Title: Phantom
Author: L.J. Smith
First published January 1, 2011
413 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781444906004 (ISBN10: 1444906003)
Rating: 3.76
Overview
Rescued by the powerful and alluring Goddess of Fire, Isabel is catapulted back in time to the era of King Arthur. Her mission?
To lure the legendary knight Lancelot du Lac away from his queen, Guinevere. As Isabel navigates the treacherous waters of Camelot, she discovers that love and desire are not always as they seem, and that the true test of her loyalty may lie in her heart.
Will she choose her own desires or the fate of a kingdom?
Editoral Review
Phantom by L.J. Smith is a young adult novel that explores themes of love, loss, and identity within the supernatural genre. Published in 2011, the book is part of The Vampire Diaries series, which has gained a significant following among teenage readers.
L.J. Smith is a popular young adult author known for her supernatural romance novels. In Phantom, Smith introduces readers to the world of the supernatural, where vampires and witches live among humans.
The novel revolves around the character of Elena Gilbert, a young girl who is torn between two worlds – the supernatural and the human. Set in the town of Fell’s Church, the story unfolds as Elena tries to balance her love for the vampire Stefan Salvatore and her attraction to the dark and dangerous Damon Salvatore.
The plot is fast-paced and moves swiftly through Elena’s struggle to come to terms with her identity and her place in the world. Smith’s writing is engaging, with vivid imagery and detailed descriptions that create a sense of realism within the supernatural world.
One of the strengths of Phantom is its complex characters, who are all flawed and struggling with their own inner demons. Elena is a relatable protagonist, and her journey of self-discovery is both compelling and emotionally resonant.
The Salvatore brothers are equally intriguing, with Damon’s bad-boy persona adding a layer of tension to the story. Smith’s exploration of the theme of identity is also a highlight of the book.
As Elena navigates the complicated world of vampires and witches, she is forced to confront who she is and who she wants to be. This theme will resonate strongly with young readers who are grappling with similar issues in their own lives.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. The plot is at times predictable, and some readers may find the supernatural elements to be too clichd.
Additionally, the love triangle between Elena and the Salvatore brothers can feel contrived and melodramatic. Overall, Phantom is an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of the supernatural romance genre.
While it may not break new ground, it is a solid addition to The Vampire Diaries series that offers compelling characters and a compelling exploration of identity. For fans of the series, Phantom is a must-read.
For others, it offers an entertaining introduction to a world filled with vampires and witches. The novel is well worth the read and is sure to satisfy fans of the genre.
4/5 stars.