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The Phantom's Melody: A Phantom of the Opera retelling
(recommended 18+ for sexual situations, violence and language)
"Accidental time travel, murder, and a dangerous masked man? When I said I needed some magic in my life, this was not what I meant."
MELODY REILLY was desperate for some magic, a spark of life to make her feel anything again. That's what the thirty-five-year-old was hoping to find when gifted a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City to see her all-time favorite musical adaption, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, before it ended after its thirty-five-year run.
What she didn't expect was the magic to send her to 1880 Paris, France, running for her life.
Meanwhile, ERIQUE (Er-eek/Erik) - le Fantôme who terrorized the famous Paris Opera house - downs the grand chandelier during the final performance of the season, delighting in the chaos that ensued. Certain this will have his obsession, Christine Daae', starring on his stage and taking his hand in marriage, whether she wanted to or not.
Until he stumbled into the strange American woman who tormented his dreams and awakened his soul.
Or at least what was left of it.
"Accidental time travel, murder, and a dangerous masked man? When I said I needed some magic in my life, this was not what I meant."
MELODY REILLY was desperate for some magic, a spark of life to make her feel anything again. That's what the thirty-five-year-old was hoping to find when gifted a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City to see her all-time favorite musical adaption, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, before it ended after its thirty-five-year run.
What she didn't expect was the magic to send her to 1880 Paris, France, running for her life.
Meanwhile, ERIQUE (Er-eek/Erik) - le Fantôme who terrorized the famous Paris Opera house - downs the grand chandelier during the final performance of the season, delighting in the chaos that ensued. Certain this will have his obsession, Christine Daae', starring on his stage and taking his hand in marriage, whether she wanted to or not.
Until he stumbled into the strange American woman who tormented his dreams and awakened his soul.
Or at least what was left of it.
- GenresRomance
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2024
33 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 4, 2024
WOW! WOW! WOW!
This right here, friends, is why I love BookTok so much! This book showed up on my FYP and I got goosebumps watching the video for it! I went to Amazon to download it immediately and now I have the physical copy in my wishlist!
Melody falls back in time while walking through the bathroom door in NYC during the intermission for Phantom of the Opera. What happens next a beautiful story of a woman who never gives love a chance and a "ghost" who will change her life in more ways than one.
I'm definitely adding this book to the ones I wish I could read again for the first time!
This right here, friends, is why I love BookTok so much! This book showed up on my FYP and I got goosebumps watching the video for it! I went to Amazon to download it immediately and now I have the physical copy in my wishlist!
Melody falls back in time while walking through the bathroom door in NYC during the intermission for Phantom of the Opera. What happens next a beautiful story of a woman who never gives love a chance and a "ghost" who will change her life in more ways than one.
I'm definitely adding this book to the ones I wish I could read again for the first time!
October 24, 2024
Sings like a tortured cat XD
favorite-books
March 6, 2025My new favorite book!
October 8, 2024
it is definitely giving me phantom of the opers vibes
-I am hooked on it
- i love this sentence "Run, run little mouse. Before this monster changes its mind."
- I love this sentence which is true in some way " There were so many stories, variations of the Phantom. Was his name even Erique in this one? Is he a serial killer? Anti hero? Disfigured from birth? Or acid? Jerk off or just different? Psychopath?"
- I love this nickname “My Melody,” and tis sentence "Not my Melody. And never with love."
- this sentence just made me laugh "“How does Frankenstein sound? Or perhaps I could try something more exotic like Cheshire.” “Would that make me Alice?” “Or the Mad Hatter.” “That would be close to how I feel anymore. But I think M. Leblanc wins the hat.” “Oh no, he is the Walrus for certain. Do not let him fool you.” “And M. Fournier, the White Rabbit.” “Very much on the nose, my dear.”
- I love the smell of a campfire in the rain.
- so true " That the Phantom could be as devilish as the stories made him to be."
- omg it was so addictive just couldn't stop reading it and it's makes me wanna re read The original opera of the Phantom book again
- I truly love and adore this book so much !
-I am hooked on it
- i love this sentence "Run, run little mouse. Before this monster changes its mind."
- I love this sentence which is true in some way " There were so many stories, variations of the Phantom. Was his name even Erique in this one? Is he a serial killer? Anti hero? Disfigured from birth? Or acid? Jerk off or just different? Psychopath?"
- I love this nickname “My Melody,” and tis sentence "Not my Melody. And never with love."
- this sentence just made me laugh "“How does Frankenstein sound? Or perhaps I could try something more exotic like Cheshire.” “Would that make me Alice?” “Or the Mad Hatter.” “That would be close to how I feel anymore. But I think M. Leblanc wins the hat.” “Oh no, he is the Walrus for certain. Do not let him fool you.” “And M. Fournier, the White Rabbit.” “Very much on the nose, my dear.”
- I love the smell of a campfire in the rain.
- so true " That the Phantom could be as devilish as the stories made him to be."
- omg it was so addictive just couldn't stop reading it and it's makes me wanna re read The original opera of the Phantom book again
- I truly love and adore this book so much !
January 7, 2025
WOW that’s the first thing I can think of for a review ❤️ I absolutely love The Phantom of the Opera but I always wanted different ending for him and this story was absolutely magnificent ❤️❤️❤️ it was the second retelling I read and this one was just perfect and I love you for it ❤️❤️❤️❤️ thank you thank you thank you for this ❤️❤️❤️if I could give it 10 stars I would ❤️❤️❤️
August 20, 2025
great read
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are complex and it’s a good fresh take on the original story of POTO.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are complex and it’s a good fresh take on the original story of POTO.
October 2, 2024
This multilayered book offers something for everyone
This is not just another phan fiction, but a book that is suited for a lot of readers. So if you like mystery, time travel, historical novels and dark romance this is a book for you.
Since the reason for me reading this book was because, I myself have been a fan of phantom of the opera ( in all its incarnations) since 1994, I will be doing a
review from a phan's point of view later on, but let‘s first start with a general review.
This multilayered story has everything one could wish for in a book. Some of the characters are based on already existing fictional characters, but with a very unpredictable and original twist. All characters are believable ( even though you sometimes think they are not, it turns out there are reasons for their behavior) . The main characters are especially relatable, both with backgrounds that kind of explains their feelings and actions.
The chapters are written from the two main characters point of view, but in a descriptive style that immediately draws you in. The story keeps you on your toes, not everything is what you think it is, and just when you think you have figured out where it is going, there often is an unexpected twist. Even though a lot is going on, the pace is balanced enough so you can easily follow the story. It's one of the best books I have read in some time. Especially because it's based on the Phantom of the Opera, one of my favorite fictional characters. And this brings me to the phantom related review of this book
Through the years I have read and collected quite a lot of phan fiction and I know every phan has his/her own image of the phantom's looks and character. But I think most can find themselves in this reincarnation, which is a mix of several representations. The story also contains elements of ( and refers to) for example Gaston Leroux, Susan Kay and the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. But what I especially love is that the writer has given it a totally different, unpredictable twist. Amongst many things, the phantom's counterpart and main character of this book, is a much more believable love interest then the standard “Christine” character. But if you want to know if this offers a better chance for the Phantom to finally find one who loves him back, you will have to read the book 😉
This is not just another phan fiction, but a book that is suited for a lot of readers. So if you like mystery, time travel, historical novels and dark romance this is a book for you.
Since the reason for me reading this book was because, I myself have been a fan of phantom of the opera ( in all its incarnations) since 1994, I will be doing a
review from a phan's point of view later on, but let‘s first start with a general review.
This multilayered story has everything one could wish for in a book. Some of the characters are based on already existing fictional characters, but with a very unpredictable and original twist. All characters are believable ( even though you sometimes think they are not, it turns out there are reasons for their behavior) . The main characters are especially relatable, both with backgrounds that kind of explains their feelings and actions.
The chapters are written from the two main characters point of view, but in a descriptive style that immediately draws you in. The story keeps you on your toes, not everything is what you think it is, and just when you think you have figured out where it is going, there often is an unexpected twist. Even though a lot is going on, the pace is balanced enough so you can easily follow the story. It's one of the best books I have read in some time. Especially because it's based on the Phantom of the Opera, one of my favorite fictional characters. And this brings me to the phantom related review of this book
Through the years I have read and collected quite a lot of phan fiction and I know every phan has his/her own image of the phantom's looks and character. But I think most can find themselves in this reincarnation, which is a mix of several representations. The story also contains elements of ( and refers to) for example Gaston Leroux, Susan Kay and the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. But what I especially love is that the writer has given it a totally different, unpredictable twist. Amongst many things, the phantom's counterpart and main character of this book, is a much more believable love interest then the standard “Christine” character. But if you want to know if this offers a better chance for the Phantom to finally find one who loves him back, you will have to read the book 😉
February 14, 2025
I devoured the book. Couldn't put it down.
Gaf beetje kruistocht in spijkerbroek/Alice in wonderland vibes met de time travel maar het boek had me onmiddelijk te pakken.
Het begin was heel sterk geschreven. Er was spanning en mysterie. Loved the chiky banter met de phantom.
Melody voelde ook heel relatable aan. Ik vond haar een sterke match met de phantom. Ze s ook wat ouder waardoor haar dynamiek met phantom helemaal anders was dan zijn met Christine. I loved that! Ze gaf haar grenzen aan en ze ontmoeten elkaar ergens in het midden tewijl phantoms dynamiek met Christine kwam vanuit zijn machtpositie over haar.
The spice... well the spice was spicing maar was er niet helemaal wild van. Ik vond de build up naar de eerste kus veel sterker geschreven en uiteindelijk dat was wat mij ook te pakken had in de musical, the consuming desire to be loved, the fear not to be accepted and the heartbrake. Er waren echt momenten dat ik de phantom hartverscheurend hoorde schreeuwen zoals in de musical en het brak ook mijn hart.
Tenslotte is het boek heel trouw aan de oorspronkelijke novel en dat wardeerde ik wel maar de twist op het einde really did it for me. Er waren ook elementen bij die ik erkende zowel vanuit de musical als het oorspronkelijk werk maar ze waren beetje in een andere context gezet waardoor ik toch t gevoel had dat ik iets helemaal nieuws aan t lezen was.
Zeker een aanrader voor zowel de lezer die een Phantom hangover heeft als ook iemand die van Gothic-Romance houdt. Ik zie me het boek snel opnieuw lezen.
Gaf beetje kruistocht in spijkerbroek/Alice in wonderland vibes met de time travel maar het boek had me onmiddelijk te pakken.
Het begin was heel sterk geschreven. Er was spanning en mysterie. Loved the chiky banter met de phantom.
Melody voelde ook heel relatable aan. Ik vond haar een sterke match met de phantom. Ze s ook wat ouder waardoor haar dynamiek met phantom helemaal anders was dan zijn met Christine. I loved that! Ze gaf haar grenzen aan en ze ontmoeten elkaar ergens in het midden tewijl phantoms dynamiek met Christine kwam vanuit zijn machtpositie over haar.
The spice... well the spice was spicing maar was er niet helemaal wild van. Ik vond de build up naar de eerste kus veel sterker geschreven en uiteindelijk dat was wat mij ook te pakken had in de musical, the consuming desire to be loved, the fear not to be accepted and the heartbrake. Er waren echt momenten dat ik de phantom hartverscheurend hoorde schreeuwen zoals in de musical en het brak ook mijn hart.
Tenslotte is het boek heel trouw aan de oorspronkelijke novel en dat wardeerde ik wel maar de twist op het einde really did it for me. Er waren ook elementen bij die ik erkende zowel vanuit de musical als het oorspronkelijk werk maar ze waren beetje in een andere context gezet waardoor ik toch t gevoel had dat ik iets helemaal nieuws aan t lezen was.
Zeker een aanrader voor zowel de lezer die een Phantom hangover heeft als ook iemand die van Gothic-Romance houdt. Ik zie me het boek snel opnieuw lezen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2024
I didn't know what to expect when a spin of The Phantom of the Opera, but this was so perfectly told, and the writing for it was incredibly alluring and easy to read. It was written with a good description of the surroundings, a character description, etc. I was hesitant to read about dual points of view, but it was used wonderfully and done in a manner where it was able to balance the two without being overwhelming or underdone. I loved the characters, and even though I'm slightly unfamiliar with the original story, it was easy to read, and I enjoyed it very much.
I loved Melody and found her so relatable, especially knowing she's older and has a lot of life experiences. I connected to her character and loved that the author made her older because I have always wanted to read about an MC in their 30s and older. I also loved reading from the Phantom's point of view, and I found him funny in some parts of the story. It made me want to read more through his eyes.
Overall, I loved it, and I wouldn't mind rereading this book because it has so much potential.
I loved Melody and found her so relatable, especially knowing she's older and has a lot of life experiences. I connected to her character and loved that the author made her older because I have always wanted to read about an MC in their 30s and older. I also loved reading from the Phantom's point of view, and I found him funny in some parts of the story. It made me want to read more through his eyes.
Overall, I loved it, and I wouldn't mind rereading this book because it has so much potential.
October 22, 2024
The Phantom’s Melody is the most unique of the Phantom reimaginings I have ever read. It is very well written and executed; I definitely appreciate the historical nods. Pacing was great and I felt that respect was given to the original base nature of all the principal characters (which is important to me in any retelling/adaptation!) Very clean formatting and grammar, which is always appreciated.
The one, relatively small, critique I would offer is that, for me; it would have been an improvement to offer the translation of the French and Italian text pieces. I LOVE seeing foreign languages, where appropriate, in writing but as the only other language I dabble in is German, these snippets had me flummoxed and as a physical book reader, it is not quite so easy to get the meaning.
The one, relatively small, critique I would offer is that, for me; it would have been an improvement to offer the translation of the French and Italian text pieces. I LOVE seeing foreign languages, where appropriate, in writing but as the only other language I dabble in is German, these snippets had me flummoxed and as a physical book reader, it is not quite so easy to get the meaning.
October 3, 2024
I wasn't sure what to think of this book when I first heard the premise, but was still intrigued. Time travel in the Phantom of the Opera universe? I felt like I identified with Melody in a lot of ways, and could feel her awe as she met the characters who were just a part of a story to her. Throughout the story, I questioned how she could close it off--have Melody return home and leave her new life behind or have her family always wonder what happened to her. Without revealing the end, I have to say it ended in a more satisfying way than I could have imagined. There is a bit of mystery thrown in that I ended up figuring out before the big reveal, but it was a good one!
June 6, 2025
An interesting POTO retelling.
This particular POTO retelling was interesting, had some good creative elements and had a good general plot. However; the reason I gave this work two stars is, in my personal opinion, it had several detracting qualities that I found grating. The primary reason I finished the book was due to my curiosity, not to my enjoyment. The author’s writing style is a little confusing, fragmented and sometimes just poorly constructed; a review of English Composition would be helpful. The MFC cusses like a sailor to the point it’s a distraction and it comes across as a challenge of how many cuss words she can fit into a sentence. The only character who can converse intelligently or with eloquence is the Phantom. I did enjoy the author’s portrayal of the Phantom, but not enough to make up for the other shortcomings.
This particular POTO retelling was interesting, had some good creative elements and had a good general plot. However; the reason I gave this work two stars is, in my personal opinion, it had several detracting qualities that I found grating. The primary reason I finished the book was due to my curiosity, not to my enjoyment. The author’s writing style is a little confusing, fragmented and sometimes just poorly constructed; a review of English Composition would be helpful. The MFC cusses like a sailor to the point it’s a distraction and it comes across as a challenge of how many cuss words she can fit into a sentence. The only character who can converse intelligently or with eloquence is the Phantom. I did enjoy the author’s portrayal of the Phantom, but not enough to make up for the other shortcomings.
October 12, 2024
What a wonderful debut from the author. I have always loved musicals especially The Phantom of the Opera so this story definitely peaked this readers interest. Melody Reilly was a fun character to read about. I really was intrigued by the time travel in the story. This story definitely had mystery and plenty of roller coaster ride emotions throughout the story. I really was captivated by the story and I really enjoyed it from the first to the last page. I am looking forward to more stories from this author in the future.
September 15, 2024
I loved this book.
I never was interested in The Phantom of the Opera nor did I know anything about it other than the Phantom being a crazy guy who lived in a dungeon and obsessed with a girl. After reading The Phantom’s Melody, I immediately rented the movie.
The book was well written and I fell in love with Melody and Erique’s story.
Totally recommend, whether you’re a TPOTO fan or not.
I never was interested in The Phantom of the Opera nor did I know anything about it other than the Phantom being a crazy guy who lived in a dungeon and obsessed with a girl. After reading The Phantom’s Melody, I immediately rented the movie.
The book was well written and I fell in love with Melody and Erique’s story.
Totally recommend, whether you’re a TPOTO fan or not.
January 14, 2025
I think this was an interesting take on the phantom of the opera story. I enjoyed the time travel bit- though I wish that it was explored a little bit more. I read for vibes and this was good- spicy and fun for sure!
December 4, 2025
As a musical theater girlie who was obsessed with The Phantom of the Opera growing up, I really wanted to live out my fantasies here 😭 Unfortunately this was pretty slow and repetitive.
September 23, 2024
I loved the Phantom of the Opera movie, so when I saw this I HAD to read it and it did not disappoint! I couldn't put it down. This story is beautifully told, and seeing how it intertwines with the Phantom and Christine was so cool! I think this plotline was thought out very well, and every character has such depth! I felt my emotions pulled in different directions at points, in a good way, and once I finished the book, I was still thinking about it! Haha. I expected there to be lull moments, but there were none, with everything that was happening at every point I was invested and wanted to see what happened next. I highly recommend!
December 22, 2024
This was a sweet, mildly steamy Phantom of the Opera retelling, with elements from both Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical and the original novel by Gaston Leroux. For all of us who wanted the Phantom to find love and get the girl, or those who like a good anti-hero. Also for everytime you wished you could escape into your favorite book, movie, or story and play the lead character.
October 13, 2024
The Phantom's Melody by Australia Kincannon is a captivating read that weaves the mystery of the Phantom of the Opera and shines a new light on the romance of the story. The characters are beautifully developed, specifically Erique and the story draws you into the hauntingly enchanting world of Paris 1880. Kincannon’s storytelling is both immersive and evocative, making it hard to put down. A must-read for fans of Phantom and gothic fiction in general!
October 20, 2024
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
If you couldn’t tell, I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down! I am a huge fan of The Phantom of the Opera, and this book was a wonderful, and spicy retelling of the story. So, if you love the Phantom, romance, spice and time travel, then this book is for you! Do not hesitate, go read it NOW!
If you couldn’t tell, I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down! I am a huge fan of The Phantom of the Opera, and this book was a wonderful, and spicy retelling of the story. So, if you love the Phantom, romance, spice and time travel, then this book is for you! Do not hesitate, go read it NOW!
October 25, 2024
2024 Reads #567/250
3.75🌟
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Online Availability:
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3.75🌟
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Online Availability:
📖 Kindle Unlimited Subscription/$
December 18, 2025
I had a lot of fun with this book!! There were quite a few moments where I couldn’t or didn’t want to put the book down, especially in the second half ;) This was a very unique and different take on the classic story with good twists and turns, lots of emotion and heart, and some funny moments
As a HUGE POTO fan and its many adaptations and retellings, I love that characters from the original novel that aren’t in a lot of said adaptations are included in this book!! Any POTO adaptation of retelling that has the Persian in it gets extra bonus points because he NEEDS more recognition
Also kinda off topic but I met the author at a book signing event back in October and she is soooo cool. We chatted about our favorite POTO adaptations and it was just a fun time! I wish her the best of luck in her writing journey and I can’t wait to see what she’ll write next 💗
As a HUGE POTO fan and its many adaptations and retellings, I love that characters from the original novel that aren’t in a lot of said adaptations are included in this book!! Any POTO adaptation of retelling that has the Persian in it gets extra bonus points because he NEEDS more recognition
Also kinda off topic but I met the author at a book signing event back in October and she is soooo cool. We chatted about our favorite POTO adaptations and it was just a fun time! I wish her the best of luck in her writing journey and I can’t wait to see what she’ll write next 💗
January 17, 2025
This book is an amazing mixture of spicy, sexy, time travel & mystery!
Without giving too much away, the romantic connection between the main character and the phantom is off the charts. The main characters thoughts, wants & needs are super relatable time traveling from 2023 to the year 1880.
It was nice for the book to end with a happy ending because there is SO MUCH emotion involved & the writer is giving you exactly what you’re wanting.
Definitely a 5 star book and hoping for a sequel even though the ending is amazing as is!
Without giving too much away, the romantic connection between the main character and the phantom is off the charts. The main characters thoughts, wants & needs are super relatable time traveling from 2023 to the year 1880.
It was nice for the book to end with a happy ending because there is SO MUCH emotion involved & the writer is giving you exactly what you’re wanting.
Definitely a 5 star book and hoping for a sequel even though the ending is amazing as is!
July 8, 2025
Time travel. She isn’t 19 or 26. Phantom of the Opera. Both ALW and GL. I’m doing everything in my power to not nitpick as I read, bur for the love of all - stop brand dropping in books. You can have amazing strappy sandals without saying they’re Michael Kors. I’m out of the story.
Also, she not only time traveled but land jumped from the Majestic in Times Square to the Garnier in Paris. However, I did really enjoy the story. I’m going to marinate this one for a while.
Also, she not only time traveled but land jumped from the Majestic in Times Square to the Garnier in Paris. However, I did really enjoy the story. I’m going to marinate this one for a while.
November 3, 2025
So good!
I loved this play on Phantom! The time travel and the few little twists were amazing. The epilogue left me wanting with an extended epi or small novella with the fmc mom and sister as the MC.
I loved this play on Phantom! The time travel and the few little twists were amazing. The epilogue left me wanting with an extended epi or small novella with the fmc mom and sister as the MC.
December 28, 2024
A delightfully spicy and sweet retelling with a time travel twist. Highly recommend!
January 10, 2025
Phantastic! As a huge Phantom of the Opera fan I LOVED this book! I highly recommend it! Bravo!
November 5, 2025
I saw this book at my local Barnes and Noble and I took a chance. I loved it! I like Phantom of the Opera. I read this book in three days.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2025
It was really good for the first 2/3’s I felt like the ending was a little rushed but it was good regardless
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews