ARC Review: A Phantom Retelling

Our Strange Duet by Erin A Craig

Publication Date: September 1, 2026

Summary from NetGalley:

She was never just the voice he shaped . . .

A rising soprano with a gift she is only just learning to embrace, Christine Daaé has moved through the glittering world of the Opera Populaire longing to find her purpose. Instead, she finds herself caught between two men who refuse to let her slip quietly into the chorus.

One is Raoul, her childhood friend turned devoted admirer, offering her a future filled with warmth, safety, and a love that feels like sunlight. The other is a mysterious masked figure who lurks beneath the Opera House: The Phantom. His brilliance, obsession, and dangerous devotion to nurturing Christine’s talents ignites a dark and complicated passion in her heart.

As Christine’s star ascends, so does the tension between Raoul and the Phantom. She must decide who she is when the curtain falls—and what she’s willing to risk for the life she wants.

Set against the sweeping, romantic world of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, Our Strange Duet allows Christine Daaé to take center stage to tell her own story: fierce, emotional, and unforgettable.

ARC provided by Random House via Netgalley for an honest review.

Confession:

First off I have never seen The Phantom of the Opera, not even the movie. I only knew the bare basics of the story, so I did skim a synopsis before picking this up. I basically chose to read this, because of the author, whose books I love. Looking at reviews by people familiar with the original story, it does sound like a solid retelling. Lyrics from the musical are even incorporated, which is a nice touch for fans. But as a non fan, I did struggle a bit with the story and the characters, though I did enjoy it for the gothic and haunting atmosphere if not for anything else.

This story is told solely from the perspective of Christine. To be honest I found her to be lacking as a heroine. She came off as very weak and unable to stand up for herself. Her angst over the two men in her life became a bit wearing after awhile, as did the lovesick monologue in her head. I didn’t understand her attraction to Erik at all. He was manipulative and cruel throughout their relationship which really bothered me. I like Raoul a bit better, but he was also manipulative with his love for Christine. Not really giving her a chance to make her own decisions and be her own self. I also hated how she gave up her dreams for security, which I guess is true to the time period, but I wanted better for her.

Ms Craig’s writing was very strong and was the part that I enjoyed the most about this book. Her clear descriptions of the theater and how things worked there, really sold that world. She was able to convey a very haunting and gothic atmosphere throughout the story. The dialogue between the characters was solid and I appreciated that lyrics from the opera are woven throughout the story. The pacing does drag a bit in sections, even at the end where there was some action, seemed slow.

I do believe that fans of the musical, either staged or the movie, will enjoy this one. I’m not convinced that non fans will enjoy it as much. But do give it a chance, it is a captivating story that is very well written. Fans of the author should give it a try.