Helpful Score: 1
The Sultan's Favorite by Anne Burnside is the single best Phantom of the Opera "sequel" I have read. Much the way Susan Kay's Phantom retold the original story in fabulous detail; Anne Burnside has opened a window into what happened to Erik after the curtain dropped in the original as well as fleshing out the character's background and giving us an insight into his thoughts.
The story opens with Erik as the architect in charge of building a fantastic palace for the sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The sultan soon acquires a third wife who quickly becomes his favorite. Erik is drawn to Alexandria for her beauty as well as her intelligence and in the process of working with her on her portion of the palace, he finds himself losing his heart again. Is history destined to repeat itself or is this a woman who can finally see the true man behind the mask? Even then, how can they ever be free to be together?
The writing was riveting and I was sucked into the story from the very beginning. It had everything you could want in a book including romance, action, intrigue, mystery and suspense. The re-emergence of characters from the original Phantom of the Opera merged seamlessly with the new characters. The only fault I could find with this book is that it eventually had to end. Rarely do I read a book that once finished, makes me want to immediately reread it but The Sultan's Favorite is such a one.
There is even a glimmer at the end (at least to my mind) that a sequel to this book could be possible. If that were true, I would snatch it up in an instant (and perhaps even do a little happy dance). Regardless, this is Anne Burnsides debut novel and I look forward to reading anything else she comes out with.
The story opens with Erik as the architect in charge of building a fantastic palace for the sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The sultan soon acquires a third wife who quickly becomes his favorite. Erik is drawn to Alexandria for her beauty as well as her intelligence and in the process of working with her on her portion of the palace, he finds himself losing his heart again. Is history destined to repeat itself or is this a woman who can finally see the true man behind the mask? Even then, how can they ever be free to be together?
The writing was riveting and I was sucked into the story from the very beginning. It had everything you could want in a book including romance, action, intrigue, mystery and suspense. The re-emergence of characters from the original Phantom of the Opera merged seamlessly with the new characters. The only fault I could find with this book is that it eventually had to end. Rarely do I read a book that once finished, makes me want to immediately reread it but The Sultan's Favorite is such a one.
There is even a glimmer at the end (at least to my mind) that a sequel to this book could be possible. If that were true, I would snatch it up in an instant (and perhaps even do a little happy dance). Regardless, this is Anne Burnsides debut novel and I look forward to reading anything else she comes out with.
Helpful Score: 1
Few characters stick with you even after the book is closed. The tragic hero that is Erik, from The Phantom of the Opera, is one of those characters that will revisit your heart and mind for some time to come. In Anne Burnsides book The Sultans Favorite we catch up with our champion, Erik while he tries to rebuild his life after the horrifying events of the Opera Populare. This story finds Erik now in the Ottoman empire and chief architect to the Sultan.
While constructing the new palace his work is derailed by the Sultans newest acquisition, Constantinople and the widow of its ruler, his third wife Alexandria. Because of her goodness and beauty it is not long before Alexandria becomes the handsome rulers favorite wife. But being elevated in status does not come without its price, it is only by Eriks quick thinking that an assassination attempt on Alexandrias life is thwarted.
While Alexandria is no exception to Eriks short temper, it is not long before the two become unlikely friends. It is Alexandrias thirst for knowledge in a world where a womens education is forbidden, that intrigues Erik. So when the duo is forced to work together during the construction of her opulent quarters within the new palace, he finds himself falling for this unique creature. When the Sultan takes an trip to visit his new city events turn tragic, and there is no other to call to the rescue but Red Death himself.
The Sultans Favorite is a story of a woman who must learn to live within her new world of rules and limitations, and our Opera Ghosts battle with his feelings over another hopeless love affair. Anne Burnsides depiction of Erik is one that would make Leroux proud, as she captures the fire and passion that has made The Phantom so infamous. Ms. Burnside has resurrected our love for the underdog who we love to cheer for, the monster behind the mask, and has given us another chance to see him fight for love. This book is a worthy sequel to the first novel, and a pure joy to read, and allows us to visit a character who has stolen our hearts again.
While constructing the new palace his work is derailed by the Sultans newest acquisition, Constantinople and the widow of its ruler, his third wife Alexandria. Because of her goodness and beauty it is not long before Alexandria becomes the handsome rulers favorite wife. But being elevated in status does not come without its price, it is only by Eriks quick thinking that an assassination attempt on Alexandrias life is thwarted.
While Alexandria is no exception to Eriks short temper, it is not long before the two become unlikely friends. It is Alexandrias thirst for knowledge in a world where a womens education is forbidden, that intrigues Erik. So when the duo is forced to work together during the construction of her opulent quarters within the new palace, he finds himself falling for this unique creature. When the Sultan takes an trip to visit his new city events turn tragic, and there is no other to call to the rescue but Red Death himself.
The Sultans Favorite is a story of a woman who must learn to live within her new world of rules and limitations, and our Opera Ghosts battle with his feelings over another hopeless love affair. Anne Burnsides depiction of Erik is one that would make Leroux proud, as she captures the fire and passion that has made The Phantom so infamous. Ms. Burnside has resurrected our love for the underdog who we love to cheer for, the monster behind the mask, and has given us another chance to see him fight for love. This book is a worthy sequel to the first novel, and a pure joy to read, and allows us to visit a character who has stolen our hearts again.
