Journey Of The Mask

Rating:
Summary: Highly amusing what if take on the original
Review: A very interesting "what if" take on the continuation of the Phantom story. Ms Pettengill's use of words are masterfully written and evoke colorful images that stoke the imagination to take off, as if the reader were actually standing right there witnessing every act.
I found this to be a very good companion to Leroux's original, she even back tracks a little to cover some things mentioned in the original. The only drawback I found was some scenes lingered on and on or were referenced back to a little too much (i.e. the whole voodoo aspect) but then the whole book is told through Erik's voice which is a nice aspect.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty good - first half is the best part
Review: I completely agree with a previous reviewer. The first half of the book kept my eyes locked on the pages with content and amusement. It was indeed romantic, passionate.. everything a phan wants to see in an Erik/Christine pairing. However, one chapter begins it all. Erik becoming interested in witchcraft? I don't think so. As soon as it began to be about Erik leaving Christine's and his home at night in order to practice witchcraft, I was utterly disappointed and I felt quite empty. It no longer kept my eyes glued on the page. I found myself having to go back and re-read sentences because I accidentally skimmed over them because I was merely disappointed and extremely upset. This book does refer to our beloved Erik's past numerous times, yet it never does explain his past. Quite confusing and frustrating. By the way, throughout this story, Christine's character was portrayed wonderfully; and Ms. Pettengill did capture her character perfectly... but she only partially captured Erik's.

Oh, and another thing I almost forgot to mention: Erik raped Christine! They were married, so it was okay right? No, that's wrong! It doesn't matter if they were married or not, Erik would NEVER, EVER HARM CHRISTINE. It made that clear in the book. He never even hit her, why oh why, my fellow phantom phriend, would he rape her? Oh, yes, the witchcraft is getting to him. That explains it all, of course. No, it doesn't!

As I said earlier, the first half is marvelous and a complete pleasure to read. Drama, romance, fluff, sorrow, happiness... Furthermore, the entire book is wonderfully written; but the content of the second half just doesn't live up to the first half's expectations. It causes the reader's heart to drop in shock. Yes, I suppose I would recommend this book to a phan if they wanted partially good phan phiction.

Rating:
Summary: Three stars for the first half
Review: I liked the first half of this book which was passionate and romantic. Perhaps it should have ended with Erik and Christine's marriage. The second half of the book, the story got more and more absurd and the characters were less and less likable. Erik says and does things that I think are totally out of character. Not only that but the author keeps mentioning Erik's past but never really EXPLAINS how his past would tie into his desire to get into witchcraft. The reader is just expected to KNOW. For a reader who has not read other Phantom novels, it may be confusing. Also the ending left me with an empty, almost indifferent feeling. A far cry from how I felt when I read "The Phantom of the Opera", "Phantom" by Susan Kay, and even "Progeny" by Becky Meadows. I would recommend those three over "Journey of the Mask".

Rating:
Summary: Journey of The Mask
Review: I Loved this book!! It was a wonderfully written sequel to the orginal book "Phantom of The Opera". Ms. Pettengill tells a story of what happen to Erik and Christine after they left the opera house that ill faded evening.

Did Christine really marry Raoul? Did Erik live a life of loneliness and despair? Wonder no longer, "Journey of the Mask" will fulfill all your hopes and dreams and keep you intrigued to the very last page. I recomend this book to even the slightest Phantom lover.