time you have read so many time you really dont know why you bother to re-read it... but its a fantastic book... a definate must!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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This book is truly one of the best i have ever read

I am an avid reader and Phantom is one of the best books I have ever read. I am a phantom of the opera fan, but was dissipointed with the orginal novel. I enjoyed the play and movie immensley but I did not know what I was missing until i read this book. Kay is a wonderful writer and weaves a very ORGINAL and enthralling story. All questions will be answered. I am so impressed! Not like other spin offs at all. It is the work of a true master. It deals with tough subjects gracefully. Captivating and emotional I have read it twice and am ordering the paperback which i have no doubt will be well thumbed. Do not make the mistake of passing this book up. it highlights the unsettling capacity for evil humans posess . A tale of hardship and redemption. A tale to be savored not skimmed.

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