Friday, January 13, 2017

RoseBlood by A.G. Howard

432 p.
Publisher: Amulet Books
Published: 1/10/17
Source: NetGalley and Publisher for review
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 arts 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 itself, but somehow knows who she is behind her own masks. As the two discover an otherworldly 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 a century, and is the only father he’s ever known.
My thoughts:

A retelling of Phantom of the Opera? A.G. Howard? Um... yes to all please. :) I enjoyed her other retelling of Wonderland so I was pretty sure I would enjoy my time here. I was not wrong.

I really liked how the story of the phantom unfolded and gave me a few twists and turns I did not expect. I did like Rune and Thorn and the idea of twin flames, but the romance felt weak until the end. I think all the secrecy just interfered with me getting to know them as a couple especially when they really spent so little time actually together. What stole the show was a cat and a swan. Both a familiar of sorts to the ones they have chosen to help. Both have a mind of their own and feel they know what is best for their people. If nothing else read it for those characters. I just wish they had more time in the book.

I do think that the paranormal twist in this book may not appeal to some. I didn't mind it and even appreciated it when I read the author's notes. It doesn't quite flow with the characters naturally as you first read it, but upon reflection you can see why the author took that direction.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. If you like retellings, if you like twists (I really did not see one of them coming) then you need to pick up this book. It was a fun time and I really enjoyed her author notes at the end which tells how she got the idea and some of the history involved. I also understand that the book has some of Christine's (the Phantom's bride) journal entries in it. I wish the ARC had it so I guess there is a book I need to buy. Twist my arm. LOL

Oh and that cover! 💓

45 comments:

  1. I really enjoyed Phantom of the Opera. And I must admit that I was curious about this book when it first started popping up in the blogosphere. But I really am a little over with retellings nowadays, so I'm pretty much reading the reviews and hoping one of the ones I've read will convince me otherwise. Lol.

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    1. I'm someone who loves the creativity that comes from a retelling. I think it is hard to take something known and make it different so I'm all in with those. But then, that is me. :)

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  2. I'm hoping this works out great for me as I love her writing style and I'm a fan of retellings. I'm curious now about this a cat and a swan, lol. Lovely review and I hope you have a wonderful weekend :)

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    1. I hope you enjoy! I just think that the cat and the swan really stole the show. LOL

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  3. I didn't realize this was based on Phantom? Oopps I thought it was about another character in wonderland, but than I never read her first series o.o glad you enjoyed most of it

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    1. I can see why since the cover is reminiscent of the other books. I did like it, a few problems doesn't make me not like a book. :)

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  4. I really liked this one, wasn't too crazy and wasn't bad. Dug it. Nice review!

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  5. I requested this from the library. I don't know why I didn't ever get around to reading the third in her last series. This one sounds good and I have always loved POTO.

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    1. Oh I think you'll enjoy this one. :) I also enjoyed the last one of her Wonderland series.

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  6. That is an interesting cover and while this particular retelling doesn't really call to me I've been pretty curious about the Wonderland retellings. Those covers don't hurt either. :) And this one actually does sound pretty good. I always love a twist that comes out of nowhere!

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    1. You can try that other series to see if this is an author for you. I enjoyed those a lot. :)

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  7. I am really curious about this one! I still need to read the final book in the Wonderland series, but I enjoyed the first two. I think I'll get this from the library when I can. :)

    -Lauren

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    1. Oh I think you will have fun with this one as well as the last book in the other series. :)

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  8. Hmmm Looks like I do need this one!

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  9. I do love that cover, but I think that I might wait until my turn comes up at the library. Ain't good enough to own, but definitely will read

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  10. This is such a unique retelling so while I've never read any of this author's work before, this novel of hers appeals to me the most. Wonderful review, Melissa!

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  11. I do like re-telling, but of the phantom? Hmmm

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  12. If only I had more time to read all the books out there. I've kind of had to give up on Howard's books - I wasn't a fan of the direction the last series took, although I LOVED the first book. I'd be more curious about this one if the two lovebirds spent more time together, know what mean?? Thanks for the great review!!! ;)

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    1. I liked how the last book ended so I think I was okay with it. Not thrilled with the middle part of that series but still good enough for me to say I liked it a lot. :) I'd love to know what you think if you try it.

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  13. I saw mixed things about this one but it's intriguing and like you I love retellings!

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  14. I'm probably one of the few people on the planet that really knows nothing about Phantom of the Opera. I've not read it or watched the plays or movies. I don't mind retellings, though I haven't read many of them. To me, it is about how the author tells the story. Glad you really enjoyed this one. Great review. I love that cover.

    Melanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads

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    1. I have a love/hate relationship with that story. :) Still, often retellings will fix what I didn't care for in the original so that is another reason I like them.

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  15. Though it wasn't perfect this sounds like something I would like. Love Phantom of the Opera.

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  16. I never read her other series. I think it had a love triangle?? Might give this a try instead.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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    1. It did, but it was a creative way in working it out in the end though. :)

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  17. I do love a retelling. What an interesting one to pick, too! You see some so often but I don't recall seeing this one done before. I love that :D

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    1. I'm surprised more haven't done a retelling of this iconic story.

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  18. I haven't read her Alice Wonderland retelling, but I did request this book because I love the Phantom. I'm looking forward to her twists and now you have me curious about the paranormal angle.

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  19. Does sound like an interesting take on the phantom. Nice. Thanks for sharing this.

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  20. Great review! I loved her Splintered series so I'm hoping to get to this one soon too.

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  21. Is it weird that the longer I wait, the less enthusiastic I am about this book? I love me a good retelling with twists and turns, but I'm wary of the supernatural aspect and weak love story. I'm one of those girls who needs a good romance. Now I'm just rambling.

    YES. THE COVER IS BEAUTIFUL. I'm so happy they followed in the footsteps of Splintered!

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    1. You might wait a bit to get the hype down and then try it. You might like it better then. :) I'm also happy they used the same person that did the covers of the other series. :D

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  22. Argh! A.G. Howard... another author I need to read!

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