Dark Memories (The Phantom Diaries, #2) Read online

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  THE KINDLE

  dark memories

  The Phantom Diaries: Book 2

  BY

  kailin gow

  dark memories: Book 2 of The Phantom Diaries Series

  Published by THE EDGE

  THE EDGE is an imprint of Sparklesoup LLC

  Copyright © 2010 Kailin Gow

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  For information, please contact:

  THE EDGE at Sparklesoup

  P.O. Box 60834

  Irvine, CA 92602

  www.sparklesoup.com

  First Edition.

  Printed in the United States of America.

  ISBN: 1597489131

  ISBN: 978-1597489133

  DEDICATION

  THANK YOU EDITORS AND TEAM AT THE EDGE FOR WORKING SO HARD TO MAKE THIS BOOK SERIES COME ALIVE. ALSO THANK YOU TO DARLA FOR THE BEAUTIFUL COVER WITH A 3D EFFECT. A LOT OF LOVE HAS GONE INTO THIS BOOK AND ITS CHARACTERS. THANK YOU FOR COMING ALONG WITH ME ON THIS JOURNEY AND MAKING IT A FUN AND HEARTFELT ONE.

  Forward

  As you know, The Phantom Diaries series is a work of fiction, loosely-based on the classic The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux. Those familiar with Leroux’s classic will see a thread of similarity in characters, types of characters, plot, and storyline. However, The Phantom Diaries is Not The Phantom of the Opera.

  As classics are oftentimes modified for the screen or stage, such as William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet or any of his many plays, The Phantom Diaries is written for the young adult and older teen audience who generally enjoy reading fantasy and paranormal romance. While adults may enjoy reading this series, as well, the romance in The Phantom Diaries will test the boundaries of young adult edgy fiction, but would not cross over to those of adult romances. Edgy issues that are brought up through the characters or situations in this book are also addressed for teens and young adults groups and book clubs with the discussion questions available for download from my publisher’s website, http://www.theedgebooks.com as well.

  A separate set of discussion questions are available for ladies get togethers or book clubs, which will address relationship, self-esteem, and more mature issues.

  Hopefully, you will suspend reality and delve into the world of Eric, The Phantom, Annette, Chace, and Aaron for a while, where love and romance is capable, even for the unlovable.

  Best,

  Kailin Gow

  PRAISE FOR THE PHANTOM DIARIES

  Fabulously fascinating, engrossing and addictive.The Phantom Diaries by Kailin Gow, is an incredibly modernized and paranormal twist on the highly recognized story, The Phantom of the Opera. A first in a new series, readers will be hooked and aching for more, as the final page is read. Geared toward young adult readers, this is a story that will appeal to, not only its target audience, but to adults as well.

  Complete with romantic twists, turns and entanglements, The Phantom Diaries takes the reader on an adventure of the paranormal, the search for dreams and righting the wrongs of the past. Kailin Gow's writing style is phenomenal and will leave the reader at the edge of their seat. As I was nearing the end of the story, I was so entranced, that the pages flew and time ceased to exist. Once I read the final words, I was ready to scream, for want of more. Needless to say, I was relieved to see that the second in the series is to be released at the end of this year.

  Highly recommend to those looking for an amazing read, complete with the paranormal, romance, suspense and edge-of-your-seat plotting.

  April Pohren, Café of Dreams

  At first I had my doubts about this book, more because I didn't know if I would enjoy the topic seeing as how I usually focus more on fantasy books with vampires and werewolves and faeries etc. But once I began reading I was instantly intrigued.

  It enveloped me instantly with mystery and questions.

  Drama is at every turn and as the mysteries continue to unfold through the pages this books leaves you wanting more. When the ending comes and your hoping for things to turn out one way, your left with the craziest cliffhanger!

  This book had me all the way through and I cannot wait for the next book for me to know what fate has in store for Annette.

  Melissa Silva, The Bookshelf

  This was such an amazing book!!! My heart can't stop beating after turning the last page.

  I have completely no idea what is going on in Annette's head sometimes. She's so unsure of herself and that's what I didn't like about her. She can't seem to make her mind up between 3 guys. I mean, can she not see that Eric is so much more better for her than Chace and especially Aaron, absolutely hate him. Seriously, Annette, how could you fall for him!?! Eric really does understand Annette better and really brings out her dormant qualities. Whenever she's with Eric, I couldn't stop swooning during the scenes with them together. Honestly, the heat was literally coming off the pages as I was reading.

  That cliffhanger at the end was just so heartless and very unresolved, argh. Like, the ending was up to me to figure out on my own. Thank goodness, there's a 2nd book but I'm gonna have to wait until October to read it, GOSH!!!

  Mabel, College Student

  I don't know much about Phantom of the Opera the book, but I have seen the movie with Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler. Because of the movie, I had to read the book. I did and I love it! Now about The Phantom Diaries, I'm usually a YA reader, so The Phantom Diaries fit that. Phantom of the Opera fans would LOVE this book because of the reference from the Phantom of the Opera book BUT you do not need to know the Phantom of the Opera story to enjoy this new story. The author does an amazing job honing this classic story into one for young adults and paranormal romance fans. I can't describe it exactly, but this is an amazing ride to an unexpected OMG ending. I'm not giving it away, you have to pick up this book!

  K. Taylor – Goodreads

  The Phantom Diaries is an incredible story of love, revenge, and passion that can consume one's soul. Amazingly narrated by young Annette Binoche, the book's writing emerges you completely. I cannot stop reading until I was finished and yet I wanted more. More of Eric, more of Chace, and more of Aaron! The ending was incredible! WOW. Gow's next Phantom Diaries book cannot come soon enough. Phantom Diaries is my second young adult book from Gow, and she continues to weave some of young adult fiction's most imaginative and passionate reads. She is my new favorite author must reads!

  Shannon, Teen Books Reviewer

  I read the kindle version of this after I downloaded and read Kailin's other books Pulse and Bitter Frost. Oh. My. God. This isn't written like your typical romance novel, but romance and passion is gushing out on every page. I haven't read Phantom of the Opera. You don't need to at all. Actually, it can stand alone and be its own story. I highly recommend it!

  Amber – Goodreads

  I grew up loving The Phantom of the Opera and have dragged my family and friends to see it on Broadway more times than I'll admit out loud, so getting the chance to read Kailin Gow's new twist on my old favorite was very exciting for me. I wasn't sure what to expect but once I opened to the first page and dug in I couldn't put it down. It had all the old romance, mystery, tension and wonder that I was hoping for and have come to expect when dealing with this classic. Gow's writing was quick, relatable and not bogged down with unnecessar
y details or insignificant points of reference.

  Her characters were original in their owns ways but still stayed true with their classic predecessors. The phantom by far and away was of course my favorite character, but I must admit that the sweet and innocent Chase also gave him a run for his money. I couldn't blame Annette for not being able to decide between them half the time when I couldn't figure out how I could love one the one minute and the other the next. I was flitting back and forth all the time. Annette was a wonderful character to follow and her diary entries were fascinating to read.

  Katelyn – Bookshelf Sophisticate

  Once again I thoroughly enjoyed Kailin's work! The Phantom Diaries is considered YA but I recommend it for older teens because there are a few suggestive areas. I didn't have an issue with it but I'm an adult YA reader. (I know there are a lot of us!)

  I love the way the author writes about her characters. She gives you enough to get a feel for them but not to much where you get tired of hearing about them. She always creates real and flawed characters. The only problem I had was that I thought the main character's speech was a little to "refined" for her hometown LOL! (and I can say this because I'm from around the area) Other than that I totally enjoyed ALL the characters.

  The storyline is great; being based on hauntings of the Phantom of The Opera in a teenage/contemporary world made for good reading. Overall, I really enjoyed it and can't wait for book 2!

  Kris – Cajun Book Lady Blog

  Wicked Woods

  Briony had to move to Wicked Woods, Massachusetts to live with her Great Aunt Sophie after her family disappears on vacation. The woods at the edge of Aunt Sophie’s inn are filled with secrets and inhabitants both seductive and deadly. Among them is a beautiful boy name Fallon who saves her one night in the woods. As Briony gets closer to Fallon, she learns he has a secret, as do most of the residents of Wicked Woods…

  The Stoker Sisters

  Two sisters... Born during the time of Jane Austen... Set to marry for advancement, but escaped their fates by becoming vampires. Now vampires in the 21st century, hunted by a sect of rogue hunters, the sisters meet a mysterious boy who holds the key to their destinies.

  BITTER FROST

  All her life, Breena had always dreamed about fairies as though she lived amongst them… beautiful fairies living amongst mortals and living in Feyland. In her dreams, he was always there – the breathtakingly handsome but dangerous Winter Prince, Kian, who is her intended. Then she sees Kian, who seems intent on finding her and carrying her off to Feyland. If she is his intended, why does he seem to hate her and want her dead? And her best friend Logan has suddenly become protective. Things are getting strange…

  FOR A FREE COPY OF

  GASTON LEROUX’S

  PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

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  Sign up for news, book giveaways, author signings, ARC giveaways, promotions, specials, contests, job announcements, events, and more!

  dark memories

  The Phantom Diaries: Book 2

  kailin gow

  Prologue

  Eric’s Journal

  Décembre 23 2009

  Mon Journal,

  It is difficult to comprehend how my years on earth have brought me to this point. Kristine, the woman who drove me mad, almost to the verge of pure insanity, over a century ago and thousands of miles away in Paris has returned to taunt me. Between her irresistible beauty, her practiced charm and burning passion, she’d drawn me into her web of greed and deceit. So weak was I when in her presence that I’d even considered killing a man, Rupert Aragon, for her.

  How I ever managed to find a thread of sanity that kept me from going through with the deed, I’ll never know, but will forever be thankful. However, Kristine’s anger at my refusal to obey her commands nonetheless pushed her to ruin me when she’d tried to have me framed for the attempted murder of Rupert.

  I thought I had found solace and peace here in New York. Far from Paris, my life was lonely, but free from the scandals of my past.

  Why was she here now? Why had she returned to torment me? And in the worse possible way; in the body of my sweet and cherished Annette Binoche.

  My love for Annette has grown beyond measure and I fear it is that love that has allowed Kristine to take hold of Annette’s being.

  The days I spent, so long ago, haunting the Paris Opera House as its famed Phantom had finally been put behind me. The hideous scars I’ve carried for over a century have finally faded, yet Kristine seems determined to undermine the life I’ve finally made for myself.

  Forgive me, my sweet Annette, for having allowed this to happen to you. I should have questioned your sudden appearance at the Met, your uncanny resemblance to Kristine and the odd happenings that so shook up this New York opera house as I had once shook up the opera house of Paris.

  My naiveté and desire to love again blinded me to the possible treachery Kristine was capable of. Never would I have guessed that her dabbling in magical potions would allow her the powers she now possesses.

  Though I must not succumb to her powers of passion, I know Kristine will do everything she can to seduce me. Surely she realized last night how close she came to succeeding. My lips had tasted hers, my body had pressed against the length of hers with a need so strong I could barely contain it. The temptation was great and it took every ounce of will not to surrender to the enticing combination of Kristine’s wanton desire and Annette’s innocent charm.

  I will not allow her to win, my love, of that I can assure you. I will keep her here in my home, under my guard and under my constant surveillance until I can find a way to break whatever spell she has conjured. To my dying day I will fight to rid Kristine of the hold she has on you.

  Chapter 1

  I awoke disoriented and confused. My back and legs ached from the odd position my body had adopted on the easy chair I’d chosen to sleep on. My eyes opened to the sight of Annette and for a brief moment I forgot that it was actually Kristine who now controlled her. The thought of Annette trapped in her own body tore me apart and I’d not the slightest idea how to save her. My heart sank with the realization. Outplaying someone as devious and evil as Kristine was going to be a challenge; one I could only hope I had the strength, power and cunning to overcome.

  Kristine harbored such anger and hate for me, she carried it to her grave, dooming herself to an afterlife of exacting revenge. I must diffuse this anger. I must make peace with her for Annette’s sake. I bit my lip. As much as I wanted to destroy her, wring her neck for the pain she was causing Annette, I must withhold my anger. I must be kind to her. She would never expect it. I must kill her with it. She would expect me to lash out at her in anger and hate, let Annette see the ugly monstrous side of what a man who was pushed to the brink of emotional despair is capable of, rather than the good in him. Kristine relished in bringing out the worse in men, while Annette brought out the best.

  I knew Annette, and she was not at all like Kristine. Kristine would tempt me. She would try to anger me. I must not succumb to her emotional games. I would be cordial and kind, the perfect gentleman. Kill her with kindness. That was my strategy.

  For now she looked as sweet and innocent as any angel. Her eyes closed in slumber and her lips just barely parted with a hint of a smile that spoke of the dream she seemed caught in. Her hand
was clasped tightly about the woolen blanket that warmed her and for a moment it was clearly Annette I saw sleeping so soundly and not Kristine. Perhaps in sleep Kristine’s hold was not as strong. I could only hope.

  With my thoughts on the feast I would prepare for breakfast, I rose and made my way to the kitchen. This would be the romantic breakfast I’d thought of preparing the morning Annette had spent the night in my arms so many nights ago. How sweet, virginal and yet passionate she’d been. Her beauty gripped me at my core, but it was her charm and gentle nature that truly captured my heart. Romantic gestures would have been premature at that time – too much too soon – and I had set the notion far in the recesses of my mind.