"Phantom of the Opera fans no longer need to ponder what was in Erik's past, as Kay has created one for him in this deeply moving, poignant story. . . This sad, but beautiful, novel will be especially popular with [those] who have enjoyed the current musical . . . " €“ School Library Journal €œA MUST READ! Haunting and riveting.€Â€“ Rave Reviews €œDo we really need another spin-off of Gaston Leroux€s horror tale, The Phantom of the Opera? IF IT€S AS GOOD AS SUSAN KAY€S PHANTOM, YOU BET WE DO! €“ The Times Picayune €œA VICTORY! STAYS WITH YOU AFTER THE LAST PAGE IS TURNED . . .€ €“ Palm Beach Post Phantom From birth, Erik is disfigured, at once blessed and cursed. Inborn genius lifts him to the heights of the mind, but a horrible deformity denies him both his mother€s love and any chance at recognition. He escapes imprisonment to live a life on the run; he kills to be free. Finally, at the Paris Opera House, he encounters beautiful, talented Christine and defies the world and himself in a desperate attempt to love and be loved.