When the description of this book says its similar to Caraval & The Hunger Games it really means it. Sprinkle in some dark fantasy and an adult setting and thats basically the first book in the series. That being said, it isn't the most original storyline ever and can be predictable at times. But as long as that's not an issue for you this book definitely fulfills on the dark, epic supernatural storytelling.

Ophelia is the main character and I found her way more likable and relatable then either of the sisters from the Caraval series. I cannot wait for the next book to come out. I would reread this one, especially with a audiobook pairing. I would also recommend it to anyone who likes dark romance.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 of 5 overall (rounded up)
🌶🌶 of 5 for spice

3.25 ⭐️ I didn't love it as much as I thought I would but it was still good. The idea is super cool (think about Caraval but with ghosts) but >for me< the main problem was Ophelia, ughhh I couldn't like her at all (and I tried!!!) ((a lot!!!!)). The rest of the book was very good but she completely ruined the experience for me. In return, Blackwell was EVERYTHING!!! Seriously, he would easily be in my top 5 book boyfriends. The plot was ok, a little predictable so it didn't make my rating go up but it was ok.

I love a good dark fantasy and this didn’t let me down. I had a fantastic time reading this! Definitely enjoyed the flow of this book and felt that it was very thought out.

4⭐️

Phantasma, by indie author Kaylie Smith, is a dark fantasy that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story revolves around a deadly game where survival is paramount, and falling in love is forbidden. Ophelia’s sister goes missing, prompting her to enter Phantasma—a sinister maze with nine treacherous challenges. Contestants must battle monsters, outwit rivals, and even make deals with the devil to win. Ophelia faces an offer from Blackwell, a charming yet potentially dangerous figure, who promises to help her if she calls his name three times, in exchange for ten years of her life.

This book was a thrilling read, especially for a debut adult novel from a newer indie author. Initially, I was cautious but ended up pleasantly surprised by the fast-paced, action-packed plot. Despite a rough start and an overuse of the word “macabre,” the story quickly captivated me. The ending felt a bit rushed, leaving some unanswered questions, but it neatly tied up the main plot.

Phantasma is not just a game; it’s a haunted house that appears in different cities, mimicking the nine circles of hell. The winner, if they survive, gets their wish granted by a devil. Ophelia’s quest to find her sister leads her through a hellish experience where she uncovers long-hidden truths. Will she save her sister and her family from debt, or fall victim to the devils and their bargains?

The book features devils, demons, phantoms, necromancers, and a compelling love story, making it a captivating romantasy. It also thoughtfully addresses mental health, depicting Ophelia’s struggle with OCD and intrusive thoughts, adding depth to her character.

Overall, I’d give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it when it releases on September 3rd. It’s a promising start to a series that I look forward to following.

I had the best time reading this oh my god!!!!
This is such a great book to read if you want something like caraval but 18+
The story was very thought out and the characters were so so good and had perfect chemestry

Thank you Netgalley and the publsiher for the arc

3.5 stars.

The story follows contestants of Phantasma - a competition where you're locked in a haunted house and must pass 9 trials (nine circles of hell). The winner gets a wish of their choice granted...
Ophelia enters the game claiming to search for her sister, although she isn't even sure if her sister is there... this might have been fine if the rest of the book echoed this... Unfortunately for me, it did not. I had hoped for a twist... but besides all the gory deaths and spice, I found myself bored. As we all know, instalust/instalove isn't for me, and I just feel like that's kind of all we got... the family subplot and Ophelia's attempts to help Blackwell added some depth to the story.

I did love the gothic/haunted house vibes and the darker themes, and it was fun to read this type of darker twist on the overdone trial genre. It was just REALLY similar to Caraval for me, in a way that was a little too obvious.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC. All thoughts are my own!

If it's labeled as dark or gothic fantasy I will definitely read it. This book has some of my favorite fantasy elements, necromancy, magic, a steamy romance with a devilishly handsome man, and a cutthroat deadly competition. The setting for the competition, aka phantasma, is creepy and unsettling, making it the perfect backdrop to this story. This book was also really steamy and had some great spicy scenes.

Things I did not love as much
The beginning of the story was a little boring and didn't pull me in quite as much as I normally like, but once we get to the actual games (about 15% in) the story really picks up and I am glad I stuck with it.
I wish the story would have been in first person instead of third person .I think it would have helped me to become even more immersed in the story and would have made the scarier moments more unsettling.
I was able to see the “surprise twist” that's revealed towards the end, coming a mile away. It didn't bother me, but it might bother some people.
I also felt like some parts were a bit rushed, and I wanted them to be more fleshed out, like finding out about her parentage, her honing her magic skills, and then the very last ending bit about her finding the key and everything working out.

I can't wait to read more from this author in the future, and I definitely recommend this book!

Wow this was incredible the darkest fantasy I have read and I loved it. A great idea with wonderful characters, I liked the main protagonists very much. I don’t think there are enough descriptive words to convey how much I enjoyed this book. A well deserved five star read.

5/5 ⭐ WHERE DO I BEGIN? this paranormal dark gothic romance has my heart forever & we need book 2!!

Kaylie.. how dare you leave us on such a cliffhanger! (Plus a thousand thank you's for giving me the opportunity to not only read the ARC, but listen to it too!)

I absolutely devoured this book & audiobook. From the beginning I loved the characters, Ophelia ofc being my favorite. It reminded me of Adams family themed hunger games a little!

When Ophelia meets Blackwell I had no idea that the relationship would develop the way it did - plenty of spice and full of passionate, intense moments that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, I was hanging onto every word that came out of that man's mouth.

Phantasma is such a great enemies to lovers romantasy - I was completely taken back with the ending & unable to control my emotions. I was sobbing!!

The side characters and levels throughout the game were written perfectly. A mixture of frustration, pain and anger throughout the 9 days..
It was a complete rollercoaster!

The backstory which we find out was just a full 360 from what I expected to have happened, insane.

You could never predict anything in this book!
👏🏻 Kaylie Smith, I will be reading each and every one of your books that you publish & recommend to everyone I know!

If you love gothic romances full of vampires, ghouls, ghosts and creatures from the dark, deals with the devil, haunted houses, dangerous trials - all intertwined within a beautiful and epic romance? Then Phantasma is for you!

Oh & we need exclusive editions in the UK, that would make my year🖤

I could go on forever about Phantasma, but I'm trying to not give away any spoilers... 👀

Screamin’ good time, emphasis on the screamin’! (No really, I had to sleep with a light on after those first few chapters! But I am a huge fan of the romantic haunted house.) I honestly feel like I just went through my own Lust trial and enjoyed every second of losing.

Unfortunately no matter how many times you say Blackwell, Blackwell, Blackwell, he still only exists in these pages.

This was excellent and I absolutely loved it. Dark fantasy romance with spice, action, magic, twists and turns, what a ride. They said if I liked ACOTAR and Caraval and Throne of the Fallen I would like this --- and that was a perfect pitch. I did, and highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

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!!