I really like the concept of the book BUT felt the end was super rushed. A lot of missed opportunities in this one.

Come on, don’t you know by now that this is everything??! The Wicked Games in this book are AMAZING! If you like loads of smut a la Kerri Maniscalco’s newer books, then this is the one for you. The hellish vibes and the worldbuilding and characters WITH rep are everything you could ask for.

Thank you Forever for the review copy!

I really wanted to love this book, but it just wasn't for me. I really struggled to feel pulled into the story and feel invested in the characters. I really struggled to read this book and ended up putting it down many times. I could go weeks in between reading it and was picking it up more out of obligation than interest.

This one wasn't for me.
I thought that the MC and the writing felt way too immature for the ages of the characters and that this is Adult not YA. The New Orleans setting was intriguing but underused, and apart from a word here and there, I really couldn't have told you what time period we were in.
This is firmly on the romance side of romantasy, and I think that's the killer vote - if the romance clicks for a reader they're going to enjoy the book overall.
A safer bet for hardcore romantasy lovers, I'm sure, but too hit-and-miss for me.

Ophelia is sharp and tenacious, and her chemistry with Blackwell is electric. The spice? Chef’s kiss—intense without being over the top (yes, even when it starts raining blood). But what really stood out was the OCD representation—raw, real, and beautifully done.

The ending felt a bit rushed, but honestly? I loved every second of this book.

This book was such a fun time, it was as if Caraval had darker twists with more paranormal creatures. I really enjoyed the romance in this and all the twist and turns in this was so much fun to follow. I can't wait for the next book and to see what the author does with these characters. I really loved this new book from Kaylie and have come to enjoy the way she creates a world and the various relationships between the characters. The romance was just a really great fun part to read and I can't wait to read more of it in the second book! I would absolutely recommend this book to any fantasy readers who love a bit of a dark twist and some deadly games!

This book was spicy, and for me it reminded me of a spicy casper read. I LOVED it. The MFC stuck in the dark in many ways decides to make her own choice to save her sister from a deadly trial. I loved the atmosphere in this story, it's not a huge environment so you can feel better connected to the characters, and their situations. Such a good read. Read it in a single setting.

4.5☆

I really loved Phantasma! The characters were fantastic, the setting was dark and haunting but fun, the romance was top tier and the writing was gorgeous

I will post a more in depth review on my Goodreads, can't wait for the next book!

If Caraval + Squid game + Harry Potter and the goblet of fire + Hunger Games, had a baby it would = Phantasma!

I loved the light and dark side of the story and how despite everything love wins, no matter how hard they try to resist, it is what keeps Blackwell and Ophelia tethered. The spice was good and not overdone, and was perfect in the building chemistry between them. I thought the 9 trials were good and although they were all resolved relatively quickly it was fitting with the story otherwise it would be way too lengthy for wrong reasons. I loved the ending and the epilogue! I cant wait for the next book!!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc of Phantasma! It was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I can give Phantasma a very solid 4 stars. I enjoyed it the whole way through. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it didn’t need to be! A wonderful blend of spooky and romantic. If a little predictable, it was still fine. I enjoyed the twist anyhow!

Definitely recommend to those looking for a fun and slightly spooky read.

This was wonderful! I loved the writing style, the characters, the world-building…everything about it was top-notch. I will definitely be recommending this book!

This book was SUCH a good time! I read it in a day! It was giving squid games meets haunted Mansion but make it a romance? And I was so here for it. I loved the vivid imagery that the author provided, the twist and turns in the Love story were super entertaining. I loved the trials and there was even a little hint of horror in there but not too much. I'm not normally a horror reader, but this was just the perfect amount in my opinion. Definitely recommend!

Phantasma isn't a literary wonder or anything but it sure was a fun read. I totally saw the twist at the end coming but it was satisfying and was what I wanted to happen so it I didn't really care. The OCD rep from the author(who has OCD) was great. I feel like it was a good fit for the story without being too over the top and didn't make Ophelia seem "crazy".

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for the ARC!

I do not think tiktok sounds should be in books. The book was fine. It was kind of unremarkable. I think the author could have done SO MUCH MORE with the world and the magic and the characters but focused so much on the romance. I got pretty bored when it became apparent that there wouldn't be much going on.

Phantasma felt like Caraval on steroids.

When you think steroids, you think stronger, bigger, but this was more in your face. . The romances and physical intimacy that followed was insta-lust/love and it was frustrating because there were moments for depth and emotional development that were missed.. The lady-lead's sister was so very reminiscent of Tella in Caraval, and I couldn't stand her, but I guess that's why she was the little sister.

I love romance and I love fantasy, but I'm not sure how excited I am about the growth of the romantasy genre. It tends to focus more on the romance (Which I truly love), but it's at the expense of plot. I want to see a better balance on romance and plot.

Amazing. Captivating. I never knew what twist was coming next. Chemistry was fantastic, and the love story wasn’t too rushed. I love a book that just pulls me in so good that I keep wanting to come back to it, and this book did that.
Just read it!!

There were honestly so many things to love about this book, so I'm just going to make a list of all the reasons why you need to read it.

So, without further ado, here are

Moa's Top Ten Reasons to Read Phantasma

10. Poe the ghost cat (aka Fluffy), who may or may not have stolen the show just a little bit.

9. Ghosts and demons and devils. So many devils and I want to read the backstory of every one of them.

8. A magical game inspired by the nine levels of hell.

7. "A heart and a key would set me free. But you should hope we do not meet again, angel."

6. The gothic vibes be vibing.

5. "Nothing would ever stop me from getting to you if you needed me, and that will remain true forevermore. I would tear the universe apart at its seams if I must."

4. Blackwell is a ghost who calls the FMC 'angel' and 'good girl' *swoons*.

3. Ophelia really grows into herself throughout the book and it's amazing to see her become more comfortable with herself.

2. The mother of all gothic haunted houses, and the house which every haunted house will be compared to for the rest of my life.

1. The portrayal of mental health. I just loved the way the author portrayed the Ophelia's OCD, and the message that it's okay to have dark thoughts, because they're not what defines us. The way Ophelia learned to be comfortable in her own head was just beautiful.

I really enjoyed this supernatural/paranormal romance set in an early 20th century era New Orleans. It gave me similar vibes to Throne of the Fallen, and Till Death, if you enjoyed those books I'd definitely give this a try!

This book is full is dark fantasy, debauchery and everything you would expect from a fantasy romance about devils and necromancers. The romance was very spicy and explicit and the tension between the characters was so delicious!

The plot was perfectly balanced with the romance, and the twists kept me guessing right to the end. The story was well paced and although I guessed some of the plot, it wasn't too predictable and was still exciting and gripping right to the ending.

I'll definitely look out for the future books in this series!

A brilliant, thrilling story. I love Kaylie’s writing so much and this was a fantastic adult debut.

For those looking for a perfect spooky read I would definitely pick up phantasma. It delves into a beautiful gothic setting, with truly interesting characters. I really liked reading the main character dealing with OCD and that it was just a part of her not the entire focus.

Phantasma was such a fun read for me. I really enjoyed the game aspect and that it feels like a darker, more adult version of books like the Caraval series.

I loved the relationship between Ophelia and Blackwell as well. It was fun to see them have loathsome banter and then sweet protective moments at the same time. I enjoyed that the games were creepy as it went with the gothic vibes seen throughout the book well.

I am really looking forward to reading Enchantra next. I know a lot of people didn't necessarily connect with this one, but I enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky/Forever for selecting me for this ARC.