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Phantom Rising #2

Skeletons in the Closet

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Librarian's note: An alternate cover edition can be found here


Twenty years after the Phantom of the Opera has vacated the Paris Opera House, his past catches up with him, endangering not only his own life, but that of his wife and son. The Sultana of Mazenderan � whom Erik last saw as a ten-year-old girl � wants Erik to commit foul deeds for her (again) and will not take no for an answer.

After the Sultana kidnaps Erik’s wife to ensure his performance and Erik is injured, he is forced to seek out help. Erik’s son leaves his true love to come to Erik’s aid. Will Erik be able to rescue his beloved and protect his son without having to perform the wretched deeds, or will he be forced to commit evil acts to save the ones he loves?

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2016

27 people are currently reading
522 people want to read

About the author

Davyne DeSye

12Ìýbooks126Ìýfollowers
Davyne is the author of the Phantom Rising Series � a trio of historical romances which continue the saga of the Phantom of the Opera � as well as the Aggressor Queen Series � a duo of alien invasion science fiction novels. She has also written a sweet paranormal ghost romance, Love Whispers Through the Veil, and an anthology of speculative fiction short stories, Soap Bubble Dreams and Other Distortions.

Davyne’s writing focuses on strong characterization, a sense of adventure, and emotional impact, reflecting her own passionate view on life. She draws from positive experiences in her life (going on safari, being in a television commercial, becoming a lifeguard) and more painful ones (being kidnapped as a child at knife-point [promptly rescued by Dad!], breaking her arms falling 60 feet off a cliff, breaking her neck at the senior prom) to realistically craft her characters, both good and evil.

Davyne grew up traveling the world with her diplomat parents, and has lived in Germany, Bolivia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Japan, and Korea. After several academic and career choices (including computer programming and fine art photography!), she finally settled into the law and was an attorney for over twenty years, although writing has always been her first true love.

The list of things she loves is long and includes her family (she survived having five teenagers at one time!), Christmas, cooking, laughing, being an introvert (despite her propensity to arm-waving when excited about a topic), intriguing mouths, sneezing and � of course � reading. Her list of dislikes is relatively small: bigots, hypocrites and mean people. Oh, and lima beans.

She lives with her husband in their Colorado home and in Mexico.

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5 stars
44 (58%)
4 stars
18 (24%)
3 stars
8 (10%)
2 stars
4 (5%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Bobby Underwood.
AuthorÌý129 books336 followers
September 14, 2018
Sweepingly romantic and swiftly moving, this second Phantom continuation from Davyne DeSye begins many years after her sequel to the original story, For Love of the Phantom, concludes. Erik and Christine are still together, but old enough to have a son named Petter striking out on his own in London, far from Sweden. Christine’s inability to let her young man Petter spread his wings and make his own way hangs over the couple’s every interaction like a fog. Still very much in love, however, a trip to see Petter looms on the horizon.

The first portion of the book switches back and forth between Erik and Christine, and Petter’s life in London, who is enchanted by a girl named Constance who is as breathtakingly beautiful as she is shallow and manipulative. The young man swoons over Constance, unable to see the jewel in front of him � his steadfast friend and bright light, Phoebe. Petter knows nothing of his father’s past as the Opera Ghost, but soon events will force Erik back into that world when the Sultana, older now and terribly mad, reenters his life.

The more languid and romantic aspects eventually give way to an action-filled and exciting narrative which reaches a heart-stopping crescendo. There are so many fantastically rendered scenes of danger � and on one occasion, brutal savagery � that it’s an astounding feat that the author manages to never lose the romanticism of the story, which is about love and sacrifice. Hidden messages left on mirrors, old friends and vicious adversaries, thrilling action, and terrific interaction between the characters make this a pleasure to read, a book to get lost in as we go from Sweden to London, from Paris to Constantinople and Mazenderan. Faraz and Mattis are on hand at various points, as we root for Erik to find Christine before he must commit a terrible act in order to save her. Tropes like secret tunnels, trap doors and walled passages with peep holes, seem almost fresh and new in the hands of this author because she makes us care, and imbues the narrative with urgency and excitement.

Intelligent and beautifully written, this is atmospheric storytelling on a grand scale, both an adventure and romance. Or perhaps two romances! I have left narrative details vague this time, for those who haven’t yet read For Love of the Phantom. Though this story can stand on its own, I do feel it’s best to pick up directly after the classic original story, as For Love of the Phantom does, in order to see how we got here to Skeletons in the Closet.

The book begins romantically enough, with Christine’s melancholy in regard to her son leaving the nest. There is also great charm to Petter’s romantic troubles because the reader wants to shake him so that he’ll see Phoebe, who is right in front of him. The tension builds quickly however, blossoming into a wonderfully romantic rescue story filled with real danger. The narrative is tremendously exciting as it races toward an electrifying conclusion. It will certainly enthrall any Phantom lover, because this one is very much steeped in the past, as dark deeds and darker days threaten to intrude on Erik and Christine’s great love.

This is romantic derring-do of the highest quality. No Phantom fan could possibly be disappointed in this, or the previous entry, For Love of the Phantom. I understand a prequel of sorts is in the near future, and look forward to the same lush and romantic, compelling storytelling that make the imagined sequels to the original so wonderful. My highest recommendation!
Profile Image for Lauren.
AuthorÌý19 books39 followers
January 3, 2017
This book is an excellent continuation of the Phantom Rising series and extension of the original elements of The Phantom of the Opera, although the story is rich and complete enough to stand on its own. The book was a little slow to start (for me), but soon progressed to the point where I could not put it down. The plot moves along wonderfully as the viewpoints switch between Erik, Christine, and their son, Petter. The author does an excellent job of transporting you through vivid details into the era and setting. I found myself immersed in the intriguing events and gripping action, and was amazed that the author could flow from the horrifyingly grotesque into the stunningly beautiful with such ease, especially in describing the interactions and relationships between the characters. It isn't overly sexual, which I appreciated, but holds enough steam to satisfy the serial romance reader.
I only wish that the cover better reflected the tone of the book (it makes it look like more of a horror story than a romantic adventure), and I wish that Petter, who I think is an excellently developed character, had a little more "screen time." Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I look forward to reading other works from this author.
Profile Image for A.D. Herrick.
AuthorÌý22 books74 followers
February 23, 2017
Awesome!!

What an amazing story about love and sacrifice.
The story is a wonderful blend of love, mystery, and suspense.

Erik is on the run. When his past catches up with him he must face his past in order to save his wife.

After being g injured, Erik must do the unthinkable by involving his son Letter, who has just begun creating a name for his self in London

This is an absolutely amazing story that truly grabs your attention and holds it as you eagerly flip the pages to discover what will happen next.
Profile Image for Goth Gone Grey.
1,148 reviews47 followers
September 15, 2017
Good but a bit drawn out

I was enchanted by the first book in this series. The second is good but seems a bit drawn out in places. It could have moved a bit quicker without the repetition of Erik's cleverness & building skills in multiple locations. Overall still a strong read with respect for the original characters and how they've evolved through the years. An interesting look back at Erik's darker years , too.
Profile Image for Jessica Jesinghaus.
AuthorÌý10 books173 followers
April 15, 2017
Check out this review, and many more, on my blog

4 out of 5 stars

Twenty years have passed since events in For Love of the Phantom. Erik and Christine's son, Petter, has moved to London to seek his future. Suffering from depression centered around her now-empty nest, Christine's melancholy strains their marital relationship. Erik's attempts to cheer and distract her were endearing, relatable, and well written.

As if struggling with this hurdle weren't enough, shadows from Erik's past have found him and threaten not only the life he has built, but the health and welfare of the one person he treasures above all others: Christine. When the biggest skeleton from Erik's closet tries to force Erik's hand, you just know you're in for a wild ride. Hints of Erik's devious past come to light and you are reminded of just why he was so feared within the walls of the opera house. With the help of his son and his old comrade, the Persian Faraz, he must mount a daring rescue attempt in a land where a price still hangs upon his head.

For me, this was the best part of the book. Getting to see and learn so much more about Erik's past in Mazenderan was such a treat. The pure evil of the Sultana and the lengths she will go to force Erik to do her bidding were quite telling. Erik's cunning and determination were near palpable. Peter's character was well portrayed too; a beautiful balance of his father's courage & intellect balanced by his mother's calm and grace. And speaking of Christine: while still very much a woman of the era, she's no helpless female. I really loved Ms. DeSye's portrayal of such a difficult time for our heroine. In a dark and desperate situation Christine really shines.

Fans of the Opera Ghost and his beloved Christine will rejoice at this new chapter in their tale.
Profile Image for LGandT.
220 reviews
April 12, 2018
An excellent continuation from the first. The action builds towards the end and everything else that makes the first one so excellent. This again is a must have for any Phans collection.

I laughed and was actually worried about some of the characters. I really can't speak highly enough of these. They have become part of my treasured collection.

Simply stated. From one Phan to others...........go and read these books.

Also to my eye this cover is just as gorgeous as the last.
Profile Image for J.B. Trepagnier.
AuthorÌý123 books797 followers
March 19, 2017
When I read the author's first sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, I knew I had to pick this one up.

While the author's first book is, at it's heart, a romance book, this one is more action and adventure.

This one brings back the 10 year old Sultana from the original book, but now she's much older and much nastier than what I would have imagined from the original book.

I'm not going to spoil anything in the book because really, you should just read the original, the author's first book, then this one, but towards the end, I'm sitting there with my hands over my eyes peeking down at my kindle like, "OMG PLEASE DON'T GO THERE WITH THIS BOOK!!". I peeked again through one chapter screaming, "If you go there, I'm going to throw this cat across the room and start cursing everyone in my path for the rest of the day. And I work in tech support, so I'll probably get fired over a book."

After that particular chapter, I was able to take my hands off my eyes, but the next few chapters were almost just as tense until we finally get to the resolution and I could let out the breath I was holding and pet the cat in my lap that I previously almost threw across the room
*I don't normally throw cats*
*No cats were harmed in the reading of this book*
Profile Image for Emily.
165 reviews
July 26, 2022
i REALLY enjoyed this book, even more so than the first one, which i already liked a lot!! this story had action from very early on in the story right to the end, which made it just that little bit more engaging than the first. i was so glad to see the relationship between Erik and the Daroga being further explored; it's one of my favourite friendships in the Phantom of the Opera world and it was really great to see their friendship being developed further than it was in the first book (as well as to see the Persian get a name!). all things considered, this book was also almost 100% clean; no foul language, and apart from one love scene late in the book that is very easy to skip, it was great! i so enjoyed this story and the exploration of Erik's time in Mazanderan. i would definitely say this is a must-read for Phantom fans!
Profile Image for Kelly.
28 reviews
February 20, 2021
This read like an action adventure book! I really enjoyed this adventure that forced Erik back into dealing with antagonists of his past. I liked it even better than For Love of The Phantom. Plus, this one had some good (but short and tasteful) Erik and Christine sex.

I would have thought that DeSye had taken inspiration from Susan Kay's Phantom as well as the classic in her ability to detail the Sultan, Sultana and the layout of the palace in Mazanderan, but she named The Persian Faraz instead of Nadir.

Other than that, you could read the first three quarters of Kay's book up until Erik built the operahouse, then the entire classic, and then the first two books of DeSye's trilogy (I can't say anything about the third book...I haven't read it yet) and you would have your very own full story with loose ends tied up and a happy ending for Erik!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
24 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2018
Loved it

I liked the first book in the series, but loved this one even more. Lots of adventure, romance and some shades of the original story from their travels to Paris. I will read the third book once it comes out. Hope I don't have to wait too long.
Profile Image for Brenda Daae Destler.
162 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2022
This book was so stressful but so worth it! I enjoyed this book just as much as the first, and I would definitely say it’s worth the adventure if you liked the first as much as I did! My only tiny critique is that I found the fact that the last scene was written in the first person a bit odd, but other than that and the sex scene I skipped reading, I have nothing bad to say about this book! I’m looking forward to reading the final installment!
Profile Image for Sara.
492 reviews
June 7, 2021
Skeletons in the Closet, the second book in the Phantom Rising, is brilliantly written, well-plotted, and thoroughly engaging. Honestly, I didn't believe that the second book would be as enjoyable as the first instalment given the twenty years forward; however, it was. The premise and the story met my highest expectations; it was rich, wrapped in mystery, secrets, suspense, romance, and passion. The writing is vivid, expressive, and poetic, reaching in and captivating the readers/listeners. Once again, the character development was phenomenal; I found them authentic and with genuine emotional depth.

Davyne DeSye performance was exceptional. She is a master storyteller, embodying the characters, portraying their emotions and the animation found in the pages. Her voice is perfect for the story, and her cadence is smooth. Overall, Skeletons in the Close was a phenomenal listen, one I'm definitely recommending.
Profile Image for Anya.
102 reviews14 followers
September 24, 2018
eh.

gonna stick to the better multi-chapter fics I've read.
Profile Image for Brooke.
467 reviews2 followers
March 26, 2019
I loved reading about the son Petter's life and also of his parents, Erik and Christine. I also couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next and if the would be reunited.
Profile Image for Marcela.
9 reviews
May 20, 2021
Okay, well, I don’t really like this book, I’m sorry to say. I enjoyed book 1 and book 3, but this one is just� not necessary, not good, kind of boring.

Listen, I still don’t know what the purpose of this book was. To make Petter see how he doesn’t know his parents history? To give Christine scars so Erik isn’t the only ugly one? To give us a story on Petter’s (completely predictable) love life? I honestly don’t know. The entire thing serves no purpose, and I say this because I have in fact read book 3, and I swear to you if book 2 hadn’t happen, I think like 3 lines would need to be changed, which reference some ocurrence in Persia 20 years ago, AND NOTHING ELSE. Petter could have come to learn how he knows nothing about his parents AT ALL in literally any other way.

So moving on from the fact that the whole story of this book serves no purpose, let’s review the actual story. First of all, I know this is Erik (genius, strong, above average Erik), but the man is still in his 60s!!! Let’s not forget that!! Many things in this book can not be accomplished by a 60 year old man who has spent the last 20 years living a chilled life with his wife in Sweden, even if he did put her through some weird boot camp training (but somehow ignored showing all of this useful things to his son, who could have been kidnapped just the same as his wife, but sure, don’t teach the kid any of that).

Second, once Christine is kidnapped, THEY JUST CHILL FOR DAYS. Erik would NEVER!!!! Okay he needs to go to London to get his son, I get that. But come on, having dinner with his kid’s beau? Meeting his kid’s boss? While your wife could be getting tortured that very moment? COME ON!!! And then Petter just goes and tours Paris? ERIK GOES AND WATCHES AN OPERA WHILE CHRISTINE IS IN THE CLUTCHES OF THE MOST EVIL PERSON HE KNOWS? WHAT? Again, he would never. The man is obssessed, come on!

This bit upsets me greatly, don’t know if you can tell.

And in the end everything gets resolved super quickly, after pages and pages of useless moments and thoughts. Seriously.

Listen, I’m sorry, maybe this is a harsh review, but this book HAD POTENTIAL, ya know?

I do like books 1 and 3, I do recommend those, but not this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 reviews
August 13, 2022
The Qualities they kept.

I loved that Erik kept some of his Phantom qualities (?) while he became so human and loving with his wife and son. Even though Christine was loved and coddled by Erik, she was still strong and didn't sit around to be rescued or killed.
Profile Image for Kayla P.
168 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2023
love it!

This book is brilliant, I completed it in two days because I could not put it down. It’s a perfect continuation of the first, that I fell in love with as well, follows the language and flow of the original book, and has a gripping storyline and plot.
Profile Image for Polly Bevil.
1 review2 followers
August 15, 2017
The book had a very interesting story line, but the execution was slow and plodding.
Profile Image for Amanda.
23 reviews
August 24, 2018
An interesting continuation of Eric's story which delves more into his past.
Profile Image for Sarah S.
267 reviews
April 25, 2023
I loved the settings of this book. It’s so cool, as well, for Erik and Co. to revisit his history.

Best part though: Christine helping herself!! Yas girl. We love to see it.
434 reviews
June 22, 2020
Skeletons in the Closet

This book is very intriguing way of telling what happened after the original Phantom of the Opera's ending looking forward to the ending of this series
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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