I recently read Kaylie Smith's book "Phantasma" and I was completely captivated. From the first page, I was drawn into a world where danger and desire unexpectedly intertwine.

The story revolves around Ophelia, whose sister has vanished. To save her sister, Ophelia must participate in Phantasma, a deadly contest held within a haunted mansion. The prize is a single wish, but the rules are straightforward: stay alive and don't fall in love. As Ophelia faces nine difficult challenges, she meets Blackwell, a mysterious and alluring stranger who offers to guide her for a price. Their growing attraction complicates an already dangerous game where losing could mean more than just death.

"Phantasma" is a perfect blend of dark fantasy and romance that kept me on the edge of my seat. Ophelia, the determined protagonist, is a symbol of strength and vulnerability. Her journey through the haunted mansion is rife with peril, with each challenge being more harrowing than the last. The mansion itself is like a character, with its shifting corridors and eerie ballrooms creating a sense of claustrophobic dread.

Blackwell, with his enigmatic charm and morally gray nature, adds complexity to the story. The chemistry between Ophelia and Blackwell is tangible, and their forbidden romance is both thrilling and heart-wrenching. Smith's writing is lyrical and immersive, painting vivid pictures of the haunted mansion and the horrors within.

What I loved most about "Phantasma" was its ability to surprise me. Just when I thought I had figured out the next twist, Smith would throw in a curveball that left me reeling. The stakes are high, and the emotional depth of the story kept me hooked from start to finish. The themes of love, sacrifice, and survival are skillfully woven into the narrative, making it a compelling read.

In conclusion, "Phantasma" is a thrilling journey through a world where love and survival are constantly at odds. If you're a fan of dark fantasy with a touch of romance, this book is a must-read. Just be prepared to lose yourself in its hauntingly beautiful pages.

I really liked this book! The different trials are super entertaining and i liked that every chapter something new happened.
The romance between blackwell and ophelia was very cute, especially the banter between them during their training sessions!
Overall i would love to read more books in this fantasy world, maybe about ophelia’s sister? Her character was also very intriguing 🥰

He gave a dramatic sigh. “If I give you my name first, would that help?” “Possibly,” she answered. “You can call me Blackwell. It’s nice to officially make your acquaintance…?” A long pause. Then, “Ophelia Grimm.” “Ophelia,” he repeated, tasting every syllable. Her name on his tongue sounded like a wicked prayer. “You are exactly the person I’ve been waiting for.”

This is the book I didn’t know I was waiting for. It was perfect with its dark fantasy that was a little creepy and little gruesome. Perfect for fans of gothic romance. Now I just need to talk about the Ophelia and the struggle with OCD…it was done so perfectly. So I don’t struggle with it personally but my husband does and seeing him struggle with it daily for the past 17 years is so hard because there’s nothing I can do to help. Now my kid is also showing signs of struggling with it. So thankfully we are well equipped to help her and hopefully able to help her feel less self conscious about it. My husband like Ophelia struggles with repetitive behaviors but his number is 4. So seeing this represented in a MC was so refreshing and it was done so very well! The setting off this world was so fun and was filled with twists and turns that I loved so much. The characters were so complex and relatable then the spice….

“Good girl,” he murmured as he licked and nipped at the sensitive skin behind her right ear. She preened at the praise. “Let go.”

“Reach up and grab the headboard,” he demanded.

Yeah it was spicing. Then there was the pure sweetness…

She buried her face into the crook of his throat. “You came.” “You called,” he answered.

This was just an excellent read all around and I read it a few days ago and I can’t stop thinking about it!!

Just barely 3 stars, maybe 2.8. Sadly, I think I’m the odd one out on this one. My rating feels harsh, but it wasn’t the writing, I promise! I was looking forward to this gothic romantasy about a game based off the levels of hell, but this was just not it for me.

There was a heavy emphasis on the romance that felt like insta-lust; random and cheesy. I know what I should expect with a romantasy, but I was rolling my eyes and skimming the intimate scenes. I felt no real connection or even delicious tension between the FMC and MMC.

I was really intrigued by the plot. The mystery of why her mom died, what her sister was hiding, who was running phantasma… but her sister’s storyline fell flat. How did she survive all the games? I wanted to DNF a few times even despite the moments of curiosity. I will say I didn’t mind how it all ended. But, I struggled finishing this book.

I’m definitely not dismissing this book or author, I just think this wasn’t for me. If you’re into topics of: ghosts, necromancy, dark (but somehow this still felt light?) romances then you should give this story a try.

Is there a gothic shaped void in your heart after finishing The Shepherd King duology? Maybe you want to read something akin to Belladonna, yet different? Or maybe you were just as obsessed with The Scarlet Veil last year, and have been chasing that high unsuccessfully for a full year? Well look no further my friends, because this book perfectly satisfied my craving for an atmospheric, gothic romance.

There were so many things to love here. First, it takes place in a sort of alternative New Orleans. Second, this book is about a necromancer, and there are hardly any necromancer-focused books out there. Third, most of the book takes place in the haunted mansion; Phantasma. I absolutely love haunted mansions. Romance? Also fantastic, as was the banter that came with it.

I really liked Ophelia as a character. She's easy to relate to and I enjoyed reading through her journey. Despite her struggles in Phantasma, she stays true to herself and trusts her own instincts. She struggles with OCD on page quite often, and I recommend reading the author's note going in. Even though it's short, the author goes into why she had Ophelia's OCD manifest the way it did in this book.

I also genuinely liked the romance. I love it when characters are drawn together for ~mysterious~ reasons. It always leaves me with so many questions and I keep wanting to read more. The idea of the nine levels of hell was awesome, too. The games were... well, let's just say they were creative. As a visual reader, my brain had a field day conjuring up the images of bloody murder. Speaking of the writing; it was incredibly atmospheric. It truly felt like I was in Phantasma myself and I struggled to come back to reality after I finished it. Highly recommend this one!

I really liked the premise and all the challenges were done very well. But something about the writing style wasn't for me, and it felt hard to get into, but I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it was.
The love story was okay, Blackwell was the typical hot, cocky, confident type we see in romantasy since Rhysand in Acotar made it book boyfriend. The plot twist at the end was sadly very typical and over done in fantasy (also exactly the same as in Kerri Maniscalsos series which this book is inspired by). I would've preferred something more original.

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out in September. This was so good! The ocd rep is so fucking accurate. I loved it. It's definitely for the fans of Caraval. There's a bit in the middle that initially gave me the ick but it was because it wasn't explained right at that moment. When they reexplain it, it actually isn't icky which I'm glad for because it would have otherwise become a NO book for me, while up to that point it was a YES book. It's a YES book.

A gothic fantasy with romance, deadly competition, magic, devils, ghosts, and phantoms.. this book is it! It definitely gives Caraval vibes, however, taken to the next level!
In this romantasy, we follow a necromancer, Ophelia, as she follows her sister to a deadly competition based on the 9 levels of Hell. The devils who put on the show (based on the 9 levels of Hell) find pleasure in watching humans compete, and as you can probably guess, with each level, the stakes are higher. One of Phantasma's rules- do not fall in love while in Phantasma. One of Ophelia's mother's rules- never make a deal with a devil.. however, when Ophelia meets Blackwell, she can not help her heart. There are dark secrets that slowly come to light, & Ophelia finds herself facing battles she'd never thought she'd face.

I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It is dark, it is haunted, is it suspenseful, and of course, I couldn't get enough of Ophelia and Blackwell. Just think Scarlett and Jax, but make it spicy.. and make Jax a phantom! Wonderfully captivating, with an enthralling plot! 5 stars all the way. I can't wait for the next book!

Thank you NetGalley, Second Sky/ Forever, and Kaylie Smith for this captivating read!

Why? Why did this book have to end? The characters, world, magic, everything was so perfect. It was a gothic, magical masterpiece! I was entranced from beginning to end. Blackwell is the best book boyfriend ever. He was mysterious, and enticing. He also spoke to my teenage Danny Phantom loving self!! Ophelia is a great female lead! She is caring, stubborn, and so easy to relate to! The plot was great and there were a few twists and turns that I was not expecting. The story kept me guessing and is one of my favorite reads this year!!

OH. MY. GOD> I absolutely loved this! Where do I even begin, Spooky, forbidden, atmospheric, sexy, gothic, everything that I love in a paranormal romance. I adores the characters and this story is one of my new spooky season favorites.

PHANTASMA blew me away with its dark magic, jaw-dropping romance, and unique New Orleans. Ophelia was a headstrong and evocative MC, and Blackwell... Blackwell literally had me swooning over here. Let me put it this way: HOT GHOST LOVE INTEREST! JEALOUS! PROTECTIVE!

I was craving something to give me the addicting romance and twisty, fast-paced fantasy of Stephanie Garber, and this gave me that, but darker, sexier, and even more addicting. This spicy dark fantasy romance has high-stakes magic trials in a gothic villa bursting with paranormal entities. Need I say more?

This book also had the best OwnVoices OCD representation I have ever seen on page or on screen. I've never seen my own experiences represented that accurately in a book before, so it was such a heartfelt reading experience for me.

I will be counting down the days until PHANTASMA's sequel releases, but until then, I urge all of the dark fantasy romance fans to preorder and read this delicious adult debut from Smith.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC!

dare i say my favourite book of all time???? i am genuinely so thankful that i got an arc because i already know that it‘s gonna be impossible for me to stop thinking about it. it literally has it all!! normally, i‘m not into paranormal storyline but the lore, the worldbuilding??? it‘s so intriguing! don‘t even get me started on the relationship between blackwell & ophelia!!! the banter??? the tension??? CHEF‘S KISS!!! and there is an absolutely MINDBLOWING plotwist, that genuinely made me put down the book for a few minutes. top-tier writing and i‘m actually extremely sad that it‘s over. i will definitely check out kaylie smith‘s future books cuz these kid. of masterpieces deserve to receive the brightest spotlight!

Are you kidding me ?! This book was so addictive!

When Ophelia’s sister goes missing, she has to dive into Phantasma, a contest inside a haunted mansion, to win a wish that could save her.

This place is packed with twisting corridors, fancy ballrooms, and loads of demons and temptations.

Ophelia faces nine crazy-dangerous challenges, and only one person can win.

Blackwell shows up and offers to help—if she gives him ten years of her life. He's charming, arrogant, and way too attractive, making it hard for Ophelia to know if she can trust him.

Are you kidding me?! This book was so good and addicting! I couldn’t put it down.

It had Caraval vibes but with its own special twist, and I was here for it.

Ophelia and Blackwell's chemistry is amazing! I was rooting for them the whole time and loved how it ended.

If you're looking for a book that combines high stakes, a romance, and a hauntingly beautiful setting, Phantasma is a must-read.

Thank you NetGalley and SecondSky Forever for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was hooked from the very beginning and could hardly stand to take sleep breaks. I was so excited to receive a copy of this arc because as soon as I read the synopsis I knew it would be a vibe! And the plot twist!! Very glad to have received an ARC of this book!

Let's start with a massive trigger warning: If you have experience with intrusive thoughts, their depiction here is absolutely terrifying. Avoid this book if you think this may be an issue for you.

Onto Phantasma, the New Orleans, 1920s Hunger Games version of Caraval. Reeling from the unexpected death of her mother, new-to-her-magic Necromancer, Ophelia, joins a deadly game through the nine circles of hell to win a prize of the winner's choosing. The Caraval vibes are strong in that there's a very clear Trust No One and Nothing instruction, yet Ophelia does trust despite her constant protests that she really doesn't. I wonder if anyone ever taught Ophelia about Guy Lies because she doesn't seem very adept at sorting through them or she would have been less surprised by a lot of things. 

I really enjoyed this book overall. It was a fun read, and I appreciate that it is a standalone Romantasy. No cliffhangers here! 

Romantasy can tend to be more about the spice than the plot, but this is not the case here. Plot and characterization was excellent. Dark atmosphere was on point. The romance was swoon-worthy. 

Thanks to NetGalley and Second Sky for this ARC!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ All day.

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.