Thank you Netgalley and Kaylie Smith for this ALC in exchange for a review.

I was intrigued by this as it said it was for fans of Caraval... I saw the themes but no one really died in Caraval 😱

🥀3rd person pov (from Ophelia's POV, with one from Blackwell)
🥀necromancer / phantom romance
🥀SPICE
🥀OCD rep
🥀plot twists
🥀a little horror

Some of the action and riddles in the middle of the story kind of lost me, there was a lot of gore in this.

But the premise of this is enough to keep you hooked.

The narrator did a great job ! I will admit, not a fan of 3rd person writing, I find it hard to get into the character's mindset, especially when there are multiple side characters. Maybe try adding a male narrator for the male characters?

The ending was a little predictable, I won't lie. And I did feel she used Blackwell, but I could see that she really cared and loved him, and he for her. I need a story on her parents now.

I honestly thought this was going end on a cliffhanger. Maybe we get a little novella on what they're life is like.

✨️"If there were ever a divine entity I'd worship," he murmured, "it'd be you." "My body, your altar," she offered.✨️

❌️WHAT I DISLIKED ❌️

Only bit I HATED!! Was the scene that Ophelia had with St Claire... not a fan of cheating

I was blessed with both the audio-arc and the e-arc which was amazing because I did not want to put this book down from the moment I started listening. I stayed up late into the night several nights in a row both desperate to see what happened next while also wanting to hold onto the story as long as possible. I can confidently say this is my favorite read of the year thus far and can’t wait to see where Kaylie Smith goes next in the adult romance realm.

Phantasma -

Chapter 50! Omg what?!!

What a whirl wind of a ride in the best way possible! I absolutely loved this story! About 50% of the way through, I thought I was figuring things out and then closer to 90% I realised how wrong I was. I devoured this and delighted in all the twists and turns! Ophelia was such a brilliant character, I loved how self assured she was and even when she did question things, she trusted her instincts. The bond between sisters shone through remarkably, from the love, to rivalry, trying to help and keep each other safe and willingness to sacrifice one's self, the way only a sibling could. Then we come to Blackwell - well as much as I didn't want to be pulled in and by gosh I was so apprehensive - I grew to be enthralled by him. And Poe... such a sneaky little one! Who would have guessed? I want a little poe 😅 I loved all the levels and I tried my hand at figuring out what needed to be done before it was explained and I failed miserably. I definitely wouldn't have lasted long in Phantasma 😅 I would have needed Blackwell 1000%  - Blackwell's names would have been on repeat indefinitely 🙈

5 out of 5 - loved it!!!

I would like to start by stating that before beginning this masterpiece I suggest reading the trigger warnings because it is not for the faint of heart.

With that being said Phantasma is completely captivating and will be a binge-worthy book for a lot of readers. It is like Caraval (on wickedly dark steroids.) Until you explore all of Phantasma's sinful depths, you will be hooked by this wickedly dark masterpiece. The relationship between Ophelia and Blackwell will tear your heart in two as you venture through the trials of Phantasma and seek the truth.

One thing that I love in a book is the banter between characters and Ophelia and Blackwell have the best banter I’ve seen in a book in a while. The trials in Phantasma are a well thought out idea, having 9 trials connected to the 9 levels of hell brings the book to the next level of dark romantasy.

The book was well-paced, there weren’t a lot of drawn-out scenes or chapters. Everything that was there was essential to the plot and progression of the story. This is a read that drew out a wide range of emotions for myself and I hope it does to future readers as well. (Just make sure to check the trigger warnings beforehand.) There are a plethora of twists and turns that our MFC has to face and it is written so smoothly you will want to continue reading more!

While I received both an ARC and an ALC I was able to do a tandem read/listen and I recommend listening to this book because the narration by Laura Horowitz will lull you into the world of Phantasma so fully, I finished this ALC in a day.

Thank you to both NetGalley and Second Sky/Forever for providing the ARC.

4.5 Stars

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

Please add this to your spooky season TBR asap!! This book is dark. It’s kind of gory. It’s creepy. It’s sexy. It is delightful! Set in a magical New Orleans where devils, demons, specters, and much more are as real as you and me. Our FMC, Ophelia, is a necromancer who wishes to follow her mother’s lead and take up the family business of raising the dead. When her sister seems to make a rash decision to enter a competition within a devils’ funhouse for much needed money, Ophelia follows her to Phantasma. I love, love, love atmospheric books. This delivers that in spades. I enjoyed the devils and their concepts of the different levels of hell. Ophelia is an interesting character. She has OCD (not diagnosed; clearly depicted) and fights to tell the difference between reality and compulsions. The MMC we meet later is worthy of any and all daydreams a reader can think of. Their banter together is fantastic and the tension is thiccckkkk. I loved it all so much!

The vibes it gave me:
Thirteen Ghosts (movie) = levels of the game/hell
The demon/devil dude from The Secret Life of Addie LaRue (book) = this MMC vibes
Hause on Haunted Hill (movie) = Platasma and its haunts

This devilish delight has some content warnings. Please check those out.

Thank you NetGalley, Kaylie Smith, Bookouture Audio, and Second Sky Books for a chance to be captivated by this eARC and audiobook ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky/Forever for the ARC

What a book! Damn, this was good. It was dark and delicious and gripping. I really enjoyed reading it. I got kind of a Caraval vibe in the way I was so emerged in the world and the things that happened. Action and fast-paced. I got a real book hangover after this.

The Vibes: Caraval but make it adult, ghosts who fuck, necromancy, haunted houses but maybe the true haunting is mental health issues

Heat Index: 7/10

The Basics:

After their mother dies, Ophelia and Genevieve are left with the shocking discovery that they're on the brink of losing their ancestral home. Also, Ophelia has taken on the mantle of their family legacy: necromancy. An argument with her sister, however, leads Genevieve to disappear into Phantasma, a multi-level game for a mystical prize... during which many people die. Setting out to find Genevieve, Ophelia makes a deal with the mysterious phantom Blackwell... And finds that the web of Phantasma is much more complex than she originally thought.

The Review:

I was actually immediately hooked with this one. The writing is evocative, and you have this super quick story trigger. Love plunging into a book like that. And then we have the sisterly bond, the spooky game, the ghosts, a SEXY ghost, a DEAL with a SEXY GHOST... It's all a great setup. For the first 25% of this book or so, I was fully committed to the ride.

So—why isn't the rating higher?

First off, while I think Caraval is probably a good comp for this novel (for marketing purposes, at least) I wasn't comparing it positively or negatively to that story. In truth, I don't remember many of the details of that book, aside from the fact that I thought it would've worked better as an adult novel. (And to be clear: This is definitely meant for adults.) I did find myself comparing it to Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco... another story of witches, devils, and fundamentally, sisters. Well, fundamentally romance, but also SISTERS.

And what I got from that series I missed here. A valiant effort is made to balance Plot Plot with romance plot, but while both were entertaining, I feel like that balancing act resulted in neither one getting the full serving it deserved. There are a lot of characters playing the Phantasma game, and you're basically attached to none of them aside from Ophelia and Blackwell. It felt like I was supposed to care about a few, in positive and negative ways. I didn't, and I found their page time a bit annoying as a result.

I did care about Genevieve—she's an immediately fun, intriguing character. But she's off the page after the first bit, and remains so for much of the book. I also found the entire idea of the Grimm family lore interesting. A lot of compelling things were here, but the main plot setting and focal point is Phantasma, right? So Phantasma should be as interesting as those things. We definitely got peeks of characters that I think would have made Phantasma more interesting, but we don't stay with them long enough. And their interesting qualities only reminded me that...

Well. Blackwell kind of isn't that interesting.

Ophelia isn't this bangin' heroine who got my heart. But she does have things going on that make me invested. Blackwell is... sexy. It's true. He's charming. I definitely wanted to know more about him. However, he kind of read like a side character who's going to have his own story later. Not like a romance hero. And I kept thinking—this would be more interesting if he was outright villainous. I won't spoil exactly where his morality lies, but he really doesn't like... act villainous. He acts charming, and snarky, and after not spending much time with Ophelia, he's all "THE LADY SAYS NO" about it.

Which I normally like. But I also feel as if this book suffers from something that has been plaguing a lot of romance novels lately, which is: "This should have had multiple POVs". There's really no reason why we couldn't have had Blackwell's POV in this. This is a third person novel. We needed that extra insight. I needed to know him better. I needed him to be a bit grittier, a bit darker. He's just very gentlemanly for the setting, right?

(This is another point where the Kingdom of the Wicked books came up in comparison. The heroes in that series are just a lot more dangerous, and it really fits the setting.)

I also feel that he could have been introduced earlier. While I loved the setting of the scene, it takes a bit longer for this book to get to Phantasma than it should have. Not long, but you know—when it comes to pacing, especially when you're writing a romantic relationship... Time is of the essence. Especially when a book is plot-heavy.

However, I was interested throughout, and I did like this relationship. A lot of the skeleton was there. It just needed more fleshing out. So with that in mind, I plan on reading more Kaylie Smith. But in order to really separate this from the pack and create something edgier—which is what her writing style gave me—and more truly adult, versus "adult that still reads a little YA" I feel like she needs to focus more on character development and reeeeeally lean in.

That said, if you just want a spookedy time that also features lots of kissing and a hot ghost man, this could be right up your alley. I can be a bit picky, and I know this will be a crowd pleaser for many. Keep that in mind.

I also really appreciated that this novel managed to compellingly portray OCD. The way that Smith plays with the supernatural elements against Ophelia's very real mental illness was one of my favorite parts of the book. Super clever—I don't want to give too much away.

(Also: This is paranormal romance. There is a ghost hero. There is a necromancer heroine. No dragons, alternate worlds, castles, gruel, or overly long descriptions of herbs to be found. For the love of God, it's set in New Orleans, paranormal romance central. Grimm Manor is probably right across the street from wherever the Valkyries were hiding out at one point in IAD. Big Romantasy, you will not gaslight me into saying this is a fantasy romance. Save paranormal romance!!!)

The Sex:

I really did like the sex in this book. There's P in V! There's sex with blood (not exactly bloodplay though, it's more on the supernatural side). And I would also like to add that they kind of begin hooking up casually? To take the edge off during the death games?

I mean, it made sense to me, and I liked that even though Blackwell and Ophelia were clearly into each other, casual sex was endorsed. More, please.

Not a slam dunk for me, but an introduction to a author who shows promise, and a book that will definitely please people who are less prone to nitpicking (which is valid, I support you, you're happier than me probably). And I do hope we see more sexy ghosts in general.

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever/Second Sky for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In this steamy, dark romantasy we follow our protagonist, Ophelia, into Phantasma- a deadly game where contestants must face their darkest fears and play dangerous games to win the ultimate prize. But the consequences are steep, especially to those who fall in love.

I was sucked into this world instantly and I loved everything about it! This reminded me so much of what I was feeling when I read Once Upon A Broken Heart and A Court of Thorns and Roses for the first time. I love romantasy and this book ties everything together so well!

The scenes were gory and scary and my imagination ran wild. I had nightmares the few nights I stayed up late reading this book LOL. But I loved it all the same. The challenges were so unique and original. As I was reading those scenes, it felt like I was watching a movie, I could see everything that was happening. It felt like I was actually there. Not many writers can make you experience reading this way. It's incredible.

Kaylie Smith absolutely ate with this book and left no crumbs. I wish there was more. I want this to be a series so bad. I need more of this universe. I need more of Blackwell. *sighs*

Rate: Non-negotiable 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book left me speechless. It was AMAZING. This book follow Ophelia as she tries to save her home by entering a contest (Phantasma). Phantasma is run by devils with each level being one of the deadly sins. The writing was fantastic, the love story was even better and oh my goodness the plot twist - I can’t even describe it. It was not what I was expecting at all and made the book so much better.
This book has a focus on OCD and does have some smutty scenes so make sure you know your triggers before reading.
I would highly recommend this book especially if you’re looking for a great, spooky(ish) book to kick off fall reading. 5⭐️

This book is one I was looking forward to. However, the writing style felt very overwritten, and it just didn't end up being for me. I stopped at chapter 6, 9% in. I think this is a solid 3-4 stars for the target audience. I agree with the comp to Caraval.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky/Forever for the ARC.

Thank you Secondsky Books & NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was hot, fun and just perfectly bloody!

I loved the take this book had on supernatural beings and the Circles of Hell. It was depicted, amazingly and really had me immersed.

Blackwell? Yeah he's now in my list of favorite book boyfriends. Hell, I loved him.

I have read many books with mental health representation but none have left me almost in tears. Whenever Ophelia was battling with her dark thoughts and "inner demons", I felt seen. They way her brain and mind worked the same way mine does... it really got to me.

This book is great for fans of Hotel Magnifique and Caraval but wanted more spice. The main character after losing her mother and finding out that her and her sister are completely broke due to some dealings that her mother had done, and they must figure out how to save their home before the bank takes it. Her sister signs up for Phantasma, where she must endures horrors like she couldn’t imagine to beat the other contestants and receive a wish. After learning that her sister signed up for the contest she signs up herself, and meets a ghost that becomes her partner in the contest. After surviving multiple dark and haunting trials and learning more of her family history than she ever thought that she would and discovering love in a place that warns of people falling in love. I absolutely loved this book, it’s completely bingeable. I was hooked from page one, and I had a hard time putting the book down, and I know that have been multiple books in this same theme but for me it doesn’t get old for me.

A romantic gothic feast!

I really loved this book. The POV from the MC was so well done. She was sassy, put people in their place when needed and a well rounded and full character.

I have another book boyfriend to add to the roster.

Great book, well written and well edited.

Phantasma is a wickedly dark delight that will hook you and not let you go until you’ve explored all its sinful depths. Be ready to be completely obsessed with this bingeworthy read. To start, this is definitely a dark read, so make sure you’ve checked trigger warnings before starting because it’s not for the faint of heart. Ophelia and Blackwell will capture your heart and mind as you try to decipher the truth of Phantasma’s trials. I am a complete sucker for character banter and these two had some of the best banter I’ve read in a long time. I also really loved the whole premise of the different challenges presented to the participants based on the nine circles of hell and the different skills it took to survive. This is everything I never knew I wanted in a dark romantasy and managed to elicit an extreme range of emotions while I read. I also felt the plot moved along very well with the change in challenges. This also brought forth plenty of absolutely shocking scenes and plot twists to keep you fully invested. I combo read this with the ebook and audiobook and let me tell you that audio is the way to go. Laura Horowitz will lull you in with her expert narration. You’ll tune out the outside world to listen as she takes you through the various levels of Phantasma while really bringing forth the fear, anxiety, and heart pulsing adrenaline that accompanied the story. I was so invested in her narration, that I finished Phantasma in one day. I highly encourage you to check out this story, but especially the audiobook as long as you’re okay with the trigger warnings.

The world building, the challenges based on circles of hell, the gothic romance, the horror aspects, the dark romance lite....I could not put this book down. Ophelia is a necromancer who has just gained her powers earlier than expected and enters a deadly contest to save her sister. Blackwell is a phantom who claims he can help her win the contest for a price. This books will suck you in so fast and won't let you go until you're done so clear your schedule.

Thank you to Netgalley and Second Sky/Forever for this eARC!

I liked this. I started reading first and then finished with the audiobook. I thought Laura Horowitz did a great job with it. It was a different kind of romantasy but in a good way. I liked the way the author told the story but parts felt a little immature like that miscommunication trope was going on and I loathe that. I’d say it was told like YA novel.
Thanks Bookouture via NetGalley.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I put this book down one day and just didn’t pick it back up. It wasn’t doing it for me, I don’t know if the timing was off or what. The writing was good but I just couldn’t get into it.

Kaylie Smith takes readers to ethereal New Orleans, the perfect setting for a grim competition known as Phantasma. This book had everything I was looking for in a dark fantasy romance: a strong female lead, a flawed love interest, mystery, and high stakes. The imagery developed by Kaylie immersed me into the competition, and I often felt like I was there competing for a favor from the devil myself. I would highly recommend this book to others, and I can't wait to see her future stories!

Wowowowowowow. This is Kaylie Smith's first foray into adult fantasy romance and she does NOT disappoint. I love the New Orleans and haunted mansion backdrop, with all the dark and gothic vibes you could imagine. She also goes fully adult with alllll the spice and blood one can imagine (and more). I loved the dynamic between the the MC and love interest, with the love interest answering all of my Danny Phantom dreams. There were a few points that were a little cliche to me, with the use of "good girl" being just a little much for my tastes. Still, overall enjoyed this book VERY much and can't wait for more from this author!.

Not quite the right timing for me, but I’ll try again near Halloween! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.