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

A wonderful read for those who enjoy fantasy romance novels like A Court of Thorns and Roses and Fourth Wing.

The plot itself is intriguing. Girl goes to a devil-ran manor to try to save her sister, and all.. well.. for lack of a better phrase, goes to hell. The story is full of twists and turns, while also giving plenty of detail. If you enjoy books that keep you on your toes from start to finish, this is one to add to your wishlist.

THIS BOOK! <3 I wanted a series and instead I got a silly stand-alone! The description of the book was accurate, if you're a fan of the Caravel series by Stephanie Garber, but want an adult version this is for you! I loved the Gothic elements and the Dante's Inferno nine levels of hell being a part of the game. I felt like there was so much more lore that Smith could have dived into but instead was very surface level with the analogies to Inferno. Also loved that the male interest was a blonde. He gave me Draco Malfoy vibes and I lived for that. Write more Kaylie and make this a series pretty please. Thanks <3

Short synopsis: After her sister disappears, Ophelia knows to find her in Phantasma. A deadly game filled with demons and evil spirits, but the promise of a single wish could change their lives forever.

My thoughts: I was very intrigued by the premise of this. A deadly game, a wish, spirits, fantasy elements and so much more. I did really enjoy the overall vibes of the book. Easy to follow on audio, not a lot of world building, forbidden romance and so much more. However, it was just a bit too spicy for my personal taste. I found myself flipping past some of the really detailed scenes because it was just too much.

I did really enjoy the relationship between Ophelia and her sister. You could tell how much the cared about each other, such a strong bond. I had hoped to get a bit more depth from Blackwell though, I think it was intentional to keep him mysterious but had a hard time connecting with him or believing in the relationship between him and Ophelia.

The audio on this was soo well done! I’ve never listened to anything by this narrator but really enjoyed her portrayal of the story. I can’t wait to listen to more from her.

Read if you love:
- Forbidden romance
- Gothic haunted houses
- Games of survival
- Forced proximity
- Necromancer

Holy Hell, this is a bloody good book!!! I loved Kaylie Smith's writing, the vivid and detailed descriptions, the world building, the fabulous group of characters, the gothic vibe, the steamy scenes, and the element of danger. I am usually hit or miss with books in the fantasy genre, but Phantasma cast it's spell on me. I was addicted to this book and the characters from the very first page.

Phantasma is a game held inside a haunted mansion. As with all games there are rules and in Phantasma, not following the rules can have deadly consequences. But don't worry, the rules are simple enough: stay alive and don't fall in love. If you can make it to the end, you win a prize! The prize - you get to make a wish! It had better be a good one!

When Ophelia’s sister goes missing, Ophelia, a necromancer, enters Phantasma to find her. Once in Phantasma, Ophelia must complete 9 levels (like the 9 circles of hell), each one more dangerous and deadly than the last. The contestants will be up against each other, demons, various temptations, and deadly challenges. There will be only one winner. It is not for the faint of heart!

Blackwell, a mysterious, charismatic, sexy and handsome man/ghost/? offers her a bargain, Ophelia decides to take him up on it. But everything is not as it seems in Phantasma!

I had the pleasure of having both the physical book and the audiobook which made for pure bliss. Laura Horowitz, the narrator of the audiobook, did an amazing job. Seriously she nailed it! It was pure listening bliss. I highly recommend the audiobook if you enjoy listening to books. I am so happy that I decided to take a chance on this book, and it paid off big time! I absolutely loved this dark, fantasy romance!

The characters are fantastic, as were their names. Plus, there is some great dialogue and banter in this book. Some characters are likeable, some are creepy, some sinister, some are vile, and some grew on me like a weed. Plus, Phantasma has a devilishly wonderful gothic vibe to it.

Addictive, sexy, sinister, fun, entertaining and hard to put down!

Highly Recommend this devilishly delightful book!

I listened to this book on audio and it was very enjoyable! The narrator did such a fantastic job and I truly felt immersed in the gothic, dark atmosphere where the story takes place. While I wish there was a bit more world building and development prior to Ophelia joining Phantasma and us jumping right into the plot, I did really like the experience of the deadly trials, the mystery, the mild horror elements which all added nicely to the stakes of the game. I thought the mental health representation of OCD and anxiety was really well done and I liked how supportive and encouraging Blackwell was as an MMC. I really liked the love story between Blackwell and Ophelia though and I thought the balance of their relationship and the rest of the plot advancing was also done very well (with some cool twists and turns). All in all, this is a solid standalone for gothic romantasy lovers.

I think those who enjoyed Caraval and Fairydale would enjoy this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Second Sky Books for the ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review :)

Probably the best gothic fantasy romance out there! If this book doesn't go viral on BookTok/Bookstagram I'll eat my hat.

Ophelia finds her way into Phastasma (a haunted mansion), after her sister goes missing, where she has to partake in nine deadly challenges to survive and claim the prize of a single wish. Along the way, she meets Blackwell, a devastatingly handsome stranger trapped in Phantasma who agrees to guide her through in return for 10 years of her life. Ophelia can't help but fall for Blackwell, but he isn't all that he seems. Will Ophelia find her sister and make it out alive, or will it end in heartbreak?

If you like Hunger Games with a pinch of gothic romance, some spicy spice, and a twist, I highly recommend this book. I listened to the audiobook, which was read by one of my favourite narrators, Laura Horowitz.

The Dark Gothic romanace you didnt know you needed is here! The author’s skill in crafting vivid, atmospheric settings is truly remarkable, painting a world where every corner seems to whisper secrets and every shadow conceals a lingering presence. If you’re drawn to stories that are drenched in a dark, gothic atmosphere with a romantic core, "Phantasma" is a must-read.

For fans of:
- Fourth Wing
- Powerless
- Red Queen

Welcome to Phantasma, where nightmares come to life and falling in love may mean your death.

After the death of her supernaturally gifted mother, Ophelia finds herself following her sister, Vivienne, into Phantasma. In this haunted, gothic mansion, a death tournament offers brave contestants the ability to win a wish from the devil. In the face of demons and nightmares, Ophelia strikes a deal with one of the mansion's inhabitants hoping it will help her to protect her sister and carry her to the finish line. The results are more complicated than she would have ever imagined.

This book includes:
- sexy ghosts and demons
- a high-stakes tournament with real stakes
- OCD representation
- sisterhood and the way siblings are treated differently by their parents

This is a standalone romantasy that is the perfect pallet cleanser between denser reads. It is sexy, fast-paced, and will have your heart racing. Particularly, I appreciated the realistic representation of OCD and the day-to-day impact of the illness. I loved the romantic dynamic and the tournament challenges felt new and unique, which is important when so many tournament books are currently popular. I wish Blackwell had a bit more depth and that the plot hadn't wrapped up so quickly, however, this book cured my reading slump so I won't complain.

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Kaylie Smith for the opportunity to review this book. This review is also available on my GoodReads - check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863

A great book! perfect for the upcoming spooky season :)

Romance, action, magic and devils! If you liked kingdom of the wicked and caraval, but wanted it darker and with spice, you should defently read this one!

When Ophelia goes looking for her sister she gets more than she bargained for when she enters Phantasma, a haunted house based on the seven deadly sins.
But when she meets Blackwell she thinks she’s getting assistance to guide her through each level but what will he get out of it in the end??
This book kept me on my toes and gave me the shivers.
Laura Horowitz delivers an amazing performance here and her voice just heightens the draw into the story
This is a haunted house I want to visit!! Can’t wait to see what happens next!!

Short Synopsis:
Ophelia enters Phantasma - a deadly contest inside a haunted house - to save her sister and her family home. She’s faces challenge after challenge with the help of Blackwell, a phantom and a deal they’ve struck.

My Thoughts:
The premise is super fun - definitely heavy Caraval vibes with paranormal romance and totally my kinda vibes. It’s perfect for fall spooky vibes.

As a big fantasy reader, I was hoping for more character development and rich backstory + world building though. Instead we got a lot of unnecessary spice. And some of the choices the characters made had me making this face: 🥴

The narrator, @laura_horo was phenomenal though. I’ve been following her for awhile as she posts funny reels, and she killed it.

What You’ll Find:
🥀 Caraval meets Rhaspodic vibes
🥀Forbidden love
🥀Forced proximity
🥀Phantom/Necromancer
🥀Haunted House
🥀Gothic fantasy
🥀OCD rep

Thanks to Second Sky Books for the advance copy of this book!

PHANTASMA is a dark fantasy romance with a gothic mansion, forbidden romance with a morally grey MMC, necromancy, ghosts, bargains, OCD representation, and trials based on the nine circles of hell. Note that it's dark FANTASY and not dark ROMANCE, so there are some horror elements strewn throughout related to the magic system and trials. A lot of these elements are very much favorites of mine and this book reminded me a lot of CARAVAL x RHAPSODIC. That being said, I did think this was lacking quite a bit of depth. I really didn't feel the connection between Ophelia and Blackwell and thought there was too much of a reliance on spice, making this more of a "fine" read for me.

4.75 ⭐️s. I am so grateful to have gotten both the e-arc and advanced listener copies of Phantasma. This gave me Kingdom of the Wicked vibes, and I was absolutely here for it.

I’ve seen TikTok’s of @laura_horowitz_narrator and was so excited to have my first audiobook with her narrating. It was amazing to say the least. I immediately purchased Worthy of Fate because she narrated it also.

Ophelia’s mother has died, and now she must take over the family business as a necromancer. When her sister goes missing, she must put the Grimm house and the horrible debt behind to find her. She learns that her sister has entered Phantasma. Ophelia must now enter the deadly contest for the one wish she must have granted. Save her sister. In order to win Phantasma, she must make a bargain. Blackwell is a phantom and claims he can help her but Ophelia must give something in return. 10 years of her life. She shouldn’t trust him but there’s something that keeps drawing her to him. Read to find out if Ophelia finds her sister, discover more about Blackwell, and whether or not she lives through Phantasma.

Thank you to @netgalley @kaylsmoon @bookouture @secondskybooks for the advanced listener and reader copy of Phantasma.
#netgalley #phantasma #kayliesmithauthor #audiobook #advancedreaderscopy #advancedlistenercopy #bookstagram

DNF 10% in.

Thank you to Second Sky and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC and ALC.

I was intrigued by this one as I adore dark romantasy books but this one didn’t work for me. It was reading really young to me and I kept thinking the FMC was a teenager when she was 23 and when I know this book has spice it was going to be weird for me. The magic system was so vague already and while sometimes I like to not know completely what is happening I need to be engaged in the story some other way and that wasn’t happening. It was too slow while not giving me anything I got interested in. I then looked at some reviews to see if I should push through a bit more and learned it was instalust as well which when I can’t stop thinking these characters are teenagers isn’t going to go well. Overall for me it read young and it didn’t work for me.