Review Detail

Phantom is the tale of high school wall flower Rebecca, who throughout her entire highschool history, had been determined to stay on the side lines, not wishing to bring any attention to herself. Now, in her senior year, she appears to have actually succeeded in this goal, until the school drama department decides to put on The Phantom of the Opera.

This is one of Rebecca’s all time favorite productions, she is absolutely obsessed with it, having all the fan gear, books and anything else she can set her hands on regarding the subject. What many at Rebecca’s school, except her closest friends…Carmen and Debra…do not know is that Rebecca can sing extremely well. So on the spur of the moment, Rebecca decides to try out, and after singing the song of the play’s main character Christine, which no one else was able to do; Rebecca was actually given the lead role. Now Rebecca is not only thrust into the lime light, she is now the center of a boy feud between the leading man, Justyn; and the hero of the play, Tom, who Rebecca had been crushing on since her Freshman year. Life intimates art, as the two boys begin to vie for her attention. Also, things begin to heat up, as accidents begin to plague the production, showing Rebecca, that someone doesn’t want her to have the part, the boy or even possibly her life…

Review

Phantom was exciting from the very first page, I was intrigued actually at the very beginning due to this fresh, unique take on a YA novel…I found it extremely thrilling:) I was familiar with the Phantom Of The Opera, but this story brought it alive to me and peaked my interest enough that I wanted to know more about the original. I found that this story would be a wonderful way for today’s YA readers to be introduced to the classic, and that really impressed me!

Although, the subject intrigued me, and drew me into the story; Ms. Deluca’s storytelling kept me reading. She is truly a gifted writer; the story had equal amounts of romance without getting too sappy, and adventure without being worn out:) plus, the mystery she threaded through the story was superbly done; Clues were given, I loved how she used the dialogue from the Phantom Opera, as the messages to the young heroine in the book.

Again, I saw that as a great way for young people to be introduced to this classic story. I never saw the twist at the end, and I am usually pretty good at figuring out mysteries at times, but I was floored to be honest, with whom the modern day phantom truly was! Ms. Deluca carried the mystery, leading the reader where she wanted them to go and keeping them entertained the entire time.

I really enjoyed this book, and I am a big fan of Ms. Deluca’s and look forward to more works from this author!