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Of Songs and Phantoms: A Dark Romantasy Retelling
A broken oath. A forbidden magic. A love so fiery, it just might consume everything.
When Seraphina’s mother lay dying, she made her daughter swear that she would never let anyone hear her singing voice. Years later, feisty twenty-four-year-old Seraphina is a chorus dancer, going through the motions—settling, both in her career and in her courtship to a rich yet drab beau. The authoritarian church, whose absolute and deadly power looms over the city, doesn’t help matters.
Seraphina secretly craves more than the life she has. She wants the spotlight, passion, and to sing centerstage, though the oath she swore prevents her from chasing her dreams. But she discovers the reason for that oath, when one fateful night, Seraphina slips up. She sings her heart out on a rooftop only to find that her voice has forbidden magic, attracting the attention of a mysterious stranger lurking in the shadows… and the Church of Scion.
And when disaster strikes, Seraphina is forced to choose between trusting that mysterious stranger, or death at the hands of the church. Questioning everything she thought she knew, Seraphina must descend into the darkness, past the point of no return. Though being wanted for witchcraft and heresy may be deadly, Seraphina soon finds that nothing is more dangerous than her own heart.
Of Songs and Phantoms is a darkly lush romantasy retelling of the Phantom of the Opera, filled with music, magic, romance and political intrigue. Journey beyond the mirror, and surrender to your darkest dreams.
When Seraphina’s mother lay dying, she made her daughter swear that she would never let anyone hear her singing voice. Years later, feisty twenty-four-year-old Seraphina is a chorus dancer, going through the motions—settling, both in her career and in her courtship to a rich yet drab beau. The authoritarian church, whose absolute and deadly power looms over the city, doesn’t help matters.
Seraphina secretly craves more than the life she has. She wants the spotlight, passion, and to sing centerstage, though the oath she swore prevents her from chasing her dreams. But she discovers the reason for that oath, when one fateful night, Seraphina slips up. She sings her heart out on a rooftop only to find that her voice has forbidden magic, attracting the attention of a mysterious stranger lurking in the shadows… and the Church of Scion.
And when disaster strikes, Seraphina is forced to choose between trusting that mysterious stranger, or death at the hands of the church. Questioning everything she thought she knew, Seraphina must descend into the darkness, past the point of no return. Though being wanted for witchcraft and heresy may be deadly, Seraphina soon finds that nothing is more dangerous than her own heart.
Of Songs and Phantoms is a darkly lush romantasy retelling of the Phantom of the Opera, filled with music, magic, romance and political intrigue. Journey beyond the mirror, and surrender to your darkest dreams.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
18 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Carlee Brae
1 book7 followersCarlee Brae is an independent romance and romantasy author, publishing her debut novel in December 2025. While she always dreamt of one day being a novelist, she took a slight detour after studying professional writing in university, and spent 15 years working as a chef instead.
Carlee’s first love is dance—she’s spent the better part of the last thirty four years in class, on stage, and more recently, backstage, as a dance mom for her two daughters.
Carlee would never be able to write a convincing HEA without her husband—her highschool sweetheart, and her forever happily ever after. They live just north of Toronto with their two highly energetic and chaotic young dancers.
Carlee’s debut novel, Of Songs and Phantoms, is her love letter to music, dance, and the performing arts.
Carlee’s first love is dance—she’s spent the better part of the last thirty four years in class, on stage, and more recently, backstage, as a dance mom for her two daughters.
Carlee would never be able to write a convincing HEA without her husband—her highschool sweetheart, and her forever happily ever after. They live just north of Toronto with their two highly energetic and chaotic young dancers.
Carlee’s debut novel, Of Songs and Phantoms, is her love letter to music, dance, and the performing arts.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 14, 2025
I've been looking forward to writing this review since about the 50% point. Buckle up, here I go.
This story follows Seraphina and Ciaran in a fictional version of France. Going in, I assumed this to be a straight romantasy, but it is not; more on this later.
Firstly.
Seraphina:
I quite liked her character, even though she made some questionable choices throughout that made me shake my head. She is a strong female lead, she knows what she wants even though she is too afraid to take it (at first), and I was rooting for her the whole time. She has a strong character arc that develops throughout the entire story.
Ciaran:
Now, I'm a lesbian. I like my men fictional, a little psychotic, or too good to be true. Ciaran was...all of that? Obviously fictional, duh. He's broody and direct, talks without a filter (which I love) and he's overprotective. While he also made some... choices, I can forgive him for those, because he is genuinely a kind soul with a messed-up past. We love to see it.
Seff & the viscount:
If Seff and the viscout have no haters, I am dead. They are a perfect metaphor for everything that is wrong with the patriarchy, only taking what they want, and when it goes wrong, blaming the women and burning "witches" at the stake (metaphorically and literally). They are both a strong villain character, though Seff a little less, because he is an annoying asshole and I hate him with all my passion <3
Elena:
I don't have many words, except: hot. Love her.
The world:
I'm fairly new to romantasy, and I don't read much of fantasy in the first place. But this book really eased me into it nicely, because it doesn't feel like it's all completely made up (which is the reason why I struggle with high fantasy) but grounds itself in a somewhat real place and real struggles. Both Lutesse and Beneat Lutesse are interestingly built places, both have history and culture that made me certain the author knew what she was doing while worldbuilding. Hat's off, because that requires lots of skill.
Also, I can't really speak on the dancing & singing parts of the book because I know exactly 0% about all that, but I know the author has experience in this, so I believe it is all accurate, as far as I am concerned.
Queer rep:
As mentioned above, I initially didn't expect this to have much queer rep; maybe a character on the side. Then I was told it actually has tons of queer rep, so I went in even more excited. And boy, did it deliver.
Firstly, Ciaran is pansexual. The label itself isn't explicitly used, but it's how he describes his sexuality to Seraphina, and I love that, because there aren't enough pan characters in media. The whole world of Beneath Lutesse feels like a feverdream of queerness in the best way possible. Everyone is free to be who they are, and it's not just mentioned in passing, it is a whole point of the story. As a queer reader and author myself, this was really good to read, and it was believable and authentic. There are no token characters, no cliché "must include a lesbian" type characters; everyone has something that makes you forget they're a fictional character for a moment. There are so many queers, and the struggle of being queer and being prosecuted and villainized because of it was well addressed and openly discussed.
The magic:
Again, I am fairly new to this genre. The magic felt believable, everyone kinda has their own kind of magic; healing, shadows, song, and more, but there are also universal kinds of magic like the messaging system they got going on. There was enough description on page of the magic and its history that I felt roped into the magic system.
I think this book was not just a criticism of the patriarchy, but also of the general discrimination against all kinds of minorities, wrapped up in a nice parcel of shadows and song, and tied together with a rune-inscripted bow.
10/10, I'm glad I read this book, and I would definitely recommend it.
This story follows Seraphina and Ciaran in a fictional version of France. Going in, I assumed this to be a straight romantasy, but it is not; more on this later.
Firstly.
Seraphina:
I quite liked her character, even though she made some questionable choices throughout that made me shake my head. She is a strong female lead, she knows what she wants even though she is too afraid to take it (at first), and I was rooting for her the whole time. She has a strong character arc that develops throughout the entire story.
Ciaran:
Now, I'm a lesbian. I like my men fictional, a little psychotic, or too good to be true. Ciaran was...all of that? Obviously fictional, duh. He's broody and direct, talks without a filter (which I love) and he's overprotective. While he also made some... choices, I can forgive him for those, because he is genuinely a kind soul with a messed-up past. We love to see it.
Seff & the viscount:
If Seff and the viscout have no haters, I am dead. They are a perfect metaphor for everything that is wrong with the patriarchy, only taking what they want, and when it goes wrong, blaming the women and burning "witches" at the stake (metaphorically and literally). They are both a strong villain character, though Seff a little less, because he is an annoying asshole and I hate him with all my passion <3
Elena:
I don't have many words, except: hot. Love her.
The world:
I'm fairly new to romantasy, and I don't read much of fantasy in the first place. But this book really eased me into it nicely, because it doesn't feel like it's all completely made up (which is the reason why I struggle with high fantasy) but grounds itself in a somewhat real place and real struggles. Both Lutesse and Beneat Lutesse are interestingly built places, both have history and culture that made me certain the author knew what she was doing while worldbuilding. Hat's off, because that requires lots of skill.
Also, I can't really speak on the dancing & singing parts of the book because I know exactly 0% about all that, but I know the author has experience in this, so I believe it is all accurate, as far as I am concerned.
Queer rep:
As mentioned above, I initially didn't expect this to have much queer rep; maybe a character on the side. Then I was told it actually has tons of queer rep, so I went in even more excited. And boy, did it deliver.
Firstly, Ciaran is pansexual. The label itself isn't explicitly used, but it's how he describes his sexuality to Seraphina, and I love that, because there aren't enough pan characters in media. The whole world of Beneath Lutesse feels like a feverdream of queerness in the best way possible. Everyone is free to be who they are, and it's not just mentioned in passing, it is a whole point of the story. As a queer reader and author myself, this was really good to read, and it was believable and authentic. There are no token characters, no cliché "must include a lesbian" type characters; everyone has something that makes you forget they're a fictional character for a moment. There are so many queers, and the struggle of being queer and being prosecuted and villainized because of it was well addressed and openly discussed.
The magic:
Again, I am fairly new to this genre. The magic felt believable, everyone kinda has their own kind of magic; healing, shadows, song, and more, but there are also universal kinds of magic like the messaging system they got going on. There was enough description on page of the magic and its history that I felt roped into the magic system.
I think this book was not just a criticism of the patriarchy, but also of the general discrimination against all kinds of minorities, wrapped up in a nice parcel of shadows and song, and tied together with a rune-inscripted bow.
10/10, I'm glad I read this book, and I would definitely recommend it.
December 7, 2025
Carlee has managed not to fall into the fan fiction by building a believable world in which this timeless tale unfolds. By taking ownership of all tropes and trigger warnings, this book embraces the sweeping saga of one woman’s journey self-fulfillment in a narrative that will appeal to both ACOTAR die-hards and shadow hunter fan girls. A real page turner that keeps delivering more layers with each chapter.
December 2, 2025
Watching this book come to life was something special. I’ve seen the late nights, the rewrites, the playlists, the obsession and it all paid off.
Of Songs and Phantoms is dark, emotional, and full of heart. Seraphina’s story pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The writing is rich, the world feels alive, and the tension between the main characters builds and builds until it finally crashes in the best possible way
I know I’m biased but this book is incredible. Carlee built something unforgettable.
Of Songs and Phantoms is dark, emotional, and full of heart. Seraphina’s story pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The writing is rich, the world feels alive, and the tension between the main characters builds and builds until it finally crashes in the best possible way
I know I’m biased but this book is incredible. Carlee built something unforgettable.
December 7, 2025
THIS IS HOW YOU DO A RETELLING!!!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????
Incredible. I LOVE Phantom of the Opera - watched it obsessively as a kid, totally normal - and this book did such a good job of capturing how that movie made me feel. The drama, the singing, the show of it all - It's. All. There.
But this time there's magic and a secret underground world and super corrupt churches and it just pulls you in from the very beginning. Ciaran is DIVINE, Seraphina is the curvy fire mama we all need, and Elena is the best friend we all wish we had. The plot was strong - I guessed some, but was surprised by other things, so that was fun!
And Ishtar? SO excited to see where that's going. Definitely keeping an eager eye out for book 2!!!
Incredible. I LOVE Phantom of the Opera - watched it obsessively as a kid, totally normal - and this book did such a good job of capturing how that movie made me feel. The drama, the singing, the show of it all - It's. All. There.
But this time there's magic and a secret underground world and super corrupt churches and it just pulls you in from the very beginning. Ciaran is DIVINE, Seraphina is the curvy fire mama we all need, and Elena is the best friend we all wish we had. The plot was strong - I guessed some, but was surprised by other things, so that was fun!
And Ishtar? SO excited to see where that's going. Definitely keeping an eager eye out for book 2!!!
January 1, 2026
the worldbuilding and magic were absolutely to die for—fantasy france?? hello?? be still my heart—and the found family trope is one of my favorites.
this was such a fun read, and i’m so excited to see where seraphina and ciaran’s journey takes them next and to learn more about the incredible world carlee has built!
this was such a fun read, and i’m so excited to see where seraphina and ciaran’s journey takes them next and to learn more about the incredible world carlee has built!
February 1, 2026
Oof…I rarely ever DNF, but when I was only 10% in, I knew it would be too much of a battle to get through. This dystopian roaring 20s Phantom of the Opera retelling was a bit heavy-handed for me.
January 16, 2026
This debut romantasy absolutely ate.
First of all: the setting. The 1920s nod is done SO well. The decadence, the glitter, the fashion, the unapologetic indulgence—it all feels lush and immersive without being overdone. And the contrast of the religious architecture against all that glamour? Chef’s kiss. It adds this subtle layer of social tension and structure in the background that makes the world feel way more real (and way more interesting).
Also, the political narrative is genuinely strong. It adds weight, stakes, and texture to the story without turning into a confusing info dump.
And the queer rep!! So good. It felt natural, meaningful, and integrated in a way that made me smile because yes, this is how it should be.
Now the romance: I did not even like Phantom of the Opera (I said what I said), but the way this story reimagines that kind of magic and longing? Wonderfully romantic, genuinely magical, and most importantly… non-toxic. Thank you. I want yearning, I want obsession, I want drama—but I also want my nervous system intact. I'm hoping for more spicy tension and obsession in the next one!
Fionn and Elena are my favourite characters so far and I am already emotionally attached (which is both a compliment and a threat). Carlee, please don't kill them.
First of all: the setting. The 1920s nod is done SO well. The decadence, the glitter, the fashion, the unapologetic indulgence—it all feels lush and immersive without being overdone. And the contrast of the religious architecture against all that glamour? Chef’s kiss. It adds this subtle layer of social tension and structure in the background that makes the world feel way more real (and way more interesting).
Also, the political narrative is genuinely strong. It adds weight, stakes, and texture to the story without turning into a confusing info dump.
And the queer rep!! So good. It felt natural, meaningful, and integrated in a way that made me smile because yes, this is how it should be.
Now the romance: I did not even like Phantom of the Opera (I said what I said), but the way this story reimagines that kind of magic and longing? Wonderfully romantic, genuinely magical, and most importantly… non-toxic. Thank you. I want yearning, I want obsession, I want drama—but I also want my nervous system intact. I'm hoping for more spicy tension and obsession in the next one!
Fionn and Elena are my favourite characters so far and I am already emotionally attached (which is both a compliment and a threat). Carlee, please don't kill them.
December 30, 2025
I think I’m still in shock about this being over. I read too fast and now I’m sad I’m done the book. I was taken on a whirlwind of an adventure that gave a satisfying happy ending but also left me wanting more. I can’t wait for more amazing stories from this wonderful author.
February 7, 2026
Where do I even begin with how truly intricate this book was and is?
First, Seraphina. As the main character of this story she did not disappoint. She showed her vulnerability, her growth and of course her true self under all the layers. I loved reading her grow into herself and feeling free to be herself. Did she make....questionable choices at times? Yes, but don't we all.
Now onto the villains of this story...as Ciaran would say "nothing. Just thought you could do better than that dryshite" and that perfectly describes my feelings towards Seff and his father. Like, you've got to be kidding me. Blaming woman for your misfortunes is sooooo aggravating. If I was in Seraphinas shoes when listening to them spit their misogynistic virtues I'd have to be physically held back from attacking.
I loved how this book perfectly describes how people of power can use their powers for good and for bad. For instance Seffs father the viscount is basically force feeding people this belief of how evil the magic welders are for their beliefs...yet he's basically doing the same thing just under a different name. It reminds me so much of religions and how a lot of times people believe in something similar but because it's under a different name they fight, they start wars more often than not for this.
Ciaran....I'm one of those girls that someway somehow finds a way to like the broody, psychotic more than likely insane but overly protective fictional men as the next girl and honestly I have no doubts in my mind that you WONT like this one. I loved how open he was right off the bat with his sexuality as well as with what he was looking for in a relationship. He was rough around the edges but an absolute sweetheart underneath and I loved that. The scenes where he was taking care of our girl Seraphina won my heart over.
Elena. Literally the best friend we all need in life. Like I know she would have my back through the good and the bad and wouldn't bat an eye. She's the kind of friend that would show up with a shovel without questions. I loved her character to bits and pieces.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to literally ANYONE and EVERYONE. This books depiction of the faults in our patriarchy and how the minorities were and still are treated to this day was truly amazing. I loved the deeper meaning between Lutesse and Beneath Lutesse. Lutesse resembled how fucked up the world is and how things get covered and blamed on the easiest target all while smothering down the ambitious for the betterment of their own pockets depth while Beneath Lutesse resembled the freedom we all wish to see and have not only within ourselves but within our community.
First, Seraphina. As the main character of this story she did not disappoint. She showed her vulnerability, her growth and of course her true self under all the layers. I loved reading her grow into herself and feeling free to be herself. Did she make....questionable choices at times? Yes, but don't we all.
Now onto the villains of this story...as Ciaran would say "nothing. Just thought you could do better than that dryshite" and that perfectly describes my feelings towards Seff and his father. Like, you've got to be kidding me. Blaming woman for your misfortunes is sooooo aggravating. If I was in Seraphinas shoes when listening to them spit their misogynistic virtues I'd have to be physically held back from attacking.
I loved how this book perfectly describes how people of power can use their powers for good and for bad. For instance Seffs father the viscount is basically force feeding people this belief of how evil the magic welders are for their beliefs...yet he's basically doing the same thing just under a different name. It reminds me so much of religions and how a lot of times people believe in something similar but because it's under a different name they fight, they start wars more often than not for this.
Ciaran....I'm one of those girls that someway somehow finds a way to like the broody, psychotic more than likely insane but overly protective fictional men as the next girl and honestly I have no doubts in my mind that you WONT like this one. I loved how open he was right off the bat with his sexuality as well as with what he was looking for in a relationship. He was rough around the edges but an absolute sweetheart underneath and I loved that. The scenes where he was taking care of our girl Seraphina won my heart over.
Elena. Literally the best friend we all need in life. Like I know she would have my back through the good and the bad and wouldn't bat an eye. She's the kind of friend that would show up with a shovel without questions. I loved her character to bits and pieces.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to literally ANYONE and EVERYONE. This books depiction of the faults in our patriarchy and how the minorities were and still are treated to this day was truly amazing. I loved the deeper meaning between Lutesse and Beneath Lutesse. Lutesse resembled how fucked up the world is and how things get covered and blamed on the easiest target all while smothering down the ambitious for the betterment of their own pockets depth while Beneath Lutesse resembled the freedom we all wish to see and have not only within ourselves but within our community.
November 27, 2025
Huge thank you to untold stories pr and to Carlee Brae for the gifted eARC copy in exchange for my honest review!
Of Songs and Phantoms immediately pulled me in by the title and the book cover because my mind immediately went to Phantom Of The Opera which is one of my all time favorites! I immediately signed up and was so happy when I got the acceptance to be an arc reader and this book did not disappoint.
Think phantom of the opera turned fantasy. That’s what you get when you read this book. The world building was beautiful as it was a blend of old world (1920s) and fantasy elements that included a really interesting magic system. I enjoyed getting to know this world and loved how the author made it come to life. Along with this world, we get to know the main characters where themes of being yourself is one of the most special themes for character development. This was a solid book that made me fall back into the world of phantom of the opera even though it was a retelling. It contained all of the dark, emotional moments that really drew you into the world with the twist of magic that spoke to my fantasy loving reader heart. I really liked this authors work and would love to read more from her in the future!
Of Songs and Phantoms immediately pulled me in by the title and the book cover because my mind immediately went to Phantom Of The Opera which is one of my all time favorites! I immediately signed up and was so happy when I got the acceptance to be an arc reader and this book did not disappoint.
Think phantom of the opera turned fantasy. That’s what you get when you read this book. The world building was beautiful as it was a blend of old world (1920s) and fantasy elements that included a really interesting magic system. I enjoyed getting to know this world and loved how the author made it come to life. Along with this world, we get to know the main characters where themes of being yourself is one of the most special themes for character development. This was a solid book that made me fall back into the world of phantom of the opera even though it was a retelling. It contained all of the dark, emotional moments that really drew you into the world with the twist of magic that spoke to my fantasy loving reader heart. I really liked this authors work and would love to read more from her in the future!
November 17, 2025
✨️ I received this as an ARC ✨️
If you're a fan of Phantom of the Opera, particularly the musical, this is for you. While some retellings position themselves as a subversion of the original tale, this reads more like a celebration of Phantom. It's a love letter to the original, and to the power of music...with some magic woven in...
and so much more hidden beneath the opera house! 👀
The world feels very 1920s, with ladies in short dresses and bobbed hair dancing all night, drinking absinthe at the speakeasy. But it also feels Parisian, with the massive Gothic cathedral, the river, and the opera house.
If you love historical or even contemporary romance, but haven't ventured into fantasy romance/romatasy, this would be a great first choice. It's rich and vibrant, and the mechanics of magic aren't overly complex, nor is the mythology behind it.
There's also definitely room for a sequel, or other books in this world... 👀
If you're a fan of Phantom of the Opera, particularly the musical, this is for you. While some retellings position themselves as a subversion of the original tale, this reads more like a celebration of Phantom. It's a love letter to the original, and to the power of music...with some magic woven in...
and so much more hidden beneath the opera house! 👀
The world feels very 1920s, with ladies in short dresses and bobbed hair dancing all night, drinking absinthe at the speakeasy. But it also feels Parisian, with the massive Gothic cathedral, the river, and the opera house.
If you love historical or even contemporary romance, but haven't ventured into fantasy romance/romatasy, this would be a great first choice. It's rich and vibrant, and the mechanics of magic aren't overly complex, nor is the mythology behind it.
There's also definitely room for a sequel, or other books in this world... 👀
November 30, 2025
Thank you so much to Carlee for this amazing ARC!
THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING!!! I can not tell you how obsessed I was with it! As a girly who was obsessed with Phantom of the Opera and is now into shadow daddy's, this book was definitely right up my alley!
Ciaran and Serephina's slow burn had me in knots! Every look, every touch was unbearable! 🥵
Serephina promises her dying mother that she would never sing around anyone except her father. However, on a particularly bad night, on the rooftop without a soul around, she sings her heart out. Except....she's not alone.
Out from the shadows emerges a man with scars swirling over half his face; convicted felon Ciaran Fahy. Known to be part of the resistance against the ruling Scion, Serephina can't help but be drawn to him.
Soon, with secrets revealed, and on the run, Serephina must join forces with Ciaran to keep out of sight and realize that maybe a phantoms shadows have more light than she thought.
THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING!!! I can not tell you how obsessed I was with it! As a girly who was obsessed with Phantom of the Opera and is now into shadow daddy's, this book was definitely right up my alley!
Ciaran and Serephina's slow burn had me in knots! Every look, every touch was unbearable! 🥵
Serephina promises her dying mother that she would never sing around anyone except her father. However, on a particularly bad night, on the rooftop without a soul around, she sings her heart out. Except....she's not alone.
Out from the shadows emerges a man with scars swirling over half his face; convicted felon Ciaran Fahy. Known to be part of the resistance against the ruling Scion, Serephina can't help but be drawn to him.
Soon, with secrets revealed, and on the run, Serephina must join forces with Ciaran to keep out of sight and realize that maybe a phantoms shadows have more light than she thought.
November 27, 2025
📚 ARC Review 📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️ - Very slow burn
I really enjoyed this one!! Okay so I’ve not actually seen Phantom of the Opera….I know I know, don’t come for me. But regardless, I know what it’s about. I loved that this was turned into a fantasy, and all the magic elements. F**k the patriarchy. Female Rage. I ate it up.
I loved these themes of Seraphina truly finding herself and learning to overcome & just be herself.
And don’t get me started on Ciaran. Let me tell you, I normally hate nicknames, but every time he called her Love, I swooned!!!
This book releases 12/2/25 so make sure you go add it to your TBR!
Thank you so much @carleebrae.author for the opportunity to read this early. I had so much fun reading it!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️ - Very slow burn
I really enjoyed this one!! Okay so I’ve not actually seen Phantom of the Opera….I know I know, don’t come for me. But regardless, I know what it’s about. I loved that this was turned into a fantasy, and all the magic elements. F**k the patriarchy. Female Rage. I ate it up.
I loved these themes of Seraphina truly finding herself and learning to overcome & just be herself.
And don’t get me started on Ciaran. Let me tell you, I normally hate nicknames, but every time he called her Love, I swooned!!!
This book releases 12/2/25 so make sure you go add it to your TBR!
Thank you so much @carleebrae.author for the opportunity to read this early. I had so much fun reading it!!!
January 3, 2026
#annoyingheroine
THIS WAS NOT A RETELLING I EXPECTED AS A POTA FAN. The heroine was fucking child. Though, this was an interesting concept, and I would have loved to see this in film, despite the immature FMC.
I can't identify this as a dark romantasy, because there wasn't any elements in there that was "dark" - not in the sense that it'll make you feel uncomfortable. The only annoying person in the story was the shallow heroine with an inferiority complex, so defensive and easily offended, not to mention wasn't a very mature woman. I felt a little sorry for CIARAN, and the only thing that it seemed that made him attracted to her initially was her voice alone.
Not the best rendition of this classical gem.
THIS WAS NOT A RETELLING I EXPECTED AS A POTA FAN. The heroine was fucking child. Though, this was an interesting concept, and I would have loved to see this in film, despite the immature FMC.
I can't identify this as a dark romantasy, because there wasn't any elements in there that was "dark" - not in the sense that it'll make you feel uncomfortable. The only annoying person in the story was the shallow heroine with an inferiority complex, so defensive and easily offended, not to mention wasn't a very mature woman. I felt a little sorry for CIARAN, and the only thing that it seemed that made him attracted to her initially was her voice alone.
Not the best rendition of this classical gem.
December 2, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Tropes: Found Family, Dark Romance, Slow Burn, Retelling of Classic
I'm always nervous about retellings but this story was so detailed & plush it transports you into the narrative and I ended up finishing it in a day. the broody MMC Ciaran & the spirted FMC Seraphina have this delicious slow burn which kept me transfixed and almost had a 'forced proximity' appeal to them. The story which unfolds feels purposeful and driven, at no point did I feel there were filler chapters just a strong directive and beautiful world building. I look forward to the next book would gladly sign up for another installment.
Tropes: Found Family, Dark Romance, Slow Burn, Retelling of Classic
I'm always nervous about retellings but this story was so detailed & plush it transports you into the narrative and I ended up finishing it in a day. the broody MMC Ciaran & the spirted FMC Seraphina have this delicious slow burn which kept me transfixed and almost had a 'forced proximity' appeal to them. The story which unfolds feels purposeful and driven, at no point did I feel there were filler chapters just a strong directive and beautiful world building. I look forward to the next book would gladly sign up for another installment.
December 9, 2025
Brae has done a masterful job building a world you can see and hear and feel, while balancing it with a magic system that never feels too heavy or overly complex, with lore that doesn’t feel contrived, with a socio-political situation that feels both authentic to the time and applies to our current time and doesn’t feel preachy or heavy-handed.
She’s done a LOT here, folks, and done it beautifully well, and that’s before we even get into the homage to Phantom which feels more like a fun set of Easter eggs rather than a scene-for-scene retelling.
It’s rare to find a work that truly reimagines an existing story in a way that is new and bold but Brae has done it and done it well.
She’s done a LOT here, folks, and done it beautifully well, and that’s before we even get into the homage to Phantom which feels more like a fun set of Easter eggs rather than a scene-for-scene retelling.
It’s rare to find a work that truly reimagines an existing story in a way that is new and bold but Brae has done it and done it well.
September 19, 2025
If you love lush world building/settings, relatable FMCs who make mistakes and have to learn along the way, obsessive shadow daddys (complete with accents), and anything having to do with a 1920s Paris-inspired city, overcoming religious trauma, and a really cool/unique music/arts-based magic system, this debut romantasy is right up your alley. It's a loose retelling of Phantom of the Opera and you can tell the author did her research and put her whole heart into it!!! 10/10 no notes, please add this to your TBR now.
September 19, 2025
I was lucky enough to be asked by Carlee to read this masterpiece pre-publication. I'm a huge romantacy book fan and quite literally fell in love with this book and it's characters
Since reading Of Songs and Phantoms, I have continually thought about these characters and storyline while reading other books, finding myself wishing they were a little more like the world Carlee built.
Safe to say, I LOVED IT. Plot twists that I didn't see coming, romance that BUILLLLDDDSSSS, and let's be real... #shadowdaddy 😏 Can't wait to read it again when it's officially released!
Since reading Of Songs and Phantoms, I have continually thought about these characters and storyline while reading other books, finding myself wishing they were a little more like the world Carlee built.
Safe to say, I LOVED IT. Plot twists that I didn't see coming, romance that BUILLLLDDDSSSS, and let's be real... #shadowdaddy 😏 Can't wait to read it again when it's officially released!
November 22, 2025
A beautiful take on the Phantom story. The themes and overall story were really well done. The old world and current themes meld beautifully. The magic system and world building were interesting. The spice was spicy 🌶😏
You can see that Carlee warms up as the story goes. It feels a little light on the descriptors early on causing it to lack full immersion but by the end I felt like I was in the world. I couldn't stop turning the pages. It was a fun and easy read with great twists and a fiery romance. As a debut novel this was fantastic and I can't wait to see what comes next!
You can see that Carlee warms up as the story goes. It feels a little light on the descriptors early on causing it to lack full immersion but by the end I felt like I was in the world. I couldn't stop turning the pages. It was a fun and easy read with great twists and a fiery romance. As a debut novel this was fantastic and I can't wait to see what comes next!
December 2, 2025
This is a loosely based retelling of the phantom of the opera. I love the Phantom of the opera so I was desperately wanting to read this one. It has some of those points from the phantom of the opera but liked that it has its own unique story plot as well. The two blended well together the book has got magic in it and realising that you’ve had magic but it’s been hidden from you and it’s starting to come out.
I felt the book was really well written and well paced. There was good world building and i liked the main characters.
I felt the book was really well written and well paced. There was good world building and i liked the main characters.
November 13, 2025
What a fun read! I will admit it was a slow start, but by 25% I was hooked and couldn’t put this down. The characters and their city really leapt off the page and I was invested in their story. Only 4 stars because I would’ve liked a little more resolution in the epilogue, but I choose to believe everything worked out for everyone in the end. Definitely a fun and quick read if you’re looking for something fun but with a twist.
December 6, 2025
A beautiful dark Phantom of the Opera retelling. There are fantasy elements woven in, and I liked the blend of original Phantom elements and new parts. I felt immersed in the world of the opera house and really enjoyed the story, even with the slow burn.
January 8, 2026
A masterpiece 🖤
At first I was annoyed because it started out almost exactly like 🎭 Phantom of the Opera 🎭 but once they entered the mirror 🪞.... 👀👀👀
I only wish I could hear what they sung 🥹😭
At first I was annoyed because it started out almost exactly like 🎭 Phantom of the Opera 🎭 but once they entered the mirror 🪞.... 👀👀👀
I only wish I could hear what they sung 🥹😭
November 29, 2025
I am a major fan of The Phantom of the Opera, and this novel was a beautiful rendition of the classic story.
The added fantasy elements were done tactfully and enhanced the conflict between our Phantom and the outside world. Seraphina's story is depicted amazingly and showcases the appeal of staying on the path of current life or joining the world below the Opera house.
A fabulous debut novel for Carlee Brae! Thank you for the ARC, can't wait to revisit after publication.
The added fantasy elements were done tactfully and enhanced the conflict between our Phantom and the outside world. Seraphina's story is depicted amazingly and showcases the appeal of staying on the path of current life or joining the world below the Opera house.
A fabulous debut novel for Carlee Brae! Thank you for the ARC, can't wait to revisit after publication.
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