Title: Beyond the Mask
Author: Kae D. Jacobs
Publisher: Granite
Release Date: March 11, 2009
ISBN: 978-1599360324
Size: 700 pgs, 6×9, softcover
Genre: Romance
Beyond the Masque is Kae’s first novel, and one where the importance of believability was all encompassing in uniting word with page. It is a sequel to Gaston Leroux’s beloved story of The Phantom of the Opera.
The book opens with a devastated Phantom (Erik) just returned from his final interview with the Persian, as referred to in the closing pages of Leroux’s work. Christine left days ago with Raoul de Chagny, having made her choice after being given her freedom by Erik to do so. Erik is resigned to dying, contented and gratefully happy for the ‘taste’ of consideration Christine bestowed upon him. Then the once predictable becomes twisted when she returns to him as the unimaginable begins to form a foundation of possibility. Beyond the Masque ignites the late 1800s through inclusion into the historical places of Paris, Amiens, and the Breaton coast of France. And from there, the story develops into one of redemption, trust, friendship, forgiveness, and ultimately, love. Change is a constant as Erik Gautier strives to deserve the woman who has finally seen past the surface—his monstrous face and past—to realize her love of the man.
This is an amazing book! I was intrigued by this book for it's claim in offering a more fulfilling ending to the characters in Phantom of the Opera. It did this and more. It shows the amazing transformation that a human can make from one level of living only focused on selfish desires to a higher altruistic level of living when love and patience are bestowed upon them. Kae did an amazing job writing this book. She has a talent of painting a beautiful masterpiece for your mind with the depth that she carries this story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading her other works.