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The Devil’s Opera
Toxic, tragic, and unnervingly seductive.
This is wedded warfare.
Where they aim to love like weapons destroy.
* * *
They call it the Phantom Voice.
Haunting the mind. A thief of memory.
The greatest threat to high society is Valithia Mencini—the perfect noblewoman on stage, a siren for hire behind the scenes. She hijacks memories to fund her escape from the one person who is as charming and cunning as he is ruthless: her husband.
Lord Damian Mencini.
A man she was never meant to marry. A man who has made her prisoner. Through her dowry, Damian gained her father’s opera house…as well as a cut of the criminal empire running underneath it.
So when her parents are mysteriously murdered, is it really a coincidence?
Now determined more than ever to break free, Valithia agrees to one last job: find out how the esteemed opera composer rose to fame so quickly.
What she discovers is far more sinister than she imagined.
For she has inadvertently summoned a devil worse than Damian.
And by the time the final curtain falls…that’s when the real show begins.
* * *
BE ADVISED
The Devil’s Opera is a psychologically dark, character-driven story that asks real, and often uncomfortable questions about power, manipulation, autonomy, the performance of marriage, and the masks we wear to survive. It contains mature content, including: complex and abusive relationships, morally ambiguous characters, grief, implied and explicit (mild) violence, (fleeting) suicidal ideation, (brief) moments of strong language, and sexual content.
This is wedded warfare.
Where they aim to love like weapons destroy.
* * *
They call it the Phantom Voice.
Haunting the mind. A thief of memory.
The greatest threat to high society is Valithia Mencini—the perfect noblewoman on stage, a siren for hire behind the scenes. She hijacks memories to fund her escape from the one person who is as charming and cunning as he is ruthless: her husband.
Lord Damian Mencini.
A man she was never meant to marry. A man who has made her prisoner. Through her dowry, Damian gained her father’s opera house…as well as a cut of the criminal empire running underneath it.
So when her parents are mysteriously murdered, is it really a coincidence?
Now determined more than ever to break free, Valithia agrees to one last job: find out how the esteemed opera composer rose to fame so quickly.
What she discovers is far more sinister than she imagined.
For she has inadvertently summoned a devil worse than Damian.
And by the time the final curtain falls…that’s when the real show begins.
* * *
BE ADVISED
The Devil’s Opera is a psychologically dark, character-driven story that asks real, and often uncomfortable questions about power, manipulation, autonomy, the performance of marriage, and the masks we wear to survive. It contains mature content, including: complex and abusive relationships, morally ambiguous characters, grief, implied and explicit (mild) violence, (fleeting) suicidal ideation, (brief) moments of strong language, and sexual content.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2025
50 people are currently reading
900 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 28, 2025
I told this indie author I would allow her to take my dark romance virginity. I was expecting smut and a toxic abuser from a dark romance book…but no.
Not at all.
Reading this book felt like being danced with under candlelit candelabras. This felt like being fed chocolate piece by piece in the most sensual way. This felt like being gently laid down and ravished with sexy opulence. I do not regret my experience with A.R Tapiero and if you are new to dark romance, I promise she will give you a lovely first experience.
A silver haired beauty who can steal memories with her singing and her domineering, powerful husband take center stage in this book that feels like a dance with the devil. The setting is perfect for winter reading.
This gothic romance has lyrical writing and descriptions that feel like a fever dream in the most beautiful way.
This book is dark opulence and appeals to all of your senses. Taste, sounds, feelings, thoughts are all described in a way that makes you feel like you’re drifting in and out of consciousness and experiencing it in flashes.
We get introduced to this couple and it apparent from early on that Valithia is unhappy and wants out of the marriage. His controlling ways and need for power are apparent but it was written in a way that made it appealing as opposed to abuse. I kept wondering to myself “Valithia, girl, why do we want to leave him?”
Their relationship wasn’t exactly loving and sweet, but it was hot to be a part of…..why did we want to leave him? Lol
This was a shorter read, so the world build left a lot to the imagination but the bit of world building she did was beautiful. The City of Bridges was a beautiful symbolic touch.
I do wish we got more scenes of Valithia in action. I wanted her to use her power wayyyyy more than she did.
Loved the vibes in this book, loved the writing style. A little room for improvement but this was a STUNNING first book that swept me away.
4.5 Stars
Not at all.
Reading this book felt like being danced with under candlelit candelabras. This felt like being fed chocolate piece by piece in the most sensual way. This felt like being gently laid down and ravished with sexy opulence. I do not regret my experience with A.R Tapiero and if you are new to dark romance, I promise she will give you a lovely first experience.
A silver haired beauty who can steal memories with her singing and her domineering, powerful husband take center stage in this book that feels like a dance with the devil. The setting is perfect for winter reading.
This gothic romance has lyrical writing and descriptions that feel like a fever dream in the most beautiful way.
This book is dark opulence and appeals to all of your senses. Taste, sounds, feelings, thoughts are all described in a way that makes you feel like you’re drifting in and out of consciousness and experiencing it in flashes.
We get introduced to this couple and it apparent from early on that Valithia is unhappy and wants out of the marriage. His controlling ways and need for power are apparent but it was written in a way that made it appealing as opposed to abuse. I kept wondering to myself “Valithia, girl, why do we want to leave him?”
Their relationship wasn’t exactly loving and sweet, but it was hot to be a part of…..why did we want to leave him? Lol
This was a shorter read, so the world build left a lot to the imagination but the bit of world building she did was beautiful. The City of Bridges was a beautiful symbolic touch.
I do wish we got more scenes of Valithia in action. I wanted her to use her power wayyyyy more than she did.
Loved the vibes in this book, loved the writing style. A little room for improvement but this was a STUNNING first book that swept me away.
4.5 Stars
August 28, 2025
5 ⭐️ This was a whimsically dark masterpiece and I loved every minute of it. A.R. Tapiero's writing style was lyrically beautiful and the prose was amazing.
This book intrigued and captivated me from beginning to end. I absolutely loved the conflicted and flawed characters. I also loved to hate and hated to love one in particular. The story and plot line was just *chef's kiss*. I really enjoyed the fact that this book made me think and put myself in the characters shoes. It was truly an immersive experience!
The ending of this book left me mind blown and I NEED more! This book was a deliciously dark, whimsical masterpiece. I will absolutely keep A.R Tapiero on my radar and read anything that she writes. Well done, A.R. Tapiero on your first published novel! 👏🏽
This book intrigued and captivated me from beginning to end. I absolutely loved the conflicted and flawed characters. I also loved to hate and hated to love one in particular. The story and plot line was just *chef's kiss*. I really enjoyed the fact that this book made me think and put myself in the characters shoes. It was truly an immersive experience!
The ending of this book left me mind blown and I NEED more! This book was a deliciously dark, whimsical masterpiece. I will absolutely keep A.R Tapiero on my radar and read anything that she writes. Well done, A.R. Tapiero on your first published novel! 👏🏽
October 21, 2025
This is a super solid indie debut. I think fans of A Dowry of Blood, Phantasma, and Throne Of The Fallen would enjoy this book. I adored the thoughtful mussings and gorgeous prose throughout. My book is full of tabs…
At its core this is a story of abuse, and finding ones autonomy. I loved the nuance of the abuse in this book. It’s not the worst abuse one could face, but it’s abuse nonetheless. And abuse that continued to escalate.
Critiques for this book are a bit nit-picky. This author loves shorter phrasing in sentences. While I don’t inherently hate that, there was a lot of it. I would’ve loved a little more balance between short and direct sentences and longer more eloquent sentences.
Story wise I really enjoyed the arc and the ending. At no point did this story feel slow. I would have loved to have more background on our FMC and how she was raised. And I honestly could’ve explored the abuse with her spouse a bit more? The ending also felt a bit abrupt… overall I could’ve just had more… really enjoyed this read and would absolutely return if this author decides to do another installment.
At its core this is a story of abuse, and finding ones autonomy. I loved the nuance of the abuse in this book. It’s not the worst abuse one could face, but it’s abuse nonetheless. And abuse that continued to escalate.
Critiques for this book are a bit nit-picky. This author loves shorter phrasing in sentences. While I don’t inherently hate that, there was a lot of it. I would’ve loved a little more balance between short and direct sentences and longer more eloquent sentences.
Story wise I really enjoyed the arc and the ending. At no point did this story feel slow. I would have loved to have more background on our FMC and how she was raised. And I honestly could’ve explored the abuse with her spouse a bit more? The ending also felt a bit abrupt… overall I could’ve just had more… really enjoyed this read and would absolutely return if this author decides to do another installment.
August 19, 2025
Amazingly raw story of a woman who seemingly has it all, but what is luxury when one isn’t free? Valitha embodies the dreamers desire to carve their own path. In this story we have a little bit of everything and a LOT of beautiful pain woven with perfectly placed words. Can’t wait for more from this author
November 19, 2025
4.5!!!! THIS IS SO GOOD!!!!!!! I binged this in 24 hours & it cured my reading slump. This literally feels like a mix of The Phantom of the Opera, mafia romance & Phantasma all in one. This is criminally underhyped in my opinion. I also NEED BOOK 2. Like the ending of this was diabolical. P.S. I obviously love the Devil in this & he is one of my new favorite book boyfriends because god forbid I ever like anything normal ever.
December 18, 2025
I'm kinda disappointed by this read.... it had so much promise and felt a bit flat in my opinion. I believe any book in the fantasy genre should not be under 300 pages for the sake of world building and added mystery. I feel like it should've had more depth and even though the books ends with a great cliff hanger (I honestly did not see that coming) I'm not sure I will read the sequel if there's one.
January 18, 2026
That was fun, is this going to be a series or duology bc what was that ending ?? What the heck I need to know what’s next
Fast paced, gripping, sexy, high tension!
Fast paced, gripping, sexy, high tension!
May 1, 2025
5 Stars – A Bold, Unforgettable Dark Romance
The Devil’s Opera by A.R. Tapiero is unlike anything I’ve read before—a hypnotic blend of dark romance, psychological tension, and philosophical depth that completely pulled me in. This book doesn’t just push boundaries—it erases them, creating a story that’s utterly original and haunting in the best way.
Damian is one of the most compelling morally grey characters I’ve encountered in fiction. He’s seductive, dangerous, brilliant—and yet, completely human. Tapiero never lets him fall into cliché. Instead, he’s layered, conflicted, and full of contradictions that make every interaction with him feel electric. You want to hate him, you want to love him, and you absolutely cannot look away. (Tapiero & I call it Mencini-itis 🙈)
Valithia stands out as a powerful and refreshingly complex female character. She isn’t strong because she’s flawless or invulnerable—she’s strong because she’s layered, resilient, and deeply human. Her strength lies in her ability to confront darkness—both within herself and in those around her—without losing her sense of self. Rather than being defined by the men in her world, Valithia carves her own path, guided by conviction, vulnerability, and a fierce intelligence. She challenges, resists, and evolves, proving that true strength isn’t about domination—it’s about enduring, choosing, and refusing to be silenced.
What sets this book apart in the dark romance genre is its intelligence and emotional honesty. Tapiero doesn’t rely on tropes—she dives deeper, exploring the complexities of desire, control, vulnerability, and power with a level of nuance that’s rare. The writing is sharp and evocative, blending lyrical beauty with raw, often uncomfortable truths.
The Devil’s Opera lingers in your thoughts long after the final page. It’s dark, intimate, and daring in a way that challenges you to think and feel more deeply. If you’re looking for a story that seduces your mind as much as your heart, this one absolutely delivers.
I cannot WAIT for the second book!!!!
The Devil’s Opera by A.R. Tapiero is unlike anything I’ve read before—a hypnotic blend of dark romance, psychological tension, and philosophical depth that completely pulled me in. This book doesn’t just push boundaries—it erases them, creating a story that’s utterly original and haunting in the best way.
Damian is one of the most compelling morally grey characters I’ve encountered in fiction. He’s seductive, dangerous, brilliant—and yet, completely human. Tapiero never lets him fall into cliché. Instead, he’s layered, conflicted, and full of contradictions that make every interaction with him feel electric. You want to hate him, you want to love him, and you absolutely cannot look away. (Tapiero & I call it Mencini-itis 🙈)
Valithia stands out as a powerful and refreshingly complex female character. She isn’t strong because she’s flawless or invulnerable—she’s strong because she’s layered, resilient, and deeply human. Her strength lies in her ability to confront darkness—both within herself and in those around her—without losing her sense of self. Rather than being defined by the men in her world, Valithia carves her own path, guided by conviction, vulnerability, and a fierce intelligence. She challenges, resists, and evolves, proving that true strength isn’t about domination—it’s about enduring, choosing, and refusing to be silenced.
What sets this book apart in the dark romance genre is its intelligence and emotional honesty. Tapiero doesn’t rely on tropes—she dives deeper, exploring the complexities of desire, control, vulnerability, and power with a level of nuance that’s rare. The writing is sharp and evocative, blending lyrical beauty with raw, often uncomfortable truths.
The Devil’s Opera lingers in your thoughts long after the final page. It’s dark, intimate, and daring in a way that challenges you to think and feel more deeply. If you’re looking for a story that seduces your mind as much as your heart, this one absolutely delivers.
I cannot WAIT for the second book!!!!
November 6, 2025
The Devil's Opera
was so beautiful written it will
have you happy then you it will have you teary eyed it's a love hate relationship.
This book is a gothic dark romance filled with manipulation,sorrow, obsession,
Love,control, making your voice heard, freedom, fashion amongs varies of other topics At times you want to love the mmc Lord Damian Mencini for his "gentleness" "the soft touches" "the settle rub of the thumb on your hand or back" "kissing your forehead or hand" but it's only "gentleness" to the public's eyes.
Only to take your voice away the gentleness he gives is only a reminder as a thre@T a warning to obey. The FMC Valithia "the phantom voice
" deserves better her voice should be heard I love her rebellious side such as her red dress she wore to the masquerade.she did these things as a form of making a statement "a voice with out words". Im so happy with the ending but l'm definitely going to need a second book I want to see more of Saelton (the prince of Nihilo, Death himself).I honestly fell for Saelton and want more !I definitely recommend !
All ways remember you have a voice let it be heard and never let someone take it from you.
was so beautiful written it will
have you happy then you it will have you teary eyed it's a love hate relationship.
This book is a gothic dark romance filled with manipulation,sorrow, obsession,
Love,control, making your voice heard, freedom, fashion amongs varies of other topics At times you want to love the mmc Lord Damian Mencini for his "gentleness" "the soft touches" "the settle rub of the thumb on your hand or back" "kissing your forehead or hand" but it's only "gentleness" to the public's eyes.
Only to take your voice away the gentleness he gives is only a reminder as a thre@T a warning to obey. The FMC Valithia "the phantom voice
" deserves better her voice should be heard I love her rebellious side such as her red dress she wore to the masquerade.she did these things as a form of making a statement "a voice with out words". Im so happy with the ending but l'm definitely going to need a second book I want to see more of Saelton (the prince of Nihilo, Death himself).I honestly fell for Saelton and want more !I definitely recommend !
All ways remember you have a voice let it be heard and never let someone take it from you.
November 9, 2025
I created a goodreads account just to rate this masterpiece. The writing is so beautiful and completely transports you to another world. I finished it in less than 24 hours, lol.
This is a stunning debut with soooo much tension. Valithia is such a complex female protagonist, an elegant noblewoman with a secret, her power, the phantom voice, giving her the ability to hijack memories. You can’t help but root for her and understand her, even when she makes questionable choices. But the genius of the novel is her husband, Damian Mencini. He might be one of the most compelling and terrifying anti hero’s I’ve ever read. Together, they are dangerous, toxic, and utterly magnetic. The author perfectly captures what it’s like to be in a toxic marriage.
Some standout chapters that will be living rent free in my head: the masquerade, the closet scene 🔥, the balcony in the city of bridges, the gun scene, and of course, the final chapter! What a devastating triumph! I was left with my mouth hanging open. I so hope this author continues these characters story. I need to know what happens next!
This is a stunning debut with soooo much tension. Valithia is such a complex female protagonist, an elegant noblewoman with a secret, her power, the phantom voice, giving her the ability to hijack memories. You can’t help but root for her and understand her, even when she makes questionable choices. But the genius of the novel is her husband, Damian Mencini. He might be one of the most compelling and terrifying anti hero’s I’ve ever read. Together, they are dangerous, toxic, and utterly magnetic. The author perfectly captures what it’s like to be in a toxic marriage.
Some standout chapters that will be living rent free in my head: the masquerade, the closet scene 🔥, the balcony in the city of bridges, the gun scene, and of course, the final chapter! What a devastating triumph! I was left with my mouth hanging open. I so hope this author continues these characters story. I need to know what happens next!
October 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Finished this in less than 24 hours because I could NOTTTT put it down!! This was a dark gothic masterpiece and I absolutely ate it up!
I was immediately drawn into the world and the imperfection characters. It was the perfect representation of the conflicting feelings of love vs control and such a raw and real story we get to follow.
It almost felt like an immersive experience the way I was feeling the characters feels and really putting myself in their shoes and being able to resonate and that’s something I love so much in a book!
And I’m sorry… maybe I’m toxic, but I absolutely loved the closet scene (iykyk).
‘What is it, to take any crumb of affection you’re offered and tell yourself it’s a feast? Because even if it felt to be, love did not exist between their sheets. Only survival.’
Finished this in less than 24 hours because I could NOTTTT put it down!! This was a dark gothic masterpiece and I absolutely ate it up!
I was immediately drawn into the world and the imperfection characters. It was the perfect representation of the conflicting feelings of love vs control and such a raw and real story we get to follow.
It almost felt like an immersive experience the way I was feeling the characters feels and really putting myself in their shoes and being able to resonate and that’s something I love so much in a book!
And I’m sorry… maybe I’m toxic, but I absolutely loved the closet scene (iykyk).
‘What is it, to take any crumb of affection you’re offered and tell yourself it’s a feast? Because even if it felt to be, love did not exist between their sheets. Only survival.’
January 1, 2026
How do I begin to explain how beautifully intoxicating this book was! For such a short read, this book packed a punch!
Not only are you getting that beautiful gothic setting, flawed characters, unique magical abilities, a toxic relationship that questions whether you love or hate our MMC, and some of the most poetic and beautiful writing!
This book follows our FMC, Valithia, a woman forced to marry an obsessive and wealthy banker. Fortunately for her, she possesses a unique magical ability that could potentially be her ticket out of this relationship and out of this dangerous life.
This was such a great read and such an addicting story that I had the hardest time putting it down. And don’t get me started on that ending!
If you’re looking for something different and a story that will grip you from start to finish, then please grab The Devils Opera! 🥀🖤🥂
Not only are you getting that beautiful gothic setting, flawed characters, unique magical abilities, a toxic relationship that questions whether you love or hate our MMC, and some of the most poetic and beautiful writing!
This book follows our FMC, Valithia, a woman forced to marry an obsessive and wealthy banker. Fortunately for her, she possesses a unique magical ability that could potentially be her ticket out of this relationship and out of this dangerous life.
This was such a great read and such an addicting story that I had the hardest time putting it down. And don’t get me started on that ending!
If you’re looking for something different and a story that will grip you from start to finish, then please grab The Devils Opera! 🥀🖤🥂
May 12, 2025
An quick, enjoyable read!
I randomly found this book while browsing the KU library. Needless to say I was intrigued by the summary. Fast paced, dark romance, dark elements with an organized crime family. Murder, forced-arranged marriage, mild spice🌶️, mild kink, forced proximity, unwanted love, magic with the ability to pluck a memory out of anyone’s mind. And a dark prince of death from a shadow world! Say less!
This book has so many elements to make for a fast page turner and I wasn’t disappointed!
The way the book ended! I really hope that the author explores these characters more and decides their story needs to be continued and shared with the world because I’m there for it! Hook, line, and sinker. Please.
I randomly found this book while browsing the KU library. Needless to say I was intrigued by the summary. Fast paced, dark romance, dark elements with an organized crime family. Murder, forced-arranged marriage, mild spice🌶️, mild kink, forced proximity, unwanted love, magic with the ability to pluck a memory out of anyone’s mind. And a dark prince of death from a shadow world! Say less!
This book has so many elements to make for a fast page turner and I wasn’t disappointed!
The way the book ended! I really hope that the author explores these characters more and decides their story needs to be continued and shared with the world because I’m there for it! Hook, line, and sinker. Please.
January 19, 2026
3.5-4 ⭐️ ? On the fence.
I loved the imagery and language in this book. For being so short, I was perfectly able to hear every character and see different settings.
I do feel like there were some gaps here that perhaps a second book might be able to start to fill in? If this is left a stand alone then I really just wanted more to better understand the why and how of it all.
But the human element of this story was incredibly powerful. Blurring lines of love and control. Obsession, woman's survival. These areas bump this to a 4 star for me. So very well done and thought provoking.
If you think this glorified abuse in any way then you did not get the message- at all. You need to think on it.
I loved the imagery and language in this book. For being so short, I was perfectly able to hear every character and see different settings.
I do feel like there were some gaps here that perhaps a second book might be able to start to fill in? If this is left a stand alone then I really just wanted more to better understand the why and how of it all.
But the human element of this story was incredibly powerful. Blurring lines of love and control. Obsession, woman's survival. These areas bump this to a 4 star for me. So very well done and thought provoking.
If you think this glorified abuse in any way then you did not get the message- at all. You need to think on it.
October 15, 2025
I’m not the best at putting my thoughts into words when it comes to reviews. I usually default to saying “amazing,” “loved it,” or “highly recommend it,” but those words don’t come close to doing this book justice.
This story had me hooked from the very beginning. While it includes romantic elements, the relationship at its core is deeply toxic. I loved Valithia’s tenacity, and my feelings toward Damian were all over the place, one moment I adored him, the next I couldn’t stand him. It felt intentional, like the author wanted readers to step into Valithia’s shoes, to feel her confusion and understand her choices.
Overall, it was amazing, I loved it, and I do highly recommend it.
This story had me hooked from the very beginning. While it includes romantic elements, the relationship at its core is deeply toxic. I loved Valithia’s tenacity, and my feelings toward Damian were all over the place, one moment I adored him, the next I couldn’t stand him. It felt intentional, like the author wanted readers to step into Valithia’s shoes, to feel her confusion and understand her choices.
Overall, it was amazing, I loved it, and I do highly recommend it.
May 23, 2025
This book! A.R. Tapiero's prose is absolutely stunning. It pulls you right into her perfectly crafted world. The story is deep, haunting, and beautifully written. All the characters are well written and complex, warring with their decisions and emotions. You can't help but empathize with them, even the morally grey ones. The way magic works in this world is incredibly unique and beautiful. I truly hope there is another book because I need to know what happens next. This book felt like a combination of A Dowry of Blood and Phantom of the Opera. Dark, lyrical, and possessive.
June 4, 2025
Bold, beautiful, enchanting- The Devil's Opera is so immersive, the the story leaps off the page. With each line i could see and feel what was happening as if I were there watching this story unfold in real life. Valithia is so relatable- that hunger of freedom and independence and need to embody who she truly is. I can't help but want to dive further into Damian's mind and his love. And Sir Sterling and his black obsidian coach...I can't wait to see what happens next!!
October 9, 2025
Immaculate. Stunning. Tapiero's lyrical and beautiful prose captivates you, but it's the morally gray and dimensional characters who keep you there like a vise. I'm a big fan of Phantom of the Opera, A Dowry of Blood, and Nosferatu, and this book felt like an amalgamation of all of them—in the best way, of course. Excellent work, and what a feat to have such a gorgeous piece of literature as a debut.
December 11, 2025
Where do I even begin? As a huge fan of The Phantom of the Opera, I knew I had to grab this book. It's a beautiful story about a woman's desire to leave the seemingly perfect life she has but is it? With a husband who wants her to look and act a certain way and is pressuring her for an heir, she is working nights for money to escape. How so? She has the ability to go into other's memories to pull out secrets. When she unexpectedly digs into the wrong memory where the devil himself senses an invited guest, things get a little complicated for her. This is a perfect winter gothic romantasy that is easy to follow but in my opinion way too short. I need more!
December 11, 2025
book review
I just finished "The Devil's Opera" by A.R. Taperio. This book is categorized as dark fantasy romance, and I ended up giving it three stars because it didn’t fully engage me. While the story has its merits, I feel it might resonate more with readers who enjoy opera and darker themes. It just wasn’t the right fit for me, and that’s perfectly okay. However, if you think this might be your cup of tea, it’s worth checking out!
I just finished "The Devil's Opera" by A.R. Taperio. This book is categorized as dark fantasy romance, and I ended up giving it three stars because it didn’t fully engage me. While the story has its merits, I feel it might resonate more with readers who enjoy opera and darker themes. It just wasn’t the right fit for me, and that’s perfectly okay. However, if you think this might be your cup of tea, it’s worth checking out!
August 5, 2025
I ate this up! Seriously, I binged this book so fast. What a gorgeous debut!
This was a perfectly gothic, dark read while still having a well of depth and vulnerability. I loved the complicated female lead and the exploration of power dynamics and the societal expectations so frequently placed on women.
I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for Tapiero!
This was a perfectly gothic, dark read while still having a well of depth and vulnerability. I loved the complicated female lead and the exploration of power dynamics and the societal expectations so frequently placed on women.
I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for Tapiero!
December 17, 2025
As a retired choir kid whose life was changed the first time she saw The Phantom of the Opera, this book was everything I needed and more. The author does such a beautiful job pulling inspiration from the well known movie and making it into a gothic fantasy. The way she writes truly brings the story to life. I need book 2 immediately.
January 3, 2026
that book left me with mixed feelings. I liked some of it but didn't enjoy other parts. I couldn't get over the point of hoping for more to happen/for it to reach a certain. I dont know it might be me but i always felt like the tension stayed on one level which fidnt change even when it should rise. It was a nice read though.
June 18, 2025
This story gripped me to my seat from start to finish. I’ve never finished a book so quickly in my life. The author did a wonderful job showcasing what a toxic marriage looks like. The plot and ending had me wanting more. I’m looking forward to more from this author.
June 26, 2025
Tantalizing Twist on a Classic
Tapiero reached into her soul and pulled this book to light! She set the scene and her characters danced to life. Dark yet close to reality for others. Make sure you check your trigger warnings before diving into this beautiful piece.
Tapiero reached into her soul and pulled this book to light! She set the scene and her characters danced to life. Dark yet close to reality for others. Make sure you check your trigger warnings before diving into this beautiful piece.
November 8, 2025
HOLY, I ate this book up
It felt as if I were stepping into a gothic wintery scene every time I turned the page. The writing is so well done and I was truly invested in Valithia’s story. 10/10 left no crumbs.
It felt as if I were stepping into a gothic wintery scene every time I turned the page. The writing is so well done and I was truly invested in Valithia’s story. 10/10 left no crumbs.
December 2, 2025
it was okay
Atmospheric, not really what I was expecting. Thought there would be more fantasy and gothicness. It wasn’t a bad book just wasn’t what I thought it would be going into it. With the ending I’m assuming this will be a series?
Atmospheric, not really what I was expecting. Thought there would be more fantasy and gothicness. It wasn’t a bad book just wasn’t what I thought it would be going into it. With the ending I’m assuming this will be a series?
December 24, 2025
i spent half of this book thinking only about why she’d want to leave damian, and the other half realizing that not much has happened at all while simultaneously giggling over saelton. then i spent the last 60 pages with my jaw on the ground and it all made sense
kinda
kinda
December 30, 2025
This book!!! Totally my jam. So, so good. Gives a little Phantom of the Opera vibes, but such an excellent read. Valithia and Damien both pulled me in. He was a controlling ass but you find yourself wanting things to work out for them. So good!
June 18, 2025
Loved it! Beautiful writing and a really cool story!
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