Customer Reviews

Modern Classics of Fantasy

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This rather large book kicks off with a relatively brief essay which gives a simple history of the fantasy genre and places in context with other genres without attempting to nail down a hard and fast defintion of what a fantasy story is. Most of the stories in the anthology didn't do much for me, which I more or less expected. Those I considered time well spent were: "Two Sadnesses" by George Effinger, "The Signaller" by Keith Roberts, "The Tale of Hauk" by Poul Anderson, "Into Gold" by Tanith Lee, "Flowers of Edo" by Bruce Sterling, and "The Man Who Painted the Dragon Griaule" by Lucius Shepard. This doesn't include the Fritz Leiber stories, which I've read before, and are--of course--outstanding.

In the begining I got this book only to read "Beauty and the Opera" by Suzy Charnas. Now, this was an um, interesting look at what might have happened if Erik had made Christine go through with the marrige she had promised him. Now, to do this Christine did not seem to stay in character, which I suppose was fine. She was not the meek little mouse that she usually is. And to live with Erik I suppose one would have to grow up. There is a lot of mention of Erik's face and what Christine really thought it. Also in this version Erik and Christine are well.. I suppose one can say, closer then they ever were. A good read for the very avid "phreak". Just another perspective of Erik and Christine.

If your a fan of the musical 'The Phantom of the Opera' and wish to read a book about a cynical and fiercly passionate Erik with an equally determined Christine by his side this is for you. In this new version of the tragic love story Christine agrees to stay with Erik for five years and wins with the kiss she exchanges with Erik the power to govern the violent side to his nature. Unfortunately the only thing that tends to let this book down is 'Erik's image'. With Christine narrating it is very difficult to find out what Erik is feeling inside. Christine is more determined what is good for her character but slightly demanding and bossy. Erik is also prone to cruelty and temper fits. The first few pages of the book are very good but it starts to fumble towards the end. Fans of Erik will not be pleased by the way he is described ie. his face and eating habits, although on a brighter side some of his comments are incredibly funny and will make you laugh. In this book it appears that Christine doesn't really love Erik more likely that she is doing him a good turn in exchange for Raoul's life. If you want read about Erik's darker and more crudely passionate side, it is well worth the read!