⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️.5

👻Paranormal Romance
🐈‍⬛Forbidden Romance
👻Haunted House Competition
🐈‍⬛Forced Proximity
👻Necromancer X Phantom
🐈‍⬛New Orleans but make it Fantasy

This was an arc.

I highly enjoyed this book. The only reason I did not
5 stars was a personal preference on the amount of spice scenes. Trust me I love spice but I felt a couple of them felt repetitive. The plot was amazing! I love the trials! The world building was the perfect amount. The growth of Ophelia’s character was so good! There was a part in the book that I felt threw me a bit, the part with Sinclair! IYKYK
The ending I was not expecting! I had a feeling but the true story I did not expect! Highly recommend! I would definitely read more from this author!


I did revive the ALC.
The narrator was amazing! Being that this story takes place in one POV one narrator makes sense. The different voices the narrator gave us to differentiate the characters was very well done. I loved this audio.

Phantasma is a gothic feast of a debut that will ensnare you inside its twisting walls and a secretive manor where deals are made and broken. In order to save her sister and obtain the elusive wish that is only granted to the player who survives, one necromancer must contend with the game's deadly competition. Since the release of her young adult series, I have been a big fan of Kaylie Smith's, and I think Phantasma may be my all-time favorite gothic romance and novel from her.

I LOVED this audiobook! The narrators did a fantastic job at bringing these characters to life. I was hooked the entire time!

I really enjoyed the trials element of this book. It wade for a very exciting and high stakes setting which I have been craving lately. Blackwell's character was sexy and downright wicked. The chemistry between him and Ophelia was addicting. Their banter was fun and at times scandalous.

Ophelia enters Phantasma as an attempt to save her sister from a potentially deadly fate. She encounters living nightmares and Devils who care very little if she lives or dies. She shows immense bravery just by entering into the trials.

Something that I like a lot about this book is that she is a necromancer. This gives her the ability to see dead people and phantoms that would otherwise be invisible to her. This is the start of why she and Blackwell have an instant connection...

Overall, this was a great read and I am so excited for book 2!

4.5/5

I absolutely loved this book and the audio is SO good! It's been awhile since a romantasy kept me at the edge of my seat. I couldn't put this one down, I needed to know where the story was headed. Phantasma is full of twists, turns, and a MMC that will make you swoon. I couldn't get enough of Blackwell and found myself as drawn to him as Ophelia was. The trials in Phantasma were so interesting, I couldn't wait to see what the next one would bring. I can't wait to pick up the next book in this series.

This was like a spicy version of Caraval. I'm not a fan of the way the narrator does the male voices, but she has good range. This book would be great for fans of spooky, mystical, game based books.

When Ophelia enters Phantasma, she must decide if she should follow everything she knows as a necromancer or throw caution to the wind.

Trials set in a haunted mansion in New Orleans? I’m sold. Give me a female necromancer and a phantom for a love interest? Say less. I’ve described this to my friends as a more grown up, slightly darker, spicy Casper. Which is something I didn’t know I needed. I also appreciated the OCD representation in this story.

I loved Ophelia and Blackwell. There was immediately chemistry and snarky banter which I loved. I found the trials based on the nine circles of hell fascinating. And the forbidden romance between our characters was the cherry on top. We have a couple mysteries in the story. I had a feeling about one, but the other took me by surprise. The gothic feel of this story is everything I needed for autumn + spooky season vibes. The next book has already been announced and I cannot wait for it!

🎧I’ve been following Laura Horowitz on instagram for a while because she’s hilarious. I’m so glad to say I really enjoyed my first audiobook by her. I’ll definitely be looking for more. I really enjoyed listening while reading.

Thank you to Bookouture and Second Sky for the arc and alc

Story: 5 ⭐
Spice: 3 🌶 (Mostly due to frequency)
Narration: 5 ⭐

I don't usually dish out 5 stars for performances with just one narrator, but Laura Horowitz did a fantastic job. She had voices for all the characters, and they matched each person/personality perfectly. I applaud you!

First, I want to say that I don't really feel like this is a romantasy. It feels more like a paranormal/gothic romance. There are some magic elements that happens within the book but most of it deals with ghosts, demons, devils, and other paranormal beings. Now that's out of the way...

I freakin' loved this book. Caraval is probably one of my all-time favorite series and this has similar vibes but make it more adult and spicier. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time and I was unaware of the twist. It was such a fun ride, and I cannot wait for her sister's story!!

I really enjoyed this! Going in I was unsure what to expect but I knew I wanted to read when I learned that this is a spicy dark romantasy where a necromancer needs help from a dangerous phantom to win a deadly competition, only to find their partnership puts her at risk of breaking the game’s most vital rule: don't fall in love. Really awesome narration and I was hooked!

What a debut! I was hooked from the very beginning and loved every minute. The characters were rich, the back story was intriguing and the levels within Phantasma were horrifying. The romance and spice were great. There was one little scene with the FMC on her knees that was one of the best spicy scenes of that nature that I’ve read/listened to. The description was —chef kiss! I knew there was a twist and I had my theories, but in the end I was a bit blind sided. I love it when I don’t predict what’s going to happen.

If you want some gothic, witchy, New Orleans type vibes then this is the book for you. I cannot wait for the next one.

Overall: 5/5
Audio: 5/5. Laura Horowitz!!! 👏👏👏
Spice: 3/5 (amt….quality was 5/5)

Loved this book a lot more than I thought I would. Definitely felt like Caraval meets Hunger Games but with some spice. Haunted house with several types of ghosts in the middle of a deadly trials with sisters in the middle of it what’s not to love.

I am so utterly obsessed with this book and them.
That ending had me gagged. I loved the progression of the story, the characters and the couple as well as the world and setting of the story.
I do feel that the ending was somewhat rushed as I had to listen to the last few chapter a couple of times as I was quite confused on what was happening.
The narration was very well done and have no criticism.

This was such a fantastic book! The synopsis sounded really interesting, and the book delivered on that promise. I had such a great time reading Ophelia's story! The idea of a house of devils, and a competition with levels of sins, yeah, so interesting!

One thing that I don't really mention on audiobooks, is the narrators. On this book, I'm glad that I noticed, because I've seen some of her short form videos and they were always hilarious so listen to a full length piece of her performance was top notch, I'm going to have to look into other books she's done and see if I'm interested in any of them.

I don't have OCD, an intense voice that says if you don't do this thing, like knocking three times, disaster is going to strike. So I can't say how well done it was, just that it's there, and was a vibrant part of the story, and I'm so glad that it was a part, from an author that does deal with OCD.

Watching as she was navigating these levels, dealing with Blackwell, searching for the key, worrying about her sister, she had a lot on her plate. That there were a few personal mysteries, well, I loved how the story came together and ended!

Loved reading the book, and I can't wait for the sequel!

You need to hold out and have patience with this audiobook. The narration style started very slowly for me. It was almost over-dramatized in the first chapters before she enters the mansion. I can appreciate that there's a gothic and eerie vibe before the excitement of the Phantasma competition, but it was too much. I almost DNF.

But once the hauntings/trials start, the pace picks up and the narration feels more casual and approachable. I really enjoyed the banter between the female lead Ophelia and the phantom Blackwell.

She has entered a magical competition hosted by a mansion of devils called Phantasma. Each night, the competitors enter a game based on one of the 7 deadly sins. The variety in tests was really creative - chess board puzzles (where people die), pulling yourself up a cliff (where people die), navigating a orgy (where people die). You get the drift. In between each level, Ophelia and the others are contained within a haunted mansion where their greatest fear are brought to life. Whoever survives all the haunting and levels will win the Devil's promise to grant any wish. Everyone else either dies or sell their soul to the Devil to be spared. If you've watched Supernatural (tv), it's like that. More haunted mansion that demonic possession.

Ophelia is only there to find her impulsive sister and escape. She makes a bargain with a Phantom to help him escape this purgatory in exchange for helping her cheat through the levels. But he is not Casper, the friendly ghost. Blackwell is hot as hell, and as tensions rise the pair become far more familiar with each other than anticipated. Explicit spice after the 50% mark, HEA.

Phantasma is hands down the best book I’ve read this year! I binged the audiobook because I literally could not stop—it was so gripping. The dark, sexy romance between Ophelia and Blackwell had me hooked from the start. Their chemistry was off the charts, and the spice? Absolutely perfect! As someone with OCD, I was blown away by the amazing representation of Ophelia’s struggle with the shadow voice, which added so much depth to her character.

Set in the cursed world of Phantasma, where not all is as it seems, the stakes are as high as the twists are wild. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story pulls you deeper. “The only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart,” and I lost mine to this book. Hold on for the ride of your life—this romantasy is achingly beautiful, sexy, and full of surprises!

Yes, yes, 100% yes! Just chef’s 💋 Absolutely unique take on the whole trials type genre. A paranormal house with a game each level representing the 9 levels of hell run by devils. Cutthroat contestants, wicked scheming devils. Strong FMC. I’ve never seen a necromancer character presented in this way. Plenty of angsty hot spice & a jaw dropping ending that had me kicking my legs and pounding my chair like WHAT! This is a darker romantasy, so as always check your triggers. As for me I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series! Hat’s off to the narrator…. Ma’am that was a performance.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

OK I DEVOURED THIS!

Spicy fantasy lovers: Phantasma is a dark fantasy romance with trials, secrets, and deadly costs. Think Caraval, mixed with Squid Games, PLUS spice! And the spice was spicing omg. Blackwell…the man that you are 🥵

I was immediately hooked with this one, readers are thrown right into the deep end. Ophelia is tasked with taking over her mother’s legacy after her death and found out that debts her mother accrued may lead to her losing the house if they aren’t repaid. Her sister enters Phantasma in secret in an attempt to pay off this debt; Ophelia finds out and enters herself, hoping to find her sister and protect her.

I loved the romance in this, it’s SO forbidden! Falling in love during Phantasma has consequences, but when Ophelia makes a deal with Blackwell, who is trapped within Phantasma and desperate to be free (and is super hot obviously) they are forced to work together as Ophelia progresses through the trials and maybe they start caring for each other more than they should 👀

This was a SUPER enjoyable read! Very fast paced and packed with twists that had me on the edge of my seat. I will absolutely be reading everything Kallie ever writes.

I actually listened to the audiobook whilst following along with my physical copy and I’d highly recommend the audiobook!! Super engaging!

I need a few minutes to calm down from this book, it needs a HUGE spice warning - colour me flustered. I devoured this book the same way Ophelia was devoured! I LOVED everything about this book, from the gorgeous cover to the words that flowed inside. It had me hooked line and sinker.

Don't be thinking this was just a spicy book with romance thrown in, no no no no no no, as we travel through the Nine circles of hell, there are some brutal and I do mean brutal deaths! Some were so deserved, there were so many awful creatures (I can't even think of them as humans) who were trying to win the prize in Phantasma. They made the devils look almost friendly! One word = Cade The descriptions were detailed and the deaths were so creative, I have to say!

This book gave me Big Brother feels, mixed in with Survivor, and Squid Games to say the least, in how the levels progressed. The "tasks" they had to complete, obviously were not in the same capacity - unless we suddenly see people running from swinging axes, or stone columns dropping by. (Well maybe Squid Games) Ophelia mesmerised me, with her backstory, how she ended up in Phantasma, her sister, and the chapter we learn about the "Creator" too.

The narrator was just fantastic, although, how she narrated those scenes - hats off to her!

I was here for all of it! I can't tell you enough how much I loved this book!

These characters will definitely make you squirm, cheer, and get a little hot under the collar. It is such a wild ride and I was obsessed - I just want to read the next book now!

Oh my gods. Oh my gods. This was so good. The absolute perfect gothic spooky vibes but not too horror/scary for all the paranormal romance lovers out there. The vibes are impeccable, world building is fun, magic is cool, and the banter and romance evolution is *chefs kiss*. thank you so much for this ALC opportunity Narrator Laura is master at her craft and nails it every time. This was so so so good.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. It felt like it was too close to a Caraval type world. I liked the darker piece which made it different but it was too similar for me.

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞.

𝑨 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒍

When Ophelia's mother dies and sister goes missing, there is only one way to save her. Ophelia enters Phantasma, which holds a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion. Multiple people undergo nine challenges, where there will only be one winner. Each challenge/day will be more dangerous than the last.

Temptations, demons; monsters reside in the mansion. Bargains are made. Ophelia meets Blackwell, who acts as her guide in exchange for 10 years of her life. Ophelia can't turn him away, with her sister's life on the line.

𝑰𝒏 𝑷𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒎𝒂, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕.
_________________________________________

This is an ARC review, a big thank you to Netgalley! I highly recommend the audiobook, @laura_horowitz_narrator did an amazing job narrating this book!

I absolutely 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 this book. This is a standalone, although the following book will be about Genevieve (Ophelia's sister).

The OCD representation was done so beautifully in this book, I feel Kaylie did an excellent job with how it can look and feel. This is a forbidden romance, and I was not expecting to cry- but I found myself sobbing in the car while listening to a specific chapter. This book took me by surprise, I had high expectations from the description, and it did not disappoint. From the banter to the cute ghost cat, the challenges, twists & turns, and heartbreak, this was a 5-star read for me. I will be reading the next book about her sister, and at this point anything Kaylie writes.

Please read this book, it is officially out today!

✨Tropes✨
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Haunted House Competition
▶ Forbidden Romance
▶ OCD representation
▶ Trials inspired by the nine circles of hell
▶ Who did this to you?