“The Phantom of the Opera” by Gaston Leroux is the original novel that inspired the famous musical, and it’s a must-read for fans of the story. However, if you’re interested in exploring more books based on “The Phantom of the Opera,” here are some recommendations:
Not in the mood to read? Watch the video here.
(1) “Phantom” by Susan Kay (1990)
This novel offers an in-depth exploration of the Phantom’s backstory and delves into his life before he became the mysterious figure beneath the Paris Opera House. It’s a compelling and beautifully written book that provides a unique perspective on the character. “Phantom” by Susan Kay is a captivating novel that delves into the mysterious and tragic life of Erik, the infamous Phantom of the Opera. Through Susan Kay’s vivid storytelling, the book explores Erik’s journey from a tortured and disfigured child to the enigmatic and haunting figure haunting the depths of the Paris Opera House. Focused on Erik’s complex relationships, desires, and the societal forces that shape him, “Phantom” offers a rich and poignant reimagining of the classic tale, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the man behind the mask.
Quote from the book: “My mind has touched the farthest horizons of mortal imagination and reaches ever outward to embrace infinity. There is no knowledge beyond my comprehension, no art or skill upon this entire planet that lies beyond the mastery of my hand. And yet, like Faust, I look in vain, I learn in vain. . . . For as long as I live, no woman will ever look on me in love.”
― Susan Kay, Phantom
(2) “Maskerade” by Terry Pratchett (1995)
Part of Pratchett’s Discworld series, “Maskerade” is a humorous and satirical take on “The Phantom of the Opera.” It combines elements of fantasy, comedy, and mystery in a story set in the Ankh-Morpork Opera House.
“Maskerade” by Terry Pratchett is a humorous fantasy novel set in Discworld. The story follows Agnes Nitt, a talented but overweight and self-conscious opera singer who leaves her small town for the bustling city of Ankh-Morpork. When she joins the chorus at the Ankh-Morpork Opera House, she discovers that a mysterious phantom is haunting the backstage. As Agnes delves into the opera’s secrets, with the help of the witch Granny Weatherwax and her coven, she uncovers a plot involving power, music, and a touch of magic. The novel satirizes the world of opera while exploring themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of music.
Quote from the book: “Well, basically there are two sorts of opera,” said Nanny, who also had the true witch’s ability to be confidently expert on the basis of no experience whatsoever. “There’s your heavy opera, where basically people sing foreign and it goes like “Oh oh oh, I am dyin’, oh I am dyin’, oh oh oh, that’s what I’m doin'”, and there’s your light opera, where they sing in foreign and it basically goes “Beer! Beer! Beer! Beer! I like to drink lots of beer!”, although sometimes they drink champagne instead. That’s basically all of opera, reely.”
― Terry Pratchett, Maskerade
(3) The Phantom of Manhattan by Frederick Forsyth (1999)
“The Phantom of Manhattan” by Frederick Forsyth is a novel that serves as a sequel to Gaston Leroux’s classic “The Phantom of the Opera.” Set in the early 20th century, it continues the story of Erik, the disfigured genius known as the Phantom, who survived the events at the Paris Opera House. Now residing in New York, Erik becomes entangled in the construction of the Manhattan Opera House and faces new challenges, including love, revenge, and the pursuit of acceptance. Forsyth’s novel explores the enduring themes of beauty, obsession, and the consequences of a tormented past in the vibrant backdrop of early 20th-century New York.
Quote from the book: “You must forgive them, my child. Forgiveness is a part of penitence.”
― Frederick Forsyth, The Phantom of Manhattan
(4) The Phantom of the Opera – Official Graphic Novel (Phantom of the Opera Collection) by Cavan Scott (Author), Andrew Lloyd Webber (Author), José María Beroy (Illustrator) (2022)
The official graphic novel adaptation of “The Phantom of the Opera” by Cavan Scott and Andrew Lloyd Webber, with illustrations by José María Beroy, brings the classic tale to life in a visually stunning format. Set against the backdrop of the Paris Opera House, the story unfolds as the mysterious and disfigured Phantom falls in love with the talented Christine Daaé. The graphic novel captures the essence of the original narrative, blending romance, tragedy, and the haunting allure of the iconic Phantom, making it a must-read for both fans of the classic story and those new to the enchanting world of the Phantom of the Opera.
Quote from the book: “Perhaps we can frighten away the ghost of so many years ago with a little illumination”.
― Cavan Scott (Author), Andrew Lloyd Webber (Author), José María Beroy (Illustrator), The Phantom of the Opera
(5) The Phantom’s Apprentice by Heather Webb (2018)
Set in 19th-century Paris, this novel follows the story of Christine and the Phantom, delving into their complex relationship. It provides a fresh perspective on the characters and their motivations. “The Phantom’s Apprentice” by Heather Webb is a captivating retelling of the classic “Phantom of the Opera” story. In this reimagining of Phantom of the Opera, Heather Webb introduces a novel perspective on Christine Daaé, who grapples with an impossible choice between fulfilling her father’s dream for her to shine at the Paris opera and pursuing her own passion for mastering illusions. To achieve her goal, she must unravel the secrets of the enigmatic figure haunting her, navigate a world rife with treachery and murder, and embrace the uncertain promise of love. Webb seamlessly blends music and magic in “The Phantom’s Apprentice,” adding glittering threads to the classic tale. The novel captivates with its romantic, suspenseful and inventive narrative, leading readers through Christine’s transformative journey from a ‘damsel in distress’ to a self-reliant woman in a performance worthy of the Paris Opera.
Quote from the book: They have come to see the conjurer contact the dead. The papers claim he caused a riot in London when he toured there last. The spiritualists clashed with those who don’t believe it’s possible to summon ghosts.
― Heather Webb, The Phantom’s Apprentice
“The Phantom of the Opera” by Gaston Leroux is the original novel that inspired the famous musical, and it’s a must-read for fans of the story. However, if you’re interested in exploring more books based on “The Phantom of the Opera,” here are some recommendations:
Not in the mood to read? Watch the video here.
(1) “Phantom” by Susan Kay (1990)
This novel offers an in-depth exploration of the Phantom’s backstory and delves into his life before he became the mysterious figure beneath the Paris Opera House. It’s a compelling and beautifully written book that provides a unique perspective on the character. “Phantom” by Susan Kay is a captivating novel that delves into the mysterious and tragic life of Erik, the infamous Phantom of the Opera. Through Susan Kay’s vivid storytelling, the book explores Erik’s journey from a tortured and disfigured child to the enigmatic and haunting figure haunting the depths of the Paris Opera House. Focused on Erik’s complex relationships, desires, and the societal forces that shape him, “Phantom” offers a rich and poignant reimagining of the classic tale, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the man behind the mask.
Quote from the book: “My mind has touched the farthest horizons of mortal imagination and reaches ever outward to embrace infinity. There is no knowledge beyond my comprehension, no art or skill upon this entire planet that lies beyond the mastery of my hand. And yet, like Faust, I look in vain, I learn in vain. . . . For as long as I live, no woman will ever look on me in love.”
― Susan Kay, Phantom
(2) “Maskerade” by Terry Pratchett (1995)
Part of Pratchett’s Discworld series, “Maskerade” is a humorous and satirical take on “The Phantom of the Opera.” It combines elements of fantasy, comedy, and mystery in a story set in the Ankh-Morpork Opera House.
“Maskerade” by Terry Pratchett is a humorous fantasy novel set in Discworld. The story follows Agnes Nitt, a talented but overweight and self-conscious opera singer who leaves her small town for the bustling city of Ankh-Morpork. When she joins the chorus at the Ankh-Morpork Opera House, she discovers that a mysterious phantom is haunting the backstage. As Agnes delves into the opera’s secrets, with the help of the witch Granny Weatherwax and her coven, she uncovers a plot involving power, music, and a touch of magic. The novel satirizes the world of opera while exploring themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of music.
Quote from the book: “Well, basically there are two sorts of opera,” said Nanny, who also had the true witch’s ability to be confidently expert on the basis of no experience whatsoever. “There’s your heavy opera, where basically people sing foreign and it goes like “Oh oh oh, I am dyin’, oh I am dyin’, oh oh oh, that’s what I’m doin'”, and there’s your light opera, where they sing in foreign and it basically goes “Beer! Beer! Beer! Beer! I like to drink lots of beer!”, although sometimes they drink champagne instead. That’s basically all of opera, reely.”
― Terry Pratchett, Maskerade
(3) The Phantom of Manhattan by Frederick Forsyth (1999)
“The Phantom of Manhattan” by Frederick Forsyth is a novel that serves as a sequel to Gaston Leroux’s classic “The Phantom of the Opera.” Set in the early 20th century, it continues the story of Erik, the disfigured genius known as the Phantom, who survived the events at the Paris Opera House. Now residing in New York, Erik becomes entangled in the construction of the Manhattan Opera House and faces new challenges, including love, revenge, and the pursuit of acceptance. Forsyth’s novel explores the enduring themes of beauty, obsession, and the consequences of a tormented past in the vibrant backdrop of early 20th-century New York.
Quote from the book: “You must forgive them, my child. Forgiveness is a part of penitence.”
― Frederick Forsyth, The Phantom of Manhattan
(4) The Phantom of the Opera – Official Graphic Novel (Phantom of the Opera Collection) by Cavan Scott (Author), Andrew Lloyd Webber (Author), José María Beroy (Illustrator) (2022)
The official graphic novel adaptation of “The Phantom of the Opera” by Cavan Scott and Andrew Lloyd Webber, with illustrations by José María Beroy, brings the classic tale to life in a visually stunning format. Set against the backdrop of the Paris Opera House, the story unfolds as the mysterious and disfigured Phantom falls in love with the talented Christine Daaé. The graphic novel captures the essence of the original narrative, blending romance, tragedy, and the haunting allure of the iconic Phantom, making it a must-read for both fans of the classic story and those new to the enchanting world of the Phantom of the Opera.
Quote from the book: “Perhaps we can frighten away the ghost of so many years ago with a little illumination”.
― Cavan Scott (Author), Andrew Lloyd Webber (Author), José María Beroy (Illustrator), The Phantom of the Opera
(5) The Phantom’s Apprentice by Heather Webb (2018)
Set in 19th-century Paris, this novel follows the story of Christine and the Phantom, delving into their complex relationship. It provides a fresh perspective on the characters and their motivations. “The Phantom’s Apprentice” by Heather Webb is a captivating retelling of the classic “Phantom of the Opera” story. In this reimagining of Phantom of the Opera, Heather Webb introduces a novel perspective on Christine Daaé, who grapples with an impossible choice between fulfilling her father’s dream for her to shine at the Paris opera and pursuing her own passion for mastering illusions. To achieve her goal, she must unravel the secrets of the enigmatic figure haunting her, navigate a world rife with treachery and murder, and embrace the uncertain promise of love. Webb seamlessly blends music and magic in “The Phantom’s Apprentice,” adding glittering threads to the classic tale. The novel captivates with its romantic, suspenseful and inventive narrative, leading readers through Christine’s transformative journey from a ‘damsel in distress’ to a self-reliant woman in a performance worthy of the Paris Opera.
Quote from the book: They have come to see the conjurer contact the dead. The papers claim he caused a riot in London when he toured there last. The spiritualists clashed with those who don’t believe it’s possible to summon ghosts.
― Heather Webb, The Phantom’s Apprentice
