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Letters to Erik: The Ghost's Love Story
Christine de Chagny is still haunted.
When the Opera Ghost sent Christine away to marry his rival, the youthful and winsome Vicomte Raoul de Chagny, she promised the Ghost that she would return to bury him when he died. Unable to keep her word and tormented by grief and regret, she starts writing letters to the man she believes to be dead-only to discover that some ghosts can never be laid to rest.
Picking up where Gaston Leroux's novel ended, Letters to Erik is a story of forgiveness, redemption, and steadfast love.
When the Opera Ghost sent Christine away to marry his rival, the youthful and winsome Vicomte Raoul de Chagny, she promised the Ghost that she would return to bury him when he died. Unable to keep her word and tormented by grief and regret, she starts writing letters to the man she believes to be dead-only to discover that some ghosts can never be laid to rest.
Picking up where Gaston Leroux's novel ended, Letters to Erik is a story of forgiveness, redemption, and steadfast love.
463 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2008
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January 26, 2009
Title: Letters To Erik: The Ghost's Love Story
Author: An Wallace
Date Published: January 2008
Series: Phantom of the Opera
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: C
ISBN:978-1-4327-1354-6
I've been on a Phantom of the Opera kick recently. I began with a reread of Leroux's novel and then Susan Kay's in December. From there I branched into new territory, reading two new books based on the story. One was all right, one was dismal and made me hesitant to pick up the last of the books I'd come by. This dismal one was the reason I went on my Lecter re-read binge, needing to cleanse my mind.
Letters To Erik spans quite a few years after the events in the Opera House. We find Christine in Sweden after the events of Phantom of the Opera and she has grown up some, no longer the rather naïve chorus girl. During this time, Christine writes letters to Erik, presuming he's deceased.
She, of course, comes to find out that he, in fact, survived and the rest of the book establishes their relationship and courtship.
Letters To Erik was a decent read. There were times I found the characterizations a little off, but bearing in mind years had passed since Leroux's novel and the timetable in it I was able to look past these inconsistencies.
It was a quick read, I finished it in a little over twenty-four hours, so the story kept me interested enough that I continued turning the page.
One thing I feel the need to comment on based on all three of these new books is the treatment of Raoul.
I'm not particularly fond of Raoul - as far as his being with Christine goes - but I don't dislike the man. It just seems, however, that writer's can't seem to produce a story set after Christine leaves with Raoul where she returns to Erik without turning Raoul into something that he wasn’t depicted as. He's either cruel or hurtful or so totally unsympathetic the reader is happy to get him out of the story. And while I don't care for the idea of Christine choosing Raoul over Erik, I do believe that Raoul would treat her kindly.
Overall, while I'm not keeping this book I did enjoy it well enough. It wasn't great, but it was interesting to read someone's take on what might have happened. And the format of letter writing was an imaginative one.
Author: An Wallace
Date Published: January 2008
Series: Phantom of the Opera
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: C
ISBN:978-1-4327-1354-6
I've been on a Phantom of the Opera kick recently. I began with a reread of Leroux's novel and then Susan Kay's in December. From there I branched into new territory, reading two new books based on the story. One was all right, one was dismal and made me hesitant to pick up the last of the books I'd come by. This dismal one was the reason I went on my Lecter re-read binge, needing to cleanse my mind.
Letters To Erik spans quite a few years after the events in the Opera House. We find Christine in Sweden after the events of Phantom of the Opera and she has grown up some, no longer the rather naïve chorus girl. During this time, Christine writes letters to Erik, presuming he's deceased.
She, of course, comes to find out that he, in fact, survived and the rest of the book establishes their relationship and courtship.
Letters To Erik was a decent read. There were times I found the characterizations a little off, but bearing in mind years had passed since Leroux's novel and the timetable in it I was able to look past these inconsistencies.
It was a quick read, I finished it in a little over twenty-four hours, so the story kept me interested enough that I continued turning the page.
One thing I feel the need to comment on based on all three of these new books is the treatment of Raoul.
I'm not particularly fond of Raoul - as far as his being with Christine goes - but I don't dislike the man. It just seems, however, that writer's can't seem to produce a story set after Christine leaves with Raoul where she returns to Erik without turning Raoul into something that he wasn’t depicted as. He's either cruel or hurtful or so totally unsympathetic the reader is happy to get him out of the story. And while I don't care for the idea of Christine choosing Raoul over Erik, I do believe that Raoul would treat her kindly.
Overall, while I'm not keeping this book I did enjoy it well enough. It wasn't great, but it was interesting to read someone's take on what might have happened. And the format of letter writing was an imaginative one.
January 6, 2011
The story begins with Christine & Raoul moving to Sweden to marry & live and to escape the past.And although Cristine convinces herself she is happy all is not well. She starts to write letters to Erik to overcome her grief in losing her friend & teacher.She hids them in a secret compartment in a box that Erik gave her. In her letters to him she expresses her feelings on her husband & marriage and also her feelings for him, as she knows she can never share these with either man. Raoul will not let her sing anymore except for in the church & leaves her alone at home all the time. They sleep in seperate bedrooms & dont share much together,Christine realizes the man she fell in love with is not the same one she married and wonders if things would have been different had she stayed with Erik. She is still haunted by her "Angel of Music". Christine becomes pregant & soon loses the baby..and things get worse. The only way for her to cope with her grief is by talking to Erik threw her letters. After a big fight Raoul decides to join the army for awhile to get away & so Christine goes back to Paris to sing & to visit Eriks grave. I liked the Christine in this story as she seemed more "mature" as she was "finding" herself threw the letters. As she finds his grave and pours out her heart to him & leaves the letters for his care..this is where the story really takes off as we know the Phantom is not dead and he just so happens to be at his "grave" and hears all she has to say then takes the letters to read when she leaves. A lot goes on after this and I wont say more to spoil things.. and I did enjoy the story..but half way through the book I found the "phantom" we know & love for who he is lost his "magic" for me and the story became too "romancey" for me. But I would recommend this book for those who want a "closure" to Erik's & Christine's realationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2010
Despite a few touching moments, this was Mary-Sue fanfic at its best (worst?). I should've known better. As much as I've always wanted a happy ending for Erik, his story is better off ending tragically. Otherwise it just becomes...well, cheesy fanfic!
March 22, 2009
I didn't even finish this book...and I never do that. It was silly and poorly written. Would never recommend it to anyone.
March 25, 2010
I loved, loved, loved this book. So far it has to be one of my favorite Phantom spin-offs that I have read so far (next to Deception: A Phantom of the Opera Novel). The book pick up almost straight after the original novel when Christine begins to write Erik letters - thinking that he is dead. Through the letters we see Christine disappointment with her married life and how thing are turning out much differently from how she thought they would. We also see how through the letters Christine works through the differences between Raoul and Erik - ultimitley discovering where her heart truly lies *sighs - we could have told her that* The span of the letters covers five years of seperation between Erik and Christine before the story picks up in third person narrative when Christine has returned to Paris with her son after the death of Raoul - who by the way is a big jerk for the purpose of this story and I cheered when he conveniantly died. Christine - thinking of course that Erik is dead - visits his 'grave' and leaves the letters she has written throughout the years there. Erik of course witnesses all of the and reads the letters. And so begins the story. I liked this book mainly because of it being believable. Erik and Christine's realtionship does not become easy there are misunderstandings between them that cause arguments - just like any normal couple. And there is also this majorly huge turn in events as well ;). Yip absilutely one of my new favourites. Oh and did I mention that I kind of love the front cover as well :)
September 15, 2012
One of the worst "fan fiction" sequels I've ever read. Once more Raoul is pitted as the abusive, unloving husband, this time he goes so far as to accuse Christine of adultery and willingly goes back into military service only to conveniently be dropped off from the plot right after. Christine seems obsessed with writing a dead man letters and eventually moves back to Paris where, you guessed it, Erik's not dead. What ensues after that is a plot I don't even think a soap opera would touch. Everything's so convenient for this sickeningly in love couple, everything just happens to work out for them and everybody can say "aww" that Erik finally gets his happy life and love. If you like Webber's version of things I'm sure you'll like this book. However if you prefer the original novel by Gaston Leroux, you'll find nothing syncs up and the story of two young lovers versus the obsessive love of a man turned monster becomes bubble bath reading time.
July 15, 2012
Not a bad book, It was certainly readable and in many ways enjoyable. It starts with Raoul and Christine living in Sweden, where she is not happy, and so she begins to write letters to Erik in a special box he gave her. Perhaps it was maturity waking up, or Raoul not being her real Prince. They go back to Paris for a visit where thinks begin to happen. It has a happier ending than some Phantom books. Actually give it 3.5 stars.
July 27, 2019
You know sometimes you look back at your life and wonder why you made a particular descion, this and all POTO sequels are always going to be that. It's not to say they arent well written but it's all like bad fanfic where in Raoul becomes a drunk asshole the beats christine and she actually made a child with Erik... and I mean like all of them turn out that way
March 7, 2017
I loved this book! It had everything I enjoy in a good romance and historical, and a satisfying conclusion to Erik's story and Christine's. The letter writing portion was well done and poignant, and at some parts I cried for both of them. I also enjoyed how the Persian was given more of a role here and the twist at the end was brilliant. I'd recommend this to anyone who loves Phantom and wanted to know what happens next or is that all?
April 27, 2009
While skimming through the many stories based off of Phantom of the Opera (and generally feeling horrified at the content), I found this book and decided that, since it had 20 positive reviews (19 of which were 5 stars!) on amazon.com, it might be worth checking out.
Wow was I right! It's the first sequel to Phantom that I actually really enjoyed and felt like it wasn't too off base. First, it was based solely on the original novel, picking up where Leroux left off. Yes, Erik was supposed to have died, but Leroux did leave that ending fairly open to interpretation. Putting "Erik is dead" in a paper doesn't mean he was, well, actually dead. And from this launching point, the author spins a tale that was very interesting and a lot of fun to read!
The story begins with Christine's and Raoul's fleeing to her native Sweden to get married and live our their lives (something obviously hinted at in the last pages of Leroux's novel). Christine has recently gone back to the cellars of the Paris Opera to bury Erik as promised, but the Persian is there and told her he has already buried Erik. Unable to fulfill her promise, she departs with Raoul as planned.
Christine begins writing letters to Erik, detailing her life with Raoul, both the disappointments and the joys. The only complaint I read about this book was that Raoul turns into something people don't like. But I could see some of this happening. Raoul does not turn into some raging abusive alcoholic or anything. You see a bit of his jealous streak (strong in the Leroux, I would say) as Christine begins to live more and more in the past. He grows cold and a bit distant, tries to be the proper nobleman even though they are living in what is essentially a peasant village. Christine becomes terribly lonely and unhappy, withdraws from Raoul as he withdraws from her. In the end, Raoul leaves on an expedition with the Navy and Christine returns to Paris. Raoul is conveniently offed in an accident and so leaves the opening for Erik, who is, of course, actually not dead.
I was a bit worried that the author "jumped the shark" a bit as all this happens in the first quarter of the book. But the remainder -- Erik's and Christine's courtship, along with Erik's search for who he is and what his last name is (a surprising twist here, but I won't say what it is!), is quite charming. You get to see the old cast of characters, from the Persian to Madame and Meg Giry, Sorelli, and even the managers. So it's great fun to see how they're all doing 5 years after the end of the original novel.
The Epilogue of the book I thought was very well done and brought the entire thing full circle in a way. I smiled at the end, which was a nice feeling.
I do recommend this to people who know and love the original Phantom of the Opera story. It's an enjoyable, quick read.
Wow was I right! It's the first sequel to Phantom that I actually really enjoyed and felt like it wasn't too off base. First, it was based solely on the original novel, picking up where Leroux left off. Yes, Erik was supposed to have died, but Leroux did leave that ending fairly open to interpretation. Putting "Erik is dead" in a paper doesn't mean he was, well, actually dead. And from this launching point, the author spins a tale that was very interesting and a lot of fun to read!
The story begins with Christine's and Raoul's fleeing to her native Sweden to get married and live our their lives (something obviously hinted at in the last pages of Leroux's novel). Christine has recently gone back to the cellars of the Paris Opera to bury Erik as promised, but the Persian is there and told her he has already buried Erik. Unable to fulfill her promise, she departs with Raoul as planned.
Christine begins writing letters to Erik, detailing her life with Raoul, both the disappointments and the joys. The only complaint I read about this book was that Raoul turns into something people don't like. But I could see some of this happening. Raoul does not turn into some raging abusive alcoholic or anything. You see a bit of his jealous streak (strong in the Leroux, I would say) as Christine begins to live more and more in the past. He grows cold and a bit distant, tries to be the proper nobleman even though they are living in what is essentially a peasant village. Christine becomes terribly lonely and unhappy, withdraws from Raoul as he withdraws from her. In the end, Raoul leaves on an expedition with the Navy and Christine returns to Paris. Raoul is conveniently offed in an accident and so leaves the opening for Erik, who is, of course, actually not dead.
I was a bit worried that the author "jumped the shark" a bit as all this happens in the first quarter of the book. But the remainder -- Erik's and Christine's courtship, along with Erik's search for who he is and what his last name is (a surprising twist here, but I won't say what it is!), is quite charming. You get to see the old cast of characters, from the Persian to Madame and Meg Giry, Sorelli, and even the managers. So it's great fun to see how they're all doing 5 years after the end of the original novel.
The Epilogue of the book I thought was very well done and brought the entire thing full circle in a way. I smiled at the end, which was a nice feeling.
I do recommend this to people who know and love the original Phantom of the Opera story. It's an enjoyable, quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2008
What can I say - I fell in love.
I loved how Ms. Wallace took the story where Gaston Leroux's left it in the orginal novel. Erik told Christine to leave with Raoul but to wait for a notice in the journal so she could come and take care of his body.
Christine grows up in this book. She realises how bad she has treated Erik and that she should have stayed with him. She is married to Raoul and is not happy in her marriage. She writes him letter that she keeps in a jewelry box he made for her. She leaves Sweden while Raoul is back in the French navy. Then she hears Raoul died. She remains in Paris and starts giving lessons at the Opera House. Christine decides to move on and finds the Persian. He leads her to Erik's grave, where she leaves there letters.
The Persian has lied to Christine. Erik is still alive. Erik, on his side, has changed too. He shows himself to Christine and from there, you can guess the rest. You can still find the Erik from Leroux's novel but more human and you can't help but fall in love with him even more. There are a lot of firsts for Erik in this book and it's always exciting to know more.
I've read this book in 2 days. I just had so many troubles to put it down. I was so tempted to read it at work as well.
Entertaining story and hopefully Ms Wallace will write more about our beloved Phantom.
I loved how Ms. Wallace took the story where Gaston Leroux's left it in the orginal novel. Erik told Christine to leave with Raoul but to wait for a notice in the journal so she could come and take care of his body.
Christine grows up in this book. She realises how bad she has treated Erik and that she should have stayed with him. She is married to Raoul and is not happy in her marriage. She writes him letter that she keeps in a jewelry box he made for her. She leaves Sweden while Raoul is back in the French navy. Then she hears Raoul died. She remains in Paris and starts giving lessons at the Opera House. Christine decides to move on and finds the Persian. He leads her to Erik's grave, where she leaves there letters.
The Persian has lied to Christine. Erik is still alive. Erik, on his side, has changed too. He shows himself to Christine and from there, you can guess the rest. You can still find the Erik from Leroux's novel but more human and you can't help but fall in love with him even more. There are a lot of firsts for Erik in this book and it's always exciting to know more.
I've read this book in 2 days. I just had so many troubles to put it down. I was so tempted to read it at work as well.
Entertaining story and hopefully Ms Wallace will write more about our beloved Phantom.
July 16, 2009
This is a pretty good book. It is not the best sequel to The Phantom of the Opera that I have read. However, it is a long stretch from begin the worst. This book is a sequel to the actual book that Gaston Leroux wrote, and it stays very true to what happened during that novel. So, if you are looking more of a sequel to the movie/musical then I suggest reading The Phantom Returns by Stefanie Cole (which is very good).
This book begins very slowly with only Christine writing letters to Erik (who she thinks dead). The letters, while informative, are actually pretty boring. It gradually gets better with only some slow parts here and there. I don’t want to tell anymore of the plot, as I don’t want to spoil it if you want to read it. This is a good solid read- albeit predictable. However, it has a nice, neat, and sweet ending which will leave you very satisfied.
This book begins very slowly with only Christine writing letters to Erik (who she thinks dead). The letters, while informative, are actually pretty boring. It gradually gets better with only some slow parts here and there. I don’t want to tell anymore of the plot, as I don’t want to spoil it if you want to read it. This is a good solid read- albeit predictable. However, it has a nice, neat, and sweet ending which will leave you very satisfied.
July 30, 2012
Sérieusement? C'est un peu n'importe quoi. Il s'agit d'une suite au roman de Gaston Leroux mais c'est vraiment cheesy et en plus, improbable. Les personnages se reconnaissent à peine. Déception pour moi.
February 4, 2010
Read from 1/18 - 2/1.
August 14, 2016
I barely remember reading this. As I recall it read as very bad fan fiction (and trust me I have read A LOT of bad and good fan fiction in my day), and I never finished it.
July 17, 2011
Can't get enough of Phantom of the Opera? It continues the story.
August 21, 2021
Buchrezension "Letters to Erik. The Ghost's Love Story" von An Wallace.
!!!Achtung Spoiler !!!
Zum Inhalt:
Letters to Erik erzählt die Geschichte nachdem der eigentlichen Geschichte Vom Phantom der Oper.
An Wallace hat sich überlegt, was mit Christina und Erik passiert wäre, wenn er gestorben wäre.
Christine verlässt wie im Original die Oper mit Raoul im Glauben Erik sei tot.
Sie heiratet Raoul und lebt mit ihm Schweden. Sie stellt allerdings fest, dass sie Erik mehr vermisst, als sie es je gedacht hat und so fängt sie an Briefe an ihn zu schreiben um sich alles von der Seele reden zu können.
Nach ungefähr 5 Jahren findet sich Christiné in Paris wieder und muss sie fest stellen, dass Erik alles andere als tot ist und ihre Briefe gelesen hat.
Mir hat diese Geschichte unglaublich gut gefallen. Die Original hat dann doch ein trauriges Ende, genau so wie die Geschichte vom Susan Kay und auch die Musical Fortsetzung Love Never Dies.
Letters to Erik hingegen hat ein weitaus bessere Ende.
Für alle die nicht genug von Christiné und Erik bekommen können und sich wie ich ein anderes Ende gewünscht haben, ist dieses Buch genau richtig.
!!!Achtung Spoiler !!!
Zum Inhalt:
Letters to Erik erzählt die Geschichte nachdem der eigentlichen Geschichte Vom Phantom der Oper.
An Wallace hat sich überlegt, was mit Christina und Erik passiert wäre, wenn er gestorben wäre.
Christine verlässt wie im Original die Oper mit Raoul im Glauben Erik sei tot.
Sie heiratet Raoul und lebt mit ihm Schweden. Sie stellt allerdings fest, dass sie Erik mehr vermisst, als sie es je gedacht hat und so fängt sie an Briefe an ihn zu schreiben um sich alles von der Seele reden zu können.
Nach ungefähr 5 Jahren findet sich Christiné in Paris wieder und muss sie fest stellen, dass Erik alles andere als tot ist und ihre Briefe gelesen hat.
Mir hat diese Geschichte unglaublich gut gefallen. Die Original hat dann doch ein trauriges Ende, genau so wie die Geschichte vom Susan Kay und auch die Musical Fortsetzung Love Never Dies.
Letters to Erik hingegen hat ein weitaus bessere Ende.
Für alle die nicht genug von Christiné und Erik bekommen können und sich wie ich ein anderes Ende gewünscht haben, ist dieses Buch genau richtig.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2018
After reading Gaston Leroux original novel The Phantom of the Opera, I was interested in what happened next. Letters to Erik starts immediately where the original novel left off with Christine moving to Sweden with Raoul. Life doesn’t turn out as perfect as Christine hopes being married and starts writing letters to the man she believes to be dead. The first part of the novel takes place over a period of five years as Christine writes private letters thinking that no one will ever read them. Upon visiting the Phantom’s grave things will prove to be different than what she seemed.
I loved this book very much and would highly recommend it to anyone who Loves The Phantom of the Opera.
I loved this book very much and would highly recommend it to anyone who Loves The Phantom of the Opera.
November 7, 2024
Someone had asked me if I knew of a book in which the characters from the original novel, Gaston Leroux's, do not go too much out of character. I immediately thought of this light hearted retelling. There is no major conflict, no "action", yes there's a plot, but what conveys is a quaint story taking place after Erik had let Christine go, and before the narrator from the original novel begins his investigation. This Erik sticks to the innocence that was presented to us in the original, and many of the other characteristics we fell in love with.
This is probably one of my favorite retellings, which I find myself rereading when I want just pure fluff moments.
This is probably one of my favorite retellings, which I find myself rereading when I want just pure fluff moments.
April 15, 2025
This is the worst Phantom Fan-Fic I've ever read. I don't even want to go into too much detail, as it is a very poorly written cringy live story. Neither characters nor the story align with the original.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2021
Published fanfic, but surprisingly rereadable.
September 28, 2014
From the Militant Recommender Book Review Blog
http://militantrecommender.blogspot.com/
Erik is dead. Or so said a line in the paper. Christine made her choice or we may even say her bed and now she's got to lie in it...alone. Raoul has whisked Christine, his bride, away to Sweden and a new life with only servants for company in their new palatial home. She pines for Paris and her life at the Opera House...and for the person who seemed, in retrospect, to know her and her desires better than anyone.
Yes, bad choice, Christine. While Raoul spends his nights in his own room, Christine writes letters to Erik, telling him everything about her marriage, her loneliness, and her realization that HE was the one she truly loved. She writes stacks of letters and keeps them hidden in a jewelry box Erik had made for her. Along with his mask.
If he was alive, could he ever forgive her? This is the premise of the heartfelt and charming novel by An Wallace. It's an interesting concept and we learn all about Christine's life with Raoul who has gone from being that boy who rescued her scarf to a nasty, controlling type who doesn't want her to share her voice, let alone her heart, with anyone! We can picture him twirling his mustache, here. Boo! Hiss!
This is all just the first part of the story. Surprises of all kinds await as we learn the secret of Erik's final resting place, and hooray! The Persian is back! and ready to assist Christine in her plan to leave the letters at the Opera Ghost's tomb. Those most intimate, tell everything to a dead man missives...that are immediately snatched up by someone who shall remain nameless! Speaking of names... well, the Recommender's policy is to never give too much away... so you'll really have to discover all the surprises this story has to offer for yourself! If you love the Phantom you won't want to miss out on this memorable take on the classic.
http://militantrecommender.blogspot.com/
Erik is dead. Or so said a line in the paper. Christine made her choice or we may even say her bed and now she's got to lie in it...alone. Raoul has whisked Christine, his bride, away to Sweden and a new life with only servants for company in their new palatial home. She pines for Paris and her life at the Opera House...and for the person who seemed, in retrospect, to know her and her desires better than anyone.
Yes, bad choice, Christine. While Raoul spends his nights in his own room, Christine writes letters to Erik, telling him everything about her marriage, her loneliness, and her realization that HE was the one she truly loved. She writes stacks of letters and keeps them hidden in a jewelry box Erik had made for her. Along with his mask.
If he was alive, could he ever forgive her? This is the premise of the heartfelt and charming novel by An Wallace. It's an interesting concept and we learn all about Christine's life with Raoul who has gone from being that boy who rescued her scarf to a nasty, controlling type who doesn't want her to share her voice, let alone her heart, with anyone! We can picture him twirling his mustache, here. Boo! Hiss!
This is all just the first part of the story. Surprises of all kinds await as we learn the secret of Erik's final resting place, and hooray! The Persian is back! and ready to assist Christine in her plan to leave the letters at the Opera Ghost's tomb. Those most intimate, tell everything to a dead man missives...that are immediately snatched up by someone who shall remain nameless! Speaking of names... well, the Recommender's policy is to never give too much away... so you'll really have to discover all the surprises this story has to offer for yourself! If you love the Phantom you won't want to miss out on this memorable take on the classic.
February 11, 2015
I have never read a spin off of "The Phantom of the Opera" and noticed that there were many choices out there when I decided too. Honestly, I can't remember what made me decide to choose this one, but luckily it hasn't turned me off completely from exploring others.
I quite enjoyed the beginning with the exception of repeated action (A lot of blowing on the ink to dry it). I enjoyed the letter aspect of it, because it gave insight into what may have been going on in Christine's head.
After she reunites with Erik after learning he's not dead the story does kind of go down hill. I found it very bland how there really seemed to be no action. I kept expecting something to come up, as in Raoul coming back from the dead, or Meg declaring Erik's identity to pose problems with the union and the law. Anything other than a pair of ridiculous arguements that amount to nothing.
I did like the author's spin with Erik's identity, though I found it awkward at the same time. Something about Christine marrying another de Chagny seemed a little scandelous, and maybe the author could have done more with that.
I did notice some continuity errors, such as Erik claiming he didn't know he had a sister, when the priest told him that his mother only bore daughters, and when they first move into the estate he takes note of the dolls his sisters would have played with. Also, he removed his shoes, and then a page or two later he removed his shoes again.
Aside from the nit-picking though, it wasn't a bad read.
I quite enjoyed the beginning with the exception of repeated action (A lot of blowing on the ink to dry it). I enjoyed the letter aspect of it, because it gave insight into what may have been going on in Christine's head.
After she reunites with Erik after learning he's not dead the story does kind of go down hill. I found it very bland how there really seemed to be no action. I kept expecting something to come up, as in Raoul coming back from the dead, or Meg declaring Erik's identity to pose problems with the union and the law. Anything other than a pair of ridiculous arguements that amount to nothing.
I did like the author's spin with Erik's identity, though I found it awkward at the same time. Something about Christine marrying another de Chagny seemed a little scandelous, and maybe the author could have done more with that.
I did notice some continuity errors, such as Erik claiming he didn't know he had a sister, when the priest told him that his mother only bore daughters, and when they first move into the estate he takes note of the dolls his sisters would have played with. Also, he removed his shoes, and then a page or two later he removed his shoes again.
Aside from the nit-picking though, it wasn't a bad read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2011
I have never read a spin off of "The Phantom of the Opera" and noticed that there were many choices out there when I decided too. Honestly, I can't remember what made me decide to choose this one, but luckily it hasn't turned me off completely from exploring others.
I quite enjoyed the beginning with the exception of repeated action (A lot of blowing on the ink to dry it). I enjoyed the letter aspect of it, because it gave insight into what may have been going on in Christine's head.
After she reunites with Erik after learning he's not dead the story does kind of go down hill. I found it very bland how there really seemed to be no action. I kept expecting something to come up, as in Raoul coming back from the dead, or Meg declaring Erik's identity to pose problems with the union and the law. Anything other than a pair of ridiculous arguements that amount to nothing.
I did like the author's spin with Erik's identity, though I found it awkward at the same time. Something about Christine marrying another de Chagny seemed a little scandelous, and maybe the author could have done more with that.
I did notice some continuity errors, such as Erik claiming he didn't know he had a sister, when the priest told him that his mother only bore daughters, and when they first move into the estate he takes note of the dolls his sisters would have played with. Also, he removed his shoes, and then a page or two later he removed his shoes again.
Aside from the nit-picking though, it wasn't a bad read.
I quite enjoyed the beginning with the exception of repeated action (A lot of blowing on the ink to dry it). I enjoyed the letter aspect of it, because it gave insight into what may have been going on in Christine's head.
After she reunites with Erik after learning he's not dead the story does kind of go down hill. I found it very bland how there really seemed to be no action. I kept expecting something to come up, as in Raoul coming back from the dead, or Meg declaring Erik's identity to pose problems with the union and the law. Anything other than a pair of ridiculous arguements that amount to nothing.
I did like the author's spin with Erik's identity, though I found it awkward at the same time. Something about Christine marrying another de Chagny seemed a little scandelous, and maybe the author could have done more with that.
I did notice some continuity errors, such as Erik claiming he didn't know he had a sister, when the priest told him that his mother only bore daughters, and when they first move into the estate he takes note of the dolls his sisters would have played with. Also, he removed his shoes, and then a page or two later he removed his shoes again.
Aside from the nit-picking though, it wasn't a bad read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2016
This book is a continuation to where the original book leaves off. I have been wanting to read this book for awhile now and since I had some extra money this month I decided to buy it. First off it is no easy feat getting this book for under $20 after you have to pay for shipping costs. Thankfully I managed to get it off Amazon for just under that. I would have loved for this book to be available as a ebook for a fraction of the price I paid for it.
I don't like how in this book Christine was married to Raoul even if it was only for about three years. The way he treated was horrible and if I had been her I wouldn't have put up with it. Throwing a fit after she gets done singing in church, refusing to let her have friends, doesn't really show her any affection unless he wants some. Hell he even goes so far to deny that their second child is even his. I'm glad that he died while on a expedition in the north. Though I did keep waiting for him to pop back up after Christine goes on with her life.
I was very happy when Erik showed back up in Christine's life and preceded to sweep her up off her feet and marry her. There was no real struggle in this book for them to be together. The only real obstacle he had to overcome was finding out his family name so they could be married and that brought about an unexpected boon to him. In all fairness this book was very predictable and it needed a better editor as I found some misspelled words scattered throughout the book.
If you are looking for a sweet romance featuring Erik and Christine look no further than this book.
I don't like how in this book Christine was married to Raoul even if it was only for about three years. The way he treated was horrible and if I had been her I wouldn't have put up with it. Throwing a fit after she gets done singing in church, refusing to let her have friends, doesn't really show her any affection unless he wants some. Hell he even goes so far to deny that their second child is even his. I'm glad that he died while on a expedition in the north. Though I did keep waiting for him to pop back up after Christine goes on with her life.
I was very happy when Erik showed back up in Christine's life and preceded to sweep her up off her feet and marry her. There was no real struggle in this book for them to be together. The only real obstacle he had to overcome was finding out his family name so they could be married and that brought about an unexpected boon to him. In all fairness this book was very predictable and it needed a better editor as I found some misspelled words scattered throughout the book.
If you are looking for a sweet romance featuring Erik and Christine look no further than this book.
January 11, 2013
Warning: spoilers for basic plot.
This is a continuation of the love story of Erik and Christine after the end of Leroux's novel. As Christine starts her life with Raoul, she begins writing letters to Erik, even though he is dead. She shares her deepest thoughts with him as if he were still alive and eventually comes to the realization that she was in love with Erik.
Life moves on, blah blah blah, it turns out Erik isn't dead after all, which is great because Raoul has conveniently died in the meantime. Christine and Erik marry, happiness ensues, and the story ends.
Overall, I give this 2.5 stars. Basically, buying this book is like paying to read a pretty good fanfic. The quality of writing is not the best and, honestly, if this was posted on AO3 or FF.net where I could read it for free it would get a higher rating from me. The rating is low because I have read better stories for free on the internet than this.
This is a continuation of the love story of Erik and Christine after the end of Leroux's novel. As Christine starts her life with Raoul, she begins writing letters to Erik, even though he is dead. She shares her deepest thoughts with him as if he were still alive and eventually comes to the realization that she was in love with Erik.
Life moves on, blah blah blah, it turns out Erik isn't dead after all, which is great because Raoul has conveniently died in the meantime. Christine and Erik marry, happiness ensues, and the story ends.
Overall, I give this 2.5 stars. Basically, buying this book is like paying to read a pretty good fanfic. The quality of writing is not the best and, honestly, if this was posted on AO3 or FF.net where I could read it for free it would get a higher rating from me. The rating is low because I have read better stories for free on the internet than this.
January 24, 2016
I am very pleased to say this sequel remains loyal to Monsieur Gaston Leroux's original "Phantom of the Opera" novel throughout.
It gives very good insight to the characters, and contains numerous heart warming moments which I would not wish to spoil in anyway.
Most of all, this story gives our Precious Angel of Music quite an ending ... one which I always knew he deserved and hoped (with a passion) he would earn and receive one day ... ❤
It gives very good insight to the characters, and contains numerous heart warming moments which I would not wish to spoil in anyway.
Most of all, this story gives our Precious Angel of Music quite an ending ... one which I always knew he deserved and hoped (with a passion) he would earn and receive one day ... ❤
October 23, 2016
For all of the "phans " out there this book is the dream come true. It really is the love story. It's beautiful, it's heart wrenching, it's sad, it's funny. I throughly enjoyed reading it. There are a few spots there are a little bumpy in the writing but for a self published it's probably the best I've ever read. Not to mention a very good Phantom story. I love how it continues the original. An Wallace did a fantastic job.
May 7, 2012
Overall the thing I enjoyed most about this was that I found it a believable alternative due to the way the author writes the characters (most of the time anyway). However, I found the writing style a little simplistic and aside from fantasy fulfilment for a lot of Erik/Christine fans there wasn't much real drive to the plot. It's a sweet novel but I didn't find it hugely compelling.
May 26, 2023
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't.
It's just...I can't even properly describe how much I did not like this.
Christine is insipid. Erik magically has a 180 shift in personality. Just no.
It's just...I can't even properly describe how much I did not like this.
Christine is insipid. Erik magically has a 180 shift in personality. Just no.
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