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The Phantom #1
Madrigal: A Novel of Gaston Leroux's the Phantom of the Opera
"Years earlier Erik faked his death and vowed the Phantom would never again haunt the Opera Garnier. But strange packages left by Anna, an unwanted Samaritan turned unlikely friend, cause him to desire the unattainable--love. Battling the nobleman determined to lock him away, Erik must control his demons and tame a heart unexpectedly beating for two opposite women, Christine, whom he longs to love, and Anna, the woman who saw beyond his bitter soul to the man beneath the mask. In the midst of a brutalmanhunt, can he be loved for himself or is he condemned to be the Phantom of the Opera?"--P. [4] of cover.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2008
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925 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Linforth
4 books34 followersJennifer is known for her works expanding Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera. She is currently writing book four in this series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 23, 2009
Ok, let me just start by saying that I think it's really hilarious that this book's subtitle is "A novel of GL's POTO." Every other subtitle like that I've seen has been like "A novel of Richard III" or "A novel of Marie Antoinette." Since GL'S POTO was in itself a novel, this is a really weird subtitle.
Let me continue by saying that I'm going to be slightly harder on this book than maybe is necessary simply because it is claiming to be a continuation of GL's book, with all that it implies. There were two main categories of issues/problems: the historical/literary, and the plot based ones. (And let me wrap up by saying I would actually have given this 2.5 stars if I could have)
Historical & literary problems:
I will preface this by saying that GL's original book is in itself many ways a fairy tale, playing fast and loose with the social conventions of the day for the sake of a good story, so many things I let slide. However, other reviewers have claimed this book follows the style and setting of GL's book, and I just didn't see it. For example:
1. Everyone calling everyone by first names. Near strangers would never have referred to Anna as "Anna." Christine and Raoul wouldn't have introduced themselves as "Christine and Raoul."
2. The plethora of "screw _____" "son-of-a-bitch" and "bastard"s, as well as an alarming number of men thinking about their own erect penises, really took away from whatever feeling there was of this being in the style or manner of GL.
3. On page 142, a character says "Do all Barret's have such audacity?" Lord almighty. Barret is NOT a possessive in that sentence. There should not be an apostrophe there.
Plot/character problems:
1. Anna is just so damn understanding. She understands Erik's past, Erik's anger, Erik's everything, she understands why Raoul is angry, she forgives Erik for stuff she doesn't really seem to understand, she is never once hesitant or cautious or intelligently prudent about being around someone who is a self-admitted madman and murderer. I'm not saying she has to be a wilting daisy, but some sort of common sense prudence from our world-wise protagonist would have made this book a LOT more palatable and realistic.
2. Anna can do everything. Anna can do surgery, Anna can steal, Anna can go kung fu on people, Anna can find her way through labyrinths that no one else can. Anna can also be perfectly brave and self-sacrificing in the face of danger. Anna is a savant.
3. Wow, Christine and Raoul were just completely flat, cardboard, one note, uninteresting, unsympathetic characters. I know GL doesn't give you a ton to work with, but it's like she brought out all the most boring and one-sided aspects of the two. Honestly, they shouldn't have even been brought back. Unnecessary.
---
But all that said, if you've read GL and you've read Kay and you've seen the movies and stage play and you're just itching, desperate, dying for some more POTO stuff, I would certainly recommend this book over Phantom of Manhattan, Progeny, and No Return: A Modern Phantom Tale. Compared to those, this book is frigging Shakespeare.
I know this is a really thorough review for a piece of published phan phiction, but I just happen to be in one of those moods. It happens a couple times a year. (Last time was for The King's Daughter, I think).
Let me continue by saying that I'm going to be slightly harder on this book than maybe is necessary simply because it is claiming to be a continuation of GL's book, with all that it implies. There were two main categories of issues/problems: the historical/literary, and the plot based ones. (And let me wrap up by saying I would actually have given this 2.5 stars if I could have)
Historical & literary problems:
I will preface this by saying that GL's original book is in itself many ways a fairy tale, playing fast and loose with the social conventions of the day for the sake of a good story, so many things I let slide. However, other reviewers have claimed this book follows the style and setting of GL's book, and I just didn't see it. For example:
1. Everyone calling everyone by first names. Near strangers would never have referred to Anna as "Anna." Christine and Raoul wouldn't have introduced themselves as "Christine and Raoul."
2. The plethora of "screw _____" "son-of-a-bitch" and "bastard"s, as well as an alarming number of men thinking about their own erect penises, really took away from whatever feeling there was of this being in the style or manner of GL.
3. On page 142, a character says "Do all Barret's have such audacity?" Lord almighty. Barret is NOT a possessive in that sentence. There should not be an apostrophe there.
Plot/character problems:
1. Anna is just so damn understanding. She understands Erik's past, Erik's anger, Erik's everything, she understands why Raoul is angry, she forgives Erik for stuff she doesn't really seem to understand, she is never once hesitant or cautious or intelligently prudent about being around someone who is a self-admitted madman and murderer. I'm not saying she has to be a wilting daisy, but some sort of common sense prudence from our world-wise protagonist would have made this book a LOT more palatable and realistic.
2. Anna can do everything. Anna can do surgery, Anna can steal, Anna can go kung fu on people, Anna can find her way through labyrinths that no one else can. Anna can also be perfectly brave and self-sacrificing in the face of danger. Anna is a savant.
3. Wow, Christine and Raoul were just completely flat, cardboard, one note, uninteresting, unsympathetic characters. I know GL doesn't give you a ton to work with, but it's like she brought out all the most boring and one-sided aspects of the two. Honestly, they shouldn't have even been brought back. Unnecessary.
---
But all that said, if you've read GL and you've read Kay and you've seen the movies and stage play and you're just itching, desperate, dying for some more POTO stuff, I would certainly recommend this book over Phantom of Manhattan, Progeny, and No Return: A Modern Phantom Tale. Compared to those, this book is frigging Shakespeare.
I know this is a really thorough review for a piece of published phan phiction, but I just happen to be in one of those moods. It happens a couple times a year. (Last time was for The King's Daughter, I think).
October 25, 2008
Before I start this review, I should state that I am a Leroux Phantom fan. I like the ALW musical as well, but 'my' Phantom is the one written by Gaston Leroux.
Reading a continuation of a classic novel by anyone other than the original author is always a bit of a scary thought for me, and I usually tend to shy away from reading them. Novels based on The Phantom of the Opera are particularly tricky. Will you be getting a novel based on Leroux's Phantom, Webber's Phantom, some combination of the two or some original creation of the author in which the only thing the characters have in common with the originals are their names. Not that there's anything wrong with the latter three at all, but they are not something I'd personally care to read. Having followed this author via her various blogs and the fact that Leroux is mentioned in the book's subtitle I felt safe enough to take the chance and read this book.
And boy, was I ever rewarded for my choice.
Ms. Linforth perfectly captures the creepy, foreboding feel of the original novel as well as crafting a beautiful, heartbreaking love story. She stays true to the characters (no evil/abusive/foppish Raoul in this book, folks! YAY!) as written by Leroux and any liberties she takes to advance her own story are minor and not at all grating. Her original characters, Anna in particular, are compelling and well written, be they heroine or villain. The story is gripping, action packed and fast paced.
Brava, Ms. Linforth, and I cannot wait to read more.
Reading a continuation of a classic novel by anyone other than the original author is always a bit of a scary thought for me, and I usually tend to shy away from reading them. Novels based on The Phantom of the Opera are particularly tricky. Will you be getting a novel based on Leroux's Phantom, Webber's Phantom, some combination of the two or some original creation of the author in which the only thing the characters have in common with the originals are their names. Not that there's anything wrong with the latter three at all, but they are not something I'd personally care to read. Having followed this author via her various blogs and the fact that Leroux is mentioned in the book's subtitle I felt safe enough to take the chance and read this book.
And boy, was I ever rewarded for my choice.
Ms. Linforth perfectly captures the creepy, foreboding feel of the original novel as well as crafting a beautiful, heartbreaking love story. She stays true to the characters (no evil/abusive/foppish Raoul in this book, folks! YAY!) as written by Leroux and any liberties she takes to advance her own story are minor and not at all grating. Her original characters, Anna in particular, are compelling and well written, be they heroine or villain. The story is gripping, action packed and fast paced.
Brava, Ms. Linforth, and I cannot wait to read more.
August 2, 2009
"A Love Story for Phantom Fans!"
The Phantom of the Opera is dead or is he? After Christine leaves with Raoul, all believe The Phantom has perished, but Erik or better known as, The Phantom is still alive and living below the Opera Garnier. He vows to live a quiet life. However, Anna, who works at the opera house, knows about his existence. She leaves him packages of goodwill. Furious that someone has found him out, Erik plans to put a stop to the young woman's foolishness. Only Anna has plans of her own.
Erik still longs for Christine, the woman who loved him as the Angel of Music, but could not love the man. He also loves Anna, the woman who accepts him no matter what mask he wears: Murderer, maestro, magician or mastermind. The managers of the Opera Garnier plan a con with Anna's deadbeat father to resurrect the legendary phantom and have Christine return to perform at the opera house. When Anna's life is also put in jeopardy, Erik is forced to become The Phantom once more to put an end to this charade. In doing so, he'll be forced to face his past to either accept and transcend to a new life or slip into the dark madness that threatens to engulf him.
Ms. Linforth has written a magical tale where you'll be swept back to the Opera Garnier and its splendor. Erik is still the tortured soul remembered in Gaston Leroux's classic, The Phantom of the Opera. Erik could easily embrace the essence of the angel of music or lose himself to the tortured soul of a madman. Anna with her sordid past has an understanding of being an outcast and is able to see the man beneath the mask. The friendship, trust and the sweet romance will have any reader hoping for the chance of true love. Fans of the Phantom of the Opera will not be disappointed and those who haven't experienced the magic of the story will simply be enchanted.
The tale isn't a paranormal read per se, but it's a Top Pick for this reviewer.
Review for PNR Paranormal Reviews
The Phantom of the Opera is dead or is he? After Christine leaves with Raoul, all believe The Phantom has perished, but Erik or better known as, The Phantom is still alive and living below the Opera Garnier. He vows to live a quiet life. However, Anna, who works at the opera house, knows about his existence. She leaves him packages of goodwill. Furious that someone has found him out, Erik plans to put a stop to the young woman's foolishness. Only Anna has plans of her own.
Erik still longs for Christine, the woman who loved him as the Angel of Music, but could not love the man. He also loves Anna, the woman who accepts him no matter what mask he wears: Murderer, maestro, magician or mastermind. The managers of the Opera Garnier plan a con with Anna's deadbeat father to resurrect the legendary phantom and have Christine return to perform at the opera house. When Anna's life is also put in jeopardy, Erik is forced to become The Phantom once more to put an end to this charade. In doing so, he'll be forced to face his past to either accept and transcend to a new life or slip into the dark madness that threatens to engulf him.
Ms. Linforth has written a magical tale where you'll be swept back to the Opera Garnier and its splendor. Erik is still the tortured soul remembered in Gaston Leroux's classic, The Phantom of the Opera. Erik could easily embrace the essence of the angel of music or lose himself to the tortured soul of a madman. Anna with her sordid past has an understanding of being an outcast and is able to see the man beneath the mask. The friendship, trust and the sweet romance will have any reader hoping for the chance of true love. Fans of the Phantom of the Opera will not be disappointed and those who haven't experienced the magic of the story will simply be enchanted.
The tale isn't a paranormal read per se, but it's a Top Pick for this reviewer.
Review for PNR Paranormal Reviews
October 31, 2019
Romance! Action! Suspense! Erik! Giry!
...And yet, not as Phantastic as I hoped it would be. Alas.
It started with potential - The Phantom after the original book, with turns of phrase a gentle nod to Leroux's work. Giry still around, still enigmatically faithful. A new character with a hard past, smitten for some reason by the idea of the Phantom.
Add in the return of the Chagny couple, and the narrative starts getting dicier. The plot thickens, yet it's more soured, curdled cream than a complex stew of characters, motivation, and action. The action is, well, befuddling. It tries to mimic the classic book in a number of ways, yet falls short. Christine not only doesn't match the original character, she doesn't even match herself from page to page. Raoul is reliably set on revenge, full of anger and swagger.
Erik.
Ah, Erik. I don't Phanfic for sake of any but Erik, and found this version written as a strange mix that almost, but didn't quite, work for me. His behavior veers erratically, he refers to himself in third person, he's more madness than music. Physically he's a fine, fit specimen of virile manhood save his scarred face and torso.
I've waxed poetic too long already. In short, the writing still needs better editing, and the characters don't fully ring true. An example:
"A silky intoxication poured off that whisper instantly making Anna’s spine melt. It’s tone taking the edge off her fear. Warm, gentle pulses seduced every part of her body. She wanted to drift away on the lilt of his voice. It captivated her in a way she couldn’t attempt to describe, perched somewhere between the beauty of heaven and all the power of hell. He rotated her strand of hair under and over his fingers until he let it slip away."
...And yet, not as Phantastic as I hoped it would be. Alas.
It started with potential - The Phantom after the original book, with turns of phrase a gentle nod to Leroux's work. Giry still around, still enigmatically faithful. A new character with a hard past, smitten for some reason by the idea of the Phantom.
Add in the return of the Chagny couple, and the narrative starts getting dicier. The plot thickens, yet it's more soured, curdled cream than a complex stew of characters, motivation, and action. The action is, well, befuddling. It tries to mimic the classic book in a number of ways, yet falls short. Christine not only doesn't match the original character, she doesn't even match herself from page to page. Raoul is reliably set on revenge, full of anger and swagger.
Erik.
Ah, Erik. I don't Phanfic for sake of any but Erik, and found this version written as a strange mix that almost, but didn't quite, work for me. His behavior veers erratically, he refers to himself in third person, he's more madness than music. Physically he's a fine, fit specimen of virile manhood save his scarred face and torso.
I've waxed poetic too long already. In short, the writing still needs better editing, and the characters don't fully ring true. An example:
"A silky intoxication poured off that whisper instantly making Anna’s spine melt. It’s tone taking the edge off her fear. Warm, gentle pulses seduced every part of her body. She wanted to drift away on the lilt of his voice. It captivated her in a way she couldn’t attempt to describe, perched somewhere between the beauty of heaven and all the power of hell. He rotated her strand of hair under and over his fingers until he let it slip away."
October 14, 2011
2.5 stars, rounded to 3 Linforth's take on a sequel to The Phantom of the Opera was enjoyable and while it didn't follow Leroux's writing style, it did capture the mood of the original story overall. However, I had several issues with the story. Why did Erik alternate speaking in the third person? It drove me crazy! Most of the time he would be talking normally and then switch into third person all of a sudden. Also, I wasn't thrilled with Anna's character. Erik/The Phantom would be incredibly mean to her and she just brushes it off. I guess we're supposed to find that believable because Anna came from such a terrible past, but it was a stretch for me. Christine's character really irritated me; she was such a self-centered diva. I really don't remember her being like that in the original story, so I don't know if Linforth really meant for her to come across that way or if it was just my interpretation of the story. All in all, I would recommend the story for anyone who is a huge Phantom fan. I already have Abendlied so I'll be reading that some time in the future.
December 31, 2021
I did not like this book, and I’ve read a decent amount of POTO fictions.
It was soooooo repetitive. The characters thinking about the same issues over and over and then verbalizing them and then rethinking them and then talking them out again.
Same goes for the plot. Let’s talk about the con. Someone gets kidnapped. Con talk. Visit people and say there will be demands. Con talk. Visit people and say demands are coming. Con talk. Finally make demands. Con talk…slowly the plot finally continues?
It was too long and a bit of a mess.
No credit was given to Christine or Raoul. The second the phantom was into someone else Christine was like “I want the phantom! I want it all” she turned into a Veruca Salt. Raoul was just a rude hot head who refused to listen to anyone?
The only real connection this has to GL’s original Phantom book is the physical description of the Phantom.
Also the words “skin turned to pebbles” was used maybe 20 times. Got repetitive. I’m sure they had another term for goosebumps back then.
Not good, will not venture to read the others. Would’ve given it 1.5 stars.
It was soooooo repetitive. The characters thinking about the same issues over and over and then verbalizing them and then rethinking them and then talking them out again.
Same goes for the plot. Let’s talk about the con. Someone gets kidnapped. Con talk. Visit people and say there will be demands. Con talk. Visit people and say demands are coming. Con talk. Finally make demands. Con talk…slowly the plot finally continues?
It was too long and a bit of a mess.
No credit was given to Christine or Raoul. The second the phantom was into someone else Christine was like “I want the phantom! I want it all” she turned into a Veruca Salt. Raoul was just a rude hot head who refused to listen to anyone?
The only real connection this has to GL’s original Phantom book is the physical description of the Phantom.
Also the words “skin turned to pebbles” was used maybe 20 times. Got repetitive. I’m sure they had another term for goosebumps back then.
Not good, will not venture to read the others. Would’ve given it 1.5 stars.
Read
December 2, 2010Loved it. The continuation from where Leroux left off is fabulous. The new characters are as lovable as the ones with whom the reader is familiar with from reading Leroux's novel. The plot is engaging and at the end, you really want to read the next one. A good book to read on a cold night.
February 8, 2017
There is so much I don't like about this. I love POTO and was expecting something amazing and this is not even close.
January 21, 2026
Utterly AMAZING story...all the elements of the original tale by Leroux are present but written in a totally different story and used in a totally different way...a mask, a masque ball, music, a violin, opera, as well as the different emotions: jealousy, revenge, betrayal, sacrifice, unrequited love, and requited love! The author weaves it together into a tapestry of words which cannot be stopped once you start reading...it is THAT good!!
The time is 4 years after the ending of the original and the same characters are present but time has changed them all. Nothing is constant in the world except change. Some for the better and some for the worst. How each character deals with those changes will effect not only his or her life, but the life of the other characters as well.
This book was well written (though the editing was not the greatest). I loved the turns of phrase she used. She was able to reveal the inner workings of the characters minds and hearts in such a beautiful way.
There were darker elements to this as well. The protagonist was a real piece of work who had absolutely NO redeeming qualities! His actions were despicable to say the least, but the author wove that into good for the hero and heroine.
The unmasking was THE MOST EXQISITELY BEAUTIFUL I have ever read or seen. It was so poignantly romantic...
The interaction in chapter 34 between Eric and Christine was just...so...perfect...exactly as things should have been.
My favorite passages in the entire story:
"For the first time, the music in his tormented mind faded. He heard nothing but music."
"Blissful intoxicating music. He had no idea how Anna managed to silence the noise, but she
did, and he could live off that sensation all his days."
"You will never be able to understand the man behind the mask." (Who did Erik say this to?)
"Then never let your head believe I am anything but the man you unmasked." (And this one?)
The time is 4 years after the ending of the original and the same characters are present but time has changed them all. Nothing is constant in the world except change. Some for the better and some for the worst. How each character deals with those changes will effect not only his or her life, but the life of the other characters as well.
This book was well written (though the editing was not the greatest). I loved the turns of phrase she used. She was able to reveal the inner workings of the characters minds and hearts in such a beautiful way.
There were darker elements to this as well. The protagonist was a real piece of work who had absolutely NO redeeming qualities! His actions were despicable to say the least, but the author wove that into good for the hero and heroine.
The unmasking was THE MOST EXQISITELY BEAUTIFUL I have ever read or seen. It was so poignantly romantic...
The interaction in chapter 34 between Eric and Christine was just...so...perfect...exactly as things should have been.
My favorite passages in the entire story:
"For the first time, the music in his tormented mind faded. He heard nothing but music."
"Blissful intoxicating music. He had no idea how Anna managed to silence the noise, but she
did, and he could live off that sensation all his days."
"You will never be able to understand the man behind the mask." (Who did Erik say this to?)
"Then never let your head believe I am anything but the man you unmasked." (And this one?)
June 26, 2020
Part bodice-ripper, part character study and part... other things... I feel cheated in a sense that I started my Great Summer Bodice Ripping Published PhanPhic Extravaganza with a book that is going to set the bar higher than expected. I remember when this came out, the author was a livejournal friend (yes, I’m back from THOSE days), I ordered it but never read it. At some point I purged my collection of this strange sub genre (because I was too cool I’m sure) and in my attempt to embark on this unique adventure it was one of the first I picked up.
Linforth does a good job going beyond just *telling*, instead, exploring characterizations in a realistic sense and although I had to fan myself off a few times (what is it with my attraction to fictional fixer uppers who in reality would be- never mind, won’t go all Me Too on you)
I have the sequel in my pile and look forward to seeing where it goes as I think interesting things can be done as long as it veers from some fanfic-ish tropes which for the most part have been avoided, and when they weren’t they did fit the story well.
Linforth does a good job going beyond just *telling*, instead, exploring characterizations in a realistic sense and although I had to fan myself off a few times (what is it with my attraction to fictional fixer uppers who in reality would be- never mind, won’t go all Me Too on you)
I have the sequel in my pile and look forward to seeing where it goes as I think interesting things can be done as long as it veers from some fanfic-ish tropes which for the most part have been avoided, and when they weren’t they did fit the story well.
March 23, 2019
I always wanted to read that story. I always wanted a Happy End for the Phantom. And I never liked Christine so I always thought she's a fitting match to the Comte and not to him.
So this was a book I really had to read. Unfortunately there were lots of typos, weird grammar and missing or double words that took away from my reading pleasure (I am not a native English speaker, so sometimes it was hard for me to muddle through the sentences trying to understand). The POV was jumping quite uncontrolled sometimes and their were some scenes I didn't find convincing.
But apart from all that: Yes. So much yes.
I won't read the next book because I like the happy end as it is and don't want their life to be threatened again (there was enough back and force in this book for me, I don't need more) but I am happy it was written and I got to read it!
So this was a book I really had to read. Unfortunately there were lots of typos, weird grammar and missing or double words that took away from my reading pleasure (I am not a native English speaker, so sometimes it was hard for me to muddle through the sentences trying to understand). The POV was jumping quite uncontrolled sometimes and their were some scenes I didn't find convincing.
But apart from all that: Yes. So much yes.
I won't read the next book because I like the happy end as it is and don't want their life to be threatened again (there was enough back and force in this book for me, I don't need more) but I am happy it was written and I got to read it!
October 27, 2021
Although I haven't read Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera, I knew the story well enough to be intrigued by the idea of a sequel. However, interesting premise notwithstanding, I can't say I greatly cared for this book. Plot and characters lacked depth, are all over the place, and only occasionally make sense. Oh, the drama. All the wailing, crying, shouting and general hysterics everyone in this book is constantly engaged in. It's enough to drive one mad. Not to mention, having a romance where one character constantly addresses the other as "child" is extremely offputting.
August 21, 2020
Pretty much anything you could want from a Phantom of the Opera fanfiction. Eric's neuroticism is perfectly portrayed, and the original character of Anna is sympathetic. I think the author did an excellent job of making Eric sympathetic without denying that his obsession with and stalking of Christine was not acceptable. I would like to note that this book should have a trigger warning if you are uncomfortable with mentions of sexual assault and incestuous rape. While these scenes are not detailed, they are mentioned.
February 21, 2019
This is what I get for wanting more Phantom
This book is terrible. I'm sorry to the author for the harsh words. I think she meant this as fan fiction and that is what it is. The characters of the real Phantom are flattened out to 2D, some quite possibly tainted forever by the choices made for them by the author. The story is like a mouse running on a wheel. Don't let your desire for more Phantom ensnare you into reading this as it did me!
This book is terrible. I'm sorry to the author for the harsh words. I think she meant this as fan fiction and that is what it is. The characters of the real Phantom are flattened out to 2D, some quite possibly tainted forever by the choices made for them by the author. The story is like a mouse running on a wheel. Don't let your desire for more Phantom ensnare you into reading this as it did me!
April 27, 2021
i think we can all agree that we ALL want to be anna
March 24, 2024
A good, slightly guilty time was had
December 30, 2018
I purchased this just a couple nights ago on Amazon and read it in only one night because it was hard to put down.
The writing style is so elegant and the author's portrayal of Erik was very true to Leroux. The heroine was an OC and she was well-created, with excellent character development.
Edited to add:
There was one aspect of this novel that I didn't enjoy and that was that I didn't feel it cast Raoul and Christine in an accurate light.
The writing style is so elegant and the author's portrayal of Erik was very true to Leroux. The heroine was an OC and she was well-created, with excellent character development.
Edited to add:
There was one aspect of this novel that I didn't enjoy and that was that I didn't feel it cast Raoul and Christine in an accurate light.
August 25, 2013
This was my second experience reading a novel that can be classified as "Phan" fiction (my first having been Susan Kay's well-known work Phantom) but I was not disappointed. The plot was thought out i...n excellent detail and thoroughly engaging. I must have plowed through it in a matter of two or three days because it was so fascinating.
Ms. Linforth did her homework with the research behind the book - not only with the character of the Phantom but French culture and society at that time. She struck the right balance (an extremely difficult one to achieve) between originality and "keeping faith" to the original Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux.
Although some reviewers in other places have derided the main female lead character, Anna, as "too perfect" and "unbelievable," I have to disagree. Without giving too much away for those who are interested in reading this book, Anna has grown up and survived in a brutal world that has forced her to mature quickly and also survive by any means possible. (Think of her almost as a parallel to Eponine or Fantine in Les Miserables). This background, therefore, makes it more than feasible that she can, for example, perform simple surgery.
My one critique has nothing to do with the plot, writing quality or characterization. It is simply in the poor editing, which I blame more on the publisher than on the author. This may be due in part to the fact I read this as an e-book, not in actual paper print so there may have been more errors? I am not entirely sure.
I have since read the other two
sequels to this first book and they contain much fewer errors. This seems to confirm my suspicion that the publisher did not do a complete job in editing this piece.
Ms. Linforth did her homework with the research behind the book - not only with the character of the Phantom but French culture and society at that time. She struck the right balance (an extremely difficult one to achieve) between originality and "keeping faith" to the original Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux.
Although some reviewers in other places have derided the main female lead character, Anna, as "too perfect" and "unbelievable," I have to disagree. Without giving too much away for those who are interested in reading this book, Anna has grown up and survived in a brutal world that has forced her to mature quickly and also survive by any means possible. (Think of her almost as a parallel to Eponine or Fantine in Les Miserables). This background, therefore, makes it more than feasible that she can, for example, perform simple surgery.
My one critique has nothing to do with the plot, writing quality or characterization. It is simply in the poor editing, which I blame more on the publisher than on the author. This may be due in part to the fact I read this as an e-book, not in actual paper print so there may have been more errors? I am not entirely sure.
I have since read the other two
sequels to this first book and they contain much fewer errors. This seems to confirm my suspicion that the publisher did not do a complete job in editing this piece.
March 10, 2018
Can Erik love again?
I have read the original series of books by this author and this is the second edition of her book called 'Madrigal'. This book has new scenes and I love them all.
Not many authors can get Erik right. Some authors can make him overly sweet, but not this book this one can be ruthless and quite cold. And the author is not shying away from the madness/ mental issues that Erik has. But he has a soft heart when it comes to count.
Anna, I loved her. She's a strong female character. She doesn't like being pushed around, and she had quite the tragic past. It was fun watching her bond with Erik. And having him try a second time for love.
The villain of the story was very good as well and, I never been so mad at a villain. Which is good I love this bill and he was easily despicable, and he got in the way of Happiness between the two characters.
I think there was one typo in the book, but it was nothing that didn't pull me out of the story. I highly enjoyed this book yet again, and all of the new scenes that were added in.
I will be highly anticipating the next book in the series.
I have read the original series of books by this author and this is the second edition of her book called 'Madrigal'. This book has new scenes and I love them all.
Not many authors can get Erik right. Some authors can make him overly sweet, but not this book this one can be ruthless and quite cold. And the author is not shying away from the madness/ mental issues that Erik has. But he has a soft heart when it comes to count.
Anna, I loved her. She's a strong female character. She doesn't like being pushed around, and she had quite the tragic past. It was fun watching her bond with Erik. And having him try a second time for love.
The villain of the story was very good as well and, I never been so mad at a villain. Which is good I love this bill and he was easily despicable, and he got in the way of Happiness between the two characters.
I think there was one typo in the book, but it was nothing that didn't pull me out of the story. I highly enjoyed this book yet again, and all of the new scenes that were added in.
I will be highly anticipating the next book in the series.
July 26, 2012
Technically my rating for this book is a 3.5, but you can't do half stars on here.
I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would when I started reading, and really the saving grace of it for me is that it is told from Erik's point of view. Not literally via the first person, but by the characterisation and the way events unfold. I got the impression that the author understands and sympathises with him as a character more than any of the others. I like that. It's also told in what would be a more realistic and believable way than some of the other sequels I've read.
There are niggles though. I like Anna, but at times she seems a bit too 'perfect' in a novel that manages to deal with the more unflattering sides of people; new and previously established characters alike - Raoul ends up being frustratingly stubbon and somewhat arrogant, Christine spoiled and selfish in her refusal to choose properly between them and be done with it, and the real villian of the piece is so thoroughly unlikeable he's practically two-dimensional. It is however, a book that I would encourage all 'phans' to read at least once. I've yet to find the perfect PotO novel for me (though Susan Kay's Phantom comes pretty close), but this is a step in the right direction. I'll be interested in reading the following volumes and perhaps trying some of Linforth's other work.
I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would when I started reading, and really the saving grace of it for me is that it is told from Erik's point of view. Not literally via the first person, but by the characterisation and the way events unfold. I got the impression that the author understands and sympathises with him as a character more than any of the others. I like that. It's also told in what would be a more realistic and believable way than some of the other sequels I've read.
There are niggles though. I like Anna, but at times she seems a bit too 'perfect' in a novel that manages to deal with the more unflattering sides of people; new and previously established characters alike - Raoul ends up being frustratingly stubbon and somewhat arrogant, Christine spoiled and selfish in her refusal to choose properly between them and be done with it, and the real villian of the piece is so thoroughly unlikeable he's practically two-dimensional. It is however, a book that I would encourage all 'phans' to read at least once. I've yet to find the perfect PotO novel for me (though Susan Kay's Phantom comes pretty close), but this is a step in the right direction. I'll be interested in reading the following volumes and perhaps trying some of Linforth's other work.
March 6, 2012
Reviewed By~Robin
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher
I’ve always wondered what could have happened had Erik found a new life. In the Phantom we know that Christine and Raoul go off get married and so on. I fell in love with the mysterious Phantom and wanted him to find love. In Madrigal Ms. Linforth carries on the story where it left off. Giving Erik a chance to redeem himself and move on with his life and his work.
You meet old friends and make new ones as Ms. Linforth takes us on an amazing journey of where the Phantom left off. I fell in love from the start and was so caught up that I didn’t want to ever have this wonderful story to stop. This is definitely a must read for Phantom lovers everywhere that have always wondered what could have happened if…
Praise to Ms. Linforth for bringing the ‘Mysterious Magic’ of the Phantom back again and seducing the reader with each page. Not knowing what to expect I simply fell in love with the continuation of Erik’s Story. How his life changes after Christine Daae marries Raoul. For anyone who loves the romance and history behind the Phantom will enjoy this enthralling story of what may have happened next.
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher
I’ve always wondered what could have happened had Erik found a new life. In the Phantom we know that Christine and Raoul go off get married and so on. I fell in love with the mysterious Phantom and wanted him to find love. In Madrigal Ms. Linforth carries on the story where it left off. Giving Erik a chance to redeem himself and move on with his life and his work.
You meet old friends and make new ones as Ms. Linforth takes us on an amazing journey of where the Phantom left off. I fell in love from the start and was so caught up that I didn’t want to ever have this wonderful story to stop. This is definitely a must read for Phantom lovers everywhere that have always wondered what could have happened if…
Praise to Ms. Linforth for bringing the ‘Mysterious Magic’ of the Phantom back again and seducing the reader with each page. Not knowing what to expect I simply fell in love with the continuation of Erik’s Story. How his life changes after Christine Daae marries Raoul. For anyone who loves the romance and history behind the Phantom will enjoy this enthralling story of what may have happened next.
March 7, 2009
In the ALW musical and in the Leroux novel Raoul, Christine and Erik get to my nerves equally and certainly deserve each other. I'm not an Erik fangirl and though he's a wonderfully twisted character, I can't say I have a crush on him like fans of the musical often have. Madrigal managed to make me like Erik the same way I liked him in Susan Kay's Phantom, as quite a mad and very interesting person despite all his little faults like the tendency to murder people.
The other characters still more or less annoyed me, though I did like Anna and especially Madame Giry who has always been one of my favourite characters in the story. The novel stayed true to Leroux which I appreciate a lot, especially in romance which often seems to take little freedoms of its own. I admit I skipped some parts just to meet Erik and Anna again, though, preferably without Christine and Raoul hanging around.
The other characters still more or less annoyed me, though I did like Anna and especially Madame Giry who has always been one of my favourite characters in the story. The novel stayed true to Leroux which I appreciate a lot, especially in romance which often seems to take little freedoms of its own. I admit I skipped some parts just to meet Erik and Anna again, though, preferably without Christine and Raoul hanging around.
November 7, 2019
I think I first encountered the Phantom of the Opera story in the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical - and I was totally obsessed with it for quite a while. The story, the music, everything - and even as an adult, I have a great fondness for the storyline. I have read other fictionalizations of the story, but I was still a little nervous about trying out this sequel...
This book has a bit of a self-published feel to it, unfortunately. There are a few moments of good writing, but honestly, this made me overall a bit uncomfortable to read. I felt like I was reading someone else's Phantom fantasy... it has its fun moments, but definitely isn't something that I think just anyone would pick up to enjoy. There is a sequel, and I am curious about it... but I think that I may need to read the Susan Kay or the original LeRoux to really feel satisfied!
This book has a bit of a self-published feel to it, unfortunately. There are a few moments of good writing, but honestly, this made me overall a bit uncomfortable to read. I felt like I was reading someone else's Phantom fantasy... it has its fun moments, but definitely isn't something that I think just anyone would pick up to enjoy. There is a sequel, and I am curious about it... but I think that I may need to read the Susan Kay or the original LeRoux to really feel satisfied!
September 8, 2016
A sequel to The Phantom of the Opera and a beautiful story. My husband is a huge Phantom of the Opera fan and since we have been together we have been to see the play many times. Having found this sequel for me was great as I was able to find out more about the Phantom-Erick and his life after Christine. I enjoyed reading what came of Christine and Raoul and I enjoyed even more finding out that the Phantom now found a true love. I found this book to be very well written and I enjoyed it very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2016
Absolutely brilliant
I am a huge phantom of the opera fan and have been for 27 years. I have seen the theatre play 3 times and also love never dies.
The story of Erik and Anna is full of romance, love/hate, intrigue and I believe captures the true essence of the phantom.
Throughout the book are also clips from his past that were in the play.
Very cleverly written, can't wait for part 2
I am a huge phantom of the opera fan and have been for 27 years. I have seen the theatre play 3 times and also love never dies.
The story of Erik and Anna is full of romance, love/hate, intrigue and I believe captures the true essence of the phantom.
Throughout the book are also clips from his past that were in the play.
Very cleverly written, can't wait for part 2
November 3, 2011
I do not like Phantom of the Opera sequels usually - mainly because I'm a purist and I believe the sequel should fit the first book - but this one was PHENOMONAL. It went the way a sequel to Phantom ought to go - Erik still an ugly maniac, Christine and Raoul deeply in love...
August 18, 2015
Quiet enjoined this spin into the 'What Could Have Happened' zone. very thought out and kept my excitment for what may come until the very last page.
And then I pestered my local bookshop for the next installement.
Anyone who enjoyed Gaston's Phantom will love this continuation of his tale.
And then I pestered my local bookshop for the next installement.
Anyone who enjoyed Gaston's Phantom will love this continuation of his tale.
August 28, 2009
Beautiful and touching story!
Fantastic book for whoever wants to know more about the Phantom of the original novel of Gaston Leroux and how the Phantom evolves and becomes more human.
Fantastic book for whoever wants to know more about the Phantom of the original novel of Gaston Leroux and how the Phantom evolves and becomes more human.
September 1, 2013
loved it.
January 28, 2016
Great Phantom book about Erik and a new character who wants to be his friend. Is definitely not fanfiction, but a beautiful story of how two loners can find their way to one anothers hearts.
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