Phantom by Greer Rivers was one of the best retellings I’ve read in a while. I have never been a huge fan of the mafia/criminal world, but this book 100% changed that for me.

It is a modern day dark retelling of the infamous Phantom of the opera - the book I believe really created us dark romance girlies - it is set in New Orleans around the criminal underworld.

There is obsession, an anti hero, forced proximity, mafia organization, and the vibe is deliciously dark and gothic.

Our MCs are very troubled and have both been through it, which I believe makes such great chemistry and devotion towards each other.

Greer Rivers has done a wonderful job with expressing the challenges of dealing with mental health and emotional distress, especially through the fmc.

As someone with similar struggles, I was able to connect with the fmc that way and really feel for what she was going through.

A common issue amongst other reviewers with this book is the pacing of it all. Some believe the characters were really quick to go from strangers to devoted, obsessed partners, but I believe that this is exactly how it should be.

The phantom doesn’t take his time to get to know Cristine Daae in the original. He was obsessed the moment he heard her sing. Daae was obsessed with him from the moment she saw him. He is alluring, they are drawn to each other. There is an undeniable pull between them and Greer Rivers saw that as well.

This book is beyond just another retelling. It is exactly what I want from a Phantom of the Opera story, as the original has so much that it represents.

I recommend this to anyone that loves an obsessive masked man and an intense love affair. As always with books such as these, check your trigger warnings before reading as this is an 18+ read, and take care of your mental health.