I absolutely LOVED this book!! Romantasy at it's finest.

Ophelia inherits her family's legacy of becoming a necromancy after her mother's death. Secrets of her family's past cause her to enter Phantasma, a deadly competition put on by devils where the winner receives one wish.

I loved that this book was a standalone. I enjoy a really good book series, but I feel so many Romantasy books these days are a series where the second book always ends up being a filler book until you get to the third book with a resolution. A lot of times I won't finish the series, I'm looking at you Fourth Wing and Sparks of the Everflame. So I appreciated a GREAT story contained to one book.

I did guess some details early on, but the different trials and the way it was written made me want to continue reading to get to the conclusion.

The spice level in this book is 🥵 I definitely enjoyed it!!

There was OCD representation with compulsions, obsessive thoughts, and someone darker in your head voicing all your worst fears which I appreciated because I too suffer from OCD.

The only teeny tiny problem I had were some inconsistencies in scenes. In one scene she was in the tub (so you'd assume someone would be unclothed haha) and then it said she was out of the tub and he reached around to unclasp something and I was confused. That happened two or three times in the book where there were contradictions to what was just said, so maybe that can be looked into before the final copy is released to the public.

Like I said before I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading any other books Kaylie Smith comes out with.

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Second Sky, and Kaylie Smith for an eArc copy of this book in return of my honest review.

Kaylie Smith's adult debut, "Phantasma," is a tantalizing blend of gothic romance and high-stakes adventure. Set in a haunted mansion where danger lurks behind every shadow, "Phantasma" is a mesmerizing tale of survival, love, and the lengths one will go to save a loved one.

The story follows Ophelia Grimm, a determined young woman on a mission to rescue her missing sister. The only way to achieve this is by entering Phantasma, a deadly contest where the prize is a single wish. The rules are simple yet brutal: stay alive and don't fall in love. As Ophelia faces nine increasingly perilous challenges, the tension is palpable, and the stakes are higher than ever. Especially with Blackwell, a charming, arrogant, and irresistibly attractive stranger enters the picture offering Ophelia a bargain.

Smith's world-building is exceptional, drawing inspiration from the nine circles of hell to create a series of challenges that are as imaginative as they are deadly. The gothic atmosphere is rich and immersive, pulling readers into a world where every corner hides a new danger or temptation. The blend of romance and horror is balanced, with many steamy moments and heart-pounding suspense.

One of the standout aspects of "Phantasma" is its representation of OCD, which is woven into the narrative with sensitivity and depth. Ophelia's struggles with OCD add an authentic and relatable dimension to her character, making her journey all the more compelling.

In conclusion, "Phantasma" is a bloody, gothic feast that will trap you inside its twisted walls and leave you craving more. Kaylie Smith has delivered a formidable debut that combines romance, horror, and fantasy in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. This very well may be the next big thing on booktok.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for providing an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

this book reminded me a lot of caraval, just a little darker. and like with caraval, unfortunely i felt pretty indifferent about it. the romance didn’t really work for me—it was too focused on the physical side, so the characters got together way too quickly, which made it hard for me to stay engaged with the rest of the book. i needed more emotional connection between the characters. additionally, there’s some things that were interesting in the worldbuilding (the devils, necromancers, ghosts and etc) and it was easy to get me to immerse in it but the plot was quite predictable, and i was able to guess the ending way ahead. still, if you’re looking for the typical YA/NA romantasy vibe, this book does the job well enough.

Let me start by saying in full transparency I didn’t read the full description and that’s my fault. I saw Acotar meets Caraval and was sold. I don’t normally read/watch stuff involving devils or demons due to my own faith. Despite my own negligence I went in with the best of intentions to be unbiased. Although it was a little slow at the beginning I actually ended up enjoying it!! Personally I think it’s more Caraval meets Serpent and the Wings of Night than Acotar. There’s magic, romance, touch her and die vibes, Necromancer meets Phantom, and I really appreciated the touches of mental health aspects Kaylie put into the story.

Two sisters with a Necromancer lineage lose their mom tragically. They find themselves in a financial bind. To try to regain ownership of their family home the youngest sister runs off to join Phatasma, a game that will give you any wish you want if you pass the 9 levels of Hell. The only catch is once the level begins “the only way out is winning, bargaining, or death”. When the oldest sister And our FMC Ophelia finds out she tries to catch up to her sister to save her from the fate of the game but to find and save her sister she’ll have to play herself.

a romantasy with thriller to experience and a bit of spice, reading chapter after chapter and you get into an addiction

Absolutely amazing story! Was not able to put the book down! At first, I was a little hesitant because it’s a long book, and then I just wanted more of it. Highly recommend this book! There were some twists that I did not see coming, and I was so enthralled in this book that I hated for it to end.

This was a nice read that I finished in my spare time. I liked how it was a dark romance but the male lead wasn't an awful person who did unforgivable things (everything was consensual). I also liked the idea of the trials and the setting was nice.

Phantasma -Kaylie Smith
4✨
This book was a fun read. The plot was good, although in my opinion predictable, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing sometimes it’s refreshing. There were still some twists I didn’t see coming.
Ophelia our FMC was kinda boring at first, I was expecting a badass necromancer but I got a rule following good girl with barely any fight in her. However as the book went on she turned more and more blood thirsty, which was more my speed. I also loved the inclusion of mental health, and I think Kaylie managed to make the OCD believable. Anyway here is what to expect,
🥀Supernatural
🥀Competition
🥀Mystery
🥀FMC with OCD
🥀Dante’s Inferno

If you like those, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you NetGalley, Second Sky and Kaylie Smith for this e-book, I am leaving this review voluntarily💕

“Phantasma” is a story that holds elements of mystery, dark romance, fantasy, and action, and there is spice—the MMC had quite the dirty mouth on him and then some. Author Kaylie Smith’s ability to pull me into this world with pure words is incredible. The imagery, creativity—a competition held in a haunted mansion?–– and pacing of the story had me wanting more as I went page by page, chapter by chapter. It’s a wonderfully exciting read!

I really really enjoyed this! I’m not much of a fantasy reader but this has definitely changed my mind, it was amazing fast paced with danger trials romance, mystery and death! I adored the main characters they were adorable their slow burn was 🔥
I was gripped from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down it was beautifully written and easy to follow and I learnt a lot about the paranormal.
A must read.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book. This story hooked me from the beginning!
Major elements are Demons, Devils, Phantoms, Necromancers. If this doesn't convince you to pick up this book......
An adventurous game is held inside an incredible magical palace which does not have any destinations/timelines, can popup anywhere, anytime! Anyone with a whole lot of guts and death wish can participate but for a small price ofcourse! Its Devils Game after all, what can you expect? The end result of this game is so enticing that whether you want or not, you will participate...
I am sure i convinced you now to pick this book!
I loved this book and the writing style of Kaylie. I will definitely check out her other creations! Cant wait for the next one already....

When i discovered this title, i thougt mm deadly games, forbidden romance, betrayals? Count me in!

This books was a lot of fun! I really liked the storytelling and writing. Romance in this book was a little disappointing and i wanted more emotional connection. They had fastburn and nice dynamic so I wasn't so dissapointed :) I just didn't feel that "i effing love these two"

Overall this was a good book and I liked the ending :)

Interesting premise. It took me a bit to figure out what was going on, but once I did, I was in for the whole wild ride. It was fabulous and I want more!

Gothic romance is a genre that I don't read a lot but man I sure do love it. This one started off a bit slow for me but once Phantasma began I couldn't put the book down. I really liked the play on the seven deadly sins and how the contestants chose to try and beat each level. This book is a little gory and a little dark so if that isn't your thing then I would say to stay away from this one. If you are looking for a dark, romantasy with some sexy times with a ghost then I think you should definitely pick this one up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky/Forever for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5/5
A bloody, gothic feast of a debut, Phantasma will trap you inside its twisted walls and a manor full of secrets where bargains are struck and broken, and one necromancer will contend with its deadly competition to save her sister and receive the elusive wish granted to the surviving player. I have long been an admirer of Kaylie Smith ever since her young adult series debuted and Phantasma is quite possibly my new favorite gothic romance and book from her all in one. Combining a foreboding gothic atmosphere, a competition influenced by the nine circles of hell, and a cursed bargain with a mysterious stranger, Smith casts her shining romantasy with formidable claws. Ophelia Grimm confronts the seen and the unseen, what’s real and what isn't, and Smith enmeshes this with some stellar OCD representation. Phantasma is the very definition of having your cake and eating it too, it's smart, sexy, horrifying, rageful, and somehow all of those can coexist without being contradictory. I’m completely under Kaylie Smith’s thrall and not at all upset about it.

A full feature will appear on my blog closer to publication

Thank you netgalley for the e-arc! I had the best time reading Kaylie Smith's adult debut Phantasma! It checked all the boxes for a swooning and fast-paced gothic romance!

Despite the overuse of the word egregious and the misspelling of the word 'maggot', this has got to be one of my favourite books of the year so far.
Fantastic representation of someone with OCD and social issues. Brilliant banter. Exquisitely gorey and yet deliciously descriptive.
Sibling friendship and growth. steamy and unique spicy scenes and a MMC who girls will fall for.
This is basically putting the Hunger Games in a haunted house, making it gothic and adding ALL of the spice.
5 stars. Instant buy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.

I am still fairly new to the fantasy world but did enjoy this read. I liked the inclusion of the Greeks, I found that very interesting, having a competition also made it very engaging.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC!

First things first...Poe is the best character, I won't take any criticism.

Secondly, I really enjoyed this! Its billed as a dark romantic fantasy horror, and that's exactly what it is. I wouldn't say it's horror in the classical terms, but there's body horror and gruesome situations.

The plot follows Ophelia, a Necromancer who has taken the reins of the family dynasty after her mother's death. She enters Phantasma, a mysterious event that suddenly appears, to find her sister, who had also entered.

Phantasma is run by Devils, and contestants have to compete through 9 levels to get the ultimate prize - but not everyone will make it out alive. In between that, we have haunts from ghostly creatures attempting to get the contestants to forfeit and drop out.

Ophelia is determined to find her sister, and she gets tangled up with a mysterious Phantom called Blackwell, who has certain powers and can manipulate his environments. With his help, she uncovers more about Phantasma, herself and her family...all with added romance and spice!

This was really enjoyable, and the plot was very engaging. The environment felt like a gothic version of New Orleans, with Phantasma being a character all on its own.

If Caraval was draped in luxurious gothic romance lace, twice-dipped in red, red blood, and sprinkled with ghost pepper spice... Phantasma is that and soooo much more.

🌹Forbidden Romance
🌹Hot, Playful Ghost Boy
🌹Who Did This To You
🌹Nine Circles of Hell Trials (think very high-stakes escape rooms)
🌹Nightmares Come to Life
🌹Sentient Manor
🌹Mystery, Intrigue, Missing Sister
🌹Ghost Cat

Phantasma is the book I've been searching for whenever I read a dark fantasy romance. It has lavish settings that are so easy to imagine and picture in one's mind. It has chills and so many thrills that make it impossible to stop reading. The romance is sizzling and sweet and healing for both Ophelia and Blackwell.

There's also OCD rep in the book, based partly by the author's own experiences (as stated in the Author's Note). Instead of just being thrown in, it's woven throughout the story, which leads to some chilling, some heart-wrenching, and some beautifully tender scenes.

This is a standalone and has a solid, satisfying ending. The last line is one of the best last lines I've read, and I did not want it to end. I can't wait for the second book, no matter who the MCs are in it, because Kaylie Smith is just that good.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.