Wendy Coles-Littlepage

An excerpt from a Phiction Spotlight review on "The Phantom's Lair."
https://thephantomslair.wordpress.com/2017/04/04/phiction-spotlight-disfigured/

The Heroine

Let’s begin with the heroine of our story: Sylvie Bessette. A charming character, Sylvie is no Christine. As I’m sure most of my blog readers know by now, I was always traditionally an Erik/Christine supporter, but as I’ve started reading more and more books by authors like the one who wrote this phabulous novel, I’ve become more of a support of other character pairing with our beloved Phantom. Yet, again, another author has caused me to root for Erik to be with a more mature woman who can see past his physical deformity to the man underneath.

Sylvie isn’t the naive child that Christine was. However, in the same token, she still maintains a sense of innocence and goodness. She’s a caring and nurturing soul who’s bravely struck out to make a new, independent life for herself. She wants to stand on her own two feet while still helping others, and while she’s met with a few setbacks, she’s innovative and perseveres.

The Phantom

The author crafted the Phantom wonderfully, in my humble opinion. He was exactly as one would expect the Phantom to be. He’s not all fluffy kittens and bunnies and can even come off as a bit cruel and gruff at times. A powerful figure ensconced in darkness and mystery – just as we would expect him to be. Until Sylvie begins to break down his barriers, that is.

The Story

Sylvie’s passion is cooking, and can you guess it? That’s how she comes to be connected with the Phantom. After making friends with the Phantom’s aid, Madame Celestine Giry, Sylvie is commissioned to prepare meals to be delivered to the Phantom via a strict and somewhat odd set of instructions. Of course, Sylvie being the free, independent spirit that she is breaks the Phantom’s rules at every turn and ends up getting to know Erik, despite all the walls he’s put up to keep himself from getting hurt again after the fiasco with Christine Daae. Alas, I don’t want to say more for fear of spoilers. Just read the book, and you’ll see how gripping this story is.… (altro)