Feb 16, 2023
Ben and Lesa
in a nutshell at least
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Ben and Lesa
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How they meet
Phantom's Dance by Lesa Howard
Phantom’s Dance by Lesa Howard
Phantom’s Dance by Lesa Howard Release Date: 03/01/14 Summary from Goodreads: Christine Dadey’s family uprooted their lives and moved to Houston for her to attend the prestigious Rousseau Academy of Dance. Now, two years later, Christine struggles to compete among the Academy’s finest dancers, her parents are on the brink of divorce, and she’s told no one about…
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Phantom's Dance by Lesa Howard I recieved a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Offical Synopsis:
Christine Dadey’s family uprooted their lives and moved to Houston for her to attend the prestigious Rousseau Academy of Dance. Now, two years later, Christine struggles to compete among the Academy’s finest dancers, her parents are on the brink of divorce, and she’s told no one about her debilitating performance anxiety and what she’s willing to do to cope with it. Erik was a ballet prodigy, a savant, destined to be a star on the world’s stage, but a suspicious fire left Erik’s face horribly disfigured. Now, a lonely phantom forced to keep his scars hidden, he spends his nights haunting the theater halls, mourning all he’s lost. Then, from behind the curtain he sees the lovely Christine. The moldable, malleable Christine. Drawn in by Erik’s unwavering confidence, Christine allows herself to believe Erik’s declarations that he can transform her into the dancer she longs to be. But Christine’s hope of achieving her dreams may be her undoing when she learns Erik is not everything he claims. And before long, Erik’s shadowy past jeopardizes Christine’s unstable present as his obsession with her becomes hopelessly entangled with his plans for revenge.
My Thoughts:
As a huge fan of Phantom of the Opera, and more recently, retellings of classic tales. I was so excited to read this book. It is a modern interpretation of the classic Phantom of the Opera. Set in present day Houston, Texas.
It follows our young narrator, Christine Dadey, as she navigates her way through classes at the Rousseau Academy of Dance. Her world is saturated with ballet, and is with all sheltered young ladies. She is naive and way too trusting when it comes to strangers. Her character development throughout the story is well done. She deals with a lot of issues at once. Between having her first boyfriend, the pressures of school, wanting her independence, and her parent's maritable issues. It is no wonder she seeks out the friendship and tutelage of Erik. The mysterious and talented young man living in the basement of her school's theatre.
This book had the perfect blend of sweet ya romance and creepy suspense. Although it is a retelling, it really is a story of it's own. The relationship between Christine and Erik, although is similar to the relationship between the original characters. Takes it a step further. By really diving into the obsession Erik/Phantom has with Christine. How she blindly trusts and cares for him. Even though it's obvious there is more to him than she is willing to see.
The other characters of the story were wonderful as well. Jenna was a breath of fresh air from the seriousness the rest of the characters exhibited. Christine's mother and instructors really show how grueling it can be. Trying to live up to expectations and making sure everyone is happy around you, even if you aren't happy yourself. Raoul, although an important character in the story, really lacked development. He was just always nice and there. Ever the gentleman. But there wasn't much to him other than nice words, and for the romance of the story.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. There were parts that were a bit angsty, and I understand some liberties were taken in regards to ballet, but the good overrode the bad in this case. It was all necessary for the story to make sense. It does deal with some heavier issues, like stalking and sexual assault. So bear that in mind when you go to read this. It's all handled very well.
I look forward to reading more books by Lesa Howard. I definitely recommend this if you are a fan of both ballet and The Phantom of the Opera!