When the theatre burned down, it left behind more than ghosts ...
Best friends Carina and Mae are ecstatic to be performing at the newly rebuilt Angel Theatre. But disaster haunts the opening in a twist of fate, Mae is unable to take the stage, while Carina is elevated to the lead.
The new manager of the theatre, Rhett, is determined to prove himself to his distinguished family - by any means necessary. And Erik, emotionally and physically scarred from the fires of the past, desperately searches for meaning through his music.
Alongside a string of deaths at the theatre, friendships will be tested and love lost and found as the cast and crew race to discover the killer.
Romance, magic, music and murder intertwine in this fantasy retelling of The Phantom of the Opera.
TF Johnson spends her days in imaginary worlds swordfighting, defeating monsters, and talking with dragons.
TF Johnson has a degree in Interior Design, which she has never used, is addicted to chocolate and coffee, and would spend her days with her head in the clouds if she had the choice. She has an incredibly understanding husband and an English Bulldog who is the best writing companion ever – Even if she does have a habit of putting her head on the keyboard and leaving it there.
In her spare time, TF Johnson collects books to read, which is a completely different hobby to actually reading them. She has 173 books on her to-read shelf, a number which is steadily growing.
When she’s not reading or writing, TF Johnson can be found trying out new hobbies and spending time with her friends and family.
I received this book as an ARC from the authors and I can’t say I wasn’t impressed by the book. I loved the cover to start with and the synopsis of the book. As I read the story I started to like particular characters and worry something was going to happen to them. I really enjoyed the storyline, it wasn’t rushed and kept me guessing along the way
I WAS AGAIN AN ARC READER EEEKKKK sorry I just really love arcs Anyways I woke up at like 6am this morning, and it’s late rn so I will indeed be coming back tommrowow to write this review But can I just mention now that this books concept was not AT ALL what I was expecting. Possibly cause TF Johnson’s other books (the belladonna trilogy which is another AMAZING SERIES) was much more,,, fantasy esc? And this was more murder mystery. But it was fun and interesting and captivating. I also really enjoyed all our characters and different perspectives and im very excited to see the next book which will follow up these chronicles of classic stories retold. Yeah that’s all for tonight, see you tommrowow!!
Okay I’m back. Woo hoo I knwo round of applause So I really enjoyed the premise of this book, it had great character building and the vibes were immaculate I just felt that if this was a series we could have had so much more depth to these characters and the plot Like I would of cared more about the deaths etc Also I BELEIVE I would have enjoyed this even more if I knew what it was about I really went in blind. Like I thought it would be more fantasy esc and it was more murder mystery esc And I do wish we got more of the magic Like the mages and the sparks and the trinkets. These were all really cool, but also really underdeveloped factors of the story Like yes I knwo the trinkets were the main part… but how were they made, what’s a mage, what’s a spark? Does this make any sense? Sorry if it doesn’t Anyways
PLOT okay so we begin following the rebuilding of a theater called the angel It burnt down In a fire and killed many people, and left many injured So yeah we are rebuilding that However on the opening night, the prima Donna (lead singer) left because her mum was ill So someone else has to take over. That’s gonna be Carina and Meli. And then also Mae, the… Madames? Sorry I do not remember her role… but yeah her daughter like sprains her ankle but because she is a spark she can’t heal it So down a dancer as well Uhh… all is honestly going okay Production is good. Not great But then one of the sit in prima Donna’s is found dead Meli is dead So we go on to just continue life as it is… nothing they can do. People think it’s ghosts haunting the theater So yeah But then it can no longer be ignored when Francessca also turns up dead. Two prima donnas However, we as the readers see who it is. Carina. Carina killed both of them because she was jealous and scared She wanted to be a great singer and they stood in her way Uhhh Then the theater reopens. And then Maestro, maes godfather, also dies. He figured out it was Carina and she killed hum However Carina tells Rhett, who also has blood on his hands from letting a man make three trinkets at once, steal king all his life force. Yup. Mhm So these two are a match made in heaven So they work out a plan for Rhett to get the business back, and for Carina to refill her trinket. This trinket is what she has been using to kill and it is what makes her a great singer. So they decide… capture a spark… or two So they decide to kill Erik for carinas trinket, who is now a patron but is not filling in as Maestro. He also survived the first fire. And to capture Mae for Rhett to use for his trinket business. Well to do this, they shatter a chandelier, kidnapp Mar and Erik runs after her. Because he’s in lovvereeee So yeah when there they are legit kidnapped and trapped. But they manage to get out of it. Erik had to kill Carina. And Rhett is unconscious The only reason they are alive is because Sammie Rhett’s sister, knew he was up to something and called Kygan, an undercover cop to investigate So they found Mae and Erik, and Sammi tells them to lie so Rhett gets locked up So that happens And in the end Mae leaves the angel with Erik to go work together at Blue Ribbon, and the angel turns into a travelling theater
As we can see, this books storyline was cool cause we got the perspectives of the ‘villains’ and the ‘heroes’ I really loved that aspect I just really wish there was more world building.
CHARACTERS okay these are always the make or break for a book. But I like all these characters, they all had a fair amount of depth and difference.
MAE she was my favourite character. She had so much loss plaguing her and yet she never gave up on what she wanted She wanted to move on from the angle. So she did And along with that, she was a character who was unique because she was a spark So she couldn’t heal easily, she danced amazing, and she could never really let anyone in. Also the death of her dad and her godfather. And the clinginess lf her mum and how Mae handled all of it. Best parts.
ERIK Also another amazing character His trauma with the previous fire was very real to read about Like the hatred for smoke etc But also his insecurities because of his scars which he only learned to love when Mae loved them Very cute Also his development from playboy to lover Awwww And how he constantly stood up for Mae. Very cute. I loved how everyone hated him, but how he was making them hate him because he was too scared to let them in.
CARINA she was just a girl who wanted to get to her dreams but went about it the wrong way. like I feel like she based her entire life wanting to live up to her mother, and when she couldn’t naturally she took the easy way out Ina way, it’s a beautiful story of how sometimes wanting to do what’s best for the people you love can also harm th e people you love. Like I wanting to make her dad and mum proud, she hurt Mae, and also ended up dying herself So there is some tragic beauty to that.
RHETT oh I hated him From the very start. He was so stuck up and entitled. How he treated sammi like she was just his assistant and like he was better then her But also seeing how he wanted to do everything for his mothers validation was sad Because no kid should feel like they can’t do things because their parents may be diss appointed because they weren’t good enough. So yeah That’s my take
QUOTES
“You need to live, my love. For yourself, not for anyone else.”
-UGHHH ERIK YESSSS this is the best relationship
“Don’t cry, my angel.”
-yeah I love Erik
also yes thank you Very greatful to be an arc reader because I love TF Johnson’s writing and the ideas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This review is based on advanced reader copy kindly provided by the authors.
DNF @20%
Okay, time for me to DNF this one. Here’s why:
• When I applied for this ARC, I had a completely different impression of what this book was supposed to be about. Since the authors are new to me, I didn’t have any prior experience with their writing style.
• There are so many POVs, yet so little plot movement and actual character introduction that I’m completely lost. If it weren’t for the blurb, I honestly wouldn’t know what the main storyline is or which characters are supposed to be the leads. (Yes, I know it’s been only 20%, but I’m usually able to tell if the book is or isn’t for me at this point.)
• The dialogues are… not good. Most of the time, it feels like the characters are just making endless small talk. They’re not literally discussing the weather or how much sugar they take in their tea, but it might as well be. Pages of conversations that add nothing.
I’m getting frustrated, so this is where I’m stepping away. I’m clearly not the target audience for this one.
Premise was tantalising, had all the promise of a good, meaty murder mystery and then it just all fell apart.
Everyone is unlikeable. Literally everyone. It didn’t help that the way this was written meant you didn’t know who was meant to be the main characters. I was invested in exactly zero of them because of this, and because we swapped POVs so often that it got tiresome for me to even care about anyone. All the women are either catty bitches or simpering damsels. All the men are assholes, except one who is killed. We’re not given any backstory - motivations, instead so much of this story was told in impersonal dialogue heavy scenes that didn’t work well at all.
As an aside: There was so much TELLING, not enough SHOWING.
We’re introduced to way too many characters who don’t matter, who are given too much dialogue that serve no purpose at the expense of an actual good story.
The magic system is half-assed. There’s no explanation to anything, no actual world building, and (I checked) at 60% of the book a vampire is introduced, 78% a banshee is introduced - and they both never mentioned again. They’re actually a butler and a doorman(?) to the humans which makes zero sense because they’re a VAMPIRE and a BANSHEE so why would they serve a human (no, we don’t get an explanation why).
The social hierarchy is a mess because it’s never explained - like why would a theatre owner have the power to influence a Prime Minister position??? Why does a theatre manager need an extra illegal side job if this was such a sought after lucrative position? I would believe it if it was actually explained but it isn’t.
The actual time period and location is equally a mess. It feels like it should take place in an atmospheric, almost older civilisation type time period but the dialogue uses modern day language and it just took me out of it (‘don’t be an ass’). Side note - if it’s meant to be based on England/ the English it about have been ‘arse’, but I digress.
There are characters with very French names, there’s quite a bit of Paris in the way the world is described, sure but then we also have gondolas, whisky (where’s the wine??) and then some dude whose name is JUSTIN.
I know fantasy means that the author can take liberties with the world they’re building, but look. They have to actually BUILD the world and not just throw people into it and hope they vibe with it just because.
The writing itself is so disappointing. I quite like TF Johnson’s style truly, but this one really just pales in comparison. So much editing needed to be done. All the characters snap at each other so much in their dialogue - I did a search and the world ‘snapped’ is use 190+ times in the entire book. Why.
There are some phrases that were used wrongly - that should have been picked up in an alpha / beta read. The characters speak like they’re in their teens when they’re (I assume because again, we’re not given any backstory) they’re meant to be full grown adults.
Honestly - and I’m truly so sorry to have to write this, but had this been a longer book, I would have DNFed it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a fast, theatrical-vibed gaslamp fantasy that leans hard into ambition, secrets, and the cost of wanting something badly enough. Set in a rebuilt theatre haunted by magic and murder, the story feels like a stage production in novel form. It's a bit melodramatic, full of heightened emotions, and people making messy, desperate choices. I really liked the concept of blending magic with performance, and the theatre itself felt like the true heart of the story: glamorous, dangerous, and full of buried history.
The cast is large, and the multiple POVs give us a wide look at characters who all want something different from the stage. What stood out most to me is that none of them are especially easy to root for other than one or two. The book is more interested in exploring what they’re willing to sacrifice than in making them lovable. Not to say that you don't fully understand them, because I think we can all understand when one bad choice snowballs. It ends up reading more like a character study than a sweeping fantasy, which worked for me even if it meant I didn’t get deeply emotionally attached to anyone. Erik, the Phantom-inspired figure, carries clear echoes of the original story, but I appreciated that he isn’t just lurking in the shadows. He’s integrated into the theatre world itself, which gives him a more interesting angle.
The mystery is really the driving force here. The deaths and secrets kept me engaged, and I didn’t mind that the romance took a back seat. In fact, I think the focus on the mystery made the story stronger overall. The fantasy elements blended smoothly with the theatre setting and gave the story a slightly eerie vibe without overwhelming it.
Emotionally, I wanted a little more. There wasn’t quite enough time to fully sink into the characters’ inner lives, and some of the trauma and relationships resolved more quickly than I would have liked. That said, I appreciated that the book didn’t try to force easy sympathy. These characters are complicated, flawed, and sometimes unlikable, and that complexity is part of what makes the story interesting. It really does feel like an homage to theatre itself; dramatic, messy, and focused more on performance and ambition than on the comfort of its audience.
Overall, this felt like a moody, magical murder mystery set on a stage. If you like Phantom vibes, ensemble casts, and stories about people chasing their dreams at any cost, this is a twisty read. And also, Asparagus is an elite cat name.
Thanks so much to R&R Booktours and the authors for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Seven years ago, a terrible fire occurred in th famous Angel Theatre. Now, it has been restored and will perform operas, plays, and ballets once again.
After the prima donna leaves on a family emergency, two girls are chosen to be the prima donna, until one of them is found murdered. Now, there’s a killer on the loose while everyone is trying to keep the Theatre open.
This was a unique take on Phantom of the Opera. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
The characters were a lot of fun, each unique and you could for the most part guess who is who when compared to Phantom of the Opera.
Carina and Rhett are the ones that really added all the drama. They both seemed to be prima donnas 😆 And they both were so ambitious and wanted power, each of them were such a piece of work. I typically would not love these characters, but wow did they add something to this story. The audacity the two of these had.
Then there’s Mae and Erik. Totally different from the other two. Erik was originally caught in the fire in the past. He’s grumpy, rude and yet you can tell he just wants to be seen past his scars. And Mae is just kind. I really enjoyed their romance. It was sweet and adorable, and I do love a grumpy/sunshine romance.
I love reading a fantasy with a mystery tied to it. I always feel more engaged trying to figure out who it is while also enjoying the story and romance oneself. And even though I figured out who the murderer was at the start, I still enjoyed how the story played out.
My only issue is that I wanted to know more about the world. We do learn about Magic, Sparks who collect magic and Trinkets that are used to put magic into to be used, etc. However, there were random moments when a Vampyre popped up or a Banshee. I had no idea this world had any beings like these. I assumed they were all human, which that right there is an issue. There’s no history about the world to explain about Vampyres and Banshees and who knows what else. It would have been nice to have some sort of history or explanation. They just seemed randomly put into the book.
I really enjoyed this story. It had great pacing and the ending is very satisfying while also a bit sad. I think there might be more set in this world, but I’ll guess I’ll see! I’ll glad read more of there is.
Thank you to the authors for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ok, so I did like this, don't get me wrong! But in the end I feel like it scratched the surface of what could've been an even emotionally deeper story. Maybe it's meant to be more light and YA.
The pacing felt off, mostly for the first 40% or so. I struggled a bit. It was more set up, and I was waiting for things to happen more. I kept waiting for more Erik. There isn't any hint of romance between Erik (our moody, scarred, former singer) and the other fmc till about 45% in. I LOVE slow burn and dug how their connection blossomed, but by the end we only get hints of their deeper feelings.
We don't explore his trauma as much as I would've liked. He gets over his insecurities of his scars too fast. He has other scars on his body (arms) but we never show that or how she handled it. Keep in mind this is PG in the romance department with only kisses. And I'm fine with that but, then I would've liked more scenes between them of emotional discovery. He's been shuddered for 8 years, his walls would not have broken completely in a few weeks.
There's 4 pov's and it's only a 350 page book. I'd love this but then even wraps up so fast in the last 30% and I felt like this was only a part one in a duology. I was sad to see its only one book because I did love the magic system, the myster/suspense and the blooming live. But it just needed to be finessed more, find more focus with so many characters and I truly think it needs another book because this felt like only touching the surface...like a set up for a truly dramatic sequel!
There lots of potential but I didn't see it fully realized. I did love Erik though and his moments of insecurity and sweetness by wanted to see more of his journey and Mae's as well as they navigate his new place in the world and Mae's abilities. How certain people are Sparks (with magic), was neat. It all wrapped up too fast though.
Johnson and Elvis deliver an eerie Phantom of the Opera inspired tale that shows the darker side of human nature and how our passions can drive us to achieve our dreams or lead us to make questionable choices in our pursuit of it.
The narrative follows four POVs with overlapping story lines. One side you have the tale of Erik and Mae, both of who are struggling in the aftermath of theatre's fiery past and find new futures for themselves. On the other side, you have Carina and Rhett, who struggle with the expectations to please their parents. While all of them come together as they move in our of lives and jobs in the theatre, some of the characters follow so much darker paths on their question to achieve more. This is not a Phantom retelling, but does play into those darker themes of desire, loss, hope, and despair. The authors let the characters take center stage, sprinkling in nods to a sinister magical world where trinkets can give you what you seek -- but with deadly consequences.
As the story goes on, mysterious deaths begin at the museum, leaving everyone on the edge. It will additionally throw some hiccups to the theatre's show as its trope members die one by one. Shadow of the Ghost Light is emotional and dark, with a slow slide into the dangerous web woven by each of the characters. It is a siren's song that lures you in over time as the authors let the characters drive the plot and by the end the story lines crash into each other with some dire consequences for all involved.
Other things to note: It is a no-spice tell with a sweet romance involved.
Shadow of the Ghost Light by T.F. Johnson and Imogen Elvis is an atmospheric and haunting tale that pulls you into a world of mystery and suspense. The writing is richly descriptive, creating a vivid landscape where every shadow seems to hold a secret, and the eerie glow of the ghost light hints at the unknown. The authors masterfully build tension throughout the story, keeping you hooked as the characters unravel the layers of their pasts and face the supernatural forces at play.
While the plot is engrossing, with its slow-burn unraveling of secrets and the palpable atmosphere, what stood out most to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Their growth and interactions felt real, grounding the story in a relatable way, even as the eerie events unfolded around them.
A notable mention is that there is no spice in this book, which I actually appreciated—it lets the mystery and suspense take center stage without any distractions, allowing the eerie atmosphere to take full effect.
I received this book personally from the authors, and I’m so glad I did! While it didn’t quite reach the five-star level for me, it was an incredibly enjoyable read, and I loved the depth of storytelling and the chilling vibes it delivered. A solid four stars, and definitely recommended for anyone who enjoys a gripping, atmospheric read without the heat.
First off, I will devour anything inspired by Phantom of the Opera, and this was no exception since I finished it in one sitting.
I was hooked immediately by the dedication: “To all the girls who thought the Phantom could do better than Christine.” That spoke directly to me because HELL YES, the Phantom absolutely deserved better!
This is not a retelling but an inspo story. The Phantom figure is easy to recognize in Erik, a musician who is deeply scarred both emotionally and physically after surviving the theatre fire. Instead of hiding in the shadows though, he is more integrated into the theatre itself, which made the character feel new while still keeping those classic Phantom vibes.
The story includes multiple POVs, a magic system, some political intrigue, and morally gray characters that escalate to pitch black. Although we get a romance in the story, it was not swoony or hot enough to stand out, and what kept me most invested were the murders and the constant curiosity about what characters would do next.
The prose flows easily, making this a fast and easy read. The fantasy elements blend well with the theater setting while still keeping the darker tone that “The Phantom of the Opera” is known for, and I think readers who enjoy gaslamp fantasy would really like this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I think it's worth saying up front that Shadow of the Ghost Light is not a Phantom of the Opera re-imagining - it uses elements of the original story to fuel a plot that is 100% new and original. At its core, I think this story is a study in the highs and lows of ambition: at the start of the book we meet four "ordinary" characters (I say it like that because they do have magic / live in a magical realm, but for all intents and purposes they are ordinary) at the start, or part-way into their career journey in theatre. As their first season progresses, we see what each is willing to do for success, and the repercussions - and rewards - of those decisions.
I really enjoyed this story! As a creative who has had a small taste of success, I understood the desperation within the characters to succeed, as well as the slippery slope you can sometimes find yourself on that can test your boundaries (although not on the scale seen here!). I can understand the critique I've seen in other reviews that the characters are not inherently "likeable" at the start of the book which makes continuing the story difficult. However, I think that was an intentional choice by the authors to illustrate the journey of these very normal young adults; two of which become really lovely, likeable, successful artists and people and the other two succumb to the ugly side of ambition and give up their morals.
As a romance girly at heart, I would have liked a bit more tension between Mae and Erik before they start dating. My favourite pieces of the book are when "the Phantom" is horrified and exhilarated by Mae's dancing, her kindness and the effect she has on him and I would have loved more!
Thank you to TF Johnson and Imogen Elvis for the opportunity to read and honestly review Shadow of the Ghost Light upon its release.
From page one I was absolutely hooked… romance, dancing, theatre and magic?! What’s not to love?! Ok but seriously, there was so much I loved about this book, I’m not entirely sure where I want to start!
The story follows Carina & Mae, best friends who get perform in the newly renovated Angel Theatre that burned down in a tragic accident 7 years prior. On one hand, Mae is desperate to step out from her mothers shadow and dance in her own light, while Carina wants nothing more than to make her late parents proud. When a string of mysterious deaths plague the theatre, the crew scramble to find the culprit and save the theatres reputation.
The story is fast paced, with action around every corner… so much so, that I absolutely flew through this book and did not want it to end! We learnt so much about the various characters through the multiple POV, with some characters being more likeable than others, I felt like we got a really good insight into the world and the relationships throughout.
I feel like there is so much more to this world, so I’m excited to see what comes next!!
This story sure gives us a different take on the Phantom of the Opera.
It shows us the "phantom" in a whole new perspective and "Christine" also, and we see them not being the main love story. We have romance with Erik and Mae (perfect couple), but we also have mistery, intrigue, shocking twists and a little rage and resentment when it all comes clear.
We have lovable characters and despicable ones where all is fair and where there's nothing they won't do to gain power and fame and for their ambitions.
We have multiple POVs, where we can complement each other sides and thoughts and even if I thought at first that it would be confusing, it wasn't at all. Even if I wanted more and more about Erik and Mae. And everything is not what it seems. I liked the magic system and the Trinkets, and liked this world the authors have built.
I had the honour of both beta and ARC reading this book. Shadows Of The Ghost Light is my first experience reading a book written by multiple authors, and I was not disappointed. Erik, my dear, I want to wrap you in a blanket and keep you safe 😭
The unlikeable characters were exactly that. They had me in my emotions so much that I forgot I was reading a book 😂 The way Carina vexes me should be scientifically studied 😂
The likeable characters were soft and gentle, but brave as well. I don’t want to post too many spoilers because I think you should all pick up the book and read!
For me, the magic system and setting were unique, with blended elements of history and modernism, and the theatre setting was ominous and interesting.
Shadow of the Ghost Light is a Phantom of the Opera retelling 😩😩😩🤌 I have a special place in my heart for the Phantom of the Opera and so I was very excited to read this book and it did not disappoint! I loved the murder mystery aspects of this book! Mae is my favorite character I love how she preserves through everything and never gives up! This book releases February 28th and should definitely be added to your tbr! Thank you to R&R book tours for including me in this review tour into the author for sending me a copy of their book!
The Phantom of the Opera is quite a favourite of mine and I jumped at the opportunity to ARC read this particular book, merely because it was a retelling. Can I start off by saying, I am not disappointed at all? Shadow of the Ghost Light is the reimagining that I never knew I needed - the story did both Eriks justice and it was a wonderful and thrilling read. Romance dabbed with suspense, set in the familiar opera house, where disasters make you wonder whether this Erik is to blame 👀. I had a lot of fun on my reading journey and I can assure you, you will too.
I would give this book 100 stars if I could! I already knew I'd love it because TF Johnson is MAGICAL. Evidently, Imogen Elvis is as well—I can't wait to pick up more of her books. The second I heard about this book, when they were first starting to write it, I was so excited to read it. and my goodness, it was worth the wait! I don't want to spoil anything, but I loved Erik right from the start and I'm so glad he got the ending he did 🥹
This beautifully written story set against the sumptuous backdrop of the theatre is full of magic and mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.
This book is entirely different from TF Johnsons other books so its a good idea to go into this with no expectations and let this book win you over on its own.
If you loved Phantom of the Opera and genuinely thought the Phantom could do better than Christine- this is the book for you.
A sprinkling of magic, murder mystery, betrayal and sweet romance, Shadow of the Ghost Light was a pure DELIGHT to read. different from my usual haunts (fantasy/romantasy), this slightly more modernized version of Phantom had my attention and gosh did i enjoy it!