Book excerpt: The Phantom of the Opera had released the love of his life, Christine Daa, from his possession and retreated to his subterranean lair-to die. Young Meg Giry remained fascinated with her friend's captor, whom she would not permit to destroy himself. Through Meg's care the Phantom returns to life and makes his courageous savior his protge. But can the Phantom, hunted by Parisian authorities and Christine's husband, the dashing Count de Chagny, escape his criminal past? Can he forget his first beloved or will he continue to haunt Christine, as she does him? Will Meg, who hungers for his love, be able to heal his heart and make him her own? The Phoenix of the Opera explores the limits of redemption and the power of love, taking us into the tortured souls of its protagonists. It is a grand tale of despair, obsession, rekindled passion, and the power of love.