Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Book Review: Phantom by Laura DeLuca






Publisher: Pagan Writers Press
Pub Date: March 30, 2012 
Paperback, 262 pages
ISBN: 9780984680092

My rating: 4.75/5.0

My Review:
I will be quick to admit I am only familiar with Phantom of the Opera through the musical and the movies not through the book so I can't attest to this book according to the actual book. But I must say I am impressed. Ms. DeLuca has managed to weave a story that parallels a story without becoming too something that would make the story over-the-top or just too much like the original. Ms. DeLuca makes the story work with the current day and time and fit in the young adult genre quite well.

I loved the characters, especially Justyn and how he played the Phantom role and how he was the goth boy/outsider as well in the book. I like Rebecca as the surprise voice that had never stood out before, the girl who had never been noticed as a perfect Christine. And Tom as the perfect boy-next-door popular guy as Raoul. Each played their part in the book which parallels their part in the play. I have to admit Justyn was my favorite, there was just something about his character that called to me. But I liked Rebecca and could relate to her. She was torn, some might see her as indecisive, but who hasn't been there as a teenager. I just saw her as a caring girl who wanted to follow her heart but cared about others as well.

The plot was fascinating. It could have been the typical teenage adaptation, but the twists and turns were amazing. I started this and was halfway done in a matter of hours. I could not put it down. I found the novel and story line well written. Great suspense and interesting character development move this book along very well. It's fresh and exciting and hard to put down.

When I accepted this book for review I was expecting a story I would enjoy, I ended up with so much more with this book. It was deeper and so much more enjoyable than I ever thought. I think it will be one of my most recommended books of the year, at least so far. It was fast-paced, refreshing and very interesting with wonderful characters that I think will appeal to all ages whether you have read, listened to or watch Phantom before or not.

About the Book:
PhantomThe “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.





***I received this book through Sizzling PR for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Guest Blog: Gothic Belly Dancer Laura "Tempest" Schmidt (Laura DeLuca, Phantom)


 Gothic Belly Dancer Laura “Tempest” Schmidt

 One of my favorite scenes in Phantom includes a belly dance routine. I can't say any more than that because I don't want to give away information about a pivotal scene in the story. But I can tell you a little about the amazing woman who inspired the scene. Her name is Laura "Tempest" Schimdt, and she is a world renowned Gothic Belly Dancer.

I consider myself truly blessed to have not only met Tempest, but to have shared Sacred Space with her on a few occasions. About three years ago, I was introduced to Tempest through my best friend and coven sister, Donna. She was taking her belly dance class at a local gym, and convinced me to come along.  Now, I am just about the most uncoordinated person in the world, and learning even the simplest steps was a challenge for me. But Tempest had the patience of an angel, and always took a few extra moments to try to help me get it right. I was only able to go to few classes before I got pregnant with my daughter and was on bed rest. By the time she was born, Tempest had moved, but those few classes were an experience I will never forget.

In addition to taking her class, I also attended a few professional performances that Tempest arranged in our area. The class was fun, but was nothing compared to watching Tempest perform live. When she begins to move, it’s like she is magically transformed into the Goddess herself. Her movements are fluid and graceful. Her costumes (which she often designs herself) are enchanting. She has created her own version of Gothic Belly Dance that is elegant and breathtaking. It literally brought tears to my eyes. Even as a writer, I find it hard to express just how amazing it is to watch her perform.  Tempest is one of the most beautiful women I have had the privilege to meet. It is a beauty that emanates from her soul and is transferred to the fluid movements of her body. All the wisdom of the ages is expressed in the poetic motions of her dance. She is a true artist.

If you would like to learn more about Tempest, you can visit her website, Darkly Dramatic. There you can find dozens of beautiful photos in her gallery. Both the costumes and the poses are stunning!  If you want to learn how to belly dance, she has several DVDs available for purchase. You can also check out Med Devi to purchase her own unique accessory and costume designs.


***My review will be coming later today***

About Phantom: 

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