PHANTOM

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Summary: The best book ever written!
Review: "Phantom" is, by far, the best book I have ever read. Susan Kay captures the feelings of Erik and all the others involved in his life perfectly and explains his life in every detail. I reccomend this book to everyone!

Rating:
Summary: One of the best sequels ever written
Review: I have always been a great fan of the Phantom of the Opera. When I read that there was a sequel, or rather, a story told by the phantom's point of view, I was skeptical; many kinds of these books have been written, and all have been disappointing. However, when I received my copy of "Phantom," I stayed up all night reading it, and after I had finished, I sat in awe for the remainder of the night. Susan Kay perfectly embodies the human aspects of the original story--hers is no romantic fairy tale, but the parable of a tormented and tortured genius. (It is with hesistation that I admit I enjoyed her story better than Leroux's.) I recommend this book only to those who enjoy reading novels with in-depth characters--characters that, when you have finished, leave an imprint forever in your mind and soul.

Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable
Review: I first read this book when I was 13, stumbling across it in a catalogue. And I remember that the minute I started on the first page, I couldn't put it down, and I re-read it many times. After that, I went to hunt for Kay's other book "Legacy", which was also a very vivid book, but "Phantom" was the one that truly touched my heart. It has been 6 years since I've last read "Phantom", and I can still remember the story very vividly, and how her works have inspired me to read up further on the history of Elizabeth and Erik. Up till now I find myself browsing for her works. Her captivating abiliy to put such life into a novel is extraordinary. I have not yet been able to find another author who can write as amazingly as she can. If anyone knows of another brilliant novel by her, please let me know! This book is definitely a must-read, and after that you'll find youself wanting more. Even if you re-read the novel numerous times, the story is always just as fresh as the first experience. This is definitely a book meant to be bought and kept.

Rating:
Summary: Modern Classic
Review: Having been a passionate Phantom Of The Opera fan for many years, I was almost afraid to read Susan Kay's Phantom. Now I've become a BORN AGAIN fan of this beautiful, intelligent and very moving novel. In fact,it's almost an insult to call this book a novel. It's a wonderful biography of one of literature's most fascinating characters. You will be unable to put it down. Captivating and brilliant. A modern classic!

Rating:
Summary: QUITE POSSIBLY THE BEST BOOK EVER
Review: Susan Kay describes the life of the poor, tortured Erick in perfect sense. Every paragraph makes you yearn for more. She grabs your attention and holds it there... amazing you with each word. This book is a must for all Phantom of the Opera fans... or anyone who's read the original. ABSOLUTLEY FABULOUS!

Rating:
Summary: Breathtakingly Awesome.
Review: I have never felt this way about a book before. "Phantom" by Susan Kay was not simply a novel, but a mind-altering experience. I was literally trembling after I read it. Her prose is beautiful and haunting, and I guarantee you won't be able to forget about this book for a while. A must for not just phantom (Erik) lovers, but also for people who enjoy solid, top-notch writing.

Rating:
Summary: Extremely moving and heart wrenching. Love does win out!
Review: If "Phantom of the Opera" left you with questions and wanting to know more, this is definitely the book for you. Susan Kay shows you the true Phantom. His birth, his brilliant and tragic childhood, his triumphs and bitter defeats. You will probably look upon 'Erik' with admiration and understanding. Excellent story. Great job Susan!

Rating:
Summary: One of my lifetime favourite reads.
Review: I read the Phantom by Susan Kay after I saw the broadway play and I wish I would have read it before. Kay's interpretation was very insightful and provided a wonderful, albeit interpretive, background to the story. Whereas the play only focusses on one element in time, the book provides a glimpse into the past according to Kay.

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Summary: No Words Can Possibly Describe The Beauty of This Book!!!
Review: From reading these other people's reviews, I was deeply touched. I don't think I can put my feelings in such beautiful language, yet I do love this book. If it's possibly to fall in love with a character yet still retain one's sanity, then I love Erik. It's not pity, but understanding and admiration. Wishing that there was some thing I could have done that would have made his painful existence a little easier. For that and that reason only, I appreciate Susan Kay's flawless skill in changing the ending. Everyone deserves to be loved, kissed, hold... And Erik, who had "a heart that could have hold the empire of the world", deserves so much more than what this world had to offer. As I have said earlier, through all my humble effort to capture a fraction of the essence of this magical book, the real beauty remains in the heart of the beholder(reader). I love the Phantome; love Erik; and love Susan Kay for producing this masterpiece that reached past our hearts and touched our soul. On a final note: READ IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: utterly amazing
Review: this book was utterly amazing! i had been given a gift certificate for my birthday and i was searching in vain for something that i would enjoy, and then out of the corner of my eye i saw something that sent chills down my spine. that stark white mask seemed to be staring at me from the cover of the book! i quickly grabbed it and returned the other paperbacks to their places on the shelves. i could barely contain my excitement as i drove home. i have been a phan for a little over a year and i have read the leroux book twice and i will see the musical in september. this is honestly one of the best books i have ever read (and i have read a lot, believe me!) it is truly worthy of the legacy that is the phantom of the opera. i read over half the book in one day! i truly believe that to some extent that there really was an Erik and i hope you do too!