Phantom By: Laura DeLuca (Review & Giveaway)

YA Thriller 

Title: Phantom

Author: Laura DeLuca

Book Description

The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.

Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.

Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.

Review

Oh my... wow! I don't know where to start, but first I have to write that I Seriously loved this story! It really is set in high school, and a lot of seniors play some major parts in the upcoming school production of Phantom, including the ever reserved, Rebecca Hope. She has a stunning voice though, and two different, and I mean different types of guys see that. Now they want her attention, as she is the star; she gets to play Christine! The two other guys include Goth dude: 'Lord' Justyn and Rebecca's surfer crush for like four years, Tom. This turns out to be one interesting love triangle, for reals! :)  But of course there are thrilling and mysterious events throughout the story that are chilling and even threatening because innocent people die, and the finger is immediately pointed to an obvious choice, a choice, that Rebecca cannot even consider, even though it is made obvious it might be the guy she is truly falling for. I just have to say that the ending is so not to be missed!! It was just so...unexpected!! And I think you will perhaps be shocked as I was when the truth is revealed....the rest, well, all of it, you just have to read for yourself, and I think you will love this story as there was definitely romance, a whole lot of mystery/chilling moments, and lyrics/singing of course!

The characters were really believable, realistic, and descriptive. In the beginning when the Play auditions occur, how everything was described, including Becca's uneasiness with performing, even in front of some other classmates, was relatable and reminded me a few years ago when I auditioned for a high school play. The feelings of nervousness and all those unsettling fears; what Rebecca feels was very relatable. The writing was phenomenal; there was a good pace, nice flow, everything from light romantic scenes to suspenseful ones, it's very absorbing! At times the writing could be so intense, the scene so intense, and it makes you read just a little faster, turning the page, after page to see what the result is. I indeed felt myself do this a few times, especially towards the end. My heart was beating just a tad fast and the suspense was written perfectly well...just Perfect!  DeLuca is a wonderful writer!

I found this story to be unpredictable at times, which I love, because I do ultimately like to be surprised; I like how a story can take fast unpredictable turns,  it's great! This story will keep you on the edge of your seat at times. This is a story that played in my head, like a film, and this would be such a cool one to actually see on the big screen, just saying! Also, the different musical lyrics were well picked and just beautiful and just imagining whom is signing it, is even better :) 

My Rating: 4.7/5

I say a PG-13 Rating 

Author Bio

Laura "Luna" DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and three children. She has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. Old high school friends would tell you she was always scratching in her notebook instead of paying attention in class and the children she used to babysit for always loved to hear her scary stories at bedtime. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. 

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*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising* 

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