I’m so excited to be doing an incredibly special post about Roseblood by AG Howard!
And you should be excited too because I have a Q&A with the amazing master wordsmith AG Howard herself. And there’s an international giveaway at the end. BLESS THIS UNIVERSE.
Roseblood is like one of my #1 anticipated books of the year because (A) I’ve always been obsessed with the Phantom of the Opera, (B) and I mean I had a stage of my childhood where all I did was bash out the theme song on the piano most horrendously, and (C) I’ve also got a soft spot for ghostlike morally grey grapes like the Phantom, and (D) AG Howard’s books always impress and I’m a huge fan of her Splintered Alice in Wonderland retellings too. #BeStillMyBeatingHeart
Are we ready?? ARE YOU SINGING PHANTOM OF THE OPERA IN YOUR HEAD RIGHT NOW? (Because you better.) LET US FLAIL, ANGELS OF MUSIC.
(Also this cover, amirite?!? It’s too gorgeous.)
Goodreads Amazon Twitter Author’s Website
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.
THE #1 REASON YOU SHOULD READ IT IS I TOLD YOU TO AND I AM FIERCE.
- IT IS CREEPILY BRILLIANT. As all gothic retellings should be. The actual aesthetics of this book just make my soul give a happy sigh. Dead gardens and bleeding roses and violins and ancient theatre masks and DOOM with a sidedish of psychotic Phantoms. And it’s set in a boarding school inside a very old opera house and if that’s not aesthetically pleasing THEN I DON’T KNOW WHAT IS.
- IT HAS A SORT OF SEQUEL VIBE. It’s set in modern times (in Paris #blessthisbook) and follows Rune who is a super amazing opera singer — basically because she’s magically possessed and controlled by music. It ruins her life. So you’d think the Phantom would be dead? BUT NO. HA HA HA. In fact the Phantom has adopted a son (Thorn who is a magical violinist) which is just about the best plot twist I’ve ever heard of. IT’S LIKE AN APPRENTICE MANIAC PHANTOM.
- IT’S DUAL POV! And it does it in my favourite way, with having Rune in 1st person and Thorn in 3rd. SO BASICALLY AG HOWARD WROTE IT WITH ME IN MIND. #ActualTruth
- There is much music! I actually love books about music and can’t find many of them. So here we have Rune + singing. And Thorn + magical violining. AND THEY COMPLETE EACH OTHER. I’ll mention here that their ship name is Rune + Thorn = Tune. Also Thorn played music inside Rune’s head. Because why not. All the cool kids are using dreams for communication. Out of the way iPhone 6. We gotcha creepy brain possession.
- I EMPHATICALLY LIKE THE CREEPY. It even reminded me of This Savage Song with the themes of monsters and mayhem. Also Rune was 5000% aware how creepy it was and I loved her comments about “help me I’m in a horror movie”. Very meta. Very nice.
- And the writing is gorgeous. It has AG Howard’s trademark luscious prose and descriptions, although sometimes it was a wee bit too much and I would’ve preferred it to be more fast-paced and been IN the story more, instead of being TOLD the story quite so much. But that’s just me whinging a little in the background and considering I am entirely obsessed with this book still? It didn’t affect my enjoyment.
- If you want an emotional and slightly manic retelling of the Phantom of the Opera: here it is. It calls to you, it sings to you, angel of music. I spent the entire ending freaking out over our morally grey Phantom and the starcrossed lovers of Rune and Thorn and wondering if EVERYONE WAS GOING TO BURN AND DIE. And a good book is one that is slightly stressful and entirely beautiful.
A.G. Howard is the International and NYT bestselling author of the Splintered Series, with a slew of other classical spinoffs and original stories in the works that she hopes will one day find a place on the shelves.
She was inspired to write her tribute to Carroll’s Wonderland while working at a school library. Her pastimes are reading, rollerblading, gardening, and family vacations which often include impromptu side trips to 18th century graveyards or condemned schoolhouses to appease her overactive muse.
SPLINTERED, UNHINGED, ENSNARED, and UNTAMED, the first four books in her urbanized /gothic Alice in Wonderland series, are now available from Amulet Books. Also soon to be available from Amulet is her Phantom of the Opera spinoff, ROSEBLOOD — slated to launch January 2017.
THE ARCHITECT OF SONG, the first book in her New Adult historical literary romance saga, will be available in August 2016.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE ROSEBLOOD TO GO FROM FIRST IDEA TO FINISHED NOVEL?
A.G. HOWARD: Hmmm. That’s an interesting question, because I actually contemplated a Phantom retelling even before I wrote Splintered. I’d seen other adaptations of The Phantom of the Opera — and one prequel that I adore (Phantom by Susan Kay) — but not many spinoffs or continuations. Like I did with Splintered, I knew I wanted to make it modern and contemporary to set it apart, while still retaining the elements of the original (gothic in this case). All I needed was a way to explain the Phantom’s longevity…how he had survived so many years. While I was trying to figure that out, the AiW idea came to me, and I opted to write it first. After it was so well received, it gave me the confidence to tackle the Phantom’s spinoff possibilities. So if I’m counting from the actual idea phase, it took 7 years for my story to make it onto paper. However, it actually took me a little over 7 months to research and write it once I finally began.
EVERYONE HAS SUCH BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE NAMES IN ROSEBLOOD! DO YOU HAVE A PROCESS FOR PICKING OR FINDING CHARACTER NAMES?
A.G. HOWARD: Thanks! Often, when I start a story, my names don’t always have a meaning. I just know my characters—who they are, the role they’ll play, even a head shot of what they look like—and I hop onto Internet databases and skim through baby names. The right ones will simply jump out at me. Hard to explain, but my gut knows what name is right. However, in RoseBlood, there were two names that I chose before I even knew anything about the characters other than that they would be the main POVs. I wanted the male POV’s name to be Thorn, in keeping with the rose theme/symbolism that’s prevalent throughout the book. As for the female POV’s name, I chose the word “Rune” because its definition parallels the book’s magical, otherworldly subplots: a prayer, poem, or a saying with mystical meaning or for use in casting a spell. Her surname, Germain, was also chose specifically to play a role in the mystical elements. If you surf the net for “Comte Sainte-Germain”, you’ll turn up fascinating rumors from the 1700’s of a man suspected of being immortal and having great talents and intellect, along with a knack for alchemy and black magic. I wanted Rune to be related to him, so his surname became hers.
CLEARLY YOUR GOTHIC RETELLINGS ARE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST THINGS TO GRACE OUR SHELVES. ARE THERE OTHER TALES YOU THINK WOULD MAKE EXCELLENT GOTHIC RETELLINGS?!
A.G. HOWARD: You’re so kind to say that! Thank you. 🙂 There are so many! Here are just a handful off the top of my head (fairytales and classics both) that I would consider expanding/reworking: Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel (although it would be hard to beat Disney’s Tangled), Jekyll and Hyde, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, and Dracula.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STOPPING BY, ANITA!
- OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!!
- 3 x mask and swag sets (donated by the author! yay!)
- 1 x Amazon ebook of Roseblood (from me because YOU ALL MUST READ IT!!)
- there’ll be 3 prizes, with 1st place getting a swag set AND the ebook, and the two subsequent winners getting a swag set each
- Also you must sing Phantom of the Opera to enter. I’ll be checking. Better believe it.
I am always so intrigued my Phantom of the Opera stuff’!! It’s so mysterious
Gloriously mysterious!! And there are so many interesting theories and movies and retellings ahhhh. IT’S THE BEST.
Hey there!
I’m so excited for this book! I’ve seen the phantom a couple times and I am indeed singing the song right now thanks to you. -,-
I really enjoyed A. G. Howards Alice in Wonderland retelling and I think that a gothic version of the phantom may be even MORE amazing! So please let me win this *Looks at you with puppy eyes* so I can satisfy the curiosity for this book full of gothic yumminess, beautiful names and The Phantom of the Opera. (pretty please with a cherry on top?)
Hugs and kisses from the tiny little bean of land called The Netherlands!
You are MOST welcome for me getting the song stuck in your head.😂 Honestly i’ve been mentally singing it on repeat for like, um, all afternoon while I got this post ready. BUT NO REGRETS BECAUSE IT IS A SONG OF GLORY.
Yesssss this is just as amazing as Splintered! Although I perhaps liked Splintered a tiny bit more because Morpheus. <3 Good luck with the giveaway!! 😀
OHMYGOD I SCREAMED A LITTLE AT HER OTHER IDEAS I AM DYING RIGHT NOW. This book was a reincarnation of my acual soul and I love it and I am so pleased with this fabulous review! Also lowkey jealous that you got to interview AGH??? #flail
I’M SO GLAD WE GOT TO FLAIL OVER THIS TOGETHER AND WE CAN JUST CONTINUE FLAILING NOW BECAUSE AFJDKSALFDDADJ. And I’m faaaamous by association now, right? RIGHT?! I’m sure that’s how it works. :’)
I really want to read this book! I’ve seen the Phantom movie but not the musical on stage. I’ll totally sing some songs from the movie soundtrack though if that’ll get me a copy of the book, although my singing is probably more likely to make you run in the other direction, haha. I also plan to read the original book since I like to read originals before retellings, and I need to read more classics anyway 😛 But man, I would love a Jekyll & Hyde and/or Dracula retelling! Those are two of the few classics I have read lol, and J&H has so much potential.
My singing can probably be summed up that way too.😂 I used to just volunteer to play the piano (badly) while my little sister sang. aHHH OUR FABULOUS CHILDHOOD. Good times.😂 And I’d like to read the original too someday! I’m super scared of classics but I love this one enough to risk it heheh.
(Wouldn’t a Dracula retelling be AMAZING though?!?? Let’s petition AG Howard to write one.😍)
I think I read the book when I was a lot younger! It seriously creeped me out though. I’m so excited for Roseblood, even though I haven’t read any other of her books. I’ve heard so much about them though, maybe I’m going to become a convert?
It is totally creepy.😂 BUT I STILL LOVE THE STORY. And yes yes do become a convert. I highly recommend it. :’)
I was lucky to see Phantom of the Opera in NYC and my mum got tickets very close to the stage. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen in my life. The soundtrack is amazing, whichever edition you’re listening to. The movie was good, too. Christine was never my favorite character, though. Eric, eccentric as he is, is still a great character.
I’m curious how Roseblood is going to handle the story in a modern setting. I haven’t read the Splintered series, so I’m not familiar with A.G.’s style.
I’ve only watched the movie (several times) and scenes from the actual live musical on youtube.😂 I’M IN LOVE WITH IT THOUGH. I AM. I love the Phantom best though…even though he’s kind of scary.😂
Oooh, this would be a glorious introduction! But honestly I’m a rabid fan here and am going to insist you read Splintered at some point too. Because MORPHEUS.
I do have the first book in the series around here somewhere. I remember picking it up because a.) Alice in Wonderland inspired for the win! and b.) the books have different colored inks for each one. That’s insanely unique!
Have you read the book she mentioned, Phantom by Susan Kay? I got it years ago for Christmas and it gives a very interesting look at Erik’s background. I think you’d like it because it’s got a lot of crazy background goings-on.
I haven’t read Phantom by Susan Kay actually. I hadn’t heard of it till recently! I did read Of Metal and Wishes by Sarah Fine which was a POTO retelling but set in a fantasy Asian inspired world in a Slaughter House!?? It wasn’t my favourite.😂 I need music!!
Weird. O.o I’m not sure how to feel about that. It definitely is different than any other retelling I’ve ever heard of before!
Bless you for making this international! And for reminding me that I should watch the Phantom of the Opera again.
You’re welcome!! 😂 INT giveaways are the best! ;D And I’ve reminded myself I should rewatch POTO again too!
I have seen the old Lon Chaney movie several times, but not the modern movie or play. I have read a couple of retellings. My favourite is Terry Pratchetts, ‘Maskerade’.
Great review!
Happy Reading!
~Icky. 🙂
It now strikes me that this 1925 movie will soon be one hundred years old. It definately stands the test of time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Phantom_of_the_Opera_(1925_film)
The other retelling I’ve read is Of Metal and Wishes by Sarah Fine but I want to read some more! I’m glad you enjoyed the review.🎉
So my exposure to Phantom of the Opera consists of reading an abridged version when I was younger, and (more recently) obsessing over Peter Hollens’ Phantom of the Opera medley because it fits so WELL with a story I want to write someday. But Roseblood does sound very cool, so maybe I’ll pick it up anyway if I have time and can get my hands on it.
Also, FYI: your Goodreads link is a bit broken.
Oooh, I need to go see the Peter Hollens’ medley then! And I haven’t seen the movie in YEARS but I have a sudden desperate need to go rewatch it.🎉
Scratch iPhone 6- IPHONE 7 GET OUTTA MY WAY.
I don’t even know what’s the latest things.😂 I don’t like phones.
I don’t either- I don’t have one- but when everyone around you who’s your age or younger has a phone, you get to know about this sort of stuff. E.g. right now with me there are 6 phones in this room belonging to 4 people. I KNOW SIX YEAR OLDS WHO HAVE TABLETS AND PHONES. The world has been invaded by technology. IT’S A CONSPIRACY WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE.
Agh, yes, a 6 year old with their own phone/ipad/whatever isn’t right.🙈🙊 I didn’t even get an ipod until I was like 17.😂 WE’RE DEFINITELY ALL GONNA DIE.
oUR BraiNS shaLL turN TO muSH
BTW, this is in a third world country. Just saying.
Okay, I didn’t know where you lived. And everyone around you has their own multiple phones and things even when they’re young? That’s very different to where I live in Australia I guess!
TBH, I think Australia is better? I mean, it’s kind of worrying to see kids on screens 24/7. Part of the reason, I think, is because mothers can’t really properly take care of their children and just dump screens on them to keep them occupied. It’s sad. Family relationships are ridiculously twisted and warped where I live.
this book sounds so amazing! i always love a mysterious story. i saw the phantom when i was a lot younger, i think, but i totally need to see it again! thanks so much for making the giveaway international!! 🙂
Yaas beautiful mysterious stories are just amazing! And this makes me want to see the Phantom of the Opera movie again too! (And you’re welcome for the giveaway. Good luck.🎉)
Oooooh, this looks fabulous! Phantom is essentially the only musical I like. I used to play the theme song in orchestra and always got chills.
YES. The songs always give me chills too!! And I’m the same, because I don’t love many musicals but I loooooove this one so much.
I seriously can’t wait for Roseblood!! I am IN LOVE with the Splintered series (plus Anita is so lovely on twitter) and have seen the DVD version of Phantom of the Opera + Love Never Dies. Love your blog! 💕
Ahhhh I’m so glad you love Splintered too! And omg isn’t Anita just the loveliest of ever?!?
It’s AMAZING AND I LOVE IT SO MUCH!! (And your reviews make it even better – if that’s possible) She is! So lovely 💕
I shall read it because I love the way you review?! I mean?! The flail?!?! And the fangirling?!! Yes!
ALL THE FLAIL! ALL THE FANGIRLING! It’s basically my language.😂
I literally was a like “VIOLIN!!!” Do you play????
YES YES I DID USE TO PLAY! I swapped to the cello though a few years back and now I don’t really play anything.😂 Do you play?
AAHHHHH!!! I have never seen a popular blogger that plays an instrument (other than guitar, because all the cool kids write “songs”). And yes, I do play – going since i was 8. 🙂
And the cello is beautiful! I can’t play it, but I love its sound. You should do a post about your musical career someday! XD
Omg I don’t feel like a popular blogger haha. But thank you.😂🙈🙊 YAS THAT YOU PLAY TOO!! I really want to get back into it, because it’s been forever and I miss it all. My musical career would make a very small post though, because I basically bailed because of performance anxiety.😂
CAIT GO PICK UP THE INSTRUMENT NOW! 😆 And sorry to hear that! 😭 Seriously though, I do hope you try it again. 🙂
I haven’t seen any Phantom musicals as of today (shame on me) (hides in the corner) so that’s why I am sooooooooooo excited to read RoseBlood! And it’s by A.G. Howard so I am definitely gonna check it out immediately!!!
AG Howard can do no wrong anyway, right?!?💕
THIS IS WONDERFUL!!! I’m afraid I haven’t seen the musical but I AM VERY MUCH EXCITED FOR ROSEBLOOD!!! (And no I won’t calm down! 😛 ) I love the cover!! I love that the masks are a part of the swag! And I love retellings!! I have a really good feeling about this book! Also I’m gonna start reading Splintered next week 🙂 🙂 I hope I love it like you did!! 🙂 Thanks for the amazing giveaway and awesome interview Cait 🙂
Pfft, no one is every calm on this blog SO BE AS WILDLY ENTHUSIASTIC AS YOU WANT. YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY.😂 And definitely have a good feeling because I can 500% attest to it being glorious.
caith is book MAMA OF EVIL! I mean, I am excited because I have never read this author or the pantom of the opera itself. So I am in!
WOOOO!! I HOPE YOU LOVE IT.🎉
I will read this definitely then.How did I not add this to my TBR?*ashamed of self*.But since it’s a retelling,I have high hopes for this one 😛
YOUR TBR WILL THANK YOU FOR ADDING IT FOR SURE. 😀 🎉🎉
Oh my goodness! I’d not heard of this before your review. Now, I can’t wait to read it. I’ve always been fascinated by the Phantom of the Opera. <3 but have never seen it – only in a crappy old movie. LOL
I’m so glad I got to introduce you to it than!! *flails wildly*
I really loved this one. It definitely has that Phantom of the Opera vibe to it. This will most likely be a re-read for me at some point. I’m glad you got to interview A.G. Howard too. That is really cool!! I’m looking forward to seeing what she does next.
Yaaas a perfectly fantastic Phantom vibe. I’m so endlessly happy with it. *flails around this epic book* AG Howard is so so lovely too!!
Guess what’s really strange — I read Splintered, but had NO idea there were sequels until I saw them in one of your posts, because my local library does not carry them. Imagine!
And I am aware of all the musical issues/flailing surrounding the original Phantom (my mother had a mild obsession with a few musicals years ago, and Phantom was one).
Oh really? That’s awesome that you know now though.😂 I hope you liked Splintered! I’m a little teeny tiny bit obsessed with Alice in Wonderland too.😂
I think I’m due for a rewatch on the movie! I’ve even seen the musical on Broadway which was an AMAZING experience!!
I can’t wait to see how this novel goes – I’m way down the wait list at my local library.
Thanks for the giveaway, Cait!
Ooh that’s so cool you’ve seen it live! LUCKY.🎉🎉 And I hope your reserve comes in really soon, eeep.
I LOVE Phantom and I am so excited for RoseBlood!!!!! I was hoping you would love it and that it would be amazing! While I have not seen Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera live and in person, I have seen another version simply called Phantom. I also have the full cast recording (ALW version), the book that includes the full libretto, the movie version, the original book and…. anything else phantom I have been able to find.
YAS I WAS DOOMED TO LOVE IT. I just adore all of AG Howard’s work omg. *flails wildly* I haven’t seen it live either, but I love the movie. :’)
What an amazing giveaway! This is a book that I have been highly anticipating because of its connection to Phantom of the Opera. By far one of my favourite musicals and books (Gaston Leroux wrote such a gripping story) and seeing it on broadway is high on my bucket list too! Thank you for hosting this giveaway!
I still need to read the original omg BUT I WILL DO THAT SOON!! And I love the movie so much, but it would be amazing to see it love too!
Ooh, I love Phantom! Now I want to go play the soundtrack on the piano. I wonder where that old book went…
Eeep, I love the soundtrack. <3 I so loved playing the overture and Angel of Music on the piano. GOOD TIMES. I don't even know if I'd remember how to play them now though.😂
You want to know what is insanely creepy?? I had a dream last night that I went to Disneyland and met Gerald Butler. I kid you not- it happened. And then I woke up to this- it must be a sign! I need to read this book. Now.
DUDE, THAT IS DEFINITELY A SIGN THAT THIS BOOK IS CALLING TO YOU.😂
I adore A.G.Howard’s writing and the Splintered series is one of my favourites. I actually ordered Roseblood a few weeks ago so it should come sometime this week and I can’t contain my excitement. Although I stumbled upon a few relatively negatives reviews and you have no idea how happy your review made me because I just can’t accept the fact that A.G.Howard could write something bad. I haven’t read the reviews because spoilers, but I’ve heard something about bullying and animal cruelty and abuse and sex trafficing and I was looking at it like: “This can’t be Roseblood. They’re talking about something else.” I mean, yeah, her books are dark and gothic so I expect some darkness but this just scared me so much. Though I’m still excited. I’d love to see gothic retelling of Cinderella but if A.G.Howard would write retelling of Dracula, that would be sooo amazing. 🙂
Eeep, I hope your order comes SUPER FAST BECAUSE I WANT TO FLAIL OVER IT WITH YOU.🎉🎉 (And yeaaaah, I’m so sad I’ve seen so many DNF’s and like the ending is absolutely emotionally HEARTWRENCHING AND PERFECT and I want everyone to read it?!? Ah well. It’s not for everyone.😂) And ah, yes there are super dark themes in it but they’re not graphically written AND like have these people heard the original story??? It’s super dark! (The Phantom rescues/adopts Thorn from a really bad life which is…super good?!? I don’t see why anyone would have an issue with that.)
I read Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera way back in middle school. Since then I’ve been interested on how others put a spin on such memorable story. Excited to read this one!
I still need to read the actual original instead of just reading all the retellings and watching the movies bahaha.😂 And in middle school?! That must’ve been tough reading!
I Know very little about the Phantom Of the Opera story, but I still enjoyed the book immensely. I love the relationship between Rune and Thorn and the supernatural aspect of the story. I also loved her Splinter stories. I would love to see her rework Midsummers Night Dream or Jekyll and Hyde. But I’m sure anything she chose would be amazing.
I AGREE. Basically anything AG Howard writes is destined to be 1000% amazing.😍
I have never seen Phantom of the Opera, but I must say, I was completely and utterly dazzled by the 25th anniversary production with Sierra Bogress and Ramin Karimloo that came out a few years ago… Everyone in that one was just great, and I think they brought a lot of new interpretations and ideas to the stage… <3 I love that. This seems like such an interesting book to read! I know that I've wanted to read Phantom of the Opera-type stuff before, but secretly I didn't like the original Phantom of the Opera book very much, so I am more hopeful for this one.
I’ve only really seen the movie and a few clips on youtube of the live musicals. But eep, now I want to go luck up and see if there’s any on youtube from the edition you like!! I LOVE it when shows/books do retellings but also have a few twists on the original to keep things fresh. :’) And I actually haven’t read the original book yet but I want to…just to say I have.😂
My sister was in Phantom when she was in high school and I took pictures during all 8 performances. It was pretty amazing. Also I may have had a slight obsession in high school and watched it everyday while getting ready for several months lol. When I came across this book I got super excited! I’m a huge theatre nerd and I think more musicals need retellings. New books like Roseblood not the stories/plays that some are already based on. For example a new version of My Fair Lady or Pygmalion could be an awesome retelling!
Ooh, that IS completely awesome!! And I’m glad we both had a completely-obsessed-with-the-Phantom-of-the-Opera stages in highschool.😂 I hadn’t even THOUGHT much about musical retellings until this!?? Now I’m 100% for them and we need so many more. Eeep!
Eeee, I am SO excited to read this!!! But I’m holding out – I got tickets to see The Phantom of the Opera for Christmas, and I don’t really know the story, so as this a sequel-esque story, I’m waiting until I see the musical before reading it. BUT I AM EXCITED FOR BOTH!!! Also, my bookish Secret Santa got me a copy of Splintered for Christmas! I’m not really a fan of Alice in Wonderland, but I’ve heard such great things about the series, I’m looking forward to giving it a go. So I have both books waiting for me to read!
I think a gothic retelling of Beauty and the Beast would be awesome! All the retellings I’ve seen are either high fantasy or contemporary sci-fi – and although I’m a high fantasy fan, I’m not really wanting a high fantasy story. I don’t really know how to explain it, as there’s a prince who gets turned into a beast, that IS fantasy, but I just don’t want the extra world building and stuff. I want what we already know, expanded upon. (What do we already know, though? I’m not sure I’ve read the original; do the servants get turned into objects or is that just Disney? I hope that’s in the original, I really do.) But I think a gothic tale, what with the castle, and the monstrous beast, and the rose under glass… I can see that really working. There is definitely potential there. Oooh, I hope Howard writes it now, I really do! 😀
OOH TICKETS TO SEE IT LIVE?!? THAT’S AWESOME!🎉 And I totally attest to the fact that Splintered is simply amazing. Beyond amazing. AHHHHH. And none of the sequels let me down either which was such a relief (I’m so picky about sequels haha). I hope you do enjoy them if you get a chance to read them son. :’)
And YAS a think a gothic B&B would be beyond amazing. (I also really want that Dracula now.😂) And I do love how AG Howard does modernise them, because it allows for so many epic twists!!
The first broadway show I ever say in NYC was Phantom of the Opera. I already loved the story from watching the movie (obsessively I must add) but seeing the show in NYC? AMAZING!
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Ooh, seeing a live show would be so cool!! I’ve only seen the movie but I love that so much.😊
I really want to read this one
YAS YOU SHOUL! It calls to you. :’)
WOooow this book sounds amazing, and looks amazing. It’s really interesting to read about author’s creative processes. Hopefully I get to pick it up soon.
I always love the behind-the-scenes looks at authors’ processes! IT’S SO COOL. And yesss, I hope you get to read it soon too!
I haven’t read any of A.G. Howard’s books yet! Shame on me. I read her short story in Slasher Boys and Monster Girls, it made me want to read her books so much. I haven’t gotten around to it yet though! And I really love Alice in Wonderland. Also I know nothing about Phantom of The Opera. I have never seen a play or movie of Phantom of the Opera. I think its about a creepy man with a mask that kills people in an opera theater, I don’t know? I think that Cinderella could have an epic Gothic retelling. Take the perfectness and destroy and turn it into a monster story. I haven’t a Gothic Cinderella story yet? (P.S. What does the A.G. in A.G. Howard stand for?)
And I haven’t read the Slasher and Monster book yet!! Shame on me.😂 (Although you totally just reminded me to go see if my library has it, hehe.)
And yep that’s a definite rough outline of Phantom of the Opera!😂 It’s a lot more complicated though with the Phantom’s backstory/motives, although he is totally creepy, I will not deny. I really want to read the original book though, because I haven’t yet. Although classics terrify me??? BUT I’LL BE BRAVE.
(A.G. are her initials!)
Such a fantastic book! I love how dark and Gothic it is and the characters and the music and the mystery and the supernatural element and everything!!
~Sara
Yaaaas I’m so glad we both loved it!! *hi fives* It had such an epically creepy spin to it and I adore that!
I’M SO FREAKING EXCITED ABOUT THIS but at the same time I kind of forgot it was coming out? HELP I HAVE A HORRIBLE MEMORY. But seriously, that book is gorgeous. I’m actually considering buying one of those blank white masks so I can do a photo with it once I get this book because clearly all I think about it bookstagram these days.
Although, I’ve never read/seen the original Phantom of the Opera. WHICH IS AWFUL, I KNOW.
I have a horrible memory too SO I DON’T BLAME YOU.😂 But now that you’ve remembered….*piles all the Roseblood books on your head* GET TO IT, AINE. IT CALLS TO YOU. *starts eerily singing Phantom songs* 😂
(And I’m glad I’m not the only one who just thinks about bookstagram. Omg as soon as I heard there was a violinist in it I was like “RIGHT. GOOD THING I PLAYED THE VIOLIN IN MY YOUTH.”😂)
I’m so curious about this one! I’m really glad that you loved it so much. 🙂
-Lauren
Eeep, I hope you get a chance to read it someday!!
I love phantom of the opera! Have seen the musical on stage several times and I saw the sequel Love Never Dies (which wasn’t quite as good) loved the Alice ones so hoping this is as good. Can’t wait for my birthday, hope this is among my gifts.
My sister told me to avoid the sequel.😂 Hehe. But I’m kind of curious?! And I REALLY want to read the original book too, because I’m a bit ashamed of how passionately I love this series but I haven’t read the actual original yet!
I CANNOT WAITTTT TO READ THIS. I love Phantom of the Opera! I’ve watched the movie version and I LOVED IT. And also, in like year 8 one of the girls in my class sang the main Phantom theme (with the ridiculous high notes) and I’m still scarred because it was…not great. But omg I want to read ALL the A. G. Howard retellings now!!
And as for your giveaway, I did actually start singing it 😉 Ask my sister (she told me to shut up).
I’m scarred because Mime liked to sing all the high notes and it wasn’t great.😂 (SHH DON’T TELL HER I SAID THAT.) But then again, I liked to play the pieces on the piano and they weren’t great either. AH. FANDOM LIFE. We do so much butchering of good art in our enthusiasm. :’)
I’m so, so glad you loved this book so much! I enjoyed Splintered even if the world was a teeny tiny bit crazy and it took me some getting used to, I’m definitely in awe of the author’s talent to create magical worlds, and this makes me SO eager to get my hands on that one. Also, you’re SO lucky you got to interview the author, SO JEALOUS – but so THRILLED as well because I love the questions you asked. Her ideas of other retellings ARE AWESOME.
YAS THIS AUTHOR HAS ALL THE TALENT OMG. And I really like how she keeps the essence of the original story but also does crazy dark magical twists!?? LURVE. And fajdsklad AG Howard is just the nicest human of ever and I’m absolutely flailing out of my skull to have gotten to ask some questions!!
I feel kind of ashamed to say that I actually haven’t seen The Phantom of the Opera or read the novel. And that I’ve never read A.G. Howards books. (Dear god, please don’t hate me, haha.)
But I’ve seen such great reviews of her books in the past, like Splintered. It’s been in my TBR for ages, I just haven’t gotten into it yet haha. The way you worded this review makes me so so excited! Dual POV’s are great if they are handled well, that is. And Rune and Thorn sound like great characters. With the music integrated into the story and all, I have no doubt that this book would be great. Thank you for sharing the review Cait 🙂 I’m actually excited. (And I should really see Phantom now, I am still ashamed.)
Of course I don’t hate you!😂 There’s a lot to read/watch in this world…we can’t all be expected to get to all of it ASAP, right?! Although I’ll quietly nudge you in the direction of trying an AG Howard book someday. Because SO GOOD OMG. 🙂
Retellings = YES PLEASE!!! ALSO this book looks fabulous! I must definitely give it a try 🙂
Also, I don’t know but I’ve always loved the idea of doing a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, and making it a leetle more gruesome. Because it needs more dead characters/blood and gore in my opinion. *ahem*
I have to say that I love it when you do these interviews! It makes me really excited to read more books, especially by authors I haven’t read yet 🙂
Ooh a dark and gruesome Sleeping Beauty would be AMAZING. And tbh it is kind of a creepy story with all the witches and thousands years of sleep going on (although I could probably handle that length of nap by this point. :’)
Aww, I’M SO GLAD YOU LOVE THE INTERVIEWS! I never do enough of them right?!?😂
International giveaway? Man, should have been better if aussie only . then I have a better chance of winning. Defo wanna win this cuz it’s on my TBR!
PS: how do you check if I had sang that song, I don’t even know how to sing it.
I have dastardly mind reading powers and spies. I WILL KNOW.
Lovely review Cait! And I have never seen the musical, although I want to! AND I AM SO EXCITED FOR ROSEBLOOD OH MY GOSH! I can’t wait to get my hands on it when it comes out!
I loooove the movie, but I haven’t actually seen the onstage musical version.😂 BUT I HOPE YOU LOVE IT WHEN YOU TRY IT TOO!!
While I haven’t watched the entire musical, I saw the movie and it was great. AND I AM TOTALLY EXCITED FOR ROSEBLOOD. Thanks, Cait, for hosting this, you are such a role model for all the bookworms in the universe. #proudpineapple #proudminion
I LOVE THE MOVIE THE MOST AND BEST. <3 N'awww, but you're too nice!! 😉 I hope you get to read it soon!
I saw Phantom of the Opera at the theatre when I was a child. It was so scarey! Looking forward to Roseblood.
That’s so awesome you saw it live though!! LUCKY.
I love rewrites, modern day retellings, etc. of old stories and this one definitely catches my eye (I never could get my hands on the Splintered series). And it definitely sounds like book that would do well with my students. The description makes it sound that it could be overly dramatic. Is it less “dramaz” and more atmosphere and tension, or am I going to want to strangle a character and tell them to shut up and listen? Which would bother me as a reader and wouldn’t phase most of my HS students. I’ve made this argument before and a student asked me, “What teenager listens?” We’ve chalked it up to the fact that I’m old and impatient.
Erm, I have no idea.😂 I loved it and didn’t think it was angsty!
OMG how cool would a Beuaty and the Biest/ Summernights Dream Retelling by AG Howard be???! #alliwantforchristmas
I so much love Phantom of the Opera, and yeeeees Phantom by Susan Kay is awesome!
Looking forward to this book *-*
Mary <3
ANYTHING BY AG HOWARD WILL BE AMAZING. But I agree sooo much!! I’d love a Summer nights retelling and a B&B one too.😍
I just want to read it… So bad…
Excellent life wish. Good luck for the giveaway!🎉🎉
I wasn’t planning on reading this book. The cover isn’t appealing to me and it just wasn’t calling for me. BUT. I read your review. And now I really REALLY want to read it! Argh!
My TBR doesn’t thank you, but I do!
AHHHH I’M SO HAPPY TO HEAR THIS. 🎉 *awards us both with cake* (Your TBR is most welcome for the upcoming pain.😂)
I’m definitely a fan of the Phantom of the Opera, and it’s on my list of plays to see. The songs are some of my favorite too, and I love singing them, particularly All I Ask of You. I’m soooo looking forward to reading this book!
The songs are so ENDLESSLY AMAZING. *flails* 🎉
Yay! Good for you Cait! *Enters giveaway* Thanks!
Good luck!!🎉🎉
I have not yet seen The Phantom of the Opera as a musical, but the book is on my bibliography for my Gothic Lit class. =D (I honestly didn’t even know it was a book. Bad me.)
But OH MY GOSH a modern retelling and YOU HAVE THE AUTHOR HERSELF AND AAAAAAAAHHHHHH. SO MUCH AMAZING AND CREEPY AND DARK MAGIC AND YEEEEEEEEES.
Oooh, I do want to read the actual book! I’m kind of ashamed I haven’t yet?!? But it’s on my to-do list officially…I’ll just pretend I’m not terrified of classics haha.
AND YES LOOK I TALKED TO THE AUTHOR = I AM PRACTICALLY FAMOUS BY ASSOCIATION.😍❤️
I am soooo excited to read Roseblood! I have seen the Phantom of the opera (on dvd only) and I loved it. I hope to one day see it in person. I also read A. G. Howard’s Splintered series and fell in love with Morpheus. 😍
YAYYYY I HOPE YOU LOVE IT SO MUCH!! 🎉 *flails wildly* And I’ve only seen POTO on dvd too. But like it counts right!?? 😉 And Morpehus = ❤️❤️
All you had to say was the magic words “this reminded me of This Savage Song”, and I was like I MUST READ THIS NOW GET OUT OF MY WAY WORLD SHOW ME THE WAY TO THIS BOOK! (Note: I have currently swindled my brother into reading TSS at the moment while I laugh evilly #winning)
I actually know very little about Phantom of the Opera. BUT! I do like gothic and retellings and magical music story elements = 😍😍😍 so this sounds like my kind of book. Looks like I have another book to add to my woefully small (aka nonexistent/empty/lonely) TBR…
Also Cait, can I just say that it is UNBELIEVABLY COOL that you interviewed A. G. Howard?!?! I’m dying for you over here… 🤗
OH GOOD. I WAS HOPING THAT WOULD CAPTURE SOMEONE’S ATTENTION.😂 Because honestly TSS is just the most beautiful amazing book in the existence of ever and *SHRIEKS FROM THE ROOFTOPS* I love it.😍 I’m trying to get my little sister to read it, but she reads slower than a tortoise in peanut butter.
And I still think this would make sense if you didn’t know the original POTO story!! SO THAT’S GOOD NEWS.
AND OMGGGGG I KNOW RIGHT I’M SO INCREDIBLY LUCKY. She’s the most absolutely incredible person of ever.🎉🎉
Lol!!! I KNOW! My sister is like that too!!! It’s been like 3 years since she read The Lightning Thief and she STILL HASN’T FINISHED THE SERIES!!! No harassment will make her go faster. Also, she is dawdling through this other series over the course of six monthes (and has only read 2/5) that I seriously read in 4 days AND I’M JUST DYING. WHO READS THAT SLOW. I WILL HAVE A HERMIT’S BEARD AND 900 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN BEFORE YOU’VE FINISHED, SMOL CUCUMBER, SO PLEASE SAVE ME AND GO. JUST. A. LITTLE. FASTER. PLEASE?!
I don’t really know the story of the Phantom of the Opera, but this book does sound interesting. I think I vaguely remember a group trying to reenact some parts of the play for English once. I had know idea what was going on and barely remember it though.
Fair enough! I can’t remember anything that happened in school for me haha. This is still an excellent story though! I don’t think it’d be confusing if you didn’t know POTO. 😀
Cool, I’m highly considering reading it some time in the future.
I’ve actually never seen Phantom, but it doesn’t matter because I am a big AG Howard fan! And I’m very excited to read Roseblood!!
YAY FOR AG HOWARD FANS. *hi fives* And I think the book would still make sense without having read/seen any other POTO things!
Fantastic Q&A! I think Rapunzel would be such an epic gothic retelling, especially because I DO adore Tangled so much and want to see more Rapunzel everywhere 😀 Thanks for sharing! <3
Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
Omg YES to Rapunzel + gothic. I am totally here for this.😍 We shall kidnap AG Howard and ask her to write all these books asap.😂
I’ve seen the Phantom movie and I love it! I love the music as well! Excited for this book!!
EEEP THIS IS AWESOME. I hope you enjoy it if you get a chance to read it!
Very exciting! Doing a Q&A must’ve been great. I’ve been thinking of doing one with a less-known author, cause they might agree to go with my lesser-known blog xD but haven’t done anything of the sort yet.
Hey, do you still play piano? I mean, do you find the time xD I barely do T_T books have taken the first seat.
But you know what is weird? I’ve never seen The Phantom Of The Opera 😐
But oh man. You DO make the book sound amazing. Although I think I should probably check out the real thing before I read it, huh xD
Yessss it’s so exciting to interview one’s heroes.🎉🎉 You could always reach out and see? Many authors are just so lovely and it’s so nice to chat to them! Although I totally generally get super freaked to talk to authors. THEY’RE JUST SO AWESOME. *collapses dramatically* 😂
Ah no I don’t really play music anymore. I do wish I did??? But I also have zero time.
I hope you like Roseblood if you try it!
TBH, I don’t know what I would even ask and what author I would pick 😀 you know how sometimes an idea is so remote from ever being possible to you in your head that you can’t even picture it ever happening? It’s like that 😀 clearly, I need to acquaint myself with this possibility more in my head now that I’m a book blogger.
I wish I played music too, still. Time and motivation. Meh.
I pre-ordered the book I’m just waaaaiting for the book to come. There seemed to have been a problem or something since it hasn’t even shipped yet … argh! *bites nails*
I can’t BELIEVE that you actually got to interview Anita! That’s just sooo awesome!
(I also got Splintered in the mail a few days ago … It’s definitely time for a reread!)
AWK! I hope your order comes in super soon!! *flails for you* AND YES I’M SO LUCKY AND ANITA IS SO LOVELY. <3
This book looks incredible; I have to read it!!! And so great you got to interview the author!
I’m so glad you like the sound of it too!! *cheers happily* And it was soooo exciting to interview the author. <3
Aaaaaaaaaaaggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS BOOK SOUNDS SO AWESOME AND COOL AND CREEPY AND COOL AND AWESOME AND DID I MENTION AWESOME AND COOL???????????????????? WHAT EVEN AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE, WHY AM I NOT READING THIS NOOOOOOWWWW?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Oh, and thinking of awesome books I need to get my talons- er, hands on, IS YOUR BOOK THAT YOU WROTE A WHILE AGO THAT HAD THAT BOY AND…. I THINK THERE WAS A HOUSE WITH YELLOW IN IT…. AND A LARGE FAMILY AND YOU SAID IT WAS GOING TO BE HAPPY-ISH OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT (I AM SO ASHAMED I CAN’T REMEMBER PRECISE DETAILS! AND I CALL MYSELF A FURY MINION?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! *DISTANT WAILING AND GRINDING OF TEETH*) BUT THE POINT IS, MY OFFER OF ALPHA, BETA OR EVEN ZETA READER STILL STANDS AND OH MY GOSH OH MYGOSH OHMYGOSH THERE ARE TOO MANY AMAZING AND FANTASTIC AND BRILLIANT AND FANTILIANT BOOKS I NEED TO READ RIGHT NOOOOOOWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But seriously, this book and your book and so many other books I need to read before they fall on me and I die a sad amazingness0-deprived death by tbr. *cue dramaticly scary and sad music* Though, to be honest, probably the best way to die, right? Anyway, PLEASE KEEP ME UPDATED AS TO WHEN I CAN READ YOUR BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~E
YAS I’M SO GLAD YOU LOVE THE SOUND OF IT. You should definitely try it sometime if you get the chance. 😉 Your talons really really want to devour this book mwahah.
Haha, that’s totally fine! Actually the happy-yellow-happy book is different from my ghost-book. But pfft, I never even remember what my own books are about half the time so you’re doing fine. 😜 But aww I appreciate that! I’m still editing, but maybe soon I’ll be able to ask for betas?! 🙈🙊 *tackle hugs* You’re too nice to me, E!!
YES!!! I forgot to mention (SHAME ON ME) how much I ADORE the Phantom of the Opera!!!!!!!! Yes, I love it, I love music- esspecially violin music- and WORDS IN THE FORM OF A BOOK, so basically there is no possible way in Heaven or Earth that this can go wrong right??
Oh man!! I am so sorry!!! You are so kind to be so forgiving, Majesty!!!!
*hyperventilated breathing* What??? DID I READ THAT CORRECTLY?!?!?!?!??!?!?! DID I? DID I??????? *FREAKING OUT* *SCREAMING LIKE A RABID FAN* AKDGAKSDGKAJIUEFKLJASLKFJDLKAJFOIEJLKAGHLKDSJGKLAJAUIOEJKLSADGHKLJGLSKUEIJSKLDJGKLASJD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DUDE, I AM SO PUMPED TO READ ANYTHING YOU HAVE PENNED (INCLUDING, OF COURSE, THESE FANTILIANT POSTS) OH MY GOSH I CAN’T EVENFORMWORDSWHATISMYLIFE I AM DYIG IAMDYINGDEADDEADDEAD
That is, Oh really? how cool! hehe *coughs to cover up frantic screaming of excitement and amazement*
~E
oh, P.S. Too nice????? NO SUCH THING. YOU ARE AMAZING AND YOU DESERVE IT.
AHHHH!! I am so glad you liked this books so DID I! I LOVED THORN AND RUNE! Thorn stole my heart with his voice and I cried like a baby when I heard about his and the Phantom’s history. Hmm.. a Tangled retelling with a mix of Gothic, now that would be EPIC! Lovely review and some amazing questions, thanks again Cait for making me smile! 😀
YAS SO MUCH LOVE FOR THORN. <3 And I loved all the new plot twists and the old. It was just all spectacular and clever right?!
YES! It was so awesome!
I truly had no idea that it was gothic, can you believe that? I really need to pay more attention!
Despite having wanted to read a novel by A.G., I’ve not read any of her novels. Perhaps the one to start with is this. One reason being I’ve not see any ‘Phantom’ re-tellings and this one seems like it’d be a great read! Thanks so much for the review, Cait; so glad you liked this one!
Yay!! I’m glad it caught your attention! 😀 🎉🎉Hopefully you enjoy it if you get a chance to read it too!
I didn’t read this because I don’t like anything POtO. Maybe I was traumatized by the old movie? Ha ha. I also loathed the songs in the Broadway musical. I was unaware that it was a standalone, though, and after reading a few reviews (including yours) I realized that it is enough different that I will probably end up reading it when it goes on ebook special. XD