WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT DECEPTION ...
"This one is a winner and I'm keeping it to read again. I like the different story--no running and sobbing after Christine. Many many thanks to the author!!!! Even though the writing could be better, this is still worth reading for a fan who isn't caught up in the machochistic stalking thing that's in most of the other books."
~ Barnes & Noble Reviewer (Phantom Phan) - December 29, 2007
"I found this to be a captivating read, definitely capturing the spirit of Erik (the musical and movie version rather than the original novel.) Yes, it is a "happy ending" story - but is that so wrong? And yes, at times it is sappy and romantic, but what are fan fics for?
I was especially happy that this book was clean - as so many Phantom fics are NOT. I would rate this book no higher than PG. There is a good storyline and the ending makes you want to cheer. If you're a Phan who wants to see Erik have a happy ending for once, pick it up, it's worth the cost."
~ Amazon.com Reviewer (raynwise) - November 20, 2007
"This is compeling reading for all Phantom fans! It's a beautifully written story - I was loathe to put this down for a second!!"
~ Play.com Reviewer (Christine R.) - August 19, 2007
"Of the POTO follow up stories, this one has managed to capture to Erik's tortured, somewhat broody character the best so far. The situations were believable without stretching into the realm of impossible. It was nice to see a strong woman as a lead, one that was an equal match for our masked hero. Also nice to run accross an author who did some research of the time period. The choice of title is very appropriate for the story since all his life, Erik has had to carry on a Deception of his own."
~ Amazon.com Reviewer (L. Epps) - July 29, 2007
"I know that this story takes place after the original book, but I like how she didn't stick to the Ghostly Phantom of Leroux's book. She made him more human, loveable, and sexy ;)"
~ Amazon.com Reviewer ("Jane Austen") - May 25, 2007
"I was a bit skeptical about a pairing outside of Erik\Christine at first, but the character of Mellie is well written and a very believable match to the Phantom. Erik is very much in character, and although it starts a little slow- once I got into it I couldn't put it down."
~ Barnes & Noble Reviewer (Kacey) - May 24, 2007
"I think the author did a nice job transitioning the Phantom into a realistic character and giving him some time to mourn his former "life" at the opera house and then discover real romance with the leading lady of this story, Melodie. Although I found her blindness somewhat frustrating, (would have been nice for her to touch his face more or to have more physical contact with Eric) it made her other senses somewhat more credible (i.e. her talent at music). I felt the author truly expressed the way Eric continues to struggle with his insanity and anger and the traumatic past, and how it comes back in a very real way to threaten his future. I don't want to reveal the plot too much, but his love interest still contains that dangerous and sexy mystery that I loved so much in the movie and opera."
~ Amazon.com Reviewer ("Fan of Phantom") - May 14, 2007
"Totally satisfying, could not put it down once I started reading. The
characters were a joy, but the adventure was too short. Would love to
visit these characters again, real soon."
~ Amazon.com Reviewer (Jeannette) - April 4, 2007
"I was originally sceptical of this book, since I had never read a
sequal to The Phantom Of The Opera before, and I wasn't quite ready to
let the dream of Christine and Erik die. However, I was happily
surprised by this novel. Erik was greatly developed, as was Mellie, and
I couldn't put it down. The only thing that stopped me from reading it
all night into the morning was school. The plot is amazing, and I love
the scenarios the author has put the characters into. I must say that
it is one of my favorite books, and that's saying something, because
I'm usually very picky! I'm now in the middle of my second reading of
it, and it has not lost its charm. Thanks for a wonderful book, and I
hope the author comes out with more, as she is exceptionally talented!"
~ Barnes & Noble Reviewer (Allison F.) - March 24, 2007
"I just gave a review on a terrible phantom book, and now one that was good, and kept kind of in the character of the original, though it was based more on the movie/musical than the original work by Leroux. It was a good read, in fact I finished in two days. I wish there was more of the personality of Erik, but it was decent. I like the fact too that she stayed away from the love child of Erik and Christine that everyone seems to be writing about.
I do still wish that when these books are written, that there would be more adherance to the original, wonderful Leroux book. But, at least he was still French in this one.
I would recommend this book. It is a great book to show the humanity of a disfigured, scarred man that finally got his happy ending."
~ Amazon.com Reviewer (Dawn A. Skinner) - March 6, 2007
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and found it completely satisfying. I
would highly recommend it to anyone, who desperately wanted to know,
what happened next. A delightful story, with wonderful characters that
stand on their own. Only wished it had been longer. How about a Part 2?
I give it 10 stars."
~ Lulu.com Reviewer (Jeannie D.) - February 13, 2007
"Wow. Amazing. This was one of the
best books I have ever read. I recommend it to Phantom lovers
everywhere. Deception was beautifully written and has now earned it
self a permanent place on my bookshelf. Not an easy task to accomplish."
~ Barnes & Noble Reviewer (Susana gives 5 out of 5 stars) - February 7, 2007
"I ordered your book just a while ago and read it over the course of a few days. I was quite impressed by the proofediting of the text. I've read quite a few lately with rather annoying errors. I was expecting yours to be the same! After I read several chapters, I began to relax and really enjoy the fact that I wasn't going to be shocked to see "their" instead of "they're" and so on. Of course no one's perfect, and proofing is a difficult and time-consuming task, but you and/or Lulu did a good job of preparing the manuscript.
I loved the story, as well as the way it was written. It moved gracefully from section to section. Elegant and very readable. The restrained manner of the text certainly contributed to sexual tension.
I have to say that I was relieved to see two things in particular which other novels based on the story have NOT done. 1) You gave him time to mourn. I can't imagine that Erik would be ready to start a new life a day or so after having destroyed his home and given up the one woman he loved, a pupil whom he had nurtured over time and who had also opened his eyes to desire. 2) I was glad you matched him with someone in music. Again I don't think Erik could be separated from his love for music and I think a relationship with another woman would have to involve his obsession with music. I was touched by his chance to receive acclaim for his talent. The fact that the woman he falls in love with is also a genius and the way you describe their give and take is wonderful."
~ sadie (from GerardButler.net Forum) - January 21, 2007
~ kittypro (from GerardButler.net Forum) - December 26, 2006
"Truly enjoyed your book, Deception! The story flowed smoothly and the plot/characters were believable and well-developed. Like others, I could have read more. I find you a very good storyteller, Shirl!"
~ LadyAnn (from GerardButler.net Forum) - October 27, 2006
"I just finished reading Deception, i enjoyed it very much, well done. Very nice victorian story, with mellie and we always love to see Erik happy, thats for sure, thank you for writing it."
~ rosemarie (from GerardButler.net Forum) - October 24, 2006
"Shirley Yoshinaka's debut novel is actually one of the better ones in the genre. Her characters are consistent, her plot line makes sense and, best of all, she actually seems to understand the character of Erik as Leroux intended him to be. Yoshinaka's plot line, in which Erik befriends a female composer who is losing her sight, does *not* go down the typical road one might expect. She handles the plot twists very well, and puts a great deal of thought and information into every page of this brief novel. I don't want to say more for fear of giving away plot points, and this book is definitely worth reading to find out for yourself."
~ Amazon.com Reviewer (Sharon E. Cathcart gives 4 out of 5 stars) - December 18, 2006
"Wonderful! Erik, as we know him...but in different circumstances. The book is so
well written, and all the characters fresh and alive. The plot is
exciting and a page turner. You feel as if you are actually there, and
falling in love right along with Mellie...buy it, you will NOT be
disappointed!"
~ Lulu.com Reviewer (Irjam2) - October 17, 2006
"I love this book. I love everything Phantom, and I was never quite satisfied with the way ALW's version ended -- it left me so hungry for more. This book was all I could hope for to sate that hunger. I'm addicted. I've taken to follow the musical with "Deception" for a square, nourishing meal for my soul."
~ WHSmith Reviewer (Dan from LA gives it 5 out of 5 stars) - September 29, 2006
"I am a huge fan of POTO and I have read many a phanfiction and bought several different books of what life was like after the Paris Opera debacle. Well, this is simply a wonderful and believable tale of Erik's journey to find a normal life after Paris. He now quietly resides on the outskirts of London. He has worked hard to overcome his inner demons that helped to push Christine away.[...]He and Melodie do find love and acceptance together. This is truly a wonderfully written story about what might have happened after ERik leaves his lair. I read through it in one day, I just could not put it down. Ms. Yoshinaka knows her main characters and does not disappoint. If you are a Phantom of the Opera lover I highly recommend this book to you!!! Brilliant! I hope she writes more."
~ Amazon.com Reviewer (W. Kohorst) from Silver Spring, MD - September 10, 2006
"A great read!!! I got this book as a phan and fell head over heels in LOVE with it!!! It is a must have for any phan and I highly reccomend this book!!!!!"
~ Amazon.com Reviewer from Montoursville, PA - August 9, 2006
"Deception is a finely crafted story. The characters are very real, Erik acts like you would want him to act, he is an evolving human being, working on transcending his past regrettable actions. Melodie, the heroine, is a totally sympathetic character - I felt all her pain (and joy!). Both the characters evolve during the story. The sexual tension between the characters is very nicely done, not heavy handed at all, but definitely there! The villain David Wentworth is completely despicable, not so insane that you feel sorry for him. I love Phantom of the Opera, and especially Erik, and it is true to him. This is what Erik would have done after the tragic opera house events. Brava I say to Shirley!"
~ Iana, Massachusetts - June 29, 2006
"Well, I finished the book and I really enjoyed it. I loved both Erik and Mellie. Erik, because he was so protective of Mellie. As for Mellie, she accepted Erik even knowing of his past and his disfigurement. I hated to have the story end. It spoke of what true love is---accepting each others faults as well as the good in each other. I love the book. I would recommend it to other people. I can hardly wait for your next book."
~ Mary, Washington - June 7, 2006
"It is well written and well plotted, with characters so vivid that they literally spring to life from the pages. I would highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a good Phantom and/or romantic read. As they would say in the movie reviews, this one gets two thumbs up!"
~ Kathleen Jones - June 3, 2006
"Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the read. I couldn't put it down. Very interesting scenario and it worked well. Strong characters and an enjoyable read."
~ Christopher, Ontario - May 21, 2006
"A fabulous continuation of Erik's life after the disaster at the Paris opera house. Well written, giving the reader a perfect mental picture of the events as the story progresses. A must-read for Phantom fans!"
~ Desiree, Texas - April 10, 2006
"I found this book to be extremely well-written -- I could envision most of the scenes in my head as clearly as if I were seeing them on television or at the movies. My only complaint would have to be that the book is too short -- I could have easily read 100 more pages about these characters and not grow tired of them. This is most definitely a "keeper" -- a book to read again and again, and each time it will seem as fresh and wonderful as the first. Bravissima!!"
~ Jill, Missouri - March 29, 2006
WANT TO READ AN EXCERPT ? HERE IS THE PROLOGUE :
~ Paris, France
March 1880
One step and this would all be over.
Erik stared down at the murky depths of the lake, a torch ablaze in his
hand. His head was bowed, throat clogged with a bitter sense of loss.
The water below was stagnant; a black mirror, yet it cast no reflection
from its glassy surface.
He was grateful for that.
Closing his eyes, he swayed forward, then back, and forward again. It
would be so easy to end his wretched existence, the exquisite pain that
tore his breath away every time he thought of her.
It had been two days since he’d last seen her and already, it felt like
a lifetime. He longed to put an end to the torture. He had nothing left.
But he still had his pride.
Erik opened his eyes, the fingers of his free hand curling into a
clenched fist. He’d survived worse than this in his life. It was only
his heart that had been shattered, not his will. He didn’t need her. He
didn’t need anyone. Fate had dealt him brutal blows at seemingly every
turn, but he’d always managed to rise above the hardships. As a child,
he’d been forced to endure whatever circumstances befell him. He’d
sworn never to be powerless again.
He was in control.
Spinning around, Erik raised the torch higher and surveyed the remains
of his lair. His lips tightened in a grimace. The mob had been
thorough, ransacking and looting anything remotely valuable. He
extended his gaze farther, toward the organ. It sat intact, though
several pipes were dented in. If its size and weight hadn’t been a
hindrance, it would have been carted away as well.
This lair was no longer home. He had to make a fresh start.
Erik strode forward. He weaved his way around an overturned table. His
boots crunched on fragments of glass. Fingering the edge of the mask on
his face, he was lost in thought. Memories of her
began to intrude once more, preying upon his mind. He stomped them
down. If he could excise them with a knife, he would. Nothing, however,
was ever that simple.
He would have to learn to live without her.
AND HERE ARE A FEW MORE CHAPTERS :
| Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 |
Please contact me if you:
- have problems viewing the MS Word documents
- want to read some more chapters
- would like to submit a review of the book
- have any other comments or questions. I would love to hear from you!