Deception by Shirley Yoshinaka

One of my Phantom of the Opera buddies told me about this book and was kind enough to gift me with a copy. I liked it for the originality of Erik's new woman Melodie. She was fresh and different. The book was pretty well written, though unphortunately smattered with quite a bit of language. (If that sort of thing bothers you, it does me) The main thing I DIDN'T like about it was the abruptness of the ending. I was just beginning to really get into the story when it was cut off. It felt like the author either lost interest, or had some other reason to cease writing it. Very odd. Overall, I liked it.

I thought the ending was a bit rushed....

This book I haven't read. When you say 'language', do you mean vulgar or swear words?

Without giving spoilers, can you give a brief description of the story, please.

Thank you.

PhantomnessFay wrote:

This book I haven't read. When you say 'language', do you mean vulgar or swear words?

yes there are some slang words but they're mainly in french. (lol)
I'll try this without spoilers...
Basically Melody is going blind. She writes music and she gets a commision under a fake name but she can't write the notes down herself. she meets Erik and they arrange a business agreement where she tells him what to write and he writes it...

you said no spoilers so i can't really tell you anymore....

No, no, that's good. It gives us enough to know what's going on.

So, you recommend this book? I'd hate to be disappointed.

Did you find this on Amazon.com?

Thank you.

I found it at Barnes&Noble but i'm sure amazon has it.
As far as recommending it...sure. It's kinda short and several parts are rushed but it has a good plot and the characters are portrayed well.

Okay, I now have another book on my Phantom list.

How would you compare this to Susan Kay's Phantom?

Thanks!

well its hard to compare the two. this one takes place after the distaster at the Opera Populaire. (yes its movie based) where as Phantom is "before Leroux"...do you understand?

Got it! I see the differences.

Did you find the characters in character with the movie? I assume the Phantom wore a white half mask? Did he answer to Erik or the Phantom?

Just curious. I hope this one didn't end with Raoul raising Erik's and Christine's son. Three fics ended like that. At least three I know of.

The characters seemed to go along with the movie. Erik answers to Erik. I don't remember exactly but i think he wore the white half mask.

I promise it doesn't end that way.

Good! A better ending I hope.

Thank you for clearing up my questions. Always good to find a good book.

a rushed ending if you ask me but i good one nonetheless.

Too bad for a rushed ending. If an author has taken so much time to write a book to that point, they should take more time and care with the ending.

Still and all, from what I've heard, this I have to read.

I wonder if there are any negative thoughts about the book? Are there?

Well i can promise you that amazon has it!

This review was given on amazon...(i only used part of it because it used a spoiler

Quote :

I knew that this story had something to do with Erik meeting a new female character, which I was all for - I like a little romance if it's done well. The minute I started reading, though, red flags just flew up everywhere.

1. The girl's name is Melodie (Come on. So she's the embodiment of music?)
2. Melodie is slowly going blind (How convenient for Erik)
3. Melodie is extremely good at writing music. (So much, in fact, that Erik is VERY impressed with her, and feels he must hang around her to learn more)
4. Melodie is mild-mannered and attractive (Erik saves Melodie from being run over by a horse, therefore taking notice of her womanly little curves)

the spoiler basically said that this person didn't like the ending.

There was one review that i don't find credible because whoever it was misspelled Erik's name....and another one that said it was Leroux based but its not.

someone else (whom i find credible) said

Quote :

I wish there was more of the personality of Erik, but it was decent

someone else said the author should have done more research on the time period.

that's the closest i could get to a bad review. hope i've helped though

Looks like the reviews have to be taken with a grain of salt. I shall have to read it myself.

Thank you!

taken with a grain of salt? what's that mean?

It means there is still a certain amount of skepticism in the claim or whatever the subject may be.

Sorry. I thought this was a common phrase. My bad.

It may be a common phrase. my common phrases are probably different from yours since english was my second language...

My apologies. The use of slang and colloquial phrases I forget that perhaps other may not understand.

Its okay. I do it too.

Sounds interesting... i'll have to see for my self.
Do they sell it like at Borders... or do you have to by it online?

For most all Phan fiction you'll have to look online. I recommend Amazon.com

Hope this helps!

I loved this sequel! So sweet and original.
I made an interview to its author in my web:
http://www.ladyghost.com/shirley.html
She was really charming!
Ladyghost.

I neglected to say "welcome" ladyghost! So nice to see you here.

How do you get your interviews? I've been to your site and read your interviews. Great job!

Thank you! I'm very glad if you like them!
Sometimes I contact directly with the erson I want to interview and sometimes there is always a friend who introduces me to them...hard work and good luck, indeed!
Ladyghost.