No Return: A Contemporary Phantom Tale
by J.C. Sillesen
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Book Summary Information
Author: J.C. SillesenEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-02-12
ISBN: 1430304391
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: LULU
Book Reviews of No Return: A Contemporary Phantom Tale
Book Review: When other stories have disappointed....
Summary: 5 Stars
It is extremely unfortunate that this book has received certain reviews. No one is recquired to like this book, or to give it a good review for that matter. Diversity of opinion is so important, especially where literature is concerned. However, the fact that someone would leave a novella for a review and basically tell the ENTIRE plot, then talk about how much they hated it...well, that is unacceptable. And hardly worthy to be read as an intelligent and well thought-out review.
On that note, I would like to give my opinion of this book, but ultimately leave judgement to you-- the hopefully future reader of this book.
Most fanfiction..or 'phanfiction' these days is written by younger authors who use simple language, completely unbelievable and unrealistic plots (even for fiction!), and really make a mockery out of the Phantom-genre. The main characters, Erik and Christine, seem to come together with no hardships, no character growth, nothing. They just fall into bed because "that's what should have happened!" whether it is a historical period story or a modern 'alternate reality' story.
"No Return" really sets the bar for Phantom of the Opera retellings, and easily surpasses the norm in fanfiction seen online or in print. Even though as a reader you have to have some suspension of disbelief (but in what work of fiction, even the original Leroux Phantom, do you NOT have to suspend you disbelief somewhat?), I found the plot to be cohesive, well planned and well written. The characters were colorful and intersting, although I would have liked to have seen more depth out of some of the secondary characters. But, it is Erik and Christine we care about the most anyway, right?
Their relationship might seem to move along too fast for some readers, and maybe it does. But this was a time sensitive plot; how long CAN Christine be missing before the stretch of time becomes too unreal, after all, she is only gone for 2 weeks in Leroux as well. Plus, anymore day to day activities might get boring to a reader.
The author is great about building suspense-- even though you pretty much know where things are leading as far as romance is concerned, you can't wait to get there, and you can't wait to see how the characters get there.
I have read a lot of Phantom-based novels and stories, and this is one of the best. The language and grammar is exceptional, automatically putting it levels above most other phantom-fiction-- event he "bad" reviews admit the author has a way with words. Also, intertwining ALW's musical as part of the plot, not pretending like it doesn't exist at all, is genius in my mind, and adds to the believability and makes it relatable to other readers who may have felt the same experiences at seeing or hearing "Music of the Night" for the first time.
Give this book a chance. If you love it, you will be glad you did. If you don't, you won't have wasted more than a weekend or so (it is a quick and enjoyable read), and will at least have put down the TV remote for awhile. The first time I read 'No Return' I couldn't put it down, and hope you won't either!
Summary of No Return: A Contemporary Phantom Tale
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