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Masquerade
An MM Phantom of the Opera Retelling
We all wear masks.
He came to me like a ghost singing songs of the past…
An angel, promising redemption.
Now I know the truth of the man behind the mask, and Erik’s soul is more broken and twisted than I ever imagined.
~
Even an angel’s wings can be broken.
The moment I heard his voice, I knew he was mine.
Mine to teach.
Mine to mold.
Mine to possess.
The music of our souls entwined is sweeter than any I’ve ever written, but the words to this song tell a story as dark as it is forbidden.
Is it love, or is it obsession?
I’ve lost track, and now I have to choose.
Release my angel and lose him forever, or hold on until his wings turn as black and shattered as my soul.
This is a dark historical M/M retelling of The Phantom of the Opera with a genderbent Christine and an HEA for the Angel of Music.
We all wear masks.
He came to me like a ghost singing songs of the past…
An angel, promising redemption.
Now I know the truth of the man behind the mask, and Erik’s soul is more broken and twisted than I ever imagined.
~
Even an angel’s wings can be broken.
The moment I heard his voice, I knew he was mine.
Mine to teach.
Mine to mold.
Mine to possess.
The music of our souls entwined is sweeter than any I’ve ever written, but the words to this song tell a story as dark as it is forbidden.
Is it love, or is it obsession?
I’ve lost track, and now I have to choose.
Release my angel and lose him forever, or hold on until his wings turn as black and shattered as my soul.
This is a dark historical M/M retelling of The Phantom of the Opera with a genderbent Christine and an HEA for the Angel of Music.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2019
76 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Joel Abernathy
47 books1,280 followersJoel Abernathy, also writing as L.C. Davis, is a trans author of MM romance. He enjoys writing dark and emotional romance about men loving men in all genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 12, 2019
Ever thought that Christine should have stayed with the Phantom in the musical? Ever wanted a mm retelling of Phantom of the Opera? Then you simply must read this!
LC Davis/Joel Abernathy has done a superb job with this mm romance retelling of the famous musical, and I just loved it! I enjoyed the similarities and also the differences - how we got so many lovely moments between Christian and Erik. I also loved how Erik was fleshed out to be so much more than he is in the musical, how you get to see how talented and creative he is, despite everything else he has done.
I really enjoyed this and fans of this author and/or the musical, I’m sure you will too!!
I recited an arc in exchange for an honest review.
LC Davis/Joel Abernathy has done a superb job with this mm romance retelling of the famous musical, and I just loved it! I enjoyed the similarities and also the differences - how we got so many lovely moments between Christian and Erik. I also loved how Erik was fleshed out to be so much more than he is in the musical, how you get to see how talented and creative he is, despite everything else he has done.
I really enjoyed this and fans of this author and/or the musical, I’m sure you will too!!
I recited an arc in exchange for an honest review.
dnf
September 18, 2019dnf @11%
There's nothing mysterious about this book and the dual POV does not help. Everything is on page. The reader knows everything. There are no shivers running down my spine. It's a little boring to me.
I might continue later on, but right now I'm not at all compelled to do so.
There's nothing mysterious about this book and the dual POV does not help. Everything is on page. The reader knows everything. There are no shivers running down my spine. It's a little boring to me.
I might continue later on, but right now I'm not at all compelled to do so.
August 23, 2019
*Received A Copy To Review From The Author*
I was very very excited to read this. I've always loved Phantom and I've always changed the ending in my head to make it better, so this was right up my alley. But I ended up feeling a bit disappointed. There's nothing hugely wrong, well...one plot thing. But generally it's a nice read, the pairing is the one I've always wanted...but it felt a bit shallow? Is that the word? I expected some darkness and some angst, maybe some psychological mind games. Don't get me wrong, there are some but they just don't feel very delved into. It's actually a pretty happy read (minus some moments that don't last long enough). I was very frustrated with Christian. Wishy washy, the one plot thing mentioned above is his fault and I knew he'd do it and I was pissed off reading up to it because it MADE NO SENSE. I just can't sympathize with him. I think I would've like even more of Erik's point of view, he's always been the most compelling and sympathetic character. I appreciate Raoul's douchetasticness finally being addressed. Eh so yeah, slightly disappointed but that's mostly my own fault for having expectations of what I wanted before even opening the book. Would recommend to anyone who likes TPotO though.
I was very very excited to read this. I've always loved Phantom and I've always changed the ending in my head to make it better, so this was right up my alley. But I ended up feeling a bit disappointed. There's nothing hugely wrong, well...one plot thing. But generally it's a nice read, the pairing is the one I've always wanted...but it felt a bit shallow? Is that the word? I expected some darkness and some angst, maybe some psychological mind games. Don't get me wrong, there are some but they just don't feel very delved into. It's actually a pretty happy read (minus some moments that don't last long enough). I was very frustrated with Christian. Wishy washy, the one plot thing mentioned above is his fault and I knew he'd do it and I was pissed off reading up to it because it MADE NO SENSE. I just can't sympathize with him. I think I would've like even more of Erik's point of view, he's always been the most compelling and sympathetic character. I appreciate Raoul's douchetasticness finally being addressed. Eh so yeah, slightly disappointed but that's mostly my own fault for having expectations of what I wanted before even opening the book. Would recommend to anyone who likes TPotO though.
September 2, 2019
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this retelling of The Phantom of the Opera, one of my favorite stories. Both MCs were likable and sweet and they had great chemistry. On the other hand, Christian was a bit bland for my taste and I couldn't understand how he could inspire such passion in two men :P
I really enjoyed this retelling of The Phantom of the Opera, one of my favorite stories. Both MCs were likable and sweet and they had great chemistry. On the other hand, Christian was a bit bland for my taste and I couldn't understand how he could inspire such passion in two men :P
August 19, 2019
All my fantasies rolled into one: "Phantom of the Opera...but make it GAY"!
If you are a "phan" of the original legend, like me, you'll appreciate the HEA for Erik and the new twists to the storyline that make his character less *problematic*, shall we say, for modern readers who value consent! Personally I thought it was a bit predictable to make the Phantom a top--wouldn't it be enjoyable for him to give up control for once?--but hey, write your own fan fic sequel. The sweetest part of this romance was Christian's gender-fluidity and how the Phantom is the one who can truly see him for himself.
The reader in me gives it 5 stars for a fun read, but the editor in me grumbled throughout about modern anachronisms in the characters' narration. For instance, 19th-century characters would not talk about "outing" a gay person, nor would Christian say that Meg "zipped her lips" when the zipper was not invented until several years after the events of this book. Oh well, realism is not why we go to the opera...
If you are a "phan" of the original legend, like me, you'll appreciate the HEA for Erik and the new twists to the storyline that make his character less *problematic*, shall we say, for modern readers who value consent! Personally I thought it was a bit predictable to make the Phantom a top--wouldn't it be enjoyable for him to give up control for once?--but hey, write your own fan fic sequel. The sweetest part of this romance was Christian's gender-fluidity and how the Phantom is the one who can truly see him for himself.
The reader in me gives it 5 stars for a fun read, but the editor in me grumbled throughout about modern anachronisms in the characters' narration. For instance, 19th-century characters would not talk about "outing" a gay person, nor would Christian say that Meg "zipped her lips" when the zipper was not invented until several years after the events of this book. Oh well, realism is not why we go to the opera...
Want to read
May 9, 2019
May 18, 2025
A-Z Challenge Book M
I am a big fan of the film version of The Phantom of the Opera starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum. This book gave me the ending I wanted for Christine except with two men (Christian and Erik).
It was interesting to read all the familiar characters from the movie/musical plugged into the story. I still felt a uniqueness to it all though. Raoul is more loathsome in this version, but I still didn’t like him in the other one either. The sex scenes between Christian and Erik were well done. I liked how they felt sensual and not crass. There was even some light BDSM thrown in. It was all fitting to the time period.
I’ll definitely be rereading this one day. (Just a side note: I like the original cover A LOT more than the newer one. The newer one has a simple silver mask and it’s bland. The other cover had a gorgeous mask of gold and burgundy with music notes on it. So fitting.)
I am a big fan of the film version of The Phantom of the Opera starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum. This book gave me the ending I wanted for Christine except with two men (Christian and Erik).
It was interesting to read all the familiar characters from the movie/musical plugged into the story. I still felt a uniqueness to it all though. Raoul is more loathsome in this version, but I still didn’t like him in the other one either. The sex scenes between Christian and Erik were well done. I liked how they felt sensual and not crass. There was even some light BDSM thrown in. It was all fitting to the time period.
I’ll definitely be rereading this one day. (Just a side note: I like the original cover A LOT more than the newer one. The newer one has a simple silver mask and it’s bland. The other cover had a gorgeous mask of gold and burgundy with music notes on it. So fitting.)
August 22, 2019
Joel Abernathy isn’t the first author to give an LGBTQ twist to a classic. It’s been done with everything from The Wizard of Oz to Peter Pan to The Picture of Dorian Grey to Beauty and the Beast to The Little Mermaid—and those are just the ones I’ve read. Being a huge fan of his Flesh and Bone series, my curiosity was piqued with no small amount of intensity when I saw he’d written a retelling of The Phantom of the Opera. The result is a semi-faithful homage to the original, with a gender-bending lead and a lovely romantic twist that offers the Phantom the happily-ever-after he earned and deserved.
Christine Daaé is the heroin of Leroux’s original tale, and that is also the case here but with a twist. Christine is the alter-ego of Christian Daaé, the beautiful and undeniably talented young ingénue Christian becomes on the Paris stage, who has attracted the attention of the infamous ‘opera ghost’ who haunts the theater. As every good story needs a theme, Abernathy fittingly weaves the deceptiveness of appearances and the masks we wear, including the emotional ones behind which we hide our truest and deepest feelings as a means of self-preservation, into his story.
Erik, the recluse who is revealed as both Christian’s Angel of Music and the Phantom, draws readers into his fold with a poignant backstory that points to the unjustness of a world which judges appearance and mistreats those they’ve labeled ‘monster’. Erik is not immediately identifiable as the hero of the story. In fact, Abernathy paints Erik as a would-be villain, a title that isn’t altogether unearned as he’s not above carrying out a variety of misdeeds to bend people to his will. But it’s not long before readers discover that this is, perhaps, Erik’s greatest performance. Erik is less lawless miscreant than he is the product of his past.
The love triangle aspect of the tale is completed with the return of Christian’s childhood friend and longtime love, Raoul d’Chagny. As Raoul and Christian begin to rekindle their friendship and their feelings reveal something more, something deeper, it becomes clear that Raoul—for the sake of propriety and, of course, his social standing as the Vicomte d’Chagny—will only accept Christian as Christine, which causes Christian no small amount of conflict. Christian wants, needs, and deserves someone who accepts every facet of who he is, whether he is presenting as Christian or Christine, and while their initial meeting isn’t one of an immediate connection and kinship, Erik becomes the one to inspire Christian to shine. For that, Raoul is determined to make Erik pay, which sets up the final conflict of the novel.
Abernathy grows the relationship between Christian and Erik in fertile ground. Erik’s compositions and Christian as both Erik’s muse and star of his operas gives them a bond that goes deeper than mere attraction. The concept of attraction also inspires their greatest discord—how could Erik allow himself to dream that someone as beautiful as Christian might ever find happiness with someone as monstrous as he? Raoul’s final blow reveals who the true monster of the story is, however, and it all culminates in a dramatic and fitting finale.
There are some truly beautiful passages in Masquerade, highlighting the author’s talent for turning a phrase, inspiring the appropriate emotional tone, and often tugging at the heartstrings. There were a few times I felt the language choices were too modern for the late 19th century setting, but that’s more my tendency to demand a lot from my historical romance than it is a criticism of the author’s writing. Joel Abernathy has taken a beloved story and made it something of his own, and I enjoyed it wholeheartedly.
Reviewed for The Novel Approach
Christine Daaé is the heroin of Leroux’s original tale, and that is also the case here but with a twist. Christine is the alter-ego of Christian Daaé, the beautiful and undeniably talented young ingénue Christian becomes on the Paris stage, who has attracted the attention of the infamous ‘opera ghost’ who haunts the theater. As every good story needs a theme, Abernathy fittingly weaves the deceptiveness of appearances and the masks we wear, including the emotional ones behind which we hide our truest and deepest feelings as a means of self-preservation, into his story.
Erik, the recluse who is revealed as both Christian’s Angel of Music and the Phantom, draws readers into his fold with a poignant backstory that points to the unjustness of a world which judges appearance and mistreats those they’ve labeled ‘monster’. Erik is not immediately identifiable as the hero of the story. In fact, Abernathy paints Erik as a would-be villain, a title that isn’t altogether unearned as he’s not above carrying out a variety of misdeeds to bend people to his will. But it’s not long before readers discover that this is, perhaps, Erik’s greatest performance. Erik is less lawless miscreant than he is the product of his past.
The love triangle aspect of the tale is completed with the return of Christian’s childhood friend and longtime love, Raoul d’Chagny. As Raoul and Christian begin to rekindle their friendship and their feelings reveal something more, something deeper, it becomes clear that Raoul—for the sake of propriety and, of course, his social standing as the Vicomte d’Chagny—will only accept Christian as Christine, which causes Christian no small amount of conflict. Christian wants, needs, and deserves someone who accepts every facet of who he is, whether he is presenting as Christian or Christine, and while their initial meeting isn’t one of an immediate connection and kinship, Erik becomes the one to inspire Christian to shine. For that, Raoul is determined to make Erik pay, which sets up the final conflict of the novel.
Abernathy grows the relationship between Christian and Erik in fertile ground. Erik’s compositions and Christian as both Erik’s muse and star of his operas gives them a bond that goes deeper than mere attraction. The concept of attraction also inspires their greatest discord—how could Erik allow himself to dream that someone as beautiful as Christian might ever find happiness with someone as monstrous as he? Raoul’s final blow reveals who the true monster of the story is, however, and it all culminates in a dramatic and fitting finale.
There are some truly beautiful passages in Masquerade, highlighting the author’s talent for turning a phrase, inspiring the appropriate emotional tone, and often tugging at the heartstrings. There were a few times I felt the language choices were too modern for the late 19th century setting, but that’s more my tendency to demand a lot from my historical romance than it is a criticism of the author’s writing. Joel Abernathy has taken a beloved story and made it something of his own, and I enjoyed it wholeheartedly.
Reviewed for The Novel Approach
September 17, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Masquerade, Joel Abernathy’s retelling of The Phantom of the Opera, is definitely his own so if you are looking for the major Gothic elements, such as the mysterious, supernatural feel; the horror; the high drama OG brought to the story; and the more unforgiving/murderous or harrowing aspects of Erik’s OG persona, then you might be a bit disappointed. However, if you go in willing to see what Abernathy does with the major Gothic atmosphere off the table because the story is told in first person from Erik and Christian’s POVs, then you still might enjoy this version. Personally, while I did miss some of it, I liked Abernathy’s take, especially his development of other characters, such as Madame Giry.
As for the MCs themselves, Christian is young, still grieving his father, and adrift. He’s uncertain how to process his conflicting emotions when dealing with someone like Erik—a confessed murderer and monster who, nevertheless, appreciates, creates, and understands music like no one but Christian’s father.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Masquerade, Joel Abernathy’s retelling of The Phantom of the Opera, is definitely his own so if you are looking for the major Gothic elements, such as the mysterious, supernatural feel; the horror; the high drama OG brought to the story; and the more unforgiving/murderous or harrowing aspects of Erik’s OG persona, then you might be a bit disappointed. However, if you go in willing to see what Abernathy does with the major Gothic atmosphere off the table because the story is told in first person from Erik and Christian’s POVs, then you still might enjoy this version. Personally, while I did miss some of it, I liked Abernathy’s take, especially his development of other characters, such as Madame Giry.
As for the MCs themselves, Christian is young, still grieving his father, and adrift. He’s uncertain how to process his conflicting emotions when dealing with someone like Erik—a confessed murderer and monster who, nevertheless, appreciates, creates, and understands music like no one but Christian’s father.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
September 12, 2022
Beautifully written and extremely romantic. The dual POV was prefect and added more pleasure to the reading experience.
August 17, 2020
ajsnsbendjs I didn't know how much I needed this until I saw this existed.
I am a HUGE Phantom of the Opera fan, though not because of the story of the musical or the original book but because the atmosphere. A haunted opera house in late 19th century Paris? Yum!
Add some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music and a training arc (gotta love training arcs man) and I'm practically swooning.
I was always bothered by the story though because Christine is the passive, boring, damsel-in-distress, TSTL type which is everything a modern heroine shouldn't be, Raoul is a boring douchebag, and the phantom an irredeemable creep.
So imagine my happiness when I found this gem that is a reimagining of the Phantom of the Opera musical AND:
1.) it's gay
2.) Raoul is finally acknowledged as the douchebag that he is
3.) it's gay, which means Christine is now Christian, so my inner feminist is no longer screaming in outrage whenever Chris does (or rather doesn't do) something
4.) the phantom is redeemable and is the LI (take that, Raoul! HAH!!!)
5.) the story actually has a moral now
6.) Christian is much more fleshed out and more interesting than OG Christine (though that's not very difficult honestly)
7.) also, he is cross-dressing *fans-self*
8.) IT'S GAY AND CHRISTIAN IS CROSS-DRESSING
The only detriment is that it's a book so no Andrew Lloyd Webber songs - which I amended by playing the songs (and male covers of Christine's) on YouTube during appropriate scenes. Though I kinda ran out of songs halfway through because the Phantom's OG songs were not very fitting anymore haha.
tl;dr: My life is complete now... apart from the fact that I still need to learn Japanese so I can play the Phantom of the Opera dating game 😂
I am a HUGE Phantom of the Opera fan, though not because of the story of the musical or the original book but because the atmosphere. A haunted opera house in late 19th century Paris? Yum!
Add some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music and a training arc (gotta love training arcs man) and I'm practically swooning.
I was always bothered by the story though because Christine is the passive, boring, damsel-in-distress, TSTL type which is everything a modern heroine shouldn't be, Raoul is a boring douchebag, and the phantom an irredeemable creep.
So imagine my happiness when I found this gem that is a reimagining of the Phantom of the Opera musical AND:
1.) it's gay
2.) Raoul is finally acknowledged as the douchebag that he is
3.) it's gay, which means Christine is now Christian, so my inner feminist is no longer screaming in outrage whenever Chris does (or rather doesn't do) something
4.) the phantom is redeemable and is the LI (take that, Raoul! HAH!!!)
5.) the story actually has a moral now
6.) Christian is much more fleshed out and more interesting than OG Christine (though that's not very difficult honestly)
7.) also, he is cross-dressing *fans-self*
8.) IT'S GAY AND CHRISTIAN IS CROSS-DRESSING
The only detriment is that it's a book so no Andrew Lloyd Webber songs - which I amended by playing the songs (and male covers of Christine's) on YouTube during appropriate scenes. Though I kinda ran out of songs halfway through because the Phantom's OG songs were not very fitting anymore haha.
tl;dr: My life is complete now... apart from the fact that I still need to learn Japanese so I can play the Phantom of the Opera dating game 😂
September 6, 2019
I’ve always been hesitant on reading any of Joel Abernathy books as they are LC Davis... LC Davis has been a hit or miss for me, more of a continuous miss, except for 1 book that I absolutely loved.
Anyways I did enjoy the book, but it wasn’t without its faults imo. The first thing that really bothered me was Raoul... I mean it’s like they had a relationship but I felt none of it... Christian was “in love” but never once did you really see their relationship let alone feel it. I really couldn’t believe Christian had to think so hard on his decision to go or not to go with Raoul... since the relationship wasn’t development it seemed like a no brainer to me which made the decision trivial and a waste of time.
Lastly I had an issue with the sex... and holy cow do I love the sex... but in this book we didn’t get any until 65% which was totally ok because it was 200% worth it. But once the first scene is out of the way we’re hit with like 4 more back to back, and in reality it made that first wonderfully hot time feel cheap.
If there was one sin greater than all the others, surely it was pulling an angel down from the heavens so he might light the darkness of the hell I knew as home, but my soul was already tarnished beyond redemption. Beyond grace, save for the sound of his voice, as temporary as the blessing was.
“Pain and desire, creation and longing. Are these things not the mark of a man? A soul?”
“I would paint every inch of you with music too precious for the world to ever see.”
I might have failed to unmask him, but he had done it to me easily enough, and in the aftermath of the unclothing I had feared for so long, I felt freer than I had ever imagined possible.
Anyways I did enjoy the book, but it wasn’t without its faults imo. The first thing that really bothered me was Raoul... I mean it’s like they had a relationship but I felt none of it... Christian was “in love” but never once did you really see their relationship let alone feel it. I really couldn’t believe Christian had to think so hard on his decision to go or not to go with Raoul... since the relationship wasn’t development it seemed like a no brainer to me which made the decision trivial and a waste of time.
Lastly I had an issue with the sex... and holy cow do I love the sex... but in this book we didn’t get any until 65% which was totally ok because it was 200% worth it. But once the first scene is out of the way we’re hit with like 4 more back to back, and in reality it made that first wonderfully hot time feel cheap.
If there was one sin greater than all the others, surely it was pulling an angel down from the heavens so he might light the darkness of the hell I knew as home, but my soul was already tarnished beyond redemption. Beyond grace, save for the sound of his voice, as temporary as the blessing was.
“Pain and desire, creation and longing. Are these things not the mark of a man? A soul?”
“I would paint every inch of you with music too precious for the world to ever see.”
I might have failed to unmask him, but he had done it to me easily enough, and in the aftermath of the unclothing I had feared for so long, I felt freer than I had ever imagined possible.
January 13, 2020
Emotional and sexual retelling
Spoiler and warning: in case you missed the title, this is a MM Phanfic. Christine is now Christian. Erik is still Erik, and the most intimate moments in the depths of the Opera House now involve Erik in Christian's depths, fairly often once that aspect of the relationship begins, and light BDSM themes. Don't like the idea? Don't read it. There are plenty of other PhanFic options out there.
That said, this version charmed me. Erik's more vulnerable, yet retains some of the darker themes. Many of the familiar aspects of the story remain: an unfortunate stagehand, an unfortunate chandelier, and a young, orphaned singer smitten by an angel.
A darker version of Raoul loves Christian's alter ego, Christine, the young man with the high voice playing female roles off stage and on. Erik loves Christian's voice first, then the man behind it. Mme. Giry is present - one of my favorite characters - a mother figure to Erik and Christian. I hesitate to say more for fear of entirely spilling the plot, but I enjoyed this version.
An example of the writing, Christian speaking to Erik:
"You say you wish to be my partner. To bring your music to life, with your vision and my voice as one flesh, and yet you run the moment I get too close," I challenged. He moved back with my every step, an animal cornered, and as I reached to touch his face the way he'd touched mine on so many occasions, the fear in his gaze made me realize that his isolation knew no depths either.
"You're the one who's afraid," I said softly, coming to the realization as I spoke. "You say you despise this world, but you don't. The truth is, you're just rejecting it before it gets the chance to reject you."
Spoiler and warning: in case you missed the title, this is a MM Phanfic. Christine is now Christian. Erik is still Erik, and the most intimate moments in the depths of the Opera House now involve Erik in Christian's depths, fairly often once that aspect of the relationship begins, and light BDSM themes. Don't like the idea? Don't read it. There are plenty of other PhanFic options out there.
That said, this version charmed me. Erik's more vulnerable, yet retains some of the darker themes. Many of the familiar aspects of the story remain: an unfortunate stagehand, an unfortunate chandelier, and a young, orphaned singer smitten by an angel.
A darker version of Raoul loves Christian's alter ego, Christine, the young man with the high voice playing female roles off stage and on. Erik loves Christian's voice first, then the man behind it. Mme. Giry is present - one of my favorite characters - a mother figure to Erik and Christian. I hesitate to say more for fear of entirely spilling the plot, but I enjoyed this version.
An example of the writing, Christian speaking to Erik:
"You say you wish to be my partner. To bring your music to life, with your vision and my voice as one flesh, and yet you run the moment I get too close," I challenged. He moved back with my every step, an animal cornered, and as I reached to touch his face the way he'd touched mine on so many occasions, the fear in his gaze made me realize that his isolation knew no depths either.
"You're the one who's afraid," I said softly, coming to the realization as I spoke. "You say you despise this world, but you don't. The truth is, you're just rejecting it before it gets the chance to reject you."
August 17, 2019
wow.. so i really enjoy the story of phantom of the opera and this was chillingly wonderful.. it was sexy.. it was sad. it was anger and love. it was many emotions thrown together with an amazing ending and wonderful characters while staying a little bit true to the original story but with twists thrown in. i loved it so much and joel did an amazing job!
August 31, 2019
I have always loved the Phantom of the Opera story, and I love MM romance. In other words, this was PERFECT. The writing, the characters, the chemistry, the sex, the MUSIC .... argggg it was all just lovely. Such a gift :)
March 13, 2025
4.5 stars
July 25, 2021
Tengo sentimientos contradictorios en esta historia.
El fantasma de la opera es de mis musicales favoritos en el mundo, me encanta, pero una de las cosas que más disfruto del musical es el aura misteriosa que rodea a todos lo que está pasando y creo que en esencia eso fue lo que más me falto aquí.
La historia se cuenta desde el punto de vista de Christian/Christine y del fantasma por lo que se pierde este misticismo que rodea al fantasma, sabes desde un principio quién es, cuáles son sus motivaciones y lo que está haciendo, entonces le resta un poco a la personalidad retorcida de este personaje.
Por otro lado, la historia es demasiado igual a al original, hay pequeños cambios y agradezco mucho que se agregaran más encuentros entre el fantasma y Christian, porque da más chance a desarrollar su relación. Christian es un poco plano y si me faltó un poco más de oscuridad en la historia.
Siento que es una historia ligera y fácil de leer, incluso se siente como una lectura feliz, que no está mal, pero si me esperaba algo más oscuro y retorcido.
Dentro de todo, igual si me gustó reencontrarme con esta historia que tanto me gusta, el fantasma es un personaje que siempre me ha cautivado y me ha encantado y aunque esta es una versión mucho más ligera, igual fue maravilloso poder leerlo.
El fantasma de la opera es de mis musicales favoritos en el mundo, me encanta, pero una de las cosas que más disfruto del musical es el aura misteriosa que rodea a todos lo que está pasando y creo que en esencia eso fue lo que más me falto aquí.
La historia se cuenta desde el punto de vista de Christian/Christine y del fantasma por lo que se pierde este misticismo que rodea al fantasma, sabes desde un principio quién es, cuáles son sus motivaciones y lo que está haciendo, entonces le resta un poco a la personalidad retorcida de este personaje.
Por otro lado, la historia es demasiado igual a al original, hay pequeños cambios y agradezco mucho que se agregaran más encuentros entre el fantasma y Christian, porque da más chance a desarrollar su relación. Christian es un poco plano y si me faltó un poco más de oscuridad en la historia.
Siento que es una historia ligera y fácil de leer, incluso se siente como una lectura feliz, que no está mal, pero si me esperaba algo más oscuro y retorcido.
Dentro de todo, igual si me gustó reencontrarme con esta historia que tanto me gusta, el fantasma es un personaje que siempre me ha cautivado y me ha encantado y aunque esta es una versión mucho más ligera, igual fue maravilloso poder leerlo.
July 5, 2025
OMG! Loved this book! MC’s are Erik & Christian! It’s a wonderful book that consists of intrigue and opera. Composers and the opera company. Phantom and love. Absolutely incredibly written. Took me a while as I stopped and started multiple times due to other books being read. And lots of interruptions. Lol. 💜💜💜🎶🎵🎶🎵🎤🎻🎹
January 26, 2020
This book is everything.. I love Leroux's work and this mesmerizingly thrilling book is as perfect as The original version, possibly even better!
March 25, 2020
Erik always deserved a HEA, and I’m glad he got it here. Raoul can go fuck himself.
August 12, 2019
[I received a digital copy for an honest review]
"You think you wish to know what behind this mask, but I assure you, there are things in the world better left unknown."
Masquerade is the newest release by one of my all time favorite authors, Joel Abernathy. It's a moving MM Phantom of the Opera retelling that is dark and beautiful.
"Angels were, after all, both beautiful and terrible. In that moment, I knew mine was no exception."
Christian's father raised him to love music but when he passed away he felt alone and slowly lost the passion for it. At 18, he lives in an opera house where he dons the mask of a woman and performs as 'Christine' in the chorus. The "phantom" is a man who lies in the shadows because of his disfigurement. When he hears Christian sing he knows he's destined for great things and becomes obsessed with helping him grow his talent. Christian struggles with his identity and has to choose to settle for always wearing the mask of Christine to live in the light or be his true self in the shadows. Outside prejudices and jealous threaten his future before it he can express how he fully feels.
"There's nothing petty about wanting to be loved for who you are" [...] "Every last one of God's creatures deserves that, and never let a soul tell you otherwise."
Alright, I want to express that I am not a fan of The Phantom of the Opera. I have never actually read or watched an adaptation of it in its entirety because it just doesn't appeal to me. You're now wondering why I even read this book then, and the answer to that is the author. I'm willing to try anything Joel Abernathy creates because he has a way of creating rich worlds, passionate characters, and beautiful words. Masquerade has all those qualities and I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end.
"He pulled me onto his lap, and I longed for his hands to ravage me the way they did the keys and strings he played so effortlessly."
The story line is musical as it flows and transports you to a different time and place. Joel Abernathy has the ability to make you feel completely in a whatever world he has created. The slow build of the Phantom and Christians relationship is perfect and when they come together its beautiful. Masquerade has a strong focus' on acceptance. Both the Phantom and Christian wear masks in order to feel accepted by the judgmental world they live in.
"You're already everything you need to be, and my only scheme is to have you wear it proudly."
Masquerade by Joel Abernathy is a wonderful MM Phantom of the Opera retelling. Whether you enjoy the original story or not, I highly recommend giving this a read.
"You think you wish to know what behind this mask, but I assure you, there are things in the world better left unknown."
Masquerade is the newest release by one of my all time favorite authors, Joel Abernathy. It's a moving MM Phantom of the Opera retelling that is dark and beautiful.
"Angels were, after all, both beautiful and terrible. In that moment, I knew mine was no exception."
Christian's father raised him to love music but when he passed away he felt alone and slowly lost the passion for it. At 18, he lives in an opera house where he dons the mask of a woman and performs as 'Christine' in the chorus. The "phantom" is a man who lies in the shadows because of his disfigurement. When he hears Christian sing he knows he's destined for great things and becomes obsessed with helping him grow his talent. Christian struggles with his identity and has to choose to settle for always wearing the mask of Christine to live in the light or be his true self in the shadows. Outside prejudices and jealous threaten his future before it he can express how he fully feels.
"There's nothing petty about wanting to be loved for who you are" [...] "Every last one of God's creatures deserves that, and never let a soul tell you otherwise."
Alright, I want to express that I am not a fan of The Phantom of the Opera. I have never actually read or watched an adaptation of it in its entirety because it just doesn't appeal to me. You're now wondering why I even read this book then, and the answer to that is the author. I'm willing to try anything Joel Abernathy creates because he has a way of creating rich worlds, passionate characters, and beautiful words. Masquerade has all those qualities and I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end.
"He pulled me onto his lap, and I longed for his hands to ravage me the way they did the keys and strings he played so effortlessly."
The story line is musical as it flows and transports you to a different time and place. Joel Abernathy has the ability to make you feel completely in a whatever world he has created. The slow build of the Phantom and Christians relationship is perfect and when they come together its beautiful. Masquerade has a strong focus' on acceptance. Both the Phantom and Christian wear masks in order to feel accepted by the judgmental world they live in.
"You're already everything you need to be, and my only scheme is to have you wear it proudly."
Masquerade by Joel Abernathy is a wonderful MM Phantom of the Opera retelling. Whether you enjoy the original story or not, I highly recommend giving this a read.
December 26, 2019
Phantom of the opera is a classic. I did like this retelling with male Christian, it was a lovely book.
Just like in the real book, Christian doesn’t have anything special beside his amazing voice, just like his female counterpart. I am not sure why two men are obsessing over him.
I found Raoul, the childhood friend to be quite annoying and him wanting Christine to be “his wife” and pretend to be someone he is selfish. Erik, “the Phantom” was the only one of accepted the real Christian and not just the facade.
Just like in the real book, Christian doesn’t have anything special beside his amazing voice, just like his female counterpart. I am not sure why two men are obsessing over him.
I found Raoul, the childhood friend to be quite annoying and him wanting Christine to be “his wife” and pretend to be someone he is selfish. Erik, “the Phantom” was the only one of accepted the real Christian and not just the facade.
August 15, 2019
2 Stars.
I loved Erik but Christian irritated me. There was no reason for him to do what he did at the end of the book, it was unnecessary.
I loved Erik but Christian irritated me. There was no reason for him to do what he did at the end of the book, it was unnecessary.
June 13, 2021
I love the Phantom of the Opera. I admit, I see the live performance every time it comes to town or a town near me.
I have read a few reimaginings of the Phantom of the Opera. This one stays pretty true to the original plot, with the exception that "Christine" is a man named Christian and his relationship with Raoul and Erik (the Phantom).
The books follows the original story plot up until about the time Raoul is introduced. He is smitten with Christian and takes him out, but only if Christian dresses up as "Christine". Christian is more feminine in stature and his voice is higher, so he is able to and has been playing female characters at the opera. He starts to feel insecure about himself when Raoul continues to call him Christine and expects him to act as a woman wherever they go. All the red flags are there that Raoul is not the good guy in this version. Putting down Christian's singing skills and only wanting be be seen/acknowledge him as Christine show the reader he is a controlling, self-centered fop, but Christian needs to find that out for himself.
From here the plot changes slightly, the masquerade ball turns out differently, and helps Christian see Raoul for who he really is. Christian takes care of Erik after the ball and this is where the s€xiness comes in. The scenes between these two are hot! Christian is the one who initiates the relationship but it doesn't take long for dominant Erik to take control. He is dominant but also caring towards Christian, and my God is it hot. My only complaint is that I had to wait so long!
I won't say more because if you have seen the Phanom off the Opera you know how it usually ends. However, this time Erik gets a happy ending instead of Raoul.
The author does a good job of moving the plot along and building the secondary characters we know from the play. Madame Giry and Meg are the two we get to know the best and Carlotta gets very little "screen time" in this version of the story. Good- she is my least favorite character in both the book and the play! I also enjoyed the MM twist on the main characters. The social climate of that time towards LGBTQ people is addressed too in some of the characters interactions. One teaser I will throw out there is the that the author has a trans character included in the story. You'll have to read it to see who it is. I think this is a lovely take on a classic and should definitely be on your TBR list if you are a Phantom fan.
I have read a few reimaginings of the Phantom of the Opera. This one stays pretty true to the original plot, with the exception that "Christine" is a man named Christian and his relationship with Raoul and Erik (the Phantom).
The books follows the original story plot up until about the time Raoul is introduced. He is smitten with Christian and takes him out, but only if Christian dresses up as "Christine". Christian is more feminine in stature and his voice is higher, so he is able to and has been playing female characters at the opera. He starts to feel insecure about himself when Raoul continues to call him Christine and expects him to act as a woman wherever they go. All the red flags are there that Raoul is not the good guy in this version. Putting down Christian's singing skills and only wanting be be seen/acknowledge him as Christine show the reader he is a controlling, self-centered fop, but Christian needs to find that out for himself.
From here the plot changes slightly, the masquerade ball turns out differently, and helps Christian see Raoul for who he really is. Christian takes care of Erik after the ball and this is where the s€xiness comes in. The scenes between these two are hot! Christian is the one who initiates the relationship but it doesn't take long for dominant Erik to take control. He is dominant but also caring towards Christian, and my God is it hot. My only complaint is that I had to wait so long!
I won't say more because if you have seen the Phanom off the Opera you know how it usually ends. However, this time Erik gets a happy ending instead of Raoul.
The author does a good job of moving the plot along and building the secondary characters we know from the play. Madame Giry and Meg are the two we get to know the best and Carlotta gets very little "screen time" in this version of the story. Good- she is my least favorite character in both the book and the play! I also enjoyed the MM twist on the main characters. The social climate of that time towards LGBTQ people is addressed too in some of the characters interactions. One teaser I will throw out there is the that the author has a trans character included in the story. You'll have to read it to see who it is. I think this is a lovely take on a classic and should definitely be on your TBR list if you are a Phantom fan.
September 17, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review
For Christian Daaé, the limitless, awe-inspiring power of music to create worlds and touch souls was an accepted truth in his childhood home. Having a talented composer for a father who nurtured this love of music, as well as Christian’s own singing abilities, made performance and the stage his home and an integral part of who Christian was. However, after Christian’s father died when he was a young boy, no matter how hard he trained in conservatory or his many performances on stage, by eighteen, Christian lost his connection to music, that spark in himself. He became content to show the world the more appealing and acceptable mask of the ingénue chorus girl, Christine Daaé, rather than the more somber Christian, whose attraction towards other men could only find acceptance within the opera house.
That is until Christian hears a sensuous voice in the walls of the opera house attic, beckoning Christian to come and let him guide Christian to his full potential. Deeming this unknown presence to be the Angel of Music his father promised to send him from heaven, Christian submits to the Angel’s mentorship for months, unware his “angel” is a flesh and blood man named Erik. Erik has been obsessed with Christian since the first time he heard Christine perform and knows that Christian belongs to him; that the purity and magic of his voice is the perfect creative conduit for his compositions; and once he has fully rekindled the fire within Christian and helped him embrace his true potential, Christian will have no choice but to accept their musical destiny together. However, his plans are derailed when Christian’s childhood friend, Raoul d’Chagny enters the scene and becomes a contender for Christian’s true passions.
As Christian spends more time with Erik the man and sees Raoul outside the lens of childhood friendship, he struggles to figure out who he really is, what he truly wants for his life, and who he loves.
I chose "Masquerade" for Judge a Book By Its Cover Week for our Reading Challenge Month for several reasons. I noticed the cover initially because the bold lettering of the title and the red and gold coloring caught my eye at the bottom of my screen for suggested books. When I actually looked at the cover and saw the red and gold flashes were in the iconic shape of the phantom’s mask, I had to click the link. The mask on the cover was intriguing, at first because the scarlet and gold colors reminded me of the masquerade ball in "The Phantom of the Opera" and the Opera Ghost (OG)’s boldest appearance in his scarlet costume with its gold embroidery, proclaiming himself to be “Red Death.” However, when I looked closer, between the script in the scarlet, the cracks, the fire, and, of course, the music notes, the mask seemed to be telling its own story, and I wanted to know what that story was.
"Masquerade", Joel Abernathy’s retelling of "The Phantom of the Opera", is definitely his own so if you are looking for the major Gothic elements, such as the mysterious, supernatural feel; the horror; the high drama OG brought to the story; and the more unforgiving/murderous or harrowing aspects of Erik’s OG persona, then you might be a bit disappointed. However, if you go in willing to see what Abernathy does with the major Gothic atmosphere off the table because the story is told in first person from Erik and Christian’s POVs, then you still might enjoy this version. Personally, while I did miss some of it, I liked Abernathy’s take, especially his development of other characters, such as Madame Giry.
As for the MCs themselves, Christian is young, still grieving his father, and adrift. He’s uncertain how to process his conflicting emotions when dealing with someone like Erik—a confessed murderer and monster who, nevertheless, appreciates, creates, and understands music like no one but Christian’s father. I think Abernathy does a good job keeping Christian the virginal, wholesome ingénue without making him too dull and boring (as these types of characters tend to be), especially when compared to the anti-hero, who by definition always has a more complex backstory, and Erik is no exception. While Erik does admit to doing horrific things, they occur mostly off page. Since the supernatural “thrill” is toned down in "Masquerade", OG’s antics aren’t as important to this book; moreover, even when Erik does something as OG, it is often tamer as a result of Christian’s influence.
Abernathy does a decent job overall of evoking a 19th century air in his characters’ dialogue, particularly when Erik is being darkly poetic and/or rhapsodizing about the transformative powers of music. So much so that I tripped very hard over the word “transgender” and had a “What is that ‘70s word” doing in my 19th century romance” moment. Maybe since the scene and the reason for the word’s inclusion is so short, Abernathy thought it would help get Christian’s dilemma across more easily by having a transgender character he could talk to, and stating it with modern words. However, I’ve read enough historical romances with transgender and genderfluid characters written by writers dedicated to period accurate wording to known that these characters can be portrayed fully and effectively without modern words. So instead of it feeling like a natural, sharing moment between two characters, it felt like a repurposing of the “magical negro” trope into the “magical queer” trope. I know that’s not what the author intended, but that’s just how distracting that moment was for me.
For the most part, I enjoyed how Abernathy shaped Erik and Christian’s journey, not only using the love triangle between Erik, Christian, and Raoul to explore how people and society mask truly monstrous natures behind acceptable façades, but also how people’s shared interests and creativity can connect them to pieces of themselves they’ve lost, which is where the most beautiful parts of the story can be found. How Abernathy describes Christian and Erik’s growing bond through their kinship to the music; how Erik’s obsession develops into genuine love; how Christian inspires Erik’s better nature, as well as his creativity; how Christian not only rediscovers his love of music, but a connection to his father and a confidence in himself—it’s beautiful and touches my music nerd heart in a way that makes me appreciate this retelling for bringing the music to the forefront, which was OG’s first love after all.
For Christian Daaé, the limitless, awe-inspiring power of music to create worlds and touch souls was an accepted truth in his childhood home. Having a talented composer for a father who nurtured this love of music, as well as Christian’s own singing abilities, made performance and the stage his home and an integral part of who Christian was. However, after Christian’s father died when he was a young boy, no matter how hard he trained in conservatory or his many performances on stage, by eighteen, Christian lost his connection to music, that spark in himself. He became content to show the world the more appealing and acceptable mask of the ingénue chorus girl, Christine Daaé, rather than the more somber Christian, whose attraction towards other men could only find acceptance within the opera house.
That is until Christian hears a sensuous voice in the walls of the opera house attic, beckoning Christian to come and let him guide Christian to his full potential. Deeming this unknown presence to be the Angel of Music his father promised to send him from heaven, Christian submits to the Angel’s mentorship for months, unware his “angel” is a flesh and blood man named Erik. Erik has been obsessed with Christian since the first time he heard Christine perform and knows that Christian belongs to him; that the purity and magic of his voice is the perfect creative conduit for his compositions; and once he has fully rekindled the fire within Christian and helped him embrace his true potential, Christian will have no choice but to accept their musical destiny together. However, his plans are derailed when Christian’s childhood friend, Raoul d’Chagny enters the scene and becomes a contender for Christian’s true passions.
As Christian spends more time with Erik the man and sees Raoul outside the lens of childhood friendship, he struggles to figure out who he really is, what he truly wants for his life, and who he loves.
I chose "Masquerade" for Judge a Book By Its Cover Week for our Reading Challenge Month for several reasons. I noticed the cover initially because the bold lettering of the title and the red and gold coloring caught my eye at the bottom of my screen for suggested books. When I actually looked at the cover and saw the red and gold flashes were in the iconic shape of the phantom’s mask, I had to click the link. The mask on the cover was intriguing, at first because the scarlet and gold colors reminded me of the masquerade ball in "The Phantom of the Opera" and the Opera Ghost (OG)’s boldest appearance in his scarlet costume with its gold embroidery, proclaiming himself to be “Red Death.” However, when I looked closer, between the script in the scarlet, the cracks, the fire, and, of course, the music notes, the mask seemed to be telling its own story, and I wanted to know what that story was.
"Masquerade", Joel Abernathy’s retelling of "The Phantom of the Opera", is definitely his own so if you are looking for the major Gothic elements, such as the mysterious, supernatural feel; the horror; the high drama OG brought to the story; and the more unforgiving/murderous or harrowing aspects of Erik’s OG persona, then you might be a bit disappointed. However, if you go in willing to see what Abernathy does with the major Gothic atmosphere off the table because the story is told in first person from Erik and Christian’s POVs, then you still might enjoy this version. Personally, while I did miss some of it, I liked Abernathy’s take, especially his development of other characters, such as Madame Giry.
As for the MCs themselves, Christian is young, still grieving his father, and adrift. He’s uncertain how to process his conflicting emotions when dealing with someone like Erik—a confessed murderer and monster who, nevertheless, appreciates, creates, and understands music like no one but Christian’s father. I think Abernathy does a good job keeping Christian the virginal, wholesome ingénue without making him too dull and boring (as these types of characters tend to be), especially when compared to the anti-hero, who by definition always has a more complex backstory, and Erik is no exception. While Erik does admit to doing horrific things, they occur mostly off page. Since the supernatural “thrill” is toned down in "Masquerade", OG’s antics aren’t as important to this book; moreover, even when Erik does something as OG, it is often tamer as a result of Christian’s influence.
Abernathy does a decent job overall of evoking a 19th century air in his characters’ dialogue, particularly when Erik is being darkly poetic and/or rhapsodizing about the transformative powers of music. So much so that I tripped very hard over the word “transgender” and had a “What is that ‘70s word” doing in my 19th century romance” moment. Maybe since the scene and the reason for the word’s inclusion is so short, Abernathy thought it would help get Christian’s dilemma across more easily by having a transgender character he could talk to, and stating it with modern words. However, I’ve read enough historical romances with transgender and genderfluid characters written by writers dedicated to period accurate wording to known that these characters can be portrayed fully and effectively without modern words. So instead of it feeling like a natural, sharing moment between two characters, it felt like a repurposing of the “magical negro” trope into the “magical queer” trope. I know that’s not what the author intended, but that’s just how distracting that moment was for me.
For the most part, I enjoyed how Abernathy shaped Erik and Christian’s journey, not only using the love triangle between Erik, Christian, and Raoul to explore how people and society mask truly monstrous natures behind acceptable façades, but also how people’s shared interests and creativity can connect them to pieces of themselves they’ve lost, which is where the most beautiful parts of the story can be found. How Abernathy describes Christian and Erik’s growing bond through their kinship to the music; how Erik’s obsession develops into genuine love; how Christian inspires Erik’s better nature, as well as his creativity; how Christian not only rediscovers his love of music, but a connection to his father and a confidence in himself—it’s beautiful and touches my music nerd heart in a way that makes me appreciate this retelling for bringing the music to the forefront, which was OG’s first love after all.
April 19, 2020
A masterful retelling
I should start by saying I am a huge fan of The Phantom of the Opera but I have never been particularly happy with the ending. Never liked Raoul, and he certainly never deserved to win the girl.
In this retelling the Phantom gets his HEA and I couldn’t be happier. Raoul even gets a suitable ending (I did say I am a huge Erik/Christine fan, didn’t I?).
In this story Christine is replaced by Christian, a man whose voice never broke and whose beautiful countertenor meant he often assumes the role of a female - Christine. Yet he is so much more than just a cross dressing man, he is Christian, accepting only part of him is doing him a disservice. All the familiar faces from the musical are here - from Madame Giry and Meg to the beautiful old Paris Opera House.
I absolutely adored this reimagining of the story and I am now a devouted Erik/Christian fan. Thank you to Joel Abernathy for writing this story, it’s so beautiful. I really liked the mentioning of all the secret passageways and hidden entrances that are to be found all over the Opera House.
I should start by saying I am a huge fan of The Phantom of the Opera but I have never been particularly happy with the ending. Never liked Raoul, and he certainly never deserved to win the girl.
In this retelling the Phantom gets his HEA and I couldn’t be happier. Raoul even gets a suitable ending (I did say I am a huge Erik/Christine fan, didn’t I?).
In this story Christine is replaced by Christian, a man whose voice never broke and whose beautiful countertenor meant he often assumes the role of a female - Christine. Yet he is so much more than just a cross dressing man, he is Christian, accepting only part of him is doing him a disservice. All the familiar faces from the musical are here - from Madame Giry and Meg to the beautiful old Paris Opera House.
I absolutely adored this reimagining of the story and I am now a devouted Erik/Christian fan. Thank you to Joel Abernathy for writing this story, it’s so beautiful. I really liked the mentioning of all the secret passageways and hidden entrances that are to be found all over the Opera House.
April 27, 2020
More of a 3.5.
Ok so, this may be the first lgbt retelling of the Phantom of the Opera that I read, in less than 24 hour hours and I liked it so much! For a hardcore Erik/Christine shipper as I am, it was super sweet for me.
Here we meet Christian Daaé, a chorus boy with a voice so sweet and acute he's more than once filling female roles, for which he created "Christine" as to protect himself and his preferences.
Erik is still our tortured music genius, but unlike our Leroux counterpart, he's more like... let's say, Gerard Butler and his lovely protrayal, Gerik, strong, tall, handsome in where his face isn't covered. This is not a negative, because I, for one, love Gerik with a passion. It is also to notice this Erik is more, psychologically sane, to give it a name.
Then we have Raoul, who... let's say, is too aware of his reputation and the world's "social rules" won't go into more detail with him, go check it out yourselves.
I was thrilled by this book and I for sure hope Mr. Abernathy will write more of Erik and Christian in the future, if he so wishes.
Peace, and keep safe this quarantine!
Ok so, this may be the first lgbt retelling of the Phantom of the Opera that I read, in less than 24 hour hours and I liked it so much! For a hardcore Erik/Christine shipper as I am, it was super sweet for me.
Here we meet Christian Daaé, a chorus boy with a voice so sweet and acute he's more than once filling female roles, for which he created "Christine" as to protect himself and his preferences.
Erik is still our tortured music genius, but unlike our Leroux counterpart, he's more like... let's say, Gerard Butler and his lovely protrayal, Gerik, strong, tall, handsome in where his face isn't covered. This is not a negative, because I, for one, love Gerik with a passion. It is also to notice this Erik is more, psychologically sane, to give it a name.
Then we have Raoul, who... let's say, is too aware of his reputation and the world's "social rules" won't go into more detail with him, go check it out yourselves.
I was thrilled by this book and I for sure hope Mr. Abernathy will write more of Erik and Christian in the future, if he so wishes.
Peace, and keep safe this quarantine!
December 30, 2019
Music of the soul
“Angels were, after all, both beautiful and terrible.” Not all monsters can be seen. Some hide behind beauty and those are the ones we should fear the most; whereas, other monsters aren’t really monstrous at all. A beautiful and amazing story about overcoming fear and rejection to find love and acceptance within yourself. For when it’s given freely by the one you love, you see yourself not as who you thought you were but as who you truly are.
“I would paint every inch of you with music too precious or the world to ever see.” Christian and Erik’s love for each other flows like music. There were times it was just a whisper and then others where it was a cacophony of sound. No matter it’s volume it was always constant and true. A phenomenal retelling of the Phantom that will live in my heart.
“Angels were, after all, both beautiful and terrible.” Not all monsters can be seen. Some hide behind beauty and those are the ones we should fear the most; whereas, other monsters aren’t really monstrous at all. A beautiful and amazing story about overcoming fear and rejection to find love and acceptance within yourself. For when it’s given freely by the one you love, you see yourself not as who you thought you were but as who you truly are.
“I would paint every inch of you with music too precious or the world to ever see.” Christian and Erik’s love for each other flows like music. There were times it was just a whisper and then others where it was a cacophony of sound. No matter it’s volume it was always constant and true. A phenomenal retelling of the Phantom that will live in my heart.
March 20, 2021
Loved it and the dramatic book cover😍🎭
I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
Okay I'm a complete newbie here, my only knowledge of the phantom of the opera is a bloke in a half mask and singing melancholy so I don't know how true to form it is of the actual story but with an mm twist. So from what I read I enjoyed, it had hunchback of Notre dam aspects which I'm familiar with. I really enjoyed the character of the phantom, he was complex neither light or dark but a mixture of grey, he had great heart and yet strayed on the path of darkness for the sake of good. I really felt for him and what he endured and continued to endure due to a thwarted romance rival. Yet despite or these complications he still managed to find acceptance from christian. He was another character that didn't have it easy. Great drama, and a nicely told story
I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
Okay I'm a complete newbie here, my only knowledge of the phantom of the opera is a bloke in a half mask and singing melancholy so I don't know how true to form it is of the actual story but with an mm twist. So from what I read I enjoyed, it had hunchback of Notre dam aspects which I'm familiar with. I really enjoyed the character of the phantom, he was complex neither light or dark but a mixture of grey, he had great heart and yet strayed on the path of darkness for the sake of good. I really felt for him and what he endured and continued to endure due to a thwarted romance rival. Yet despite or these complications he still managed to find acceptance from christian. He was another character that didn't have it easy. Great drama, and a nicely told story
June 9, 2020
I really liked this one.
The Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorite musicals, so a m/m adaptation of it sounded like a great idea.
It actually was. It has a conflicted and dark Phantom and a really great Christian/Christine as the main characters, but with some great turns and changes to make it even more interesting.
Was it really faithfull to the original story? Well, not really, but if I'm honest with you, I had a good time with this book even if it changes some of the elements of the original story.
Another great quarantine read.
The Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorite musicals, so a m/m adaptation of it sounded like a great idea.
It actually was. It has a conflicted and dark Phantom and a really great Christian/Christine as the main characters, but with some great turns and changes to make it even more interesting.
Was it really faithfull to the original story? Well, not really, but if I'm honest with you, I had a good time with this book even if it changes some of the elements of the original story.
Another great quarantine read.
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