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Our Strange Duet
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A reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, spotlighting Christine Daaé as she rises to fame while torn between love, ambition, and the haunting secrets of the opera house from #1 New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig.
Inspired by Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, Le Fantôme de L’Opéra, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a mysterious masked figure who lurks beneath the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it.
He falls madly in love with a young soprano, Christine Daaé, and devotes himself to nurturing her extraordinary talents, employing all of the devious methods at his command.
Our Strange Duet centres Christine’s emotional journey and her agency within this sweeping, atmospheric opera.
Inspired by Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, Le Fantôme de L’Opéra, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a mysterious masked figure who lurks beneath the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it.
He falls madly in love with a young soprano, Christine Daaé, and devotes himself to nurturing her extraordinary talents, employing all of the devious methods at his command.
Our Strange Duet centres Christine’s emotional journey and her agency within this sweeping, atmospheric opera.
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Erin A. Craig
10 books7,355 followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig has always loved telling stories.
After getting her B.F.A. from the University of Michigan, in Theatre Design and Production, she stage managed tragic operas with hunchbacks, séances, and murderous clowns, then decided she wanted to write books that were just as spooky.
An avid reader, decent quilter, rabid basketball fan, and collector of typewriters, brass figurines, and sparkly shoes, Erin makes her home in West Michigan with her husband and daughter.
To find out more about Erin and the worlds she creates, follow @penchant4words on Instagram and Threads.
She is represented by Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord Literistic.
After getting her B.F.A. from the University of Michigan, in Theatre Design and Production, she stage managed tragic operas with hunchbacks, séances, and murderous clowns, then decided she wanted to write books that were just as spooky.
An avid reader, decent quilter, rabid basketball fan, and collector of typewriters, brass figurines, and sparkly shoes, Erin makes her home in West Michigan with her husband and daughter.
To find out more about Erin and the worlds she creates, follow @penchant4words on Instagram and Threads.
She is represented by Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord Literistic.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 5, 2026
Wildly excited to welcome you all to the Opera Populaire… it’s stranger than you remember it……
Want to Read
June 4, 2026Nothing like young love! This is a reimagining of Phantom of the Opera!!
A rising soprano with a gift is torn between two loves--a childhood friend and a mysterious masked figure that lurks beneath the Opera House. She must decide who she is and what she is willing to risk for the life she wants.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random house Childrens Books/Delacorte Press and the author, Erin. E. Craig for an early copy!
Publication date: September 1, 2026
A rising soprano with a gift is torn between two loves--a childhood friend and a mysterious masked figure that lurks beneath the Opera House. She must decide who she is and what she is willing to risk for the life she wants.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random house Childrens Books/Delacorte Press and the author, Erin. E. Craig for an early copy!
Publication date: September 1, 2026
Want to Read
April 8, 2026AN AUTHOR I TRUST AND ADORE DOING PHANTOM OF THE OPERA?????
Oh I am sat.
Oh I am sat.
Did Not Finish
June 26, 2026Soft DNF at 30%
It was gothic and enchanting with a beautifully haunting atmosphere, maybe right book wrong time!!
It was gothic and enchanting with a beautifully haunting atmosphere, maybe right book wrong time!!
Want to Read
March 29, 2026ahh so very excited about this 🥀
Want to Read
June 16, 2026EDIT: LOL. I was just informed this book has Love Never Dies connections / hints / links.
I'm debating on canceling my pre-order for that reason alone. I'm not here for supporting that musical. There is a reason it flopped.
I'm debating on canceling my pre-order for that reason alone. I'm not here for supporting that musical. There is a reason it flopped.
Want to Read
May 9, 2026Just inject it into my veinsssss
Read
June 23, 2026Oh my GOSH I was wandering around the house reading this obsessively and singing to myself. The lyrics to my favorite Phantom songs are embedded so seamlessly into this book that sometimes I was humming the tune before I even realized why. A stunning dive into Christine's story, and a must-read for all Phantomheads!
June 10, 2026
Our Strange Duet
Erin A. Craig does it again! A masterful and beautifully written gothic YA retelling of The Phantom of the Opera from the perspective of our beloved heroine Christine Daae!
When I first heard that Erin was given the reins for this story I was THRILLED! Nobody does atmospheric/gothic YA like Erin A Craig! And you know when ALW gives someone the helm to help expand this story…you can trust that judgement!
This is so beautifully done! Christine’s story is expanded on, her relationship with Raoul and her life before the Opera Populair. We also get to know the inner workings of her mind and her complicated feelings surrounding Erik, The Phantom, her Angel of Music. We see her conflict, her desire and confusion, the feelings of betrayal but her reaction to his music. It’s all written so beautifully while still maintaining the naive and optimistic voice that a woman like Christine would have.
Erin also does a magnificent job of intertwining the lyrics from the show throughout without it feeling heavy handed or like I’m just reading the lyric book. There are even a few nods to Love Never Dies (iykyk) that I screeched at!
If you are like me and are a HUGH Phan of Phantom of the Opera this will tick all the right boxes! I laughed (the managers keep their whimsy) I cried (the monkey music box makes his appearance) and I immediately put on the 25th anniversary and laughed and cried some more!
Thank you so much to Penguins Random House Childrens Books / Delacorte Press and Erin A Craig for the e-ARC, you’ve made this theatre kids heart soar!
Erin A. Craig does it again! A masterful and beautifully written gothic YA retelling of The Phantom of the Opera from the perspective of our beloved heroine Christine Daae!
When I first heard that Erin was given the reins for this story I was THRILLED! Nobody does atmospheric/gothic YA like Erin A Craig! And you know when ALW gives someone the helm to help expand this story…you can trust that judgement!
This is so beautifully done! Christine’s story is expanded on, her relationship with Raoul and her life before the Opera Populair. We also get to know the inner workings of her mind and her complicated feelings surrounding Erik, The Phantom, her Angel of Music. We see her conflict, her desire and confusion, the feelings of betrayal but her reaction to his music. It’s all written so beautifully while still maintaining the naive and optimistic voice that a woman like Christine would have.
Erin also does a magnificent job of intertwining the lyrics from the show throughout without it feeling heavy handed or like I’m just reading the lyric book. There are even a few nods to Love Never Dies (iykyk) that I screeched at!
If you are like me and are a HUGH Phan of Phantom of the Opera this will tick all the right boxes! I laughed (the managers keep their whimsy) I cried (the monkey music box makes his appearance) and I immediately put on the 25th anniversary and laughed and cried some more!
Thank you so much to Penguins Random House Childrens Books / Delacorte Press and Erin A Craig for the e-ARC, you’ve made this theatre kids heart soar!
preorders
August 19, 2025I have been waiting to add this book to my TBR on here since she announced the book on IG
April 17, 2026
DRC via Edelweiss
If you know me, then you know how much I love Phantom of the Opera (in all its forms—musical, movie, novel), so it should be no surprise that I downloaded this ARC as soon as it was available.
The prose was lush and extravagant, exactly what the story deserves. One of the main focuses of this adaptation was Christine’s agency, which felt successful without being forced or unnatural. I also liked how Raoul and Christine’s love story was given more care.
While I anticipate there will be discourse about the “lack” of deviation from the original story (musical/movie, less so novel), I personally thought it was a good balance of faithful interpretation. I would have found more issue with unnecessary additions than I do with the story following too closely. I could see specific scenes from the movie in my head and hear the songs while reading, which I thought was perfect.
It felt like reading a Phantom fanfiction in the best way possible. Though I don’t subscribe to the Love Never Dies cannon, I would happily read a sequel. Can’t wait to grab my copy of OSD when it comes out!
If you know me, then you know how much I love Phantom of the Opera (in all its forms—musical, movie, novel), so it should be no surprise that I downloaded this ARC as soon as it was available.
The prose was lush and extravagant, exactly what the story deserves. One of the main focuses of this adaptation was Christine’s agency, which felt successful without being forced or unnatural. I also liked how Raoul and Christine’s love story was given more care.
While I anticipate there will be discourse about the “lack” of deviation from the original story (musical/movie, less so novel), I personally thought it was a good balance of faithful interpretation. I would have found more issue with unnecessary additions than I do with the story following too closely. I could see specific scenes from the movie in my head and hear the songs while reading, which I thought was perfect.
It felt like reading a Phantom fanfiction in the best way possible. Though I don’t subscribe to the Love Never Dies cannon, I would happily read a sequel. Can’t wait to grab my copy of OSD when it comes out!
July 1, 2026
This book was the love letter to phantom of the opera I desperately needed. It’s a gorgeous combination of both the musical and the film that adds extra elements that expands on the characters and helps make some of their decisions make so much more sense. Getting a peak into Christine’s mind and seeing how her thoughts play into her choices was such a joy. I read this book while listening to instrumentals of the soundtrack and it was everything to me. I wish I could put into words how much I enjoyed this book. Plus for the hardcore fans, it leads to the set up of Love Never Dies, letting the Christine and Erik fans have their moment of knowing what comes next.
future-releases
December 7, 2025If Erin A Craig writes it, I shall read it
Want to Read
November 10, 2025Oh my goodness this is so exciting! I loved every book I've read of Erin's so far, and Phantom of the Opera holds a special place in my soul. How lovely of a surprise!
May 18, 2026
My very first ARC! So glad I was able to snag a copy at BookCon.
If you love Phantom of the Opera, this is a must read. Even knowing the story I felt I couldn’t put it down as it was great to read from Christine’s POV.
If you love Phantom of the Opera, this is a must read. Even knowing the story I felt I couldn’t put it down as it was great to read from Christine’s POV.
July 5, 2026
a 10/10 read for Phantom of the Opera lovers!! it was a refreshing retelling of the musical from Christine’s POV and it was beautiful. very well written, faithful to the storyline, callbacks to the musical & Love Never Dies (which I hope she writes the sequel bc I would pick it up in a heartbeat). very good very good thank you for the arc!!
June 27, 2026
I normally love Erin Craig’s books but this one just fell flat for me. Of course it’s a good plot(phantom of the opera) but the characters just felt a bit whiny and I really didn’t feel drawn to either of the two male protagonists. Christine constantly felt uncertain and it’s understandable since she’s going through turmoil and change but instead of feeling some yearning,angst, frustration on her end it just felt a bit pathetic. It seemed a bit harder to empathize with her character. Overall it had the makings to be a fantastic retelling but I just didn’t love it.
July 5, 2026
2.5 stars rounded up because of the theme (and beacuse I recognize it must be dfifficult for the author to tackle Phantom's legend/fandom AND official requirements as this book is authorized by Andrew Llyod Weber). This was one of my most anticipated reads. I watched The Phantom of the Opera movie in 2005, promptly became fascinated with a musical, had my first (a bit toxic, but teenage) crush on the Phantom, saw the musical a couple of times live, even saw its weird sequel... you get the gist. Therefore, I expected to devour this book based on the lore alone.
I did not expect to be bored.
And unfortunately, I was. borded
This retelling recaps the musical/the movie quite literally and while literature can add new depth to the visual fields... it does not, not really. We get new glimpses into characters' (especially Christine's) feelings, but they are not deep or unique enough to justify the lack of music (lyrics are often cited, as if we were supposed to imagine the music: I don't mind it, but it cannot carry the vibes!). I expect retellings or translations to a different medium to add something new and fresh. Yes, it is nice to read a bit about Christine's desire for the Phantom but it is nothing revolutionary since most of the fans already imagined that scenario. Moreover, I did not really enjoy or buy the marketing that it's unique to tell this story from Christine's perspective. To be honest, the musical/the movie already WERE told from Christine's perspective (not Phantom's and definitely not Raoul's). Therefore, this is not a new take.
I could recommend it to the readers who never get enough of the Phantom of the Opera and wish to refresh its plot: however, it mismatched my expectations to read something new on the topic.
I did not expect to be bored.
And unfortunately, I was. borded
This retelling recaps the musical/the movie quite literally and while literature can add new depth to the visual fields... it does not, not really. We get new glimpses into characters' (especially Christine's) feelings, but they are not deep or unique enough to justify the lack of music (lyrics are often cited, as if we were supposed to imagine the music: I don't mind it, but it cannot carry the vibes!). I expect retellings or translations to a different medium to add something new and fresh. Yes, it is nice to read a bit about Christine's desire for the Phantom but it is nothing revolutionary since most of the fans already imagined that scenario. Moreover, I did not really enjoy or buy the marketing that it's unique to tell this story from Christine's perspective. To be honest, the musical/the movie already WERE told from Christine's perspective (not Phantom's and definitely not Raoul's). Therefore, this is not a new take.
I could recommend it to the readers who never get enough of the Phantom of the Opera and wish to refresh its plot: however, it mismatched my expectations to read something new on the topic.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5
As an avid musical goer, and an avid reader, I was SO excited for this book!
I’ve enjoyed the Craig books I’ve read before, she writes with such intention, I knew she’d be able to give a much needed voice to Christine.
I had the pleasure of meeting Erin when I received the ARC, and her knowledge and passion about POTA is so clear. She took a story that means a lot to her, and so so many others, and breathed fresh air into it.
Christine’s world is so small after the death of her father, and the immense grief she deals with day to day is written so well by Craig. It truly shows someone who may not get that feeling from the show, just how lost and young she was, how impressionable. It also expands on Christine’s relationship with Raoul, and how even that, despite how loving, is simply a balm for loneliness and fear.
Craig writes such a compelling story, at time alluding to Psyche and Eros in a way that captivated me (as a mythology LOVER), and truly there is so little I can even say I didn’t like. That being said, my only nitpick is a lot of things happen in dreams, which is neither here nor there for me necessarily but it was a tool she used more than once (or twice), and it didn’t seem to fit with much of the rest of the story, at least for me!
But altogether, this was truly such a great read, especially if you’re a Phantom fan! The voice and agency for Christine is long over-due, and I believe Erin Craig was the perfect choice to flesh out this beloved character.
As an avid musical goer, and an avid reader, I was SO excited for this book!
I’ve enjoyed the Craig books I’ve read before, she writes with such intention, I knew she’d be able to give a much needed voice to Christine.
I had the pleasure of meeting Erin when I received the ARC, and her knowledge and passion about POTA is so clear. She took a story that means a lot to her, and so so many others, and breathed fresh air into it.
Christine’s world is so small after the death of her father, and the immense grief she deals with day to day is written so well by Craig. It truly shows someone who may not get that feeling from the show, just how lost and young she was, how impressionable. It also expands on Christine’s relationship with Raoul, and how even that, despite how loving, is simply a balm for loneliness and fear.
Craig writes such a compelling story, at time alluding to Psyche and Eros in a way that captivated me (as a mythology LOVER), and truly there is so little I can even say I didn’t like. That being said, my only nitpick is a lot of things happen in dreams, which is neither here nor there for me necessarily but it was a tool she used more than once (or twice), and it didn’t seem to fit with much of the rest of the story, at least for me!
But altogether, this was truly such a great read, especially if you’re a Phantom fan! The voice and agency for Christine is long over-due, and I believe Erin Craig was the perfect choice to flesh out this beloved character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Slight spoiler warning for anyone who's seen the musical!
This is basically a published novel version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera.
It is almost exactly the same as the musical. Same exact plot, almost identical dialogue in some spots, and the same ending. It even directly quotes the lyrics of almost every song. If you have seen the musical, you will already know everything that happens in this book. There is no plot twist. So, I don’t know if I can rightly call this a “reimagining”.
That being said, although none of the plot was really different. I would call this a perspective shift.
It focuses entirely on Christine’s point of view and really delves into her emotional turmoil more. Her fears, her hopes, even her nightmares. There were many new moments and scenes in between the original events that added depth to Christine's point of view. She felt very true to character. And as someone who adores the musical, I loved how heavy and raw the emotional moments felt. The deep look into Christine’s thoughts were done so well. I especially loved the darker, scarier moments of Christine’s nightmares and trauma. It was actually a lot spookier than I anticipated.
Everything just made all of the emotions hit harder. And it all felt true to the story. Craig clearly had this in good hands. I would almost call this a companion book to the musical. Reading it felt like how listening to the musical feels.
If you loved The Phantom of the Opera, you will love this! (because it’s basically the same thing)
This is basically a published novel version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera.
It is almost exactly the same as the musical. Same exact plot, almost identical dialogue in some spots, and the same ending. It even directly quotes the lyrics of almost every song. If you have seen the musical, you will already know everything that happens in this book. There is no plot twist. So, I don’t know if I can rightly call this a “reimagining”.
That being said, although none of the plot was really different. I would call this a perspective shift.
It focuses entirely on Christine’s point of view and really delves into her emotional turmoil more. Her fears, her hopes, even her nightmares. There were many new moments and scenes in between the original events that added depth to Christine's point of view. She felt very true to character. And as someone who adores the musical, I loved how heavy and raw the emotional moments felt. The deep look into Christine’s thoughts were done so well. I especially loved the darker, scarier moments of Christine’s nightmares and trauma. It was actually a lot spookier than I anticipated.
Everything just made all of the emotions hit harder. And it all felt true to the story. Craig clearly had this in good hands. I would almost call this a companion book to the musical. Reading it felt like how listening to the musical feels.
If you loved The Phantom of the Opera, you will love this! (because it’s basically the same thing)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a hard one to review because I absolutely ADORE Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of The Opera. I worked for a production of it and learned everything I could about it by watching it obsessively, and know every single note by heart. It is no surprise that this is probably my favorite book ever. It’s the musical, fleshed out and from Christine’s POV. The author worked around the scenes where she’s not present, integrating them into a coherent, flawless and suspenseful plot. Craig also uses the songs as part of the dialogues, and it somehow makes sense. The relationship between Christine and her two beaus works well, and it’s where the author takes the most liberties, because she can get into Miss Daaé’s head and explore what she is thinking. Supporting characters in the theatre get their own backstories and are perfectly fleshed out (I was impressed by the friendship between Christine and Meg).To figure out whether normal people who are not obsessed with the show would like this novel, I tried to read it in a more objective manner; and I still think it’s a great book. It’s atmospheric, with gorgeous settings lovingly detailed, complex characters and great dialogues. As a normie, I give this five stars. As a member of the Phandom, it gets as many stars are there were lights on the famous chandelier.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Random House Children's Books | Delacorte Press.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Random House Children's Books | Delacorte Press.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A reimagining of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA through the fantastical lens of Erin A. Craig seems the most natural thing in the word, and OUR STRANGE DUET delivers exactly what one would expect. The story, focused on Christine Daaé, is opulent, immersive, and romantic, with all the deeply unsettling gothic horror that Craig is *so* skilled at crafting. It’s just so lush, all ribbons and mirrors, roses and music, set in the late 19th century Parisian nightlife. This fairytale telling of Webber’s musical follows Christine from ballet corps to center stage with help from the mysterious stranger, her Angel of Music, who tutors her on operatic singing while magically shrouded from view. He is so kind, so talented, with such a beautiful tenor voice, it seems so absurd to think that he may be the fabled, feared Opera Ghost, wreaking havoc in the theater. But… as Christine’s star rises, and chaos ensues around the opera house, she finds herself torn between her dashing and steady childhood love, Raoul, and the tumultuous, obsessive Angel, who seems more and more likely to be the fiend behind the havoc, and eventually she has to choose. OUR STRANGE DUET is darkly romantic and unforgettable, even if you’re a Phantom newbie (like me!). The curtain rises on this novel on September 1st- don’t miss the show! THANK YOU to Delacorte Press and Erin A. Craig for the e-ARC via NetGalley!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC was provided by NetGalley and Random House in exchange for an honest review.
Our Strange Duet is a reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, told from Christine's point of view as she rises from an obscure chorus girl and finds herself caught between two men: her first love, Raoul, and her mysterious masked teacher, Eric. Torn between Raoul and the Phantom, Christine must choose which life she wants to lead.
Oh, this pains me so much to say that this book was just ok. I am a huge fan of the musical, and I requested this book with no hesitation just because it was a Phantom retelling. To say I was bored is an understatement; Christine didn't even get down to the Phantom's lair until chapter 13. Chapter 13!? I couldn't even tell you what was going on before that because nothing really did. If you know the story, there is nothing really new to learn in this, which is fine because I wasn't expecting that. The phantom was not as present as I thought he would be in the story, and that was disappointing. I did like getting a little more of the relationship with Raoul, and even seeing what Christine's life would be like after leaving the opera house to marry him. Christine's perspective wasn't all that exciting, to be honest, but maybe a story from the phantom's perspective would've been better.
Our Strange Duet is a reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, told from Christine's point of view as she rises from an obscure chorus girl and finds herself caught between two men: her first love, Raoul, and her mysterious masked teacher, Eric. Torn between Raoul and the Phantom, Christine must choose which life she wants to lead.
Oh, this pains me so much to say that this book was just ok. I am a huge fan of the musical, and I requested this book with no hesitation just because it was a Phantom retelling. To say I was bored is an understatement; Christine didn't even get down to the Phantom's lair until chapter 13. Chapter 13!? I couldn't even tell you what was going on before that because nothing really did. If you know the story, there is nothing really new to learn in this, which is fine because I wasn't expecting that. The phantom was not as present as I thought he would be in the story, and that was disappointing. I did like getting a little more of the relationship with Raoul, and even seeing what Christine's life would be like after leaving the opera house to marry him. Christine's perspective wasn't all that exciting, to be honest, but maybe a story from the phantom's perspective would've been better.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Christine is a rising soprano at the Opera. When thrown into the spot light she is visited by her Angel of Music. Christine is intrigued by her Angel but soon discovers he isn't who she thinks he is. When Raoul, Christine's first love, comes into the picture things become tense and her Angel begins to show his true colors. While I feel Christine loves both men in her own way she must decide who she will be with and what her life will look like. Will she choice to live in the light with Raoul or choose a life hidden away with her Angel of Music.
It's been a very long time since I've seen a production of The Phantom of the Opera but I truly feel like Erin has captured Christine's POV and challenges wonderfully. From the moment I opened the book I felt like I was a patron of the theater just watching all these events unfold. Erin never ceases to amaze me with her writing style. She's able to draw you into her stories and make you feel at home there. She has a unique way of create these characters and the place they live.
Erin did such a great job of incorporating music from the The Phantom of the Opera without it being blatantly in your face. This book is a true master piece. I'm now going to go watch as many of the Opera's as my husband will tolerate 🤭
Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for once again allowing me to read and review @penchant4words work.
It's been a very long time since I've seen a production of The Phantom of the Opera but I truly feel like Erin has captured Christine's POV and challenges wonderfully. From the moment I opened the book I felt like I was a patron of the theater just watching all these events unfold. Erin never ceases to amaze me with her writing style. She's able to draw you into her stories and make you feel at home there. She has a unique way of create these characters and the place they live.
Erin did such a great job of incorporating music from the The Phantom of the Opera without it being blatantly in your face. This book is a true master piece. I'm now going to go watch as many of the Opera's as my husband will tolerate 🤭
Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for once again allowing me to read and review @penchant4words work.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have to admit... I went into this completely blind. I've never seen Phantom of the Opera, never read the story, and this was also my first book by Erin A. Craig. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I ended up really enjoying it.
What stood out to me most was the atmosphere. The opera house feels mysterious and dramatic, and there was always this feeling that something was lurking just around the corner. I found myself wanting to keep reading to see what would happen next.
I also liked following Christine's journey. She's trying to figure out who she is, what she wants, and who she can trust, and I thought that emotional side of the story was handled really well. I was invested in her from the beginning.
Since I don't have anything to compare it to, I can't say how closely it follows the musical. But as someone experiencing this story for the first time, I never felt lost. It was easy to follow, kept me engaged, and made me understand why Phantom of the Opera has remained such a well-known story for so many years.
This book also made me want to finally watch the musical, which I think says a lot.
If you enjoy gothic atmosphere, emotional character-driven stories, and a little mystery mixed in with romance, I think this is one worth picking up.
What stood out to me most was the atmosphere. The opera house feels mysterious and dramatic, and there was always this feeling that something was lurking just around the corner. I found myself wanting to keep reading to see what would happen next.
I also liked following Christine's journey. She's trying to figure out who she is, what she wants, and who she can trust, and I thought that emotional side of the story was handled really well. I was invested in her from the beginning.
Since I don't have anything to compare it to, I can't say how closely it follows the musical. But as someone experiencing this story for the first time, I never felt lost. It was easy to follow, kept me engaged, and made me understand why Phantom of the Opera has remained such a well-known story for so many years.
This book also made me want to finally watch the musical, which I think says a lot.
If you enjoy gothic atmosphere, emotional character-driven stories, and a little mystery mixed in with romance, I think this is one worth picking up.
May 30, 2026
I wavered between 3/5 and 4/5 for this one.
I grew up on Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Phantom… and then I read Gaston Leroux’s text. My disclaimer is that I will always be a Raoul girl.
The prose has a young, fresh voice that gives Christine way more agency than we’ve come to expect for her. This is a fairly faithful “adaptation” of ALW’s musical source with small liberties that rounds off what we miss in the musical.
I’m not in love with the Phantom/Erik, and the forgiveness towards him doesn’t smooth anything over for me. Even Raoul felt like a device that serves Christine without any true substance behind me. As a young companion to the musical source, this is cute.
As an adaptation on its own… it’s worth a read once. If it’s young adult, I would lend it towards the upper range or give it more of a new adult placing.
It’s cute, fun, and a bit juvenile where it glosses over the subtleties that can be carved out from the original source.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for feeding my POTO hunger.
I grew up on Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Phantom… and then I read Gaston Leroux’s text. My disclaimer is that I will always be a Raoul girl.
The prose has a young, fresh voice that gives Christine way more agency than we’ve come to expect for her. This is a fairly faithful “adaptation” of ALW’s musical source with small liberties that rounds off what we miss in the musical.
I’m not in love with the Phantom/Erik, and the forgiveness towards him doesn’t smooth anything over for me. Even Raoul felt like a device that serves Christine without any true substance behind me. As a young companion to the musical source, this is cute.
As an adaptation on its own… it’s worth a read once. If it’s young adult, I would lend it towards the upper range or give it more of a new adult placing.
It’s cute, fun, and a bit juvenile where it glosses over the subtleties that can be carved out from the original source.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for feeding my POTO hunger.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Our Strange Duet” was the perfect book for my Phantom loving soul. I loved being able to get Christine’s view point. During the entire book I was singing out loud whenever some brief lyrics were mentioned. I don’t know a better version of an immersive read! I was beyond excited to read this as part of the 40th anniversary of Phantom of the Opera and it was fresh on my mind after seeing the play a few weeks ago.
Within the book we get more depth to the lost moments we miss on stage. Raul and Christine’s engagement was so cute to read about. I also enjoyed their vacation spent together after the chandelier drop. The history behind the Rosa Josephine made me love that symbolism even more. We also get more into Christine’s mind and see the turmoil she faces with choosing the darkness or light. That epilogue though! I immediately wanted more to the story!
“My music will change everything. Yours will be the voice to bring my music to the world.”
“Morning had come. The night had not lasted.”
Within the book we get more depth to the lost moments we miss on stage. Raul and Christine’s engagement was so cute to read about. I also enjoyed their vacation spent together after the chandelier drop. The history behind the Rosa Josephine made me love that symbolism even more. We also get more into Christine’s mind and see the turmoil she faces with choosing the darkness or light. That epilogue though! I immediately wanted more to the story!
“My music will change everything. Yours will be the voice to bring my music to the world.”
“Morning had come. The night had not lasted.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 1/2 stars
Thank you NetGalley, Erin A. Craig and your team for this ARC.
I am so picky when it comes to Phantom of the Opera books. Inspired by, retellings. You name it and I will pick it apart. I've only read one (besides this one) that I felt it was done well. The play is my favorite play of all time. The OG book by Gaston Leroux is my favorite book. The movie is my comfort movie.
I was so nervous to begin this book. To request it. But if THE Andrew Lloyd Webber gives it the go ahead, it had to be good. And it was.
This made me feel like I was back to Broadway in NYC only watching an extended version. Getting to see things from Christine's perspective. The writing reminded me of Gaston Leroux's writing style in a way. Perhaps that was done on purpose or maybe that's this authors style. This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last.
From a fellow Phanatic....well done.
Thank you NetGalley, Erin A. Craig and your team for this ARC.
I am so picky when it comes to Phantom of the Opera books. Inspired by, retellings. You name it and I will pick it apart. I've only read one (besides this one) that I felt it was done well. The play is my favorite play of all time. The OG book by Gaston Leroux is my favorite book. The movie is my comfort movie.
I was so nervous to begin this book. To request it. But if THE Andrew Lloyd Webber gives it the go ahead, it had to be good. And it was.
This made me feel like I was back to Broadway in NYC only watching an extended version. Getting to see things from Christine's perspective. The writing reminded me of Gaston Leroux's writing style in a way. Perhaps that was done on purpose or maybe that's this authors style. This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last.
From a fellow Phanatic....well done.
June 16, 2026
Overall I enjoyed this book. I love Erin Craig’s style and so I knew I was going to enjoy it. I enjoyed the additions of scenes that gave more context to Christine’s frame of mind. I greatly enjoyed her and the phantoms relationship, strange as it was.
The only thing I really struggled with was separating the play from the book. Because some of the lines in the dialogue came right from song lyrics, I would start picturing the play in my mind and then lose sight of the authors artistry. Does that make sense?
Sometimes the book ran as just a regurgitation of the play…but I think that for those who aren’t intimately familiar with the play, this book is going to be thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the arc. This review is my own and the words given of my own volition.
The only thing I really struggled with was separating the play from the book. Because some of the lines in the dialogue came right from song lyrics, I would start picturing the play in my mind and then lose sight of the authors artistry. Does that make sense?
Sometimes the book ran as just a regurgitation of the play…but I think that for those who aren’t intimately familiar with the play, this book is going to be thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the arc. This review is my own and the words given of my own volition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2026
I went into this book expecting something very different than what it turned out to be. I have really enjoyed Erin A Craig’s fairytale retellings which are fairly gothic and even have some horror elements. I was expecting this to be a retelling in the same vein as her previous works. However, this is just the story of Phantom but with a deeper dive into Christine’s character and psyche. I’m not really a big fan of Phantom and I have never particularly cared for Christine as a character, so getting more insight into her thoughts and motivations just made her seem more selfish to me. If you’re a big fan of the story and want to know more about Christine’s thoughts and motivations, you will probably enjoy this book more than I did.
2.5 stars, rounded up
Thank you to the publisher, Random House Children’s Books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
2.5 stars, rounded up
Thank you to the publisher, Random House Children’s Books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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