If the characters names are too different fron the original names, it gets distracting, I agree. But if the intiial letters of the name are the same, so you don't have to keep wondering who the character is, it might work. I think it's best if the story can flow, without the reader haven't to stop and think about it too much.
Btw, hope you weren't offended by the geek in me comment I made in the review above - I really am a geek, and love reference notes!
Btw, hope you weren't offended by the geek in me comment I made in the review above - I really am a geek, and love reference notes!