Chanson de l'Ange - The Bleeding Rose Bk #2 by Paisley Swan Stewart

Chanson de l’Ange by Paisley Swan Stewart is a 3 volume epic retelling of The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux. Drawing inspiration from The Opera Ghost in all his incarnations through book and film; and remaining faithful to key story elements from the classic original, the author weaves a haunting tale of Christine Daae’s companionship with the mysterious Angel of Music. 

Book Two~The Bleeding Rose: continues Christine’s journey into an unorthodox attachment to her invisible teacher, and a bond of obsession and music is forged as her dark Angel methodically makes himself known. Through the illusory dreams of her adolescent desires, Christine will discover that not all angels have wings and not all devils are what they seem to be…for there are two sides to the Angel’s enchanted mirror.

(Image and Description from Goodreads.com)

All through book one Orphan in Winter, Erik was digging himself deeper and deeper into a hole as he tried harder to convince Christine (as well as himself) that he was her Angel of Music and now we get to read him digging himself out of the hole and dealing with the consequences.

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It was gorgeous to read the growing relationship between Erik and Christine now that she knew who and what Erik was. There were quite a few cringe worthy moments when I wanted to get hold of both Erik and Christine, give them a good shake and tell them to live happily ever after already

Needless to say, nothing in our poor Phantom's life has ever been easy, so why should getting the girl he loved be any different?

It was clear to see how much Erik longed for Christine and it was sad to see how he struggled with his own emotions as well as trusting Christine's.

Christine - of course - did not help matters but then again, her actions were understandable. She was trying to deal with her own feelings towards Erik and then coping with his reactions to her actions. I could see why she would go to Raoul as a safe place while still caring for and being attracted to Erik.

Madam Giry and Meg continue to be wonderful supporting cast and I am really glad that they have not been pushed into non-existence by the Erik/Raoul/Christine relationship.

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The Bleeding Rose is in no way a let down from Orphan in Winter and Ms Stewart continues to delve into the depths of the characters minds without shying away from anything. 

Brava!