Thank you Forever, Kaylie Smith and NetGalley for this ARC! All opinions are my own.

4.5 rounded up. I went into this knowing NOTHING after downloading the ARC pretty much solely because that cover slaps, but this was a hit?? The whole Monster House/haunted house energy combined with the circles of hell and challenges were really cool - it even had me forgetting about the romance for a second, which is rare because that’s usually my #1 priority. The OCD rep was also handled sensitively and written as Own Voices rep by the author, which I always appreciate.

Overall, would def recommend checking this book out on pub day!

POV: single third person

You can expect: magic, necromancer FMC, haunted house, challenge, facing fears, devils and demons, circles of hell, Gothic horror in New Orleans.

Rep: OCD, panic attack

Spice: 2.5-3/5

CW: gore, violence, death, murder

This will lure you in with its seductive whispers and spine-tingling scenes, and you'll be ready to sign up to spend the night at Phantasma. Kaylie Logan delivers a fantasy lover's dream of a book with ghouls and ghosts, sexy phantoms, an unhinged haunted house, and one hell of a twisty tale.

The characters:
The loved watching Ophelia (FMC) grow as a character over the course of this book. She goes from being this rule follower to challenge those around her at every move -- especially Blackwell, our MMC and resident Phantom of Phantasma. Blackwell, as a character, is mysterious, but with the best touches of both morally grey and cinnamon roll characters. You will easily fall his seductive words and be routing for these two.

I also really appreciated the OCD representation in this book and how it was interwoven into the story, rather than just tossed it. It made it a important detail to Ophelia's overall character development. Plus, as someone with OCD, it was just nice to see that representation in a book.

The plot:
The author keeps the plot moving and I loved how the trials from each of the Devils played out. I also loved how different pieces of story where woven into the larger story straight from the beginning (even if you don't realize it at the time). The book does build slowly until Phantasma appears on the scene and then it takes off at about 60 miles an hour and doesn't stop until you hit the end. It keeps you guessing with each page flip.

I can't wait to read more from Kaylie Smith and see where she goes next with their stories!

Welcome to Phantasma.

There are only two rules to the game. Stay alive. And don’t fall in love.

What a wild ride! Phantasma was a fascinating, intriguing, and dangerous fast-paced gothic romance. You are transported to an alternative version of New Orleans where the paranormal and humans live among each other. I was mesmerized and hooked from the beginning.

It was my first time reading Kaylie Smith. We end up trapped inside the wall of a mysterious manor full of secrets where a deadly and bloody competition is being held. You must either survive, negotiate, forfeit, or die. I loved the idea behind the different trials of the competition. Each trial is inspired by one of the 9 circles of Hell. I loved the riddle and the story behind Phantasma.

I loved each character Kaylie created. I loved Ophelia. She is fierce, stubborn, and ready to do anything to save her sister. She also makes Blackwell beg perfectly. I love her character development. Interestingly, Phantasma aids her in escaping the pressure of her family's Necromancer past. OMG, Blackwell’s character was devilishly handsome and mysterious. He is now one of my favorite morally gray MMCs. I loved when he said, «Who did this to you? ». I loved that Ophelia (Necromancer) and Blackwell (Phantom) make an unexpected duo. I loved how their relationship developed. Some scenes were really hot between them. I never thought I would be turned on during a scene with a rain of blood.

It was a well-crafted book where the romance/spice and the plot were well-balanced. It made me laugh, squeal and cry. I still think about it after closing the page. It is one of my favorites of the year.

You will find in this book:

⚔️Trials inspired by The Nine Circles of Hell
🖤Phantom/Necromancer Romance
✨Fantasy Version of New Orleans
👻Haunted House Competition
🫠”I want to taste your sins.”
🚫Forbidden Romance
🪢Forces Proximity
✨FMC with OCD
😏"Good Girl“
🌶️Spice

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange of an honest review.

Thank you to the Netgalley and to the author for allowing me access to this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

« October 23: Phantasma, the Devil’s Manor, arrives in New Orleans. »

« Lastly, and perhaps most important of all - fall in love within Phantasma at your own risk. »

« I told you before that nothing would ever stop me from getting to you if you needed me, and that will remain forevermore. I would tear the universe apart at its seams if I must. »

Rating: 4 ⭐️
Genre: Gothic Dark Paranormal Fantasy Romance
Format: ARC Ebook
Pages: 462
Spice: 3 🌶️
POV: Third POV
S/S: First in a series
Check trigger warnings for any book

So addicting both in the plot and characters.

The New Orleans lore in this book was so interesting to read about, the degrees of paranormal beings, their roles, and their threats. The atmosphere was so spooky and done so well, I felt the mood constantly.

Ophelia is a very intricate character. She deals with the pressure of her family’s expectations to uphold the Grimm legacy, whilst wanting to live her own life somehow and battling her inner demons. We see her deal with something similar to OCD throughout her life, the book, and the trials.

The plot was so addicting! A Devil’s Manor that offers you a single life-altering wish when you beat every level? Run by devils who torture you just for the hell of it? The level’s challenge themselves were so intriguing, I felt as though I was there.

Now, Mister Blackwell. I will be yours any day of the week, I’ll make any blood bargain with you. PLEASE GIVE ME A CHANCE!!! You’re offering me a handsome stranger with powers? Mmmhh yummy.

I loved their relationship, the evolution, the banter, the tender moments, the support they gave each other, and of course, the smut.

The other participants were also well-written, as they all brought something to the competition.

I will say that I did guess the twist of the book but I wasn’t disappointed when I read it because it had lore behind it.

I can’t wait to see book 2, which I’m guessing will follow another Grimm family member and another Phantasma resident…?

Quotes (MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!!):

« To those who’ve had to claw their way out of the dark and still choose to be a light in this world »

« The Devil had a wicked mouth and a voice as smooth as bourbon. »

« Ophelia was now the eldest Grimm. A dead mother made her much more than an orphan. »

« This time, the flames were a silvery blue. Grimm Blue. »

« Having any sort of power was as foreign to Ophelia as the prospect of adventure or romance. »

« Well, he clearly doesn’t have a brain if he threw away his opportunity with you. »

« The first was that if the dark looks at you, you never look back. That was a surefire way to be caught by a Devil. »

« Souls that are dead cannot cross roses of red. »

« A house of Devils is no place for an angel like you. »

« A heart and a key would set me free, » it said. « But you should hope we do not meet again, angel. »

« Oh, bite me, » she deadpanned. His smirk grew wider. « Is that an invitation? »

« What would it be like to have someone so enraptured with you that they forgot eberything else around them? »

« I don’t care if you’re already dead. I’m going to kill you again. » « Is this your attempt at flirting, angel? »

« I need you to know if you were to ever let me touch you, in any way, the moment you wanted to stop - I would. No hesitation. »

« Your face might be able to be replicated, but your ego can’t. »

« You came. » « You called. »

« There’s no article of clothing I don’t know how to take off efficiently. »

« I will never beg for anything, » she said. He grinned. « Famous last words. »

« next time your mind tries to convince you otherwise, remember this: there is nothing about you that I find undesirable. Okay? »

« As much as it pains me to say this, » Blackwell’s voice rang out, « keep your clothes on, angel. »

« I want to know everything. I want to see all the darkest corners of your mind. »

« You can do anything you want, angel. I’d let you drag me to the depths of Hell right now if that would please you. »

« God, » she exclaimed at the sight. Blackwell smirked. « I could get used to that name, I suppose. »

« Men are always useless. »

« I think you might be the closest to heaven I’ll ever get, » he whispered.

Blackwell was the one to speak first. «  I fell less alone with you, too. »

« I say this sincerely. You need an exorcism. »

« If there were ever a divine entity I’d worship, » he murmured, « it’d be you. » « My body, your altar. »

« In a different life, in a fair one, I would’ve kept you until my eternal soul withered away to dust, » he vowed to her.

« You’re a menace. » « Only to you. » She grinned, smug. « And it’d better stay that way, » he told her.

« I never want another soul to touch you like this. Only me. »

« In all the darkness, in all the loneliness, you have been my one source of light, » he lamented as she began to come undone. « My soul will go to its grave with your name echoing in my mind. »

« The matter of my soul will always have your name etched into it. »

« Devil. » « Angel, » he drawled. She kiss him then, long and slow, reveling in the little piece of heaven she saved from the dark depths of Hell.

Leena - Leena.reader review - @leena.reader on tiktok and instagram

I went into this with low expectations as I didn’t know what to think of the premise, but let me just say that this story delighted me in every possible way. It had an eerie setting, likeable main characters and awesome intense scenes.

The OCD representation is something I rarely see in books and I was amazed at how well it was portrayed. I loved all the nightmarish creatures, but especially the Ghouls- they were so creepy in the best way.

Phantasma made me fall in love with it from the very first chapter. Make sure you add this to your TBR as it comes out on September 3rd.

P.S: I love Poe.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Wow wow wow! I’ve hooked from the moment I read the synopsis of this book, and I’m really glad I read as the whole story is amazingly wholesome!

I’ve listened to the audiobook first (narrated by Laura Horowitz) before got the copy in ebook, gotta say that I truly enjoy the audiobook form and indeed needed the copy in ebook and would love to get the physical copy when it came out later! The narrator for the audiobook version did such an amazing job in telling the whole story as she did different tones for different characters, able to capture and make the vibes of each scenes coming alive and entertaining as well as touching our hearts & emotions throughout the entire narration creatively, not to mention she managed to make every characters alive in her narration, it feels like we’re in the same journey as theirs indeed. I will definitely wanna listen to any of her narration again, she’s truly amazing to be listened to!

As for the book, it got me giggle, giddy, suspense, feels warmth, and everything. Definitely got my full attention from the start. I love the writing as much as the plot growth, as each chapters got me sinking in deep with everything that’s been happening as in like I was there with them. The author got the plot line up brilliantly, never a dull moment at all throughout reading the whole story. As we’ve been busy with some things that going on in this story, we’ve been served with wickedly delightful adventures from the games and that haunted mansion, as well as family & relationships issues / drama, even some great twist towards the end. Lovely ending as well and I felt full in such a great way the moment it (this story) ends. Truly satisfying read. She even has executed all the tropes exquisitely in this book within the whole story. The tropes in this dark fantasy includes :-

🖤 forced proximity
🖤 forbidden romance
🖤 gothic + horror mansion
🖤 who did this to you
🖤 paranormal beings - phantom x necromancer
🖤 trials inspired by the nine circle of hell
🖤 morally grey love interest

Love all the characters too, especially our FMC & MMC - the first moment those two met, I was kicking my feet, gasping and knowing in my heart that he’s the one. Indeed Blackwell got the book boyfriend spot right away. I can’t help but imagining him looking like shorter & leaner version of Rowan Whitethorn based from the description of him in this book, and lord knows how I love Rowan haha. I love the pairing of both Blackwell (mmc) & Ophelia (fmc) as I can feel their connection, and love their humorous banter as much as addictive to their partnership. Each characters got their own strengths and love that for them.

Overall, I truly enjoyed both audiobook & ebook form of this Phantasma, and totally recommend it in any form you guys can get! Grateful that I got the arc for both form, and will definitely want the physical book as trophy too since this book is amazing, truly loves it! From my whole reading & listening, my brain can happily conjure a movie like for the whole story, and it definitely are epic! I hope I can watch it into real movie some day! Thank you so much for both arc and will looking forward to read more books from the same author as well as the same narrator! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🖤🖤🖤

This is easily a top read for me this year.

I sailed through this so quickly! Ticked all my romantasy boxes. The gothic, spooky-vibes were great, the spice, the games, the supernatural beings, and Blackwell. Blackwell, Blackwell, BLACKWELL! This is the perfect spooky season read. I really had a good time reading this, and I love when a book makes me feel that way.

thank you net galley and the publisher for giving me access to this arc

just wow. this book truly ticked everything off my list. romance, fantasy, hot ghost mc, cute cat that’s always following the fmc around.

the representation of OCD in this book was truly done is such a beautiful way and it is important to the book. it’s not something that the author threw in there just to have it there.

please please please read if you were into danny phantom when you were younger, because that’s all i could think of when i thought of blackwell.

also, does anyone know where i can get my own blackwell?

The perfect autumn read. It's dark and spooky and romantic. The romance felt stronger than the fantasy elements, usually I like it better the other way around but despite that I really enjoyed this one!

4.5 🌟 thank you NetGalley and Kaylie Smith for the gifted ARC! This was so fun—it was like a spooky, gothic Caraval with spice & it was extremely well-written. Definitely a must for your fall TBR, and I believe this is a standalone. It was such a good mix of romance, suspense, and mystery that kept me hooked the entire time.
I loved Ophelia! She was a great FMC and had so much character development throughout the book. I also think the author did a wonderful job with ocd rep in a fantasy world.
Blackwell was 🥵🥵🥵 when he said “I want to taste your sins” I just about died. Their romance was so sweet and developed at such a good pace. I’m so glad they got their HEA.

4/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is exactly what it is marketed as, so while it’s not the best book I’ve ever read or the most intricate, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was flying through it.

Phantasma is a romance first and a dark fantasy second, and let me tell you, it certainly fits that description perfectly.

Ophelia and Blackwell had some quality tension and romance and steamy scenes and while I have a hard time believing they fell in love in a week, oh well, it’s fine. They still had good banter and a lovable dynamic.

The different levels of Phantasma were gruesome and violent and certainly did their job of showing the danger Ophelia is in, however, I did not care for a single side character as they were pretty one-dimensional, so the stakes of the levels weren’t felt quite as much for me.

Come for the romance, stay for the fantasy (and also the romance).

Thank you to Netgalley and Second Sky/Forever for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“Phantasma” will have you on the edge of your seat. It’s everything you could want in a dark romantasy. Kaylie Smith pulls you into the world and writes characters you can’t help but fall in love with. This book will be on your mind constantly not only while reading it, but also for weeks afterwards. I’m craving another!

A dark, steamy, and thrilling fantasy reminiscent of Caraval but with its own unique twists. With a seductive romance, high-stakes challenges, and plenty of twists, Phantasma delivers an engaging, heart-pounding adventure. Perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses and Caraval, this is a must-read for lovers of dark fantasy.

I really really loved this book. It is very rare to find a book that deal with OCD at all, never mind in a way that is accurate and acknowledges the struggle in a considerate and creative way.
The love between the sisters and the differences between them, making them complex and realistic characters, and the really lovely relationship between Ophelia and Blackwell. The other characters brought Phantasma to life, and the mansion seemed really interesting, the haunts and the different levels.
I thought Blackwell's backstory was a little confusing and it had me thinking whether it was at all that serious, but the happily ever after at the end made up for it.
The writing was wonderful and flowed well.

Short synopsis: After her sister disappears, Ophelia knows to find her in Phantasma. A deadly game filled with demons and evil spirits, but the promise of a single wish could change their lives forever.

My thoughts: I was very intrigued by the premise of this. A deadly game, a wish, spirits, fantasy elements and so much more. I did really enjoy the overall vibes of the book. Easy to follow on audio, not a lot of world building, forbidden romance and so much more. However, it was just a bit too spicy for my personal taste. I found myself flipping past some of the really detailed scenes because it was just too much.

I did really enjoy the relationship between Ophelia and her sister. You could tell how much the cared about each other, such a strong bond. I had hoped to get a bit more depth from Blackwell though, I think it was intentional to keep him mysterious but had a hard time connecting with him or believing in the relationship between him and Ophelia.

Read if you love:
- Forbidden romance
- Gothic haunted houses
- Games of survival
- Forced proximity
- Necromancer

4.5 stars

In most of my five-star or four-and-a-half-star reads, they hook me in right from the start, and it’s a whirlwind of emotions from there. But my experience with Phantasma was different. My curiosity in the story gradually built chapter by chapter, as did the paranormal elements. I expected there to be a darker, more looming feel to the plot, but it instead felt cozy to me, and it’s because of the writing style. I love macabre and morbid prose in gothic romance, and this was more whimsical and fanciful. Still, Phantasma did not disappoint in the slightest.

One of my favorite tropes is The Nine Circles of Hell, and I love how Kaylie interpreted and built each trial. I wish those scenes were longer, but the amount of trials is a great deal to include in one story, especially when there are other side plots. With an amusing set of characters, riddles, and life-threatening consequences, the trials were a thrilling part of the story.

There are so many great things about Ophelia, but the first that comes to mind is how perfect and comical her biting remarks are. The comment that had me laughing the hardest was, “I say this sincerely. You need an exorcism.” She stands her ground and won’t let anyone belittle her. Seeing an FMC vocal about her opinions and sassy with it was invigorating. I can only hope to have the tiniest bit of her in me one day.

Blackwell was utterly a delight. If I had to count how frequently something he said made me weak in the knees, it’d probably be over twenty. I always felt safe with him, which says a lot in the world of Phantasma. Death lurks in every corner, and you never know when a character will brush alongside it, but Blackwell’s presence alone always made me feel less afraid.

The romance between Ophelia and Blackwell was all-consuming. Despite the rule against falling in love in Phantasma, it’s difficult for them to avoid succumbing to their growing lust and affection for one another. It was gripping to see where this kind of relationship would leave them.

My only protest is that I wish Ophelia spent more time trying to solve what the heart and key meant. She agrees to the bargain with Blackwell, and Blackwell carries out his side of the agreement, but there’s barely any mention of the heart and key afterward. Again, there was plenty of story to tell without it, with the trials and trying to find Vivi, but I was really excited for this plot line.

Lastly, can I mention the microtropes/quotes that made me feral? “You came.” “You called.”, the pet name “clever little Necromancer,” “reach up and grab the headboard,” “Who did that to you?” and him unlacing her corset??? Yeah, I ate that all up. If you enjoy dark fantasy romance, forbidden romance, deadly trials/competitions, and creepy mansions, I can’t recommend this one enough.

Thank you, Netgalley and SecondSky, for an e-ARC of this book!

If you love dark, gothic reads then this is the book for you. The plot was pretty good, and I easily binged this is one sitting.

When I first started reading Phantasma , I had no clue that I was going to find the gothic romantasy of my dreams. Set in a ghostly (gothic) version of New Orleans, Phantasma tells the story of Ophelia Grimm, who in a quest to save her sister, finds herself part of a deadly game inside a mansion full of darkness and secrets. This book is so very atmospheric; drawing on lush description of the haunted mansion, full of all kinds of devils, demons and ghosts, including the mysterious Blackwell. There were so many scenes in the book that actually felt spine-chilling (and not just because I was reading this at night). The descriptions are immersive, making you feel like you are a part of the game, experiencing everything that these characters go through. There are some incredibly intense moments, and honestly in terms of the pacing, I found it to be just right for the plot of the story. Things move fast, but not too fast either. The explanation of the world and its magic was also done incredibly, allowing you to grasp information without being like what is going on.

If I were to describe Phantasma , I would describe it as the perfect blend of gothic horror and the romantasy genre, with great characters, own-voices OCD representation and a plot that leaves you wanting more and more. Kaylie Smith thank you for writing and I cannot wait to check out your other series!!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶

- hunger games meeting caraval
- paranormal
- eerie, horror, gore
- based on circle of hell

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky/Forever for the ARC, here I leave my honest review!

THIS IS SO GOOD! I really like this book. The claim that this is hunger games meets caraval is true, it's just darker, more sadistic and spicier in my opinion.

The game is described as really good, each level gets scarier, more sadistic, not to mention beyond the level they are still haunted by their nightmares, the competition between the players is also really strong. Every time I read the game section, I'm curious about what it's about and I'm nervous because if they make a wrong move, it's a good bye to the world... the explanation is sadistic.

The romance is also really good. I like Blackwell who is annoying, nosy but actually cares and is really worried about Ophie. The dynamics of their relationship, which suddenly seemed like enemies and then couldn't be separated, became really exciting. Why are they so hot please I love this couple!

Even though I can actually guess where the book is going and can shoot the plot twists including the identity of Blackwell himself, I still really like to following it until the end, I can't stop reading. The book is also standalone so it's finished until the end without a cliffhanger. Everything is explained very clearly, it's very clear in this book.

Holy Hell, this is a bloody good book!!! I loved Kaylie Smith's writing, the vivid and detailed descriptions, the world building, the fabulous group of characters, the gothic vibe, the steamy scenes, and the element of danger. I am usually hit or miss with books in the fantasy genre, but Phantasma cast it's spell on me. I was addicted to this book and the characters from the very first page.

Phantasma is a game held inside a haunted mansion. As with all games there are rules and in Phantasma, not following the rules can have deadly consequences. But don't worry, the rules are simple enough: stay alive and don't fall in love. If you can make it to the end, you win a prize! The prize - you get to make a wish! It had better be a good one!

When Ophelia’s sister goes missing, Ophelia, a necromancer, enters Phantasma to find her. Once in Phantasma, Ophelia must complete 9 levels (like the 9 circles of hell), each one more dangerous and deadly than the last. The contestants will be up against each other, demons, various temptations, and deadly challenges. There will be only one winner. It is not for the faint of heart!

Blackwell, a mysterious, charismatic, sexy and handsome man/ghost/? offers her a bargain, Ophelia decides to take him up on it. But everything is not as it seems in Phantasma!

I had the pleasure of having both the physical book and the audiobook which made for pure bliss. Laura Horowitz, the narrator of the audiobook, did an amazing job. Seriously she nailed it! It was pure listening bliss. I highly recommend the audiobook if you enjoy listening to books. I am so happy that I decided to take a chance on this book, and it paid off big time! I absolutely loved this dark, fantasy romance!

The characters are fantastic, as were their names. Plus, there is some great dialogue and banter in this book. Some characters are likeable, some are creepy, some sinister, some are vile, and some grew on me like a weed. Plus, Phantasma has a devilishly wonderful gothic vibe to it.

Addictive, sexy, sinister, fun, entertaining and hard to put down!

Highly Recommend this devilishly delightful book!