SING THE NIGHT was an absolute pleasure, filled with atmospheric writing, breathtaking twists, and characters I'd follow anywhere. One of my favorite reads of the year! I can't wait for the sequel.

To start, I have never seen Phantom Of The Opera but was still able to totally understand and enjoy this story. It was really very beautifully written. I loved Selene very much and following along on this crazy and treacherous journey she embarks on. Highly recommend this!

"If he were a song, she would have sung him until the world was filled with his music. If he were magic, she would have opened her mind and let him flood her until all the world was remade."

Beautiful and interesting premise, but somehow weak execution.
I liked the writing style, the dark, melancholic atmosphere with subtle gothic undertones, and the unique magic. However, I couldn’t connect with any of the characters, and the story with its shaky pacing failed to hold my attention.

The worldbuilding left me wanting more. I wanted to know more about the magic and the trials (how they work, etc). I also don't understand why becoming the King’s Mage is such a great honor when the mages in this world are just mere entertainers.

The romance was the weakest part of the book, it felt shallow and flat. There was no chemistry or tension between the characters. The main character insta lusts after the Ghost (who immediately declares that he "could never forget her"), and she's also kinda into her childhood friend Victor. Sigh, I'm not into love triangles at all.

Unfortunately, it was a mid read for me. Not a bad debut, the story definitely has potential, and I liked the vibes, but that's it.

Thank you to NetGalley and 8th Note Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

this 100% reads like a phantom of the opera fanfic.

i liked the magical elements and the writing style, but there were so many unanswered questions, especially about the whole trials thing. the worldbuilding needed way more depth for me to love this. the pacing wasn’t the best at times, felt like it dragged on a bit with the recurrent over explanations of simple things.

that said, i’m weak for a gothic mystery with hints of found family, so i couldn’t really hate it. also, i love a tortured man in books and he was by far the best part of the story for me (even though he was barely in it). i really hope we get more of his backstory in the next books. as for selene i just didn’t connect with her., she was a bit annoying and i couldn’t connect with her at all.

i have mixed feelings, but i’m still curious enough to continue with this series.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC — opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I love The Phantom Of The Opera so I was super excited to read this book. I have read a few retellings of TPOTO and they have always kind of fallen flat but this is definitely one of the better ones I have read. I loved the story line and it gripped me all the way through

This was a really interesting take on competition. Deadly and intense, all she wants to do is sing and win this competition.

Sing the Night is a beautifully written retelling of the Phantom of the Opera, complete with magic, mystery, and all of the gothic vibes.

Selene is an intriguing FMC, as the orphaned daughter of the Mad Mage- Songerie’s most
prestigious and gifted magician, until he pushed himself too far and lost control of his magic- there is a constant feel of worry that she will do the same.

The magic found in the story is unique and captivating, and the author’s descriptive writing style immerses the reader in the world and sounds of the Opera. As a former choir kid, I could hear the cymbal of crashing waves and feel every staccato beat of the heart.

Between Selene’s grit and determination and the discovery of the ghost’s harrowing back story, this book was impossible to put down. The twists and turns of the plot mixed with the yearning of a slowburn, make Sing the Night perfect read for romantasy lovers.

Even with this being book 1 of the duology, I am completely hooked and already dying for the next book in the series.

This book immediately drew my attention for many reasons: the cover is absolutely stunning, the title struck a chord with me, and the description instantly had me hooked. I have always loved the Phantom of the Opera and, after reading this book, definitely picked up on the inspirational undertones. The atmosphere was dark and gloomy, adding to the perfectly described gothic ambience. The romance was one that left me questioning whether or not to root for the characters. While I enjoyed the parallels to Christine and the Opera Ghost from the original work, I couldn't get completely behind their budding relationship. Otherwise, the world is amazing and the writing style is very easy to follow. I would still recommend this read for anyone who loves the classical book and wants something in a similar setting.

DNFed after the first three chapters.
The blurb really intrigued me but this read like a rough first draft. The first three chapters were full of info dumping, yet still failed to give me a basic grasp on the world and the magic. It felt very rushed. The author also over explained very obvious interactions between characters. Very disappointed as I was so excited for a Phantom Of The Opera retelling.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me this eArc to review.

I enjoyed reading this book. The setting was quite unique and it was what I liked the most. It was dark and atmospheric, with some gothic undertones. The magic system was compelling and the plot was engaging. I liked the little mystery surrounding the main character and her father. As for the characters, I liked Gigi a bit more than the main character Selene, but Selene was still an interesting character. The male characters were not as intriguing as the female characters but they were fine — though I was weary of one of them especially. The romance is not the strongest but it did not bother me so that’s good.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Music and magic are harmoniously infused in this Phantom of the Oprea retelling.

Where music is magic and magic is entertainment Selene vies for her place as the King's Mage. Things are not what they seem when she meets the mythical opera ghost, saboteurs try to take her out and she learns chilling truths about her late father the last Kings Mage.

This retelling blends the aspects of the original novel, the aura of the musical and creates a worthy homage to both. I adore Selenes Relationships with many of the other characters especially between the two love interests Victor the sweet scallywag Prince from her past and the deliciously dangerous oprea ghost. The way we are constantly kept guessing who the villian(s) are is a particularly clever feat, is it her competition, the ghost, her mentor or the royal family.
I am throughly looking forward to the next book already.

You will love this is if you like-

🎼 Music Magic
🎵 Shadow Daddies
🎼 Found Family
🎵 Trials
🎼 Slow Burn

Sing the Night was loosely based on The Phantom of the Opera; however, it was not a blow-by-blow retelling but rather a general inspiration. This is a fantasy tale with reasonable world building; although, once or twice there were aspects I wished the author had delved into with a little more detail. Selene was an intriguing character who did go on a bit of a journey throughout the novel. We saw everything from her POV throughout, which really helped the reader to identify with her, but which also meant some of the other characters were not quite as fully fleshed out. The ending felt a little abrupt and left me confused at first, but then I realised it does say 'Book One' on the cover, which suggests a continuation is coming, and that makes the cliffhanger-like ending more understandable. I would be interested to read on to a second book, and I hope a new volume will offer a little more on the backstory of the 'ghost'. I am giving this volume 4 stars. Recommended if you like YA fantasy with Gothic vibes, a feisty heroine and a tortured male lead.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book has a great concept, weak execution. The plot had promise but fizzled fast. Characters felt flat and underdeveloped. Too many gaps, not enough detail. Left me wanting more — in a bad way.

Sing the Night by Megan Jauregui Eccles
Rating: (3.75/5)

Sing the Night is a captivating, atmospheric read that has a lot of potential. I’m giving it 4 stars because while it definitely has some great qualities, there are a few areas that could have been polished a bit more. Despite that, I found it to be an enjoyable experience, and it’s clear that this book has a lot to offer, If you’re a Phantom of the Opera fan (like me), you’ll definitely catch the influence here—the mysterious, brooding ghost figure, the intense music, and the dark atmosphere all scream Phantom, but with a unique twist.

Plot Overview
In this ya romantasy, an ambitious soprano enters a Faustian bargain with a ghost trapped in a mirror. Her goal? To win a magical singing competition and restore her late father's legacy. This book draws a lot of inspiration from The Phantom of the Opera, If you're a Phantom of the Opera fan, you'll definitely pick up on the familiar themes—dark, mysterious figures, a deep connection to music, and a haunting atmosphere. But the author adds her own twist, creating a unique and intriguing narrative.

What Worked:
Atmosphere & Setting: The gothic feel of the opera house atmosphere is one of the best parts of the book. The world-building, though minimal in some areas, does a great job of creating an eerie, magical vibe that’s perfect for a supernatural story. I really felt drawn into the setting, and it sets the tone beautifully.

Character Development: The main character’s ambition is relatable. She’s faced with tough decisions, and even when she makes more than a few questionable choices, they make sense for where she is in her journey. I found myself really invested in her story.

Phantom of the Opera Influence: As a life long fan, I absolutely loved the homage to the original story. I’ve seen some scathing reviews of the book, but those were clearly written by people who don’t understand The Phantom of the Opera, or Italian opera in general. The way this book draws from that world—particularly in its use of opera lingo and themes—is really well done. It’s clear that the author has a deep respect for the genre.

The Magic: This was by far my favorite part of the book. As a singer myself, I was absolutely captivated by the way singing and music are tied to the magic in this world. The use of Italian opera terminology to describe certain scenes felt poetic and beautiful, almost like a love letter to opera itself. The way the magic was intertwined with music was absolutely mesmerizing, and I can’t get enough of that.

What Could Be Better
Pacing & Structure: While I really enjoyed the story, the pacing was a bit uneven at times. Some parts felt rushed, while others lingered a little too long. A bit more balance between the action and the slower, more reflective moments would have helped the overall flow. That said, these moments didn’t completely take me out of the story—it’s just something that could be refined.

World-Building: The world has so much potential, but I think it could’ve been explored in more depth. The author hints at so many interesting elements, and expanding on those could make the world even richer. (And we could use a better visual description of our 'Phantom'.)

Spice Rating: None
There’s no steam here. The romance is minimal—just kissing. The story focuses much more on the protagonist’s personal journey, the supporting characters stories, and the supernatural elements, which, in my opinion, worked for the tone of the book.

Final Thoughts
Sing the Night is a promising debut that combines gothic elements with a twist. While it has areas that could be refined, the book's potential is evident. The atmosphere, the characters, and the subtle Phantom influences make it a unique and enjoyable experience. I think it has great potential, and I’m excited to see how the author continues to develop her world and characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Actual rating 2.5/5 stars. This is the first instalment in the Opera Magique series.

This fantastical [book:The Phantom of the Opera|480204] retelling revolved around Selene and her wish to win the L'Opéra du Magician trials. The winner was granted the title of the King's Mage, which was a position her father previously held until he lost control of his magic and, consequently, his life. Selene vows to follow in his footsteps but only so far, believing she can reign in the storm of magic writhing inside of her.

This synopsis instantly piqued my interest as I adore Phantom - both the book and movie adaptation - and fantastical trials are bookish buzzwords of mine. The parts which retell the original tale were interesting and I liked how the author reworked something known into something fresh and new. However, I found I had many questions about just how magic in this world works and how the trials were judged and carried out but none of them were answered, over the course of the book. The plot was solid enough but the mechanics confusing and pulled me out of the story many times, meaning I never bonded with Selene or what was occurring.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this but unfortunately I will not be finishing this. I was intrigued by the premise but the story didn't really grab me.

A deeply intimate dissection of ambition in the arts and the cost of power and success. Eccles’s prose is lyrical and deliciously arranged, painting a picture of beauty amidst darkness that will leave you wanting more and more. Selene’s desperate desires were so visceral and vulnerable. I found her deeply relatable and I cannot wait to see how her story continues. PLEASE DONT BREAK MY HEART MS. ECCLES!!!

Also, TEAM VICTOR!!! 👏🏼

i was so excited to get into sing the night, lured by the promise of a phantom of the opera magical retelling, which is probably the best thing a blurb could have told me ever. "retelling" in this case is somewhat literal, as every character and story beat is present, but the theatrical, gothic and dangerous vibes are a little lacking.

that said, selene, our main character, is a bright spot. i genuinely enjoyed following her journey to become the king’s mage — until the narrative started to feel a bit repetitive and instalovey: train, visit "the ghost", train, visit, rinse and repeat, often with the same dialogues to a t - which have a in-world reason that still didn't make it fun.

the magic system, though, is where the author really struck gold. though i wish it was explored a little more in depth, music literally spinning magic is an incredibly cool and well executed idea. i also enjoyed the subtle commentary on how history can reframe and repurpose something as massive as magic in just a handful of years. it’s a clever, sharp touch.

all in all, this was unfortunately a mid read for me. not bad, but not the fantastical retelling i was hoping for. if you’re here purely for phantom vibes, might not the story for you — but if you love messy competitions, operatic music, and a likable, flawed heroine, you’ll probably still have a good time.

thank you to netgalley and 8th note press for the arc!

I had high hopes for this book, given its intriguing premise, but unfortunately it didn’t resonate with me as I had hoped.

The story never quite captured my attention and I had a difficult time trying to connect with the characters. Their actions and motivations felt underdeveloped, leaving me struggling to understand their choices or care about their journey. The characters never felt fully realized which made it hard to stay invested in the plot.

This book had so much potential but unfortunately did not meet up with my expectations.

I wanted to like this, I really did. Some of the beginning i was on board with then it lost stars as i read. The music-powered- magic and the American Idol Hunger Games competition is vague and cliche. The writing to describe the magic abilities was just as confusingly articulated as the obscure time and place this story takes place in. Visualizing them walking around the Opera singing into their door to unlock all the time seems a bit comical.

The FMC is not likable, just seems like she wants to use our "Erik" character for his magic to win this competition. She wants to win it to clear her father's name (who was a mage that went "dark" and lost his mind with magic use). Not sure how her winning clears his name after the fact and also not even sure the purpose of this magic in the court. They seem like glorified illusionists...so just entertainment? Seems like this is made to be cutthroat unnecessarily.

Almost 60% in and we see "Erik" like only 3 times (he doesn't remember his name and has lost memories being a prisoner to a dark magic for decades). I think his magic being powered by Blood was the coolest part of this story. His magic is actual magic whereas everyone else's are mere illusions, meaning not real.

This had potential but got overly messy in its execution real fast. I couldn't connect with anyone and it meandered on boring passages that I began skipping through.

Ironically, I cared most about Erik and I saw him the least but he was compelling when he was there, all shadow daddy and mysterious (but in the end too mysterious). No chemistry between him and FMC. Again just felt like she was using him. She would say how attractive he looked one time too many and say she wanted to help him but I didn't believe her because she never tries to really help and just kept coming back with answers to theae random riddle quests that Erik sends her on. This felt unfocused, a thinly developed world, confusing magic system, and unlikable characters.