Customer Reviews

Unmasqued: An Erotic Novel of The Phantom of The Opera

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(24)

 

 

I find it odd that people's knickers are in a knot when reviewing this book. I'm not sure how this book could have fooled anyone into believing it was a nice wholesome tale about POTO when the title is: Unmasqued: An EROTIC Novel of The Phantom of The Opera. People should know that this book is going to have sex in it; a lot of sex in it and people are having sex with each other in different ways. If you are not a fan of erotica then this may not be the book for you.

Also it should be noted that the author takes liberties with the plot. While we have our recognizable characters, Christine, Erik, Raoul, and Madame Giry some of the plot has been changed and the character's personalities have been altered. For instance Madame Giry loves sex...a lot. Raoul isn't so sweet and innocent and his brother likes kinky sex.

I found the writing to be very good. Apparently, Ms.Gale is a historical fiction author who has had other works published under a different name.

The story follows the plot of the original book(from what I can remember, its been a long time). We have the Angel of Music who Christine believes was sent to her by her dead father. Raoul and Christine spent a summer together at a beach. Erik doesn't like Raoul sniffing around Christine and he wants her to be the best singer possible. We have the chandelier falling and the lair scene. The Persian is not in the story however.

I enjoyed the majority of the book. The ending was horrible and too much for me to stomach. I found myself rolling my eyes at the end. It was truly corny, not needed and certainly not welcomed in this reader's opinion.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. For fans of POTO who would like something a little spicy and that aren't afraid to go with the flow I think you will enjoy this novel. For those fans that are hardcore and cannot accept anything but the original novel and hate erotica then I do not suggest you read this book.

I'm not incredibly familiar with the original Phantom of the Opera, so I'm not going to give you some kind of comparison. At any rate, I'm the kind of person who, for example, prefers to take a movie made from a novel as being a totally separate entity from that novel, so I also prefer to take "re-imaginings" and stories told from a different point of view than their originals on their own merits.

If it wasn't obvious just from the subtitle of the book, I'll make it perfectly clear now: this is an erotic romance. It isn't for children, and it isn't for prudes. It's quite explicit, with some BDSM, some scenes of coercion, and an attempted rape. (Some people like to enjoy or avoid specific things in their erotica, so I think it's best to be clear about this kind of thing up front.)

The story and characters are wonderful. For all that some folk still think romance and erotica tend to have sub-par writing or sacrifice story for sex, this book easily disproves that. The characters are absolutely delightful, from the lusty and cheeky Madame Giry to the controlling and scheming La Carlotta, from the haunted Phantom, Erik, to the obsessed Vicomte, Raoul. The story is tense and engaging, and I flew through the last chapter or two, turning pages just as quickly as I could read them, far more entranced by finding out what was going to happen than I was when I read the last few novels I read, even though several of those were supposedly 'thrillers'.

The pacing is perfect, giving us comic-yet-salacious interludes courtesy of Madame Giry to lighten the mood now and then, bringing references and characters full-circle as appropriate, and providing a wide array of sexual moods and scenarios to keep things from ever getting boring or feeling rehashed. The sex and romance never feel tacked-on or contrived, but always work as part of the story. The lush settings come alive with detail, and it's easy to lose yourself in the world that Colette Gale presents.

In short, if the premise of this book in any way interests you, then I highly recommend that you give it a try. It's an incredibly delightful read on any level.

And yes, the sex sizzles!

Well, the first thing I learned reading this book -- which was something I wondered -- was that I do not write erotica! As I had never read anything labeled "erotica", I didn't know. Now I do. I have written some fairly graphic sex scenes but they are interspersed throughout my (unpublished) novels and I don't think they come anywhere close to what would be called erotica. I am glad to know this because I always wondered exactly what erotica was -- I think it's one of those things you really have to read in order to know. Definitions just don't cut it!

Having said that, I wasn't at all shocked by this book, though I think some folks would be. Honestly, erotica is not something I'd want to read every day. Occasionally, though, I can deal with it! I'd definitely read her next book (her erotic take on THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO) and I picked up a vampire book the other day which is obviously in the erotic genre because it says so (several times) on the cover! By the way, anyone who reads UNMASQUED and doesn't notice that it says "An erotic novel of The Phantom of the Opera" needs to have their eyes examined. It really couldn't be more obvious.

Also, I'm sure there are folks who take issue with a writer turning a classic story into erotica -- well, the way I feel about that is, if you don't like it, don't read it. Don't buy it -- or, if you do, put it down if it drives you crazy. There's a whole world out there of books and life is too short to read what you don't like. I think, for me personally, I would be unlikely to pick up an erotic book unless there was something about it that interested me otherwise -- i.e, the Phantom, vampires, something medieval. In other words, a book set in modern times about people having continuous sex, would hold very little interest for me.

Would I recommend this? Well, yes and no. If you like erotica and/or you like the phantom, then by all means (and remember her "muse" for this phantom was Gerry Butler!!). If explicit sex on nearly every other page turns you off, then keep away.

Let me repeat...this book is very explicit!! A real eye-opener for me, as a reader and as a writer. I'm glad I read it.

Colette Gale "Unmasks" the true underlying sensuality of the Phantom of the Opera story in this splendid erotic version of the beloved classic. It was not until the most recent movie release that the sensuality of the story slightly came through. Now with Ms. Gale's erotic version, fans of the classic story can now move past the basic love story of Christine Daae's struggle with her "puppy love-type" attraction to Raoul, Viscomte De Chagny and her "sensual love" for Erik, her Angel of Music.

Ms. Gale's newest erotic version is a delight which steams with passion and many erotic scenes. It is not a version to be read by those who enjoy the story clean and sweet and are a bit squeamish about reading erotica. For the fan who has fantasized about the reality of what would have truly happened if Christine really followed her heart and sensual nature, those fans and readers will find this version to be more reality based and will thoroughly enjoy the sensuality that was felt to be left behind in other versions.

Ms. Gale's beginning biographer's notes and afterward explains how much of the historical research for this book came from Christine Daae's personal diaries. Earlier versions of the story seem to skim the true reality of the time, as ladies of the theatre and opera lost their virginity at young ages and many had protectors. Men of the aristocratic classes during the historical era, in which the story takes place, were not known to marry an opera star or actor, but rather those women who could bring money, lands, and prestige to the family name.

"An Erotic Novel of The Phantom of the Opera" is a unique and spellbinding book that should not be missed by those who are fans of historical erotic romance. Well-written and researched, I look forward to Ms. Gale's next erotic work on The Count of Monte Cristo.

Before you run out and buy this book, it's important to note one very distinguishing factor of this story: it is erotica. As such, you can expect a lot of sex. Kinky sex. Sex that involves biting and being pushed up against walls.

Now, for those of you who automatically assume that I'm insulting everyone's intelligence with such a disclaimer, I can only say, you might be surprised. Many readers seem to confuse erotica and romance. Unmasqued is not a froofy frolick through the daisies, but an intense and decadent romp through the opera house...naked.

Admittedly, I am not terribly familiar with Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera--it's been collecting dust on my bookshelves for at least ten years--nor am I terribly familiar with any of the written retellings and musical versions. In this case, perhaps, it's an advantage for me as I'm able to approach the tale of Christine Daaé and her opera ghost, Erik, with fresh eyes.

Christine is a performer in the Paris Opera House, and Erik is the disfigured outcast forced to disguise himself as a ghost to protect his identity and his livelihood. In the midst of his residence, he discovers and tutors the lovely Christine. As a result, Christine gains great acclaim as an opera singer and the two form an unbreakable bond and an irrevocable attraction...a love full of physical passion, emotional connection and surrounded by turmoil. Problems really begin when the vicompte and compte become intertwined in Christine's life and begin to vie for her, body and soul.

In the past I've found myself with the opportunity to review short works of erotica, so I was especially excited when my signed copy of Unmasqued, in all its novel-length glory, bounded through my door. Colette Gale certainly has a way with the titilating in this novel as the story itself is brimming with passion, and the sex scenes are dripping with intensity and creativity. Perhaps I'm easy to please, but I was especially impressed with Gale's ability to pen sex scenes that ring true of the time period. That is to say, there were no "quivering members" or any of those other dreadful euphemisms, but more period-friendly language to describe the erotic acts. I never felt as if I were tossed into the middle of Penthouse Letters in a mask and a cape.

While many a reviewer seems perterbed by Gale's license with the story, I can only see that this work is well-rounded in its own right and a really good time to read. I love that she's taken a classic and turned it completely on its head, but I'm a sucker for reinvention.

While the story is not without its flaws--it gets a bit repetitive and outlandish toward the end--overall, I can't complain much at all. And I can certainly give Ms. Gale my highest honor in assuring one and all that I would pick up and review her next novel, Master--an erotic retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo--in a heartbeat

The backdrop falls too close to Carlotta, the prima donna, during the dress rehearsal of the Paris Opera House's performance of Roméo et Juliette. Enraged, Carlotta storms off the set refusing to perform and the new managers, Monsieurs Richard and Moncharmin, are in a quandary. It so happens that their new patron, the Comte Philippe de Chagny and his brother are expected to attend that night's performance. Carlotta couldn't have walked out at a worse time.

But Mme Maude Giry, the head ballet instructor, suggests that they allow Christine, one of the chorus girls, to sing in Carlotta's stead as Christine has been taking lessons from a very good teacher over the past 6 months and her ability is exceptional. The managers, seemingly with no other alternative, encourage the 17-year-old ingenue to audition for them. At the conclusion of the audition, the managers smile. They are confident that young Christine Daae will be a success.

For Christine, that night's performance is a dream come true, not only for her, but for her ange as well, for he has been the one who's been instructing her in secret, although she has never seen his face. After the performance, she meets with her childhood friend, Raoul - the Comte's younger brother - who she hasn't seen since she was a little girl. He invites her to accompany him and his brother to dinner. While Christine is happy to see Raoul again and feels safe with him, she feels strangely uncomfortable with his older brother.

According to the Biographer's Note before the story begins, this is the true story of The Phantom of the Opera, as was found in the personal diaries of Christine Daae. Exactly how said biographer happened to obtain these diaries is not mentioned. While the biographer claims that she initially intended to keep the diaries private, she ultimately decided to expose them to the world "in all fairness to Christine and Erik". According to her, ever since M. Leroux had written his original novel, Erik has been unjustly "portrayed as a murderous villain, Christine as the helpless, manipulated ingenue, and the Vicomte Raoul de Chagny as the brave, love-struck swain." The author suspects this was done "in order to protect the reputation, and influence, of the Chagny family."

Without revealing the entire plot of the story - for those who may wish to read it - it turns out that Comte Philippe de Chagny is the actual villain. The where, how, and why he's the real villain I'll leave to your reading pleasure (or displeasure, as the case may be).

This is not merely another rendering of The Phantom of the Opera but it is also the erotic version of The Phantom of the Opera. I have nothing against erotica, per se, as a well-told love story with subtle erotic inferences can make for some enjoyable reading. But for me, a little bit of erotica goes a long way. As with most novels of this nature, they tend to cross the very fine line between the sensual and the sickening - and this novel does just that with the turn of a page.

Outside of two stimulating love scenes between Erik and Christine (but I will warn you, the sex is very graphic in both), the rest is just sex for the sake of sex. Christine is in a perpetual state of arousal as the three main male characters vie for her body. You see a side of Maude Giry and Carlotta that Gaston Leroux wouldn't have dared penned in his novel. The remainder of the so-called diaries would make fine fodder for the BDSM community. Needless to say, the biographer's Afterward is about as unbelievable as her Forward.

According to the same biographer, she also managed to obtain the journals of a certain Mercédès Herrera. Her next novel shall impart "a much different and accurate chronicle about what occurred during the years of Dantès' imprisonment, and what really happened when he came back to Paris as the wealthy, learned, and powerful Count of Monte Cristo." Something tells me I don't want to know.

About the Author: "Colette Gale is the pseudonym of a historical novelist."

I don't believe it.

I would like to say that I thought I knew everything there was to know about the subject of "sex" but boy, this book adds a whole new definition to the word! I definitely knew what I was getting into, but I must say that I will never look at a theater stage or a harp in the same way again! You'll absolutely get hot and bothered, but let's face it, didn't we all want these two together in the end anyway?

I was very hesitant to pick up this title because so many people truly bashed it in the reviews. Although, after reading a few of those not so positive reviews, I realized that those readers either had never actually read the book OR thought this book would be the same as the classic telling of POTO. If you want the real deal, don't read this book... go pick up the original Phantom of the Opera available here on Amazon! This book is very different from the original story - the characters behaviors are different, their choices are different, the outcomes are different... the only similarities between the this and the original include the setting and names. HOWEVER, I wanted something different so it worked for me.

FIRST A WARNING: This is an EROTIC novel so brace yourselves, there is oodles of sex included. Some of it is pretty hardcore and may not be for the general populace. If a little bondage freaks you out, don't buy this book. If a scenario where multiple partners are involved or a female actually admits to having a sex drive offends, don't buy this book. If you don't want to read about sex in any way shape or form, don't buy this book.

For anyone who does not mind the steam and spice, this book has a little romance, a bit of adventure, and is a very easy read. I found myself interested in where it was heading and actually found myself a bit jealous of Christine's choices from time to time. Yes, there is a part of the book that is pretty scary for Christine when she comes close to being raped. It is meant to be scary, and it worked. The author takes you from one sexual high to an extreme sexual low and uses that to provoke feelings in the reader. It really worked too, since I felt a little like I had been on a roller coaster ride upon reading. But again, if you don't like that type of fear, don't read this book.

And just to be clear, this book is all fiction. A few people misunderstood what the author writes at the beginning of the story about finding long lost letters of these characters. This is just more fiction added in to make the reader find authenticity in the story. It is just fiction. She does the same thing regarding her other book, The Count of Monte Cristo. But hey, you have to admit that having fooled so many readers, she did a pretty good job making things seem authentic!! But if you think about it, if there were actual letters proving the existence of these characters, wouldn't they have been included and this story would have been marked as non-fiction??

Overall, I found this to be one of the better reads I have experienced this year. I am pretty picky about good erotic fiction, and this one did not disappoint. However, I would recommend you know what type of reader you are prior to picking up this title though. This is not a book for a more conservative reader in case the word "EROTIC" in the title does not tip you off. Being honest with yourself about what you want (or don't want) from a story prior to purchase could really save you from disappointment. Happy reading!!

I am a HUGE phan of the Phantom story. Loved the stage show and LOVED the movie (and music!) with Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum. It was the movie that turned me into such a huge fan. I started reading Phantom fan fiction because I couldn't get enought of it and that's all I have been reading this year.

I am also an avid Romance reader. I understood when I purchased this book that it was an Erotic tale of Phantom of the Opera. I understood that there would be more graphic and detailed sex scenes and I was OK with that. I have to admit this was the first Erotic novel I have read let alone purchased and I was curious. I also thought that Phantom erotica was a good way to introduce me to this genre.

I was a bit taken back. Ms Gale opens with an author's note that the story contained within these pages is the TRUE story of Christine Daae and the de Chagny's taken from Ms Daae's personal diary, however, all other information will remain anonymous as to protect theses families.

Take that however you want to. I thought it was a load of hogwash. You will definitely think so after you read the book.

This book contains very graphic sex scenes from cover to cover. So much so, it became a distraction to a story line that was hiding in there...somewhere. There was no romance.....just animalistic, perverted, S and M torture and sex. This was NOT the Phantom erotica I was hoping for. I wanted to be wooed, wowed and melt reading about a tortured soul finding love and physical companionship.

Although, I do want to mention that the first two sex scenes between the two main characters (trying not to spoil to much here) were a turn on, however, the book takes a downward plunge real quick after that. All the other characters' sex scenes I could have done without. In fact, if you removed all the sex from this book, you would be left with a very, very short story.

Yes, I was disappointed. I thought Ms Gale was onto something special with the Phantom story. There was no love or romance in this novel. Just sex and too much of it that it became distasteful and dishonoring to a much loved story. Instead, Ms Gale turned a story of love, romance, obsession, hope and redemption and turned it into a slut house of horrors.

If you are looking for a Phantom book that contains love and romance and tasteful sex, I highly recommend Sadie Montgomery's four book series which follows right where the movie left off. "Phoenix of the Opera", "Out of Darkness", "Phantom's Opera" and "Phantom Death" are well worth the money and time to read. I still feel Ms Montgomery's series is the best I have read thus far.

As the old saying goes....if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. Off to write a GOOD erotic tale of the Phantom of the Opera. Cheers!

I am leaving this review for those of you (like me) who really really want to like this book...because it is of the Phantom after all...

LISTEN to the reviews....especially the ones with one or two stars (and read some of the higher ratings to be fair)...

To receive this many "one" star ratings is really very rare. I wanted to love the book....refused to believe the low star ratings...but they were right!

The issue isn't about it being erotica. I don't have a problem with that. This is not GOOD erotica or GOOD writing in my opinion. In the place of character development and storyline, you just get sex scenes that aren't sexy or erotic or moving in any way...

Yet, let me say that Ms. Gale will still be on my "to read" list. I read her other book, The Count of Monte Cristo and like it quite well!

I couldn't believe this was written by the same author. So, I am waiting for Maid Marian to see which writing personality shows it face...

Frankly, instead of spending time questioning Ms. Gale's writing....I am more inclined to shake my head at the 5 star reviews. THAT is why I decided to leave my own rewiew...

PASS, PLEASE PASS on this one....read her other if you want to check her out...