Abendlied by Jennifer Linforth is the second novel in a three-part series that continue the story of Erik, The Phantom of the Opera. Like it's predecessor, Madrigal, the plot is superb and the characters true to their original source material (Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera). And, like Madrigal, the title of the novel is derived from a form of musical composition - that of the Abendlied or literally translated from the German as "Evening song," or lullaby. In the first book Erik is inspired to write new music based on the madrigal form. Here he begins composing an "Abendlied" while on the run through the wilds of France with the main female character, Anna Barret and an older male wayfarer referred to as Pappy.
Along the way there are plenty of surprises and plot twists to keep the avid reader turning each new page with sweaty palms and racing heart. The introduction of a ruthless bounty hunter named Loupe, for example, who is cunning and calculating enough to be reminiscent of Les Miserables's Inspector Javert but without an ounce of morality to offset his ruthless nature.
We also get reunited with old faces, including the Opera diva Christine Daae (now married to the Comte de Chagney, Raoul) and even the enigmatic Persian.
But perhaps the most fascinating and moving "reunion," comes in the form of a series of flashbacks Erik experiences involving Raoul's brother, Phillipe. If you're an avid admirer of Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera and you are wondering at this point why I would say Phillipe can be counted as a "reunion," when he is only referred to briefly in the original book before we find out he has been murdered let me just say you have to read Abendlied to understand.
The relationship that is alluded to between Erik and Philippe answers several questions that remain after the conclusion of the original Leroux and shed significant light on Erik's character. It also makes plausible the subsequent personal growth Erik experiences, not unlike Valjean being changed internally after meeting the Bishop in Les Miserables.
Of course Abendlied is more than just about Erik altering his perception of the world, though that is a major theme. Part of it also involves him growing enough on an emotional level to fall in love and be loved by none other than Anna.
That's all I will give away about the plot. Read the book to find out for yourself! ( )