Summary from Goodreads:
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.
Confession:
Except for the basic plot points, I knew nothing about the Phantom of the Opera, before reading this book. It’s one of the few classics I haven’t read and I’ve never seen the musical or the movies. That said, I was pleased that I didn’t need to know more than the basic plot points to enjoy this book.
This is a stunning continuation of the original story, that is both haunting and beautiful. I loved both Thorn and Rune’s characters, they both have lived very tragic lives, filled with misery and torment, but have both grown into very strong and talented people. They have an otherworldly connection that is what really makes this book work. Thorn’s need to protect Rune at times is overwhelming, but he always manages to pull back enough to allow her to defend herself when she needs to. The supernatural aspect of the book is just amazing as well, but I don’t want to give anything away, just know it is what makes this book so beautiful and creative.
The setting of the book, RoseBlood academy is wonderful. The historical opera house turned into a high school for musically talented teenagers is just amazing. Rune’s interactions in the school setting are very realistic and typical of any high school. I loved all of Rune’s friends, and how they all work to help each other to achieve their dreams. The teachers are also a delightful mix of normal and eccentric.
I don’t know if you read author notes, but I highly suggest that you read the one for this book. It gives you a lot of insight as to how the author came up with her ideas for this book. I know that this is a stand alone, but I would love to see more about Thorn and Rune and their lives together, maybe a novella?
Finally that cover, just awesome! I love that it is Rune’s face covered by the mask and the thorns surrounding her as well as the contrast of the red with the blues and blacks. Perfect!
Here is the book trailer created by the author for the book:
The book will be out tomorrow January 1oth.
Confessions of a Serial Reader 