I started this the other night, and I was in love with New Orleans, Phantasma, and the necromancer FMC.

Laura Horowitz narrated perfectly, and her New Orleans accent reminded me so much of AHS. Phantasma itself took me back to Hotel Cortez, and all the ghouls, trials, and creepy rooms were to die for.

Had it just been that, I think this would've been a 5 star read, but the romance is a main part of the plot, and I didn't love it. I felt it was very convenient for Blackwell to help Ophelia through all of the trials (except one, I think), and the instalove and declarations of love made me cringe.

The ending did help to make up for it a bit, but it all still felt a bit too far-fetched, so I would've preferred the story without it.

Overall, it is a very atmospheric read and one I would reread for that reason.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ALC.

Tropes:
Paranormal romance
Phantom/Necromancer
Haunted house with deadly trials
Fated lovers
“Good girl”
Set in a paranormal/fantasy version of New Orleans

4⭐️
3🌶️

I found this book whilst browsing and loved the synopsis, it sounded like a really great gothic romance, with haunted mansion vibes. I love books with competitions / survival games, and this book really delivered!

Even though Ophelia wasn’t my favorite character, I loved the OCD trope representation! Blackwell on the other hand? Morally grey character at its best 😂 But I was missing the emotional connection, something just felt off and a little cringe… The ups and downs were very extreme and not really comprehensible.

Even though the plot twists were a little predictable, and there where a few things that just felt rushed, the book itself was pretty enjoyable and a great read! I’ve already preordered a copy for my shelf!

Thank you #NetGalley for an advanced audiobook of #Phantasma in exchange for an honest review!
4⭐️
3🌶️
A fantastic fantasy romance! For fans of gothic romance like One Dark Window with a shadow voice, handsome devils and underworld lords of kingdom of the wicked, and trials like the serpent and the wings of night and fourth wing, then this is your next read. I breezed through this audiobook and immediately preordered the book so I can reread it. Not a huge fan of audiobooks typically, however I was desperate to get my hands on this one. I felt like the narrator of the audiobook was able to embody the different characters and keep the suspense/mystery going. She keeps the story flowing pretty seamlessly and easily paints a picture of each scene. I really enjoyed the book, and it’s easy to be swept into the world of Phantasma. I would absolutely recommend any fantasy romance readers to get a hold of this when it comes out.
A twisted sister relationship, a mystery within a budding love story, trials of grit and determination from our heroine, and a wicked twist at the end. 4 stars ⭐️

You need to add this book right now to the top of your TBR.

Oh man, I was blown away by this book. The twists and turns. The perfect paranormal romance for the spooky season. Also the spice... and the microtropes.

I loved watching Ophelia grow into herself and what legacy she wanted to have instead of following into her family's legacy. I found it intriguing to read about Ophelia's OCD and loved having this represented in the book.

Blackwell! swoons. I wish I could have a ghost that I could summon.

Laura Horowitz did an epic job with the narration! She nailed the southern accents and truly brought these characters to life. I highly highly highly recommend this audiobook!

The absolute PERFECT Gothic Romance for spooky season! Blackwell and Ophelia are at the very top of my favorite book couples ever, I cannot believe how great this book was. And the OCD representation? Spot on, phenomenal, I have never ever felt more seen!

I enjoyed the narrator but the book itself I found to be quite boring. The writing felt very tryhard and cliché. The atmosphere was nonexistent. And I can't even with the instlove/lust, mmc calling fmc good girl already during their first interaction without any chemistry whatsoever.
I also have very mixed, mostly negative feelings about the OCD portrayal in this book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't know how badly I was craving a great gothic romance until I started reading Phantasma by Kaylie Smith. This is my first time reading a book by this author and it definitely won't be the last.
The beginning of this book gave me big Caraval vibes in the best of ways... then it got darker and I was absolutely hooked. I loved the extremely dangerous haunted house mixed with deadly trials. Adding necromancers, devils, and ghosts made it even better. The plot was pretty solid even though some of the twists were easy to see coming. The middle of the book was a little slow but that was where the romance has a chance to shine. Ophelia and Blackwell might be one of my favorite fictional couples now. And there was just enough spice to enjoy but not overpower the story. And the narrator did a wonderful job at bringing the characters and story to life.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.