⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
🌶🌶🌶

♡ Magical Competition
♡ High Stakes
♡ "Good Girl."
♡ Forced Proximity
♡ Gothic Fantasy

"Death she was familiar with. Living would be the real challenge."

I almost opted out of this one because I feared that it would be too similar to Caraval. While there are a few similar themes, put that thought from your mind, and give this book a chance because it absolutely deserves to be held on its own.

First, Ophelia has inherited the abilities of necromancy from her late mother, giving her a unique connection to the supernatural. Second, our MMC is a ghost. Yep, you heard me. Casper the sexy, panty-dropping ghost. Only, think more "older Danny Phantom" than "doe-eyed Casper."

The darkly gothic atmosphere entwines with the Dante's Inferno style of deadly games, each more gruesome than the last. But falling in love? That's the worst thing that can happen in Phantasma. Silver-tongued ghosts with a bl00d k!nk don't make it any easier.

Don't make deals with devils. Don't fall in love. Make it to level 9 alive.

Laura Horowitz unsurprisingly gave a phenomenal performance in this single narration style audiobook. The passion and enthusiasm that bleeds into her voice kept me believing I was right there in Phantasma, too.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio & Kaylie Smith for the audio galley of Phantasma in exchange for an honest review.

I was THRILLED to get to listen to this one early & I absolutely LOVED it!

I am a sucker for any book that contains a game/competition with supernatural & paranormal elements intertwined. I was NOT disappointed!

I was hooked before I even hit play & am ready to listen to it again!

First, the setting of Phantasma was phenomenal. The author did a great job with her vivid imagery & really giving us that atmospheric feel with the gothic haunted mansion full of twists & turns.

She also wrote each & every character with great detail & depth. I was captivated by every single one of them - the good, the bad & the ugly.

And HOLY HELL - I was ALL IN for the romance between Ophelia & Blackwell. Their chemistry & angst was so satisfying.

As with any story of this nature with a competition being involved, not everyone is going to leave Phantasma alive & we get a front row seat to how each character is eliminated. It's definitely not all pretty.

I now have A Ruinous Fate and A Reckless Oath on my TBR & can't wait to see what Kaylie Smith comes out with next!

Full 5 Stars!

Absolutely loved this. So easy to get into. If you like deadly trials, romantasy and who did this to you vibes then you'll definitely enjoy this. Can't wait to see what else Kaylie Smith writes.

Despite the fact that so many fantasy romance authors are doing game style fantasy competitions this year - this one felt super unique. I loved the ghost part - it reminded me of an adult Casper. There was enough darkness to keep me intrigued, the spice was hot and not overdone, and the challenges were different than anything I've read before. Super fun read and the audio was fantastic. I'll always wish for duet narration but since it's single POV this made more sense. I absolutely will read more by this author.

If you are looking for a spicy book about banging a demon (and I guess trying to save your sister) then may I suggest you pick up Phantasma when it comes out? If you need more motivation, there is a ghost cat, too.

Seriously though, I had a great time with this. I loved the competition—it reminded me a lot of Caraval but with a higher body count—and was always intrigued to see what deadly trial Ophelia was going to have to face next.

I’d enjoyed Smith’s YA series, so when I saw she was releasing an adult romantasy I was immediately intrigued. I was so excited to be approved for an audio ARC on NetGalley. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life.

I went into this not know a thing and Oh My Gosh I really liked this listen! I always like a book that has trials or games and this one provided one that incorporated the 7 levels of hell as a quest to find her sister! I will definitely be looking for more from this author.

First things first I've got to say I loved Laura Horowitz narration of this book. She really captured the different characters & her Blackwell was spot on.

I loved the premise behind this one, the trials, challenges & dangers throughout. I also loved the way we got to know Ophelia better the longer the competition went on, the relationships that developed including the one with herself, & of course the spice.

My only criticisms are small, the speed with which it all came to head & I'd have loved a little more of the backstory, because it was intriguing. However, I still got completely lost in this one & it was really easy to picture the scenes that Kaylie was setting. I'd definitely read more from this author.

Thank you Net galley for this arc,

If Neceomancers, devils, ghost and a haunted Mansion are all things you like than you need to read this book.

Ophelia is a necromancer, whose mother recently passed away, her sister is missing and she has a voice inside her head. In order to find her sister she decided to participate in Phantasma a deadly game with trials that has 9 levels. There are two rules don’t die and don’t fall in love. She meets a sexy phantom and strikes a bargain with him. As the levels get harder the more attracted she is to Blackwell.

This story was so unique, bloody, dark and I love how it is set in Louisiana. If you love dark gothic paranormal fantasy stories you will eat this one up. This is perfect for fans of Caraval who want something grown, sexy and dark.

I also got a chance to listen to the audiobook and it was truly perfect. Will be adding the narrator to my list of must listen to narrators.
Perfect book to read this fall.

★★★★★

If The Hunger Games had a child with a haunted house, Phantasma would be the result! This book was an absolute thrill from start to finish.

The narration was outstanding—so good that the narrator deserves an award. Her performance really elevated the story, making it even more gripping.

Phantasma is quirky, spicy, and impossible to put down. I didn’t even want to get out of the car when I got home! It’s a must-read if you’re looking for a fated love story in the fantasy genre out side the usual fae stories, truly unique and captivating.

This was such a wonderfully read but it was unexpectedly fun! I loved this book and the audio was a blast, the narration was a treat and filled with emotion.

Phantasma is a deadly game filled with demons and monsters, where you can win a prize from the demon prince of hell himself. Ophelia Grimm enters this competition hoping to find her sister. Despite being a necromancer, she struggles at the beginning within the challenges and ends up making a bargain with a phantom, Blackwell, for his assistance in the games. The relationship fostered between Ophelia and Blackwell grows from a hesitant agreement to a mutual respect. Then finally a hunger and need for each other's body and soul. The slow burn of need and wanting between the two was what got me. I loved the romance so much.

There were some things in the middle that just was annoying (Blackwell dealing with things for her off page) I like the chaos of the haunts and the games. The spice brought it back for me to keep interested. Kaylie Smith's writing in those scenes!! WOWZA

The Shadow Voice and OCD portrayl is beyond one of my favorite things within this story. This really helped give it the eerie gothic vibe without going fully into horror and gore. There definitely were some elements that may upset some, but they are spaced well between romance and other general scenes within this gothic setting. The end was a bit expected, but honestly, I'm not mad. Just because it is expected doesn't mean it is bad - I had a blast.

💝 Haunted House Competition
💝 OCD Rep
💝 Dark elements, demons & monsters
💝 Secrets galore
💝 Necromancer/Phantom Romance
💝 🌶️🌶️ Spice

cw: horror/gore elements

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio & Forever Publishing for an ALC & eARC of <u>Phantasma</u> by Kaylie Smith

If I could give this book more stars I would! Kaylie Smith really debuted with a cracker of a book.

From the start the book is full of intrigue, and as it travels along the action, drama, suspense and romance just hits so well. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time waiting to see how the story developed, to see if Ophelia found her sister and if Blackwell would be freed from his endless imprisonment. The characters motivations were really well fleshed out and I was really rooting for them both, I also loved reading how the main characters interacted with the side characters, it was so fun to see different sides of them outside of the main relationship. Ophelia was also such a strong character, watching her grow throughout the competition was such a joy, it was also great to see OCD representation!

I absolutely looooved Ophelia and Blackwell together, the chemistry was explosive between these two and had me smiling, giggling and kicking my feet (as much as I could listening to an audiobook while driving).

The eerie, gothic vibes of Phantasma and the heart stopping challenges were some of my favourite parts of the book, I was always waiting for the next twist and to find out what the challenges would entail and I was never disappointed.

I consumed this book via audio, and I really enjoyed the narrator Laura Horowitz and her story telling skills, it really drew me into the story and made me not want to leave!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with an audiobook ARC in return for an honest review.

To say this book had me gasping is an understatement. The story was fantastic, the spicy scenes were well written and the reveal of Blackwell's past had me having to stop the audio book, rewind and relisten to it a second time because it was just so good.

Netgalley ALC

I'm going to come right out and say it, I picked this book purely because of the cover. I absolutely love skulls and this cover just spoke to me.
This is the first book by this author I have read, but it wont be my last. I had no idea what to expect from Phantasma, I didn't read the blurb before diving in.
A deadly game of survival, with enemies to lovers, dark fantasy, with spicy scenes. What' not to love?
I loved the world that this was set it, the stakes where high for everyone involved and it was a kind of you trust no one and only rely on yourself. But Ophelia struggles at the beginning and makes a deal with Blackwell. Ophelia is a likeable character, strong, protective of family.
Blackwell is a charming, attractive, and seemingly harmless character. He's easy to like and want to get to know more about.
I loved the twists and turns that this story held, you never knew who to trust or what to trust. Nothing was as it seems.
This story was addictive from start to finish.

I enjoyed the narration by Laura Horowitz, I don't think I've listened to her narrate a book before, but would definitely look out for her narrations in the future.

What a wonderful and Phantastic world. This book focuses on two sisters, one goes missing and one has to go play a deadly game to find her. Enter Phantasma, where your worst nightmares come alive, and plays tricks on you.

I enjoyed the character driven storyline, and the third person POV, the gothic paranormal story set in New Orleans, necromancer FMC, explorations of heaven and hell, OCD and anxiety representation, forbidden romance, and a mysterious phantom MMC.

I thought this was a beautiful clash of Caraval and Haunted Mansion with a bit more spice, and hell-ish spirits. The plot twist was interesting and I was thoroughly surprised that this was a standalone book! I was really hoping that this was a series.

Blackwell and Ophelia are the IT couple when it comes to gothic romances.

Thank you Kaylie Smith, Bookouture Audio and, NetGalley for the ALC. The narrator, Laura Horowitz, read the book beautifully!

Wow wow wow! I’ve hooked from the moment I read the synopsis of this book, and I’m really glad I read as the whole story is amazingly wholesome!

I’ve listened to the audiobook first before got the copy in ebook, gotta say that I truly enjoy the audiobook form and indeed needed the copy in ebook and would love to get the physical copy when it came out later! The narrator for the audiobook version did such an amazing job in telling the whole story as she did different tones for different characters, able to capture and make the vibes of each scenes coming alive and entertaining as well as touching our hearts & emotions throughout the entire narration creatively, not to mention she managed to make every characters alive in her narration, it feels like we’re in the same journey as theirs indeed. I will definitely wanna listen to any of her narration again, she’s truly amazing to be listened to!

As for the book, it got me giggle, giddy, suspense, feels warmth, and everything. Definitely got my full attention from the start. I love the writing as much as the plot growth, as each chapters got me sinking in deep with everything that’s been happening as in like I was there with them. The author got the plot line up brilliantly, never a dull moment at all throughout reading the whole story. As we’ve been busy with some things that going on in this story, we’ve been served with wickedly delightful adventures from the games and that haunted mansion, as well as family & relationships issues / drama, even some great twist towards the end. Lovely ending as well and I felt full in such a great way the moment it (this story) ends. Truly satisfying read. She even has executed all the tropes exquisitely in this book within the whole story. The tropes in this dark fantasy includes :-

🖤 forced proximity
🖤 forbidden romance
🖤 gothic + horror mansion
🖤 who did this to you
🖤 paranormal beings - phantom x necromancer
🖤 trials inspired by the nine circle of hell
🖤 morally grey love interest

Love all the characters too, especially our FMC & MMC - the first moment those two met, I was kicking my feet, gasping and knowing in my heart that he’s the one. Indeed Blackwell got the book boyfriend spot right away. I can’t help but imagining him looking like shorter & leaner version of Rowan Whitethorn based from the description of him in this book, and lord knows how I love Rowan haha. I love the pairing of both Blackwell (mmc) & Ophelia (fmc) as I can feel their connection, and love their humorous banter as much as addictive to their partnership. Each characters got their own strengths and love that for them.

Overall, I truly enjoyed both audiobook & ebook form of this Phantasma, and totally recommend it in any form you guys can get! Grateful that I got the arc for both form, and will definitely want the physical book as trophy too since this book is amazing, truly loves it! From my whole reading & listening, my brain can happily conjure a movie like for the whole story, and it definitely are epic! I hope I can watch it into real movie some day! Thank you so much for both arc and will looking forward to read more books from the same author as well as the same narrator! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🖤🖤🖤

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

“Phantasma” will have you on the edge of your seat. It’s everything you could want in a dark romantasy. Kaylie Smith pulls you into the world and writes characters you can’t help but fall in love with. This book will be on your mind constantly not only while reading it, but also for weeks afterwards. I’m craving another!

Laura Horowitz is an engaging narrator that does a great job of voicing the characters and giving them distinct vocal traits.

5 ⭐ 2 🌶 5 🎧

I feel like I haven't loved a fantasy so much in a long time, Phantasma was so dang good. It was dark, twisty, suspenseful and full of delicious banter, angst and spice. It's everything I hope for in a romantic fantasy and I couldn't get enough.

I really loved so much of the little pieces of this book. The devils, the secrets, and the sins, they all came together so well. And the twist at the end was amazing. I had guessed part of it, but there was so much more and it was perfect.

The audio was great! I really wish it had been duet narration, but Laura Horowitz was fantastic and I loved how she brought the characters to life.

Phantasma is deliciously dark romance with a deadly competition. The whole concept of the novel with the trials and gothic setting absolutely enthralled me. The romance is good with banter and a forbidden element. The actual plot is really fast paced and you won’t want to put the book down. The audio makes great work at engaging and entertaining. There’s plenty of horror elements and brutal moments throughout making it a perfect read for spooky season. This is the most entertaining dark romance I’ve read in a long time so I definitely recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

4.5 ⭐️

This is *the* perfect fall romantasy! Necromancers, demons, spirits and a haunted house competition. Ophelia was such a fun FMC and BLACKWELL 🥵 I would love to read a second book with them but it wrapped up very nicely at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for an early review audiobook copy. All opinions are my own.

I was immediately captivated by the premise of Phantasma. I adored the fantastical New Orleans setting, with its magical creatures and spooky haunts.

If those elements had continued to develop and the characters had become more engaging, I think I could have loved this book. Unfortunately, the beginning of the story felt like a false promise.

The atmosphere stalled because the setting remained largely the same and wasn’t expanded in any significant way outside of the trials. The characters felt hollow, and there was a lot of spice that was disproportionate to the relationship development, making the intimate scenes feel forced.

There is a twist that caught me by surprise, which was definitely a mark in its favor. Overall, though, this one just wasn’t for me.

Thank you, Kaylie Smith, Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy. My opinions are my own.

Plot: 3
Writing and Editing: 3
Character Development: 2
Narration: 4
Personal Bias: 2
Final Score: 2.8