The Phantom Returns by Stefanie Cole
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Book Reviews of The Phantom Returns
Book Review: The Phantom Returns is a perfect addition to my Phantom collection.
Summary: 5 Stars
First of all I found this to be the best Phantom book I've ever read. I thoroughly enjoyed every fast paced moment of it. My heart ached with Erik's; I could identify with Christine's anguish and at times both hated and pitied Raoul. Build up of suspense had me on the edge of my seat the whole time and the ride thrilled me to no end. I don't give praise freely and I never give it unless well deserved and this deserved more than I could ever express.
I love the part in the beginning when Ducray interrupts Erik poor display of temper and offers him the ugly vase to brake when he runs out of things in his room. It had subtle humor with an excellent execution. Brava!
The description of Raoul in the flash of lightening along with the entire disagreement between him and Christine during the storm had me terrified of the young Vicomte. Well done!
I loved the whole Earl of Chester thing; clever idea. The challenges seemed realistic and made for a good ride to a happy ending.
I wanted Raoul to just give his wife a divorce, but I see his point and understand why he staged an elaborate scene. Good job!
Any Phantom lover will love this book as I do. Perfect addition to my Phantom of the Opera collection.
Book Review: Christine makes the right choice at last!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was fortunate to buy "The Phantom Returns" some time ago when it was still available at an affordable price. I finally got around to reading it today. I absolutely loved it!
In this bitter-sweet story, Christine is torn between her marriage vows to Raoul, and her love for Erik. Although Christine and Raoul loved each other, they grew apart as often happens when people marry young and find that they really aren't suited for each other after all. Raoul continues to treat Christine like the child "Little Lotte," and resists her efforts to assert herself as a woman. As their marriage falls apart, Raoul becomes desperate to hold onto his wife, not only because he loves her, but also out of pride and fear of damaging his social standing if he grants her a divorce. The fact that Erik is the other man deepens Raoul's resolve to hang on to Christine at all costs.
There are several other Phantom books out there with a similar plot, but this one is one of the best I've read.
This little book is now only available on Amazon through 3rd party sellers with a starting price of $110.58 for a used copy, but you might find it on ebay for a lower price. I'm hanging onto my copy! I know I'll want to read it again.
Book Review: A Magnificent Continuation of Phantom
Summary: 5 Stars
This story is a magnificent continuation of the lives of Erik, Christine and Raoul after their emotionally charged night in the lair, as we see their paths cross yet once again. We follow Erik's journey to become a better man as he makes one more attempt to win the heart of his beloved Christine. We also follow Christine's journey in her marriage to Raoul, and her struggle to choose between her vows to an unfulfilling marriage and the man who once inspired her voice, capturing her heart and soul. We also see Raoul's struggle, as he is obsessed and driven to go to any lengths to keep Christine as his. The authoress has maintained the essence of our favorite characters. This story is exciting and compelling, with clever, surprising twists and turns. Each chapter had me in suspense and on the edge of my seat. "The Phantom Returns" is a must have for your Phantom collection. You will enjoy it immensely.Book Review: Moving story of Erik and Christine
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been a fan of the story of the Phantom of the Opera since first seeing the Andrew Lloyd Webber show in 1993. I tend to be very critical of stories that continue the tale of Erik and Christine, since many are very amateurish and not well written. I found this book to be very satisfying, on several levels. The characters were well drawn and believable, and the story satisfying on an emotional level as well. I enjoyed the movie version, but disagreed with ALW's decision to change Erik's backstory, taking away his maturing experiences in Persia, etc. This book follows the movie, but I accepted it as a continuing story from the movie, and Erik's story from the movie worked well here. I would recommend this book to fans of Phantom of the Opera, whether the ALW stage show, the movie, or just the Leroux original book.Book Review: Phantom sequel true to screen characterizations
Summary: 5 Stars
I found this to be a very satisfying and romantic sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber's retelling of a "The Phantom of the Opera". Once I started this book, I could not put it down, and read it in one sitting. The characterizations of Cole's Erik, Christine and Madame Giry were true to their stage and screen personalities. Raoul turned out to be the not so gallant gentleman I always felt he was capable of becoming, and Christine's reasons for initially choosing him are believable. It was very easy for me to visualize these people as Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Miranda Richardson and Patrick Wilson portrayed them in the movie. If you are expecting high literature, you will most likely be disappointed, but I would highly recommend this book for all POTO fans.