Thanks to NetGalley and Amulet Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: January 10th, 2016
432 Pages
Synopsis: In this modern day spin on Leroux’s gothic tale of unrequited love turned to madness, seventeen-year-old Rune Germain has a mysterious affliction linked to her operatic talent, and a horrifying mistake she’s trying to hide. Hoping creative direction will help her, Rune’s mother sends her to a French conservatory for her senior year, located in an opera house rumored to have ties to The Phantom of the Opera.
At RoseBlood, Rune secretly befriends the masked Thorn–an elusive violinist who not only guides her musical transformation through dreams that seem more real than reality herself, but somehow knows who she is behind her own masks. As the two discovervan other-worldly connection and a soul-deep romance blossoms, Thorn’s dark agenda comes to light and he’s forced to make a deadly choice: lead Rune to her destruction, or face the wrath of the phantom who has haunted the opera house for more than a century, and is the only father he’s ever known.
I’ve been a huge fan of A.G. Howard’s since I read her Splintered series a couple of years ago. Where that was an imaginative retelling of Alice In Wonderland, RoseBlood is a modern day spin on Phantom Of the Opera. As I’m also a fervent “phan” of all things Phantom, I’ve been impatiently awaiting this since I first heard about it last year. I’m thrilled to say it’s a nearly perfect example of how to craft a retelling of a classic story by keeping beloved elements from the original, while building upon that and creating a whole new story. Let me first get the two negatives out of the way that prevented this from attaining complete perfection. The beginning, where Rune and her mother are about to arrive at the conservatory dragged on much too long. I understand that A.G. Howard was setting things up for the main story, but the limo scene really could have used some editing. The other problem I had was with the description of Rune’s voice. One of Howard’s many strengths is her attention to every exquisite detail which makes the reader feel as though they’re part of the story. For example: when describing Thorn’s singing as a child, his voice is described as being so angelic that it forced listeners to face their darkest sins. Rune is supposed to have a voice equally, if not even more beautiful, but we’re told this, not shown it. If the rest of the story hadn’t been so descriptive, this may not have stood out as much as it did. But the rest of the story is so masterfully told I found myself purposely slowing down my reading because I didn’t want it to end. Now that I think upon it, this isn’t so much a retelling of Phantom, as it’s a continuation of the classic. Howard includes most of the original story, adding tantalizing paranormal tweaks here and there. The secondary characters are interesting and some provide a few moments of levity, but let’s face it, the heart and soul of the story is the gothic romance between Rune and the mysterious masked Thorn. Rune is an interesting character especially with her intriguing familial background which is somehow tied to Erik (the Phantom) and the original Christine. But it’s Thorn who eventually takes over, with his tragic backstory and his anguish of being caught between the father figure who quite literally saved him from a fate worse than death, and the young ingenue who has stolen his heart. The world-building is, well, simply indescribable. Each setting, from the boarding school atmosphere of the Paris conservatory, to the hidden watery world underneath its floors, to a rave that is colorful and exciting but more dangerous than any other, is so gorgeously detailed you will feel as though you are there, experiencing everything the characters are. Except for the aforementioned beginning, the plot is absolutely mesmerizing and you will find yourself hanging onto every single word. I really am trying not to include any spoilers, so I’m just going to say this is a tale like no other and you have to experience it for yourself. RoseBlood is a hypnotic story of love, hate, revenge, and redemption. For fans of Howard’s Splintered series, this new book will just further confirm in your minds what an incredible writer she is. And if you haven’t read her before, please, give yourself a gift and pick this up in January.
YAandWine said:
I cannot WAIT to read this one! It sounds gorgeous. I didn’t realize it was a Phantom retellling. Probably should have from the cover…
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You have to read this ASAP! I’d love to hear your thoughts and what wine you’d pair this with!😊
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aubreyleaman said:
I’ve been wanting to read this!! I loved her Splintered series, too, and what could be better than a Phantom of the Opera reselling?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Exactly!💁🏻
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aubreyleaman said:
*retelling
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Haha! It’s okay Aubrey. I knew what you meant.😊
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The Telltale Mind said:
Love Phantom as well. Might check this out one day or get it for my wife. Great review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I hope you do Geoff. I think Gaston Leroux himself would have liked this!😊
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TeacherofYA said:
So glad someone is liking this! I’ve been waiting for this book forever and I’ve seen some lackluster reviews! Yay for your excellent review! 😉👍
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks for the follow and commenting! I honestly think that once you get past the beginning which admittedly dragged, you’ll be hard pressed to tear yourself away!💁🏻
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yourdaughtersbookshelf said:
I am looking forward to this one! What a wonderful idea for a retelling.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
A.G. Howard is now on my short list of favorite authors Stefanie! I’d definitely be interested in hearing what you think after you read it.😊
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yourdaughtersbookshelf said:
I have had Splintered on my shelf for ages, and never seem to get around to reading it! There’s always another book… I have heard nothing but good things about AG Howard, so have to stop putting it off and read the series. (After I read this one… :D. )
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s funny. I did the exact same thing until one day last year when I picked up the first book and wound up finishing the series in less than two weeks! And I’m not even a huge fan of the original Alice.🤷🏻♀️
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Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
I am so glad that you enjoyed this! I am really anticipating this one. I have encountered plenty of Phantom remakes, but never an actual retelling ❤ I also appreciate the heads up that the beginning drags a bit. Now I know to be patient haha. Love the review.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you! I do hope you enjoy it as much as I did!💁🏻
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Jay said:
I’d be interested to see what the parallels are; sounds worth checking out. Excellent review, as always.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Jay! If you’re a fellow phan, you’ve got to check this out!💁🏻
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beetleypete said:
Sounds like another very good example of that genre, Kim.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It really is Pete!😊
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Maddie A. said:
I really want to read this book! I didn’t love Splintered, but I really like the author’s style and I’m looking forward to reading more of her books 🙂
Great review! 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Maddie! I definitely recommend that you give this a try!💁🏻
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irena_bookdustmagic said:
Amazing review!
I am glad you enjoyed this book. I wasn’t too thrilled with it though, but I guess we can’t all like the same books always.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Irena! I’m sorry you didn’t care for it. But what a boring world it would be if we all loved the same books.💁🏻
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ravenblake99 said:
Great Review! I’ve been hearing great things about this book and I really can’t wait to read it! 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks so much Raven! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!😊
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The Shameful Narcissist said:
I’m so glad to hear this is worthy my time! This has been on my TBR list for a while. Phantom has been my favorite musical since I was in junior high. It was the foundation for my love of everything gothic, and I’m pretty sure every story I’ve written borrows a little from it. It’s wonderful to see this spiritual sequel does it justice!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You NEED to read this ASAP! Adrienne! As you’re a phan like me I have a feeling you’ll be as completely enthralled as I was! 😊
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Carrie said:
Still need to read this one myself, hopefully I like it as much as you did. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’d love to hear what you think after you read it!😊
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Carrie said:
I should be reading it soon, I know the publication date is coming up. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😊
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Codie said:
I really do enjoy retellings, and Howard is so great at them I was excited to read this one. Plus who does g love phantom of the opera ?! Great review!
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Jen said:
I’m so glad you loved another one of her books! I have Splintered on my Kindle and really need to discover her work! Wonderful review, Kim!
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vinnieh said:
The way you describe it is intriguing.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Phenomenal book Vinnie.
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vinnieh said:
A recommendation from you is always a good thing.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Vinnie! I just read/reviewed another fantasy/dystopian book called Red Death, which I thought was pretty amazing especially as it was fairly short.😊
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vinnieh said:
You’ve read some very good books recently, which is reflected in your reviews.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ve been very lucky book wise.
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vinnieh said:
As have I movie wise lately.
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Prythian Book Dragon said:
I am seriously so excited to read this! I won a copy during her virtual tour and am so excited to get it! She told.me to send it to her to sign but I am reading it before I send it lol
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I do so hope you enjoy it! Just keep in mind it starts a bit slow, but that doesn’t last long.💁🏻
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Prythian Book Dragon said:
I’m pretty patient. I don’t mind slow starts to books as long as it picks up and I know AG Howard’s books pick up.
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