Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC of Gaston Leroux's Phantom. The Horror Writers Association are taking classic horror stories and republishing and circulating to bring original horror back into our lives. Having seen the stage show twice (which is breathtaking) it was a very different experience to read the book the show is based on. I could hear the beautiful music playing in my head and feel the rapture of Christine in the graveyard as the Angel of Music came to her. However this is not just for people who love the show. It was interesting to read this story as a novel and see the depth of the characters and an expanded storyline. I loved feeling Christine's despair and bravery, I empathised with Raouls desperation to save his love and my heart was saddened as I explored how the Phantom had been ostracized and unloved for so long. The magic of the Phantom was explained as the finale drew near and you realise why his hurt is displayed with such rage whilst knowing he is monstrous. I just loved loved LOVED reading this wonderful tale in prose and it has taken me right back to feeling the awe and wonder as I sat in the audience in a London theatre.

All-time favorite story! From this original, to every adaptation, this is a classic. I’m not generally a romantic, but the tragic love of Erik for Christine breaks my heart every time.

I'm a huge fan of musicals and Phantom Of The Opera is one of my favourites. I've watched the show twice and I am (still) craving for more. Reading the book brought back so many fond memories. I'm so happy to see different editions of this book. The cover for this print is gorgeous! I want to collect them all.
The Phantom Of The Opera is truly one of the best Gothic masterpieces ever written.
Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press & Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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A timeless classic that will never go out of style. Beauty and love come in all shapes and sizes. A book that will be read for years to come.

I have seen the musical and the film but, until now, i've never read the book until now.

The Horror Writers Association and the publisher Poisoned Pen Press have joined forces to produce a new reprint series of classic Gothic Horror, (Haunted Library of Horror Classics) in the hope of introducing a new audience and reminding old ones why they fell in love with the genre. Each novel begins with an introduction from a noted author or expert with study group questions provided at the back to help further exploration. Nancy Holder, winner of multiple Bram Stoker Awards and New York Times bestseller is this books introductory author which I found added much and set the scene for what I was to read.

While reading the book I discovered a new love for the Phantom that you cant quite get just by watching the film. Once again 'the book is better' rings true. From the Communist Torture Camber to a safety pin the book kept on pulling me in deeper. At the end of the book is some information about the author Gaston Leroux and I loved finding out that Leroux had first hand experience about the Communist bodies found under the opera and the secret passages as he had reported upon it for his newspaper.

I highly recommend this book and this version of the book. Poor Phantom, by the end after everything I wanted him to get the girl.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Poisoned Pen Press for an electronic advanced reading copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. As always all opinions are my own.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I love this book so much. It's got a little bit of everything and the story (kinda based on actual events?) plays out superbly.

Poor Christine has no idea that the Angel of Music she's being so thoughtful tutored by is the dreaded Opera Ghost.

The dashing Raoul determined to save his childhood friend.

The OG (you probably know his name but let's let that be a surprise for those that don't know!) who feels destined to wander the opera house.

It all starts with a hanging man, a man whose noose mysteriously disappears.

This story has been told many tests and I don't want to sound like a snobby purist but I honestly think this is the best version.

"The phantom of the opera is here, inside my mind..."

Every night the velvet seats of the Palais Garnier are packed with figures eagerly anticipating that evening's theatrical performance, and still one box is kept free. Every day brings fresh sightings of a mysterious figure who traverses the backstage hallways and strikes fear in the hearts of those who dare travel there alone.

This mystery is the theatre ghost. He makes demands and expects to see them carried through. Those who test his patience dare not do so again, once he has exacted his vengeance. Those who dare defy his rule, as king of this creative empire, may find his consequences are not so easy to ever recover from.

I have long been in love with the Phantom of the Opera musical theatre production and 2004's movie adaptation so have no idea why it took me so long to experience the magic of the original. I was impressed with how accessible this translation was to a modern reader, and so full credit is due to Nancy Holder for a wonderful translation.

The rising goose-flesh upon my arms and my growing fear of shadows, whilst reading, all require utmost praise and respect directed at Leroux, however. More than a century later and his dark and obsessive love story is continuing to entrance and ensnare its readers. He is the phantom who still continues to haunt us and I would willingly become his Christine, to channel his sublime artistic mastery.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Gaston Leroux, the translator, Nancy Holder, and the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for this opportunity.

The Phantom of the Opera reminds me of why I fell in love with this musicals so long ago. Well written and well developed characters.

I read this years ago when I was into musicals... And the book was way different then that but oh so good! I loved it so much... it has 4 stars in my heart and I think every time I read this it will keep those four stars forever!