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R-Him

The Phantom Triumphant

Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2013

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Profound thanks are due to Vicki Hopkins for The Phantom of Valletta . This beautiful story begins where Gaston Leroux's tale ends. Eric, the Phantom of both stories, finds new purpose in buying and restoring the burnt-out opera house in Valletta, Malta. Along the way he encounters a young woman with her own dark secret from Eric's days as the Opera Ghost in Paris, France.

Eric's desire to be loved for himself comes to pass, despite the murderous intentions of a fortune-teller. And the fact that he even gains rapproachment with the heroine of Leroux's tale forms the perfect denoument to Ms Hopkins' story.

I wish to thank Ms Hopkins for her wonderful tale which enhances and rounds out this wonderful creation. Thanks as well go to the late Lon Chaney, Sr., for first bringing Leroux's character to cinematic life. Then thanks to all the actors who have brought Eric to theatrical life in Andrew LLoyd Weber's musical retelling of this story. And finally, to the cast of the movie-version of the musical for adding their own contributions to this tale; especially Gerard Butler for his memerizing performance in the movie.

If you think that I like all retellings of the story, you'd be correct. But Ms Hopkins has taken this lonely, misunderstood and, ultimately, tragic figure and given him the redemption he so richly deserves. Brava, bravissima.

Saturdaychick

The Phantom's Opera: "Phantom of Valletta" by Vicki Hopkins

Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2014

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From the Militant Recommender Book Review Blog:[...]
Christine is gone. Erik has freed her to marry Raoul. Now, alone in his lair, he despairs, feeling he must be dying of love, or the loss of it anyway. Then... an opportunity presents itself. The Royal Opera House of Valletta in Malta has been destroyed by fire and Erik decides to purchase it and give it, and himself, a new lease on life. Together with the Persian's servant, Darius, and Madame Andrea Giry, his long time friend, they will raise it from the ashes and he, Erik, the Phantom... will now have his very own Opera House to command!
This is a wonderfully original premise and very believable as you can imagine Erik's excitement at such a task no matter how daunting the destruction facing him. He has the knowledge as a world class architect to, eventually, bring his vision to life! Though it seems this jewel has been damaged almost beyond repair. Erik decides to do some fundraising and find investors to bring in the funds to make the hugely expensive reconstruction.
How he and his friends go about this makes for engaging reading. Will Erik forget Christine and move on with his life in this new place? Will anyone else ever take her place in his heart? Desiree', an opera house employee with an interest in learning the violin, perhaps? There are other surprises in store for the reading audience so get a copy of Vicki Hopkins' "Phantom of Valletta" and enjoy the pleasures of the Phantom's opera!

Erin Davies

A Stunning Sequel

Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2012

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Kindle freebies carry a certain stigma. The titles are believed poorly written and horribly edited. It is sad but by and large I can't disagree with the perception. My kindle library is littered with free lit, most of which I can't claim to have particularly enjoyed. The Phantom of Valletta is an exception. I have my criticisms but they are of little consequence. Hopkins' work is fabulous.

Admittedly, my initial feelings were far different. I couldn't wrap my head around a book told from Erik's point of view. I like the Phantom's dark enigmatic persona. Leroux doesn't disclosure the full history of his character and I believe that is why after more than a hundred years the Ghost still captures our interest. He is a mystery, never fully explained.

Being inside his head, essentially wearing the mask stripped Erik of his secrets. I wasn't disappointed exactly, more like disenchanted. There is nothing inherently wrong with Hopkins' interpretation but sometimes less is more. Sometimes it is not what we know but what we don't know that leaves a greater impact.

The book really takes off with the introduction of Desiree. Again I was hesitant. The idea of Erik tutoring and molding the talents of another female student seemed repetitive and trite but I was wrong. The private young woman breathes life into the story almost the moment she appears. It is through her that Hopkins' talent shines.

Valletta's Royal Opera House provides a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop for the continued story of the Opera Ghost and the plot is wonderfully constructed. Once the story takes off it simply doesn't let you go. My only real complaint is the hasty ending. Every other aspect takes time to develop allowing the reader to digest it but the final scene is feels more like a drive by.

Sadly, The Phantom of Valletta is no longer free to download but the book is more than worth looking into. For fans of the story, this one is not to be missed.

Top reviews from other countries

Conspiracy Queen

A Happy Ending!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 10, 2013

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A MUST for all Phantom Phans! As a long time fan of the original book and the musical I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. How lovely-a happy ending AND Erik made his peace with Christine. PHABULOUS!

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