I received an advanced copy of *Phantasma* from NetGalley and the publisher, and I'm voluntarily sharing my thoughts in this review.

Dark romance typically isn’t my preferred genre. I’ve tried a few before, but they didn’t resonate with me, so I usually avoid books labeled as such. However, with *Phantasma* being compared to *Caraval* and having Gothic themes, I was intrigued despite my initial hesitation—and to my surprise, I ended up enjoying it.

The book starts off with a dramatic twist: Ophelia and Genevieve's mother has died, and Ophelia must inherit the family magic. (As a side note, I found the summary a bit misleading since it mentions their mother’s murder, which isn't revealed until much later in the story—feels like a spoiler upfront.) Along with the family magic, Ophelia also inherits a huge debt her mother never disclosed. To pay it off, her sister Genevieve enters the mysterious competition of Phantasma, and despite her mother’s warnings, Ophelia joins the competition as well, hoping to protect her sister. The plot echoes *Caraval* but with a darker, more sinister twist.

What really stood out to me were the dark, Gothic tones woven throughout the story. The atmosphere was intentionally eerie and unsettling, which made the reader feel like they were in a place they didn’t belong. While I wish there had been more detailed descriptions of the manor house where Ophelia stayed, the vague setting added to the story’s air of mystery and discomfort, which worked well with the overall mood.

I found the characters interesting, though not particularly compelling. I was intrigued by their backstories and quirks but didn’t feel a strong emotional connection to them. There was little character growth despite the challenges they faced. The romance between Ophelia and Blackwell was driven mostly by physical attraction, making it hard to believe in a deeper connection between them. The big reveal near the end didn’t come as a surprise, and after the slow build of the plot, the conclusion felt rushed.

Overall, I enjoyed *Phantasma*, but I would have preferred more character development and fewer intimate scenes—though perhaps that’s just my preference as someone who doesn’t usually read dark romance.

I wasn't sure what to expect going into Phantasma but I was blown away by this fun fantasy stand-alone! It took me a minute to really get into the story and understand what was happening but once we were into Phantasma itself, I was hooked! This will probably be a god to stand-along fantasy rec for me to give for a while now!

Okay so this was my first Gothic Fantasy Romance book and I did enjoy it! One surprising thing for me was having a MC with Obsessive Compulsion Disorder represented. It is so refreshing to see! And for many people it helps us understand what someone is going through and how debilitating it is!

Right from the start the storyline draws you in and doesn't let you go. The characters were well written and the chemistry, emotion and growth of the characters was so good, you don't want to put it down.

The only thing I would say is that I felt that the end was a little bit rushed and would have loved to have seen a little bit more. But overall a great read and perfect for any fantasy readers that want a little bit ( well it's not just a little) of Dark Gothic Romance.

This book was SO MUCH FUN!!

I have been in a truly devastating book slump (hence why I have barely gotten around to reading this) but I am SO glad that I decided to pick it up because it got me right out of that slump.

Smith writes in a way that is captivating and truly just a joy ride to experience. I loved the plot, the characters, but the setting and world building is what truly grabbed me by the neck from the very beginning.

I give this book 4 stars just because there was a little something missing for me, though I can’t place exactly what, but this book was the perfect read to get me out of my slump!

Woohoo this was fun! For a perfect spooky, eerie and twisty story with a side of spicy romance, look no further! For me, this lived up to the hype I've been seeing.

I ate up the gothic hunger games-esq trials which was matched with some great banter between the female main character and her love interest/guide.

I don't know why I thought this was a YA fantasy, but heads up, it's not and is very much open door spice level!

My slight criticism is that I wanted more of a sinister ending. Things wrap up a bit mushy and rather quickly. For how dark the other 90% of the book is, I was surprised it ended the way it did.

I received an advanced copy of Phantasma from Netgalley and the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Dark romance is not usually a genre that piques my interest. I've read a couple, and they were not my cup of tea, so if a book purports to be a dark romance, I tend to steer clear. However, with its comparison to Caraval and Gothic themes, Phantasma was on my radar as something I might enjoy despite my initial hesitation due to its genre. And I enjoyed it, much to my surprise.

Phantasma starts off with a bang. Ophelia and Genevieve's mother is dead, and Ophelia has to inherit the family magic. (Side note: I will say that the summary is a little odd, as it says that their mother has been murdered, but that information doesn't come out until near the end of the book, so it's kind of a spoiler, I guess, right there for everyone to see.) On top of the family magic, Ophelia inherited her mother's debt, which she knew nothing about. Her sister enters the competition of Phantasma to try and pay off that debt, and Ophelia, going against everything her mother taught her, enters as well if only to save her sister from herself. This plot line is reminiscent of Caraval, with a darker tone and twist.

I loved the dark, Gothic vibes that permeated the entire story. Though slightly oppressing at times, I think that was the point. We weren't supposed to feel comfortable in this setting. It was meant to be off-putting and unpleasant, lending to the feeling that we were somewhere we weren't supposed to be. While I would have liked more description of the manor house Ophelia was staying at, the lack of said description made the setting more mysterious and uncomfortable, and it worked for what the story was.

I found the characters interesting, though not compelling. I wanted to learn more about them because their backstory and mannerisms interested me, but I didn't feel attached to them. Though they go through trials and tribulations, there is next to no character growth. On top of that, the romance between Ophelia and Blackwell is based purely on lust, making it hard to believe that they love each other. The reveal at the end was unsurprising and, after everything that happened, wrapped up much too quickly. For such a slow-paced book, I was astonished by how quickly everything was tied up at the end.

Overall, though, I enjoyed Phantasma. I would have liked to see more character growth and fewer sex scenes, but perhaps that's the non-dark romance reader in me talking.

If you liked Caraval but wish the magic of it all was more eerie, spooky and had dark elements and spice - then you should pick this book up! There is a great plot and it was perfect for spooky season. It definitely was darker and spicier than I was expecting so something to note! If you aren't comfortable reading about devils/demons though this book probably isn't for you. overall a decent spooky season read.

Obsessed doesn't begin to cover it. Phantasma has become my entire personality! The setting, the worldbuilding, the ROMANCE?!!!! If I could give this book ten stars, I would!! Kaylie Smith smashed this book, and I devoured it in one sitting!! I can't wait for the next installment!

Following the death of her mother and with the impending loss of their family home, Ophelia must enter the deadly Phantasma competition to save her sister.

In a haunted mansion where the only thing more dangerous than the 9 challenges are the competitors fears made manifest, she bargains with a phantom. Save him and he will save her. Fail to do so and she forfeits ten years of her life.

Against a ticking clock, suspicions, and feelings, grow as Ophelia fights Devil's and her own inner demons to uncover secrets long withheld from her.

A fantastic novel with twists and fully developed characters, this dark and twisting fantasy romance will have readers gripped from the first chapter and clamoring for the next release.

If you liked dark fantasy combined with the competition of Caraval and the inner struggle of One Dark Window, this book is a home run.

Note: the lead deals with intrusive thoughts and obsessive compulsive disorder (though not directly specified). The representation is handled in a way that demonstrates the overwhelming nature of the struggle and appears respectful.

Absolutely Loved this Book! I cant wait for the second one already. I was instantly drawn in from the beginning and I love how fast paced this book was. The chapters flew by and before I knew it, I was at the end. I really enjoyed both of the Characters, Ophelia Grimm and "Blackwell". They both were fun characters and they made me laugh at times.
Going into a new world, aka Phantasma was interesting and having to go through 9 different levels in order to escape and stay alive was interesting. There were 9 different levels, all under different categories that you had to make your way through. Another rule was to not fall in love in Phantasma but of course, you know that wont happen and Ophelia will most likely fall for *cough cough* someone in the story!

If you like a dark gothic fantasy and throw in some forbidden romance in and now you got a great story right here.
I've heard people say this book is kinda like Caraval which I havent read so I wouldnt know but maybe they are right? I dont know.
All I Know is that I loved this book and I cant wait for Book 2!

I'm so sad I didn't love this one! I had such high hopes. It's compared to Caraval and ACOTAR, but other than the competition, this felt more like A Deadly Education x Kingdom of the Wicked (which I didn't love either).

Ophelia was not for me at all. I did like the OCD rep, but otherwise I found her to be annoying. Blackwell was fun at first, but quickly became cringey. Their whole relationship was instalust. I also found the 9 trials to be pretty boring.

The reveal at the end was very interesting, but predictable.

Overall I had hoped for more substance, a more meaningful romance, and more Adult Fantasy vibes besides spice and gore. Maybe I went in with the wrong expectations?

Thanks to Netgalley for an eARC!

Heard it was about Danny Phantom. Was not disappointed at all. Great story, good writing, amazing characters. Everything I love. I recommend it!

What a perfect read for spooky season! This was a pulse-pounding dark fantasy - for both the thrills and romance. Set in a haunted manor and featuring FMC Ophelia, a necromancer, and MMC Blackwell, a ghost. Ophelia enters a deadly competition called Phantasma to search for and save her sister. This book has a delightful mix of all the elements that make me love romantasy including deadly trials, witty banter, and tension. There are several twists that kept me hooked on the plot, and the spicy scenes were chef’s kiss! The story does not end on a major cliffhanger, and the next book in the series will focus on Ophelia’s sister, Genevieve.

Audiobook review: Laura Horowitz is one of my favorite narrators so I immediately grabbed the audio version when I saw her name, and she did not disappoint! She does an excellent job with all of the characters and bringing life to the story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Second Sky Books/Forever for providing me with audio and digital copies of this book. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.

4.5⭐️

The vibes of this book is a mix of Caraval, One Dark Window, and Kingdom of the Wicked. That being said, I wiĺl also be giving Caraval another try SOON.

I really enjoyed the pacing of this book. I would say don't go into this story expecting some whirlwind romance. It's built on a connection sort of being established like the link of someone being fated. They're drawn to each other. They will push and pull continuously throughout this book. They just sort of bang a lot in this once they start and bicker. I'm into it though.

Things I wasn't a fan of:
Ophelia seeking out the dreary devil for some fun times because she got in a fight with McHottie pants. Even though she stopped it from getting too far, I have never liked retaliation sex.

---

The way I was trying to find objects to wrap my hands around when she said she couldnt close her hands...around the size of him. WHY ARE WE MAKING THEM SO BIG? OMG.

Anyways have this quote from the book that just made me 🤤
"Go home," the stranger advised. "A house of Devils is no place for an angel like you."

Phantasma surprised me so much! I absolutely love it.

Ophelia is a new necromancer after the death of her mother, and she must learn how to take care of the family business. However, her mother was keeping more secrets than Ophelia knew, and as a result, she and her sister Genevieve are in too much debt, with their family home all but gone.

That’s when Genevieve decides to run away and join Phantasma, a deadly haunted house competition where the winner receives a magical prize. Ophelia is terrified for her sister and decides to follow her to the competition, where she meets Blackwell, a charming phantom who’s stuck inside Phantasma. His only hope for freedom is Ophelia.

The banter between Blackwell and Ophelia is off the charts; I love them together and how they help each other. The competition was amazing, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

I really hope there’s a second book; I’m already missing this world.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review.

First off, I must say that my ARC was missing half of chapter 31, most of chapter 41, and some of 51. So I lost some stuff!

But! I enjoyed this one! The competition was fun even though the ending was a little rushed. I still wish I knew Genevieve better, and Blackwell's <spoiler> reveal and him being forgiven was very fast </spoiler>. But overall, it was a fun, dark, paranormal romp. Well suited to the spooky season.

The portrayal of Ophelia's OCD was innovative and informed by the author's own experiences, and really made her a unique protagonist, as well as her other traits and personality. I also always appreciate a content warning at the beginning of a book!

Also, I KNEW Blackwell was Danny Phantom-coded with his silver hair and green eyes, and that author's note confirmed it. I see you, Kaylie, I get it.

If you're looking for a quick, spooky read, I recommend picking up Phantasma! It's probably not going to be your next most favorite book, but it is going to be a great time! Three and a half stars, rounded up to 4 for Goodreads.

I really enjoyed this book!
It reminded me so much of Caraval by Stephanie Garber, that it was at times difficult to separate them, having finished that book not long ago.
There is a lot of spice here, so if you have the audio , be careful of prying ears!
The narrator is brilliant, I only needed a couple of days to finish the book.

Firstly, thank you to Netgalley and Second Sky/Forever for this ARC!

I could not put this book down. The world is so interesting and I love the gothic atmosphere. It’s like a dark, adult version of Caraval with gothic CW The Originals vibes (New Orleans).

There’s devils, ghosts, necromancers, phantoms, a ghost cat 🐈‍⬛ etc.

This book is a perfect blend between paranormal, plot, romance and atmosphere. The characters each have their own personality that shines through. I love that the deadly trials are based off the circles of hell.

I also appreciate how Kaylie Smith depicted her own journey with OCD and intrusive thoughts/tics through the FMC (portrayed a monstrous voice in her head). I thought it was very interesting to read it webbed up in and truly part of the story rather than it just being an essay on OCD. It was remarkably done.

I have noting bad to say about this book and I would highly recommend it to lovers of paranormal fantasy. An easy 5 ⭐️rating!

Gosh Darnit!!! This was such a good read!! The tension, the passion, the twists! I am dying for the second one and I have way too long to wait for it to come out! There was a perfect amount of horror and gore mixed in with some nice palate cleansers of spicey fun. The setting was eerie and haunting and the perfect vibe for the start of spooky season!

I know this comparison is made quite a bit but this book was very much Caraval vibes but with more heat and darkness.
I loved Blackwell. Ophelia and Genevieve were fine. I saw some of the twists coming but I enjoyed it all the while. There were some reveals that left me speechless though.
I did also like the portrayal of mental illness. It felt like the shadow was there the whole time.