This was honestly so much better than I was expecting, I couldn't put it down. It's not only a gender flipped version of Phantom of the Opera (which would have been good enough reason for me to read it anyway, I love Phantom), but the characters were not copies of the originals, they have new circumstances and personalities. TBH I think Eric is a more interesting and complex character than Christine from the original, he's imperfect and he knows it, always relied on his looks and charm to bring in some money before, though his real passion is opera singing (but things don't turn out as he is expecting when he joins Marian's Opera house ) while Ada is fantastic, she's super interesting , inspirational and smart, her way of life as neurodivergent adds so much more to the story - she is a million times better than Raoul (sorry! I was always team Phantom, but I do love the main couple in this version together more). Marian our female version of the Phantom is amazingly clever (even more so than the original phantom I think, though I won't tell you why and spoil it), has a hypnotic voice that is enticing and smooth as honey while being as menacing and obsessive as she should be for this part, but also you feel for her too. I want to know more about her backstory as well as her future. The way she and Ada interact was unexpected but it made so much sense. I feel like they could have been friends in other circumstances. New character Igor works well as the Victorian gothic novel sidekick and has a surprisingly part at the end I never expected - I loved that (but again no spoilers). The atmosphere, settings, characters and feelings you encounter while reading this are spot on for anyone who loves POTO. Celine JeanJean did a great job there and still made the story her own. The book does include nods to the original book/musical but is not the same, and the ending while satisfying and happy also leaves questions unanswered as this is book 1. I'd really like to know what happens next to all the characters as well as more about the main couple, so I hope book 2 is on the horizon (please ^_^ )
There's just one little thing I wish had been different and that is Ada's name because Ada Byron / Lovelace was the name of a real person, the real daughter of the famous Lord Byron and like the Ada here she was a brilliant mathematician etc though she wasn't blonde or as far as I know neurodivergent. I would have preferred story Ada to be inspired by the real one but with a made up name instead, that way she can completely have her own story (and hopefully a happier ending than the real life Ada). If you don't know anything about the real one then this shouldn't be an issue though and it won't affect how much you enjoy the story either way so I still give this 5 stars.
If you love Phantom then I think you'll love this version. Both the hardback and paperback special editions of this book are absolutely stunning too! I got the paperback version and it's even more beautiful when you see it in real life.
I loved this book! I'm a huge Phantom of the Opera fan and was very excited to see a story based on it, and it did not disappoint. It was fun to read, and I thought the characters were very well written. The book itself was also stunning. I didn't expect the paperback to have as many features as it did, and I was amazed at the way the hidden edges were done!
I loved it! I couldn't put it down! The characters are all brilliant! I even love the wet sock! And it has PICTURES! I wasn't even done with chapter 4 and was telling all of my book friends that they should read it. Can't wait for number 2!
My favorite retelling ever! The fairy god mother had me in stitches. The dragons come on chef's kiss. Celine can do no wrong!!!!!
I am so in love ❤️ with these blankets. They are stunning and so warm. I use one of 4 I bought every day in my library. I'm praying you make one with all the dragons together. Don't get me started on the adorable stickers. Eekkk love me some dragons.
I really enjoyed this satirical take on the fairy tales we all grew up with! It was heartwarming and great fun.
This journal is the cutest! My granddaughter is going to love it, I got it for her birthday which is next week.
This is the prequel for the Razor's Edge Chronicles and it introduced us to Apiya, the MC. Apiya was adopted as a baby from Panong, but grew up in London. Wanting to figure out her heritage and be around a larger magical community, she has moved back to Panong. But it is not the welcome she had hoped for and finds things are a little more difficult than she thought.
This is a fun intro to this series (even though I read it after I finished). You get a sense of how independent Apiya is and how different her magic is from all the other Touched. She doesn't have much there, but she is happy for what she does have and has hope her magic will help her with her new home. We also get the story of how she meets Chai and Mr. Sangong as well as how Hunter and Fergie came to live with her.
As with the books for the rest of the series, there is a lot packed into the short story. We get lots of background information and even some new mythical creatures and a small battle with them as well. This is a quick read, probably an hour or 2 but it was a great addition to this series. It can be read at any time and definitely won't spoil anything.