This YA novel from New York Times bestselling author A. G. Howard marks the beginning of a new era for fans of the Splintered series. Rune Germain moves to a boarding school outside of Paris, only to discover that at this opera-house-turned-music-conservatory, phantoms really do exist. RoseBlood is a Phantom of the Opera–inspired retelling in which Rune’s biggest talent—her voice—is also her biggest curse. Fans of Daughter of Smoke and Bone and the Splintered series will find themselves captivated by this pulse-pounding spin on a classic tale. Rune, whose voice has been compared to that of an angel, has a mysterious affliction linked to her talent that leaves her sick and drained at the end of every performance. Convinced creative direction will cure her, her mother ships her off to a French boarding school for the arts, rumored to have a haunted past. Shortly after arriving at RoseBlood conservatory, Rune starts to believe something otherworldly is indeed afoot. The mystery boy she’s seen frequenting the graveyard beside the opera house doesn’t have any classes at the school, and vanishes almost as quickly as he appears. When Rune begins to develop a secret friendship with the elusive Thorn, who dresses in clothing straight out of the 19th century, she realizes that in his presence she feels cured. Thorn may be falling for Rune, but the phantom haunting RoseBlood wants her for a very specific and dangerous purpose. As their love continues to grow, Thorn is faced with an impossible choice: lead Rune to her destruction, or save her and face the wrath of the phantom, the only father he’s ever known. A. G. Howard brings the romantic storytelling that Splintered fans adore to France—and an entirely new world filled with lavish romance and intrigue—in a retelling inspired by a story that has captivated generations. Fans of both the Phantom of the Opera musical and novel, as well as YA retellings such as Marissa Meyer’s Cinder, will devour RoseBlood.
RoseBlood was not what I was expecting at all. Both in good and bad ways. Rune is being sent to a music conservatory after she puts a boy in a coma. Yeah, that sounds weird and it is. But Rune has this gift which might also be a curse. She's overcome by music and has to belt it out no matter what, and sometimes she hurts those around her when she does it. Obviously, Rune hates this and wants nothing to do with opera music. Until she meets Thorn, the opera ghost, who helps her overcome her "musical sickness" and uncovers some deep family secrets.
RoseBlood was just weird. The paranormal aspects simply didn't work for me at all. It was interesting to have the original Phantom of the Opera be an immortal incubus. It makes sense. But everything else does not. At all. Rune being compelled to sing whenever she hears an aria, and then promptly being sick afterward? Makes no sense. Rune being an incubus? Also makes no sense. Family trying to kill Rune because she's an incubus (but so are they, probably)? Definitely doesn't make sense. I really could have done without the paranormal additions.
What I did like about RoseBlood was how the author fleshed out Erik and Christine's story. Well, the "real" Erik and Christine, rather than the ones in the original story. I found all of that really interesting, sad, and kind of disturbing. I also liked Thorn's backstory, which was quite tragic. But the story happening in the present didn't hook me like that, which is unfortunate.
RoseBlood was one of my most anticipated releases and it sadly let me down. I love Paranormal Romance in general, but the paranormal elements here felt forced and random. I also couldn't get behind Rune and Thorn's romance. It was just kind of there and expected. Nothing grand or heart-fluttering about it.
