{Review+G!veaway} Phantom by Laura DeLuca

August 23, 2012 Reviews 20

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Pages: 262
Publication Date: March 30, 2012
Age Group: YA
Source: Blog Tour
Series: N/A
Challenge(s): Ebook challenge, Young adult reading challenge, 150+ reading challenge, Standalone Challenge, ABC challenge
Buy this Book: Amazon
Summary(from Goodreads):

The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card. Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist. Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.

Right before I sat down to read this book, I watched Phantom of the Opera for the first time ever! I liked the movie but I was kind of bummed she didn’t end up with the Phantom. I have to say that I liked the book by Laura DeLuca even more than the movie! It was super creepy. I would not want to go to their high school, that’s for sure. But fans of the movie phantom of the opera are sure to love this book!

This book is a total mystery. I could not figure out who the true opera ghost was until the very end and I was shocked right along with everyone else. Normally I am better at figuring these things out. But it is a true murder mystery book. I both loved and was scared of the mystery unfolding. The only thing I didn’t totally love was the fact that no one seemed to be doing anything or saying anything about all of these kids getting injured, or even killed, from the drama department! I mean, it seems like a big deal to me, but no one put two and two together. Other than that, the book felt just like the movie Phantom of the Opera. It had the same dark, creepy feel with the threats of notes and Becca was so perfect. She was like a spunkier version of Christine.

As for the guys, it was a clear winner from the start. Tom was nice and all, but he never clicked for me. He was too caught up in appearances. Justyn just always seems so sincere. He really was a tortured soul. I just really liked him the whole time.

I’m not going to say too much more. This really is a book you have to read for yourself if you like Phantom or murder mysteries in general. I’m not the biggest fan of the cover. It reminded me of the sims computer game a little, but don’t let that deter you from this engrossing thriller. I loved the writing and the incorporation of the quotes and lines from the play. It was great. A real treat for Phantom of the Opera fans!


Note: I just found out that the cover has been changed. I like this new one soo much better! I think it fits the book perfectly! 
4/5 gavels

Author Bio
Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.
Contact
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*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

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20 Responses to “{Review+G!veaway} Phantom by Laura DeLuca”

  2. kimbacaffeinate

    I love Phantom of the Opera. This sounds like a fun read, the cover is kinda weird..they look like action figures. I do love that it kept you guessing about the ghost.

    Reply

  7. Amanda Ray

    Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorites! I watch the movie every time it comes on. Since she took snippets from the play and added them to the book, it definitely sounds like a must read for me. Thanks for the great review!

    Reply

  8. Christine

    I’ve always loved Phantom, and I love all these YA adaptations of classic stories coming out recently, so I think I have to add this one to my TBR pile! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

    Reply

  10. Kayla

    Cant wait to read this book and thank you soo much for the giveaway. The cover is soo awesome and catches my eye just right!!

    Reply

  14. mariehahn13

    I fell in love with the Phantom of the Opera a long time ago, own the movie, the original soundtrack, the original book, and have seen the musical itself several times. Regardless of whether or not I win the giveaway, I’ll have to check this out! 🙂

    Reply

  16. Megan

    This book sounds interesting. I enjoyed Phantom of the Opera, so I’m hoping I’ll enjoy this too! I agree about the covers as well.

    Reply

  18. Maji Bookshelf

    aww.. i REALLY hate it when guys only care about their looks! Pisses me off! and i actually never watched the phantom and the opera! lol! This book sounds interesting, thanks for the giveaway!
    – Farah @ Maji Bookshelf

    Reply

  20. Stacy Richman

    I loved the Phantom of the Opera movie. Not sure I would have wanted her to end up with him though as he was a phsyco. I thought he would end up with the blond chick. Can’t wait to read this book.
    tinyauthor at yahoo dot com

    Reply

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