PHANTOM

Rating:
Summary: Hands-Down!
Review: This is without a doubt the best version of the Phantom story I've ever come across. Leroux focused mainly on horror and ALW on romance. Kay has a wonderful balance between the two. Plus her Erik seems to be very human; he cries, he has a sense of humor, etc. Even better, this book covers Erik's entire life rather than merely the last year as with all other versions. Defintely a must-read for any Phantom-Phan!

Rating:
Summary: I LOVE IT SO MUCH I ALMOST DON'T WANT TO SHARE IT...
Review: After the plays, the movies, and the original novel, I thought i had sucked in every bit of Phantom available. I walked into a bookstore and literally TRIPPED over this book. Curious by the title, I opened it and began to read. Two hours passed until I could tear myself away long enough to buy it. Since that time, i have read it dozens upon dozens of times. The trouble is, I've never been able to loan it out. Instead, I bought my best friend the copy for his birthday. neither of us have ever been the same. :)

Rating:
Summary: This is an incredible book!
Review: I have only been a Phantom fan (or Phan, you might say) for about 2 years, but it is irreversable, and I owe part of that to this magnificent retelling of the story that was brought to the public's attention about 100 years ago by Gaston Leroux. I waited 2 weeks to get this book, and upon seeing it setting on the table of my room all shiny and new at once picked it up and started reading..and reading...and reading...! There was absolutley no way I could stop. I love to read, yet I am not a fast reader, but I finished it in about 17 hours, only pausing to sleep (from practically passing out in exhaustion) and going to church from which I frantically rushed home to continue it. There is so much to this story, and it has been the basis for much non-published fiction all over the web I have read. I very much recommend it, I have already loaned it to 7 people and each say they loved it, some of them never knowing hardly a thing about Erik or his story. It deals more in emotions than Leroux's novel, and it touches deeply. Now tattered and yellowing after only about a year of owning it, I still have it with me. If you're looking for a novel that deals with life and the world this is it. I think Kay could have made the book twice as long and it would still be just as wonderful. She leaves just enough to be imagined,there is nothing very vague. I think whether or not you're a Phantom fan, you will enjoy it, it is simply irresistable! Go ahead and try it, and if it just dosen't please you, maybe you have a friend whom it will.

Rating:
Summary: This book can enter your soul and change your thinking
Review: This book enters the deepest heart of the phantom of the opera. Now I know you're probably thinking "Who woould want to read about that?" at least thats what I thought until I rread the first chapter. This book has the ability to reach into the depths of your soul and show you the best and the worst parts of yourself.

Rating:
Summary: Keeps you in a state of TRANS the whole way!
Review: I never thought it possible for a book you put you in a state of trans! I found myself basing my life around the book, so that I could read it, and make time for Erik. I myself am not an avid bookreader, let alone be able to read a book over 500 pages! I had tried to read the Gaston Leroux novel, but could not bring myself past the 2nd chapter before being utterly disappointing. However, Susan Kay has found a way to keep you in a state of trans, throughout the entire book, as you here Erik's subtly enchanting voice in your head, to keep reading onward. My most favored time, was reading of his life in ancient Persia. And seeing how a person of such utter hatred of the human race as a whole, could have compasion for a single child. I found myself wishing he were real, and alive this day, as I find it ironic, that he says, no woman will ever look on him in love, when in this day, hundreds will gladly give up thier lives to live with him as his wife...including myself. Susan Kay has done a wonderful job, of giving a rather accurate (or what would seem to be accurate for Erik's life) painting, of Erik. I've read the book twice in a row now, and am going for a third....

Rating:
Summary: A superb tale of a great character!!
Review: This is truly one of THE BEST books I've ever read. Erik's story really hit close to home. His genius and basically good heart were all masked by his face, and no one but Susan Kay could tell this story to such heart-wrenching depth. I've followed everything Phantom, and Susan Kay is definitely on the right track with what I believe Gaston Leroux was trying to say and accomplish with this tale. The way she wove Gaston's characters into a story behind the story was remarkable. Anyone, not just Phantom fans, would truly appreciate this book!!

Rating:
Summary: It is absolutely beautiful!
Review: This is what got me interested in the whole Phantom of the Opera deal. I love Erik and this story is heartbreakingly poignant. For all of those who ondered about the Phantom's past...this is the book for you!

Rating:
Summary: For the sad, the starving, and the truest lovers of Erik
Review: Like most, I was introduced to this story through the Webber musical. Thereafter, I proceeded immediately to devour the Gaston Leroux novel as well as the silent film version. Yet, from these gilded, and exalted editions, I tumbled to find the truth of this character seated humbly in the unsuspecting form of a supermarket paperback. Within, I set upon the most remarkable telling of Erik's journey. I was introduced the history, only briefly touched by Leroux; the sincerity that was forsaken in the Webber musical, and the humanity sorely lacking from the Lon Chaney portrait. Kay's vision dwelled not only in the mind of the one, but through all whose lives Erik changed; thereby magnifying their roles when the crossroads are reached in Paris. Following this venture, I looked at all but the parent Leroux novel as an insult to the character, and the breadth of his story. I believe that for the true lovers of The Phantom, this telling surpasses all others, and is a truly chersihed work.

Rating:
Summary: This book is wonderful! A must-read! I cried!
Review: I picked up the book becuase I was interested in the musical. This book exceeds the musical by far! The book is SO magestical and romantic. It is unlike any other book that I have ever read. I recommend it to all of my friends. In fact, I am ordering it for one of my friends right now!

Rating:
Summary: wonderful...but
Review: This is a fantastic book, staying very true to the original novel, unlike so many others. But there are a few problems. Mainly the ending. It was totally unnessisary for Erik & Christine to sleep together at the end. Besides being wrong, it takes away from the deep pity, sorrow, and heartbreakingness in the original. It also seems to imply that Christine's heart really belonged to Erik all along, not Raoul. While this is what you *want* to happen, the way you think it *should* be, it takes away from the patheticness and dorrow in the original. my summary: Fantastic...until the end.