PHANTASMA had me hooked right from the start! The plot is super suspenseful, and I found myself racing through the pages to find out what happens next. The characters are really clear and compelling, each with their own unique backstories that kept me invested in their journeys. I loved how their struggles added depth to the story, making it even more thrilling.

That said, some parts of the writing felt a bit too on-the-nose, which kind of pulled me out of the spooky vibe at times. I wished it was a little more subtle in certain places. Still, I had a blast reading it overall! I’d definitely give it 4 out of 5 stars for the awesome plot and relatable characters. If you're into suspenseful supernatural tales, this one’s a must-read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts <3

I had the best time reading Phantasma!!! The gothic, haunted house setting + the battle royale competition sucked me in from the start. I loved that the challenges were centered around the seven deadly sins because they got more wild each time. Ophelia is such a badass fighting for her and her sister's lives and trying to avoid making deals with the supernatural creatures that haunt the halls. Every side character added to the plot in such a great way. The mystery also really kept me grounded in the book.

Blackwell is such a swoony MMC. I genuinely enjoyed how their relationship came to pass. Going from insta-lust to an honest-to-goodness love story can be difficult but Kaylie Smith did a phenomenal job. The will-they-won't-they back and forth tension was dizzying in the best way IMO. I just wanted to reach into the book and push these two idiots together!! The steamy scenes we're so good and really played into the character dynamics.

Read this if you like deathly competitions, haunted houses, solving mysteries, demons + devils + necromancers oh my, and will-they-won't-they romances.

Phantasma is a paranormal romance set in the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans. The story follows Ophelia, who becomes entangled in a world of ghosts, demons, and magic, all while trying to save her sister, learn to control her new magic, and avoid falling in love in a place where you will be cursed if you do.

I found the pacing quick. I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next. Fans of romantasies like Fourth Wing or Acotar will likely appreciate the many different characters involved and the high stakes storyline. It’s also very spicy, with several very explicit chapters.

Overall, I found it to be an engaging read and a great choice for those looking for a spicy paranormal romance!

I grabbed this book from NetGalley because a bunch of people were talking about it in one of the fantasy groups I am in and I didn’t want FOMO so I grabbed it too. Now it did take me a bit to actually get to it but once I did I was super impressed. I listened it on audio and I wasn’t disappointed. I loved the narrator Laura Horowitz’s voice. It’s like the perfect Victorian gothic voice which is what this book was giving me. And I loved that she changed it for every character and it was enough that you can tell the characters apart, but they didn’t sound like silly voices that someone is just trying to all sound different.
The actually story was really cool it’s about how our main character Ophelia Grimm and how she is a necromancer and finds out her mother was in debt and her sister has left to enter Phantasma to win the game and take home the prize money. Ophelia being the great sister she is even though she’s pissed she didn’t know she also joins Phantasma to try and save her sister. Now if you’re like me and love a game you will enjoy this. Then add game plus demons/ devils/ and haunts. There’s also a love interest and a little spice. I wouldn’t say too spicy maybe like a 2.5 but it’s there.
I really enjoyed it. I’ll be reading book two when it comes out and I’d recommend it to everyone!

Thanks again to Netgalley, Second Sky/Forever and Bookouture Audio for the review copies.

This book was faced paced and the plot was PLOTTING. I fell in love with this cast of characters so instantly--even more so the more and more I got into the book. Many emotions were felt and I was living for the romance and action!

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith is a magical and engaging fantasy debut. With a well-crafted world, strong characters, and an exciting plot, it’s a fast-paced and immersive read that will appeal to fans of all genres. It is, of course, a must-read for romantasy lovers!

I absolutely adored this book! It was a perfect, gothic, spooky read! Perfect for spooky season. I really loved Ophelia and thought she had lots of layers - she was also relatable to me. I also love Blackwell - I wasn't aware I was into phantoms, but they/he sure does it for me! Ophelia's and Blackwells banter was fantastic and I loved how much he wasn't bothered by any of the insecurities Ophelia has and shared with him.

Something that was a little annoying at some parts was all the back and forth on if they were going to continue their physical relationship. It was giving me whiplash with "no we can't" to spicy times and then back. I think it was just done a few too many times throughout the book.

I don't have OCD, but from what I read and researched, this book show's respect to the condition. I could tell that the author did research or has experience with OCD.

Overall, I loved this book and recommend it to my friends! I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!

I loooved this book so much! Ophelia's daily life with OCD was really eye opening. And Blackwell was just amazing throughout the whole book!

A dark and sexy romantasy book

With some dark parts of the book that might trigger some readers

Will read this author again

A super fun, gory, unique, sexy romantasy set in New Orleans that surprised me, shocked me, and was a lot of freaking fun. If you love:
🩸 - blood and violence
🩸 - blood and making out lol
🩸 - devils and demons and phantoms and ghosts and ghouls
🩸 - thinking about haunted mansions and how you would escape while wearing a lacy nightgown

READ. THIS.

*I just wish it was gayer lol

This one had potential but just wasn’t for me. I’m not a much of a dark romance girl but I gave it a try and just didn’t love it. Not my cup of tea but might be perfect for others!

I picked this up when it was described as a darker caraval. I love creepy books involving games. The writing was easy to follow but not too simplex. The characters were interesting and not always doing dumb things as a plot device. It had a bit more spice than I’d normally read but it wasn’t over the top. I’m actually extremely excited to see a book 2. I loved this story all around

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, I sometimes struggle with fantasy/romantasy because of the world building and writing styles. But this book truly is amazing, and I hope that it surpasses other popular books (Fourth Wing, I'm looking at you) given just how good it is.

Reasons to read this book:
Set in New Orleans in the late 1800s/early 1900s
Paranormal beings (ghosts, apparitions, phantoms, devils, necromancers, specters)
Gorgeously gothic atmosphere
OCD representation in the main character
Salaciously spicy sex scenes
A challenge/puzzle world built on the 9 circles of hell
Super hot Blackwell
Sisterly bonds
The GORGEOUS COVER!!!

Big warning though -- this is GRUESOME! If you are afraid of blood, violence, death, murder on page - then you might want to stay away.

This is perfect for spooky season, and I think it will be raved about for the coming years.

Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 / 5 ⭐️
If you’re looking for a spooky season romance that leans into the horror and paranormal with *excellent* spice and a cute fluffy ghost cat to boot? This is it! As far as spooky season romances go, I enjoyed this departure from the cute and embraced the path of the gore, horror, and Devils. 😈
I was so pleasantly surprised by the unfolding of this story from being plopped into the action right at the start. I love when stories start this way: no preamble, just tossing you into the story and you catch up.
The author’s incorporation of her own struggles with OCD through the main character was interesting, compelling, and endearing. I felt her catharsis through writing this character.
Don’t even get me started on Blackwell 🥰😋🥵
We get a man (phantom) who lives to eat 😉. We get hurt and comfort in many ways and multiple times, which I LOVE as one of my favorite tropes. I heavily seek out fan fiction that features this. And the level of protective and possessive while still giving her choice? 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 He has the wickedest and sweetest mouth on him, saying both FILTHY and heartbreakingly beautiful things.
Also, the Danny Phantom vibes from his description are spot on and I’m here for it!

His expression shifted into something like thoughtfulness. “What is your name?”
She stared at him for a long time, deciding if she should risk giving it over to him.
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.”

“Phantasma” is a “captivating from the first page” dark romantasy book by Kaylie Smith.

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Plot: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Characters: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Suspense: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Romance/spice: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

What you’ll find in this book:
⭐️ Forbidden love
⭐️ Steamy dark Romantasy
⭐️ Deadly games
⭐️ Strong Female main character
⭐️ Slow-burn Romance but quick pace book
⭐️ Jaw-dropping twists & suspense

My Review:

AMAZING! I was captivated from the first page and couldn’t put it down! Interest stayed the same throughout the book! Deliciously captivating story and characters. This book is all about how a love that looks life-threatening and totally forbidden (we talk life or death forbidden) can eventually work out. A dark life-altering romance that will keep you on your toes!

The writing style and chapter separation are so good that you go from one chapter to the other without stopping.

If you are a lover of supernatural romance and love games and puzzles as much as I do this book is totally for you. One of the best I read this year!

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for my early copy. All opinions are mine and sincere.

#Phantasma #NetGalley

I’m not sure a book could surprise me as much as this one has. I absolutely judged this book by its cover and therefore put off reading it because I was scared it was going to be a poorly written dark romance, but honestly this book was wonderful. I loved the trials or everything the MC went through. I loved the steamy scenes. And I loved the writing. I regret this took me so long to get to, but I’m so thankful for the opportunity to read it and be able to praise it to other people.

While Phantasma had an intriguing concept with its deadly trials reminiscent of the nine circles of hell, it ultimately felt bogged down by a romance that overshadowed the fantasy elements. Ophelia, our main character, came across as immature and frequently blamed her sister for her own poor decisions, lacking the accountability I wanted to see.

The relationship between Ophelia and Blackwell was especially troubling. Their rapid transition from strangers to lovers was unconvincing, and the awkwardly timed intimate scenes detracted from the more serious moments of trauma and danger. It felt like the story was more focused on "romance" than on character development or the gripping plot it had set up.

There were glimpses of potential, particularly with the character of Genevieve, who remains a mysterious figure I’d like to learn more about. However, the overall execution left me wanting more depth and coherence. I wouldn’t compare it to Caraval, as it lacked that whimsical charm, and while it has dark elements, it didn’t quite resonate like ACOTAR. It’s a missed opportunity for a richer story.

Phantasma felt like Caraval on steroids.

When you think steroids, you think stronger, bigger, but this was more in your face. A lot of aspects felt forced. The romances and physical intimacy that followed was insta-lust/love and at times a bit cringe. The lady-lead didn't feel 'strong', very reminiscent of Tella in Caraval, and I couldn't stand her.

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.

I loooved this book. Starting with the characters, the mysteries, the demons and challenges and the ending, everything felt just right for me.

I was really excited to get into this book, especially after I've seen some artwork on the gram, and it did not disappoint. The story follows Ophelia as she's trying to find her sister who disappeared after a fight. Soon enough she'll be disappointed to find out that there are many things she didn't know about her sweet sibling. The clues will take her to Phantasma, a magical house filled with demons where people always risk their lives hoping that they will win the big prize, and that's where she hopes that she will find her sister. There she will face many difficulties, make some friends, and some enemies and hopefully, she will be able to find all the secrets she needs to.

Now, it sounds really bad already, but Ophelia is not you ordinary girl, she's a necromancer and she also has OCD, both things being quite important in this story and I loved how the author showed the struggles and how people deal with it everyday.

I think this book managed to stand out and had many unique elements (at least compared to what I read so far), but everything blended together really nicely and the book was easy to read

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Phantasma was SO much fun. This is a pretty dark one so be aware of the triggers before jumping in including some graphic violence during each challenge. There are different paranormal beings including witches, necromancers, devils, and phantoms, the romance was fantastic, and each level brings a new devil/challenge for the contestants to overcome.

This won't be for everyone, however, I loved it! Cannot wait for the next one