Dark Muse

by Salem Hurley

A reclusive violinist.
A brilliant composer.
A childhood protector.

Christianna Daye survived by disappearing. When she steps back into the world inside a decaying New Orleans opera house, she draws the attention of two men who refuse to let her remain invisible.

But the opera house has its own secrets.

Someone is watching. Someone who believes Christianna belongs to the past she escaped. And somewhere in the shadows, a figure known only as the Dark Angel moves through the halls, correcting wrongs with unsettling precision.

As desire, danger, and devotion intertwine, Christianna is forced to decide who she can trust, and what it means to be protected without being controlled.

Because not every monster hunts to destroy.

Some of them protect.

391 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2026

Reviews

[Lauren Head]

I’m at a loss for how to describe how breathtaking this story was. Salem has an extraordinary talent for painting scenes so vividly that every moment feels alive and immersive. Dark Muse weaves together a haunting why-choose romance and a gripping mystery, all wrapped in unmistakable Phantom of the Opera like atmosphere that makes the entire story feel darkly beautiful and unforgettable. As someone who has adored Phantom of the Opera since I was a little girl, those elements made the book even more special for me. The short chapters kept the tension sharp and my curiosity constantly pulling me forward, while the pacing flowed so effortlessly that I never wanted to step away from the story. Thank you, Salem, for creating something so mesmerizing.

[Tracy McDonell]

Thank you, Salem Hurley for allowing me another opportunity to read your book as an ARC. Dark Muse was so different from your previous works… and I was absolutely blown away.

Dark Muse is descriptive writing leaves your imagination running, this is just wow… characters that keep you WANTING more. I am still amazed how this story was done!

Salem’s books always have me wanting MORE of her writing!

[Crystal]

I don’t even know how to explain this book without sounding dramatic, but it felt like stepping into a piece of music you’re not supposed to hear.

Christianna Daye isn’t loud or obvious. She exists in fragments, in restraint, in everything she refuses to say. Watching her step back into the world felt fragile, like something that could shatter at any moment. And that tension never lets up.

The opera house isn’t just a setting, it’s a presence. The atmosphere is so rich.

I love the protection here. It’s not soft or simple. It’s sharp. Possessive. Unsettling. The kind that makes you question whether you’re safe… or just claimed. And that thread runs through every relationship in this story.

And then there’s the Dark Angel. Not a savior, not a villain, but something in between. The kind of character that doesn’t ask for your trust and doesn’t need it either. Every scene with them felt charged, like something irreversible was about to happen.

Salem Hurley has a way of writing that feels almost hypnotic. It’s controlled, deliberate, and completely consuming.

I loved this in a way that’s hard to pin down. It’s eerie, intimate, and a little dangerous. I have loved every book I have read by Salem, and I already look forward to the next!

thank you Salem Hurley for the gifted earc

all opinions are my own 🖤

[Madison]

~Thank you Salem for this ARC opportunity~

I was a little confused in the beginning. This is inspired by Phantom of the Opera, and I've never read or watched it, so I paused reading this at about 20% to watch the movie and get acquainted with the story.

This was interesting and powerful. I love that there was growth, acceptance, strength and pain from the characters. Loved the short chapters.
I really appreciated Remy and Erik's understanding, willingness and respect they had towards Christianna and her boundaries. And the strength and courage Christianna had for setting those boundaries and being able to speak about her trauma.

I love the soundtrack that was made for this. It brings the story more to life. Listening to after having finished reading the book, I felt like I was transported back into the story and listening to Christianna, and Erik perform.

Also, special shout out to the Notes, adorable.

[Raven Grant]

As a fan of Phantom of the Opera I loved this book inspired by it. It was a fun unique story where the main female character always has a choice after not having one for awhile. I loved Treble and Bass as well (who doesn't love pets in books). Hurley is an amazing writer and put so much detail and care into this book. Her characters are original and I loved each of them. I especially loved the setting as I could imagine what the Opera house looked like. I honestly could see a short story or possibly sequel to this. Thanks again to the author Salem Hurley for sending me an eARC of this book

[Rian Eidson ~ Literary Luna Moth]

Salem’s books never disappoint and this was no different! This story was so beautiful. I have always loved Phantom of the Opera, and while this isn’t a retelling, the atmosphere is still there. The mystery, the opera house dynamics, the songs…just perfection. There are some hard subject matters in the story, but Salem handles those moments delicately and weaves them beautifully into the story.

[candlesburnout]

Man, I love a good retelling. And this is a good retelling.

The pieces of the original story that were broken apart and morphed into this version was very original. The set dynamics between the characters was well executed, and their passions for their crafts and each other was felt.

Salem debuted as an author last year, and she's just being better and better with her writing.

[Cecelia Marrujo]

Salem Hurley has done it again amazing book keeps you reading

[Madebymeliandco]

This is not a Phantom of the Opera retelling per se. Instead, you can see the heavy influence of it in the story, the devotion, love, found family, and how the characters band together for each other. One heavy topic in particular adds a layer with a depth that drives the connections in strength and resilience. Another great read from Salem, and I love the Easter eggs of characters from other books!

[Harley]

….

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. ANYTHING SALEM WRITES I AM READING

Is this different from the girls like us series? Yes but will it still grab you and keep you there? Ofcourse!!

And that ending? Well read and see for yourself

[Mattie Riley]

6⭐️ read!!! I actually have no words for how absolutely beautiful this was. Salem really has a way with painting a picture. Creating such a vivid and immersive story. Dark Muse was a why choose, mystery story, but Phantom of the Opera-esque vibes, and those three things alone make this such a beautiful book. I have been a Phantom lover since I was a young girl. The short chapters keep me so intrigued, and the way that this story flowed was perfect. And the songs.... The SONGS!!! I completely loved Tianna, Erik, and Remy! Thank you, Salem!

[Melissa Wright]

Wow blown away! I had know idea what I was going into with this one. I went in blind and did not put it down until the very end. The back story, the mystery, the theater, the music.. everything was just perfection.
Christianna was such a survivor rising from the ashes like some kind of Phoenix with those who love and support her around her.
Do not get me started on the Notes! You will appreciate the illustration throughout as well. Sit back and enjoy!