4⭐/3🌶️

A dark and delicious romance about forbidden love and the trials one will subject themselves to in the attempt to get what they want.

Phantasma - a competition that, if one, could grant you your greatest wish. Ophelia finds herself entering when her sister goes missing and is subjected to horrors that are unimaginable. These horrors test her skills and strength as she battles not only during the trials, but an internal one as well.

A dark and delicious romance about forbidden love and the trials one will subject themselves to in the attempt to get what they want.

I enjoyed this so MUCH! Ophelia and Blackwell had great chemistry despite the constant push and pull. I definitely understood the tensions between the sisters and glad that it was resolved at the end. I will say that this book wrapped up very neatly although a second one for the sister is on the way.

Plot was a bit predictable, I'm pretty sure I guessed the "reveal' early on, but it didn't lesson how enjoyable it was.

YES YES YES! This is what I needed! Can we all admit that we get into a book slump and it feels like a chore to read sometimes? This was love at first page! There are DEFINITELY some super dark elements so check those triggers first. But, anyone who read this will tell you there is something incredibly SEXY about this story and the characters..necromancer, romance, *bedroom stuff*. This is one you would probably hide form the other girlies who know what it is lol a million times, yes. Is the writing lyrical and poetic? No, but the story is THERE.
Rich, dark gothic...everything your mother warned you about..

Omg this book

This will live in my brain rent free forever and I’m so excited for book 2s release. This was such an imaginative and wonderful world, something I’ve never read before and you felt so immersed in the story at every turn. Phantasma is a unique story with an unforgettable ending. I’m so excited for Enchantra

I requested this novel because I'd read Smith's Heartless Fates series, which was fantastic. While I liked the gothic atmosphere and the premise of the competition in this novel, I'm not the audience it was written for. I did enjoy the characters and their snarky banter and the way the story ended. Romantasy fans will happily devour it, and it's on me for not taking a closer look at the description before requesting it.

"In a different life, in a fair one, I would've kept you until my eternal soul withered away to dust."

I don't often say this, but this book needed to be just a tad bit longer. The ending seemed a bit rushed, and I feel like if the ending had been maybe even another 50 pages, this would have been a five star read for me. Even so, this was a really good book. I loved the tension and flirtation between Blackwell and Ophelia, and even the horror and tricks the Devils get up to. Though I'm not sure what Ophelia's problem was with other women in Phantasma. I'm not sure if she was really just guarding her heart or if it was another form of her anxiety (which I talk about next). But that did rub me the wrong way a bit, even though she did start to warm up to them a bit towards the end.

As for Ophelia's anxiety, I loved the representation of OCD in Phantasma. Though I wasn't sure if that's what it was or if it was going to end up being some type of paranormal thing that affected her. I actually like that it's just normal, human mental illness. And while we do get that paranormal horror in other aspects of the book, we also just get a lot of humans just being horrible because they're human, greedy, etc. Which is a horror in and of itself.

Despite the ending feeling rushed, I still recommend reading this one, because I did really enjoy it. The descriptions do make you feel like you're experiencing these things with Ophelia, which is not fun when it's the haunts or the challenges. I would say it's a slower paced book until the very end (where it feels rushed). But in a way, that kind of makes me feel like how the characters are feeling. Literally being locked in a house with nothing to do except wait to be haunted or wait for another challenge.

This is just the first in a trilogy, and I'm excited to see what happens in the second book. Especially since the MMC of that one is dark, broody, and tattooed. But I really want a sneak peek at book 3 because who the heck is that book going to be about???

This was so swoony?? Ahhhh

It's a necromancer/phantom romance set in a twisty manor hosting a life or death competition, and the necromancer MC strikes a bargain with the phantom to receive his help in the competitions in exchange for freeing him from the twisty manor.

The romance and the banter were absolutely top-tier, I had to put the put book and scream internally every few pages 😭

The MC also deals with severe OCD on page, and as someone who deals with it on a lesser level, I found the representation to be so well written 🥲

I'm insanely excited for book 2 in the series (MC is the sister of the necromancer!!)

TWs - extreme OCD on page, extreme violence, extreme gore, death, murder

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

This book was exactly what I wanted it to be! Some points definitely felt similar to other popular fantasy books but in the best way? I will eat that stuff up EVERY TIME. The gothic vibes were absolutely on point. You will fly through this one guaranteed.

I haven’t been this captivated by a book in a while. The characters, setting, plot, humor, spice— just all of it were absolutely amazing. I was hooked from the very beginning and then couldn’t stop reading until it was over and then I wanted to pick it back up and read it all over again. This is honestly one of my top 5 books of the year. I loved the eerie vibe of it all, and the trials and mystery were so good!

Blackwell was a top MMC and Ophelia was compelling and awesome. The mental health rep was seriously one of the best I’ve read.

I felt like this book did so many things well and I’m grateful I was able to read it!

Thank you to Kaylie Smith, Second Sky/Forever and NetGalley for this arc.

The gothic vibes of this one are what drew me in. I think the world building and the plot was intriguing. The main fmc is definitely flawed, and her interactions with other characters didn't always make her lovable. I know this is the author's debut and I'm pretty sure she will be writing the sister Genevieve's story next. I would definitely willing to give it a try!

I knew I would love this, but WOW it was fantastic! First and foremost, the plot is super engaging. Competition plots lend themselves to fast-paced stories and this was no exception. I anticipated each night of the competition and what morbid task would be thrown at the characters next. I really liked how this world mirrored ours but with magic. Ophelia's magic was SO cool and the rest of the magic was surprising and fun as well.

But what was I truly here for? The romance. And it DELIVERED. It progressed at a realistic pace and there was the perfect amount of spice (which was a lot and I loved it). Did I guess everything that was going to happen? Yes, but I love predictability sometimes because it makes me feel like a god.

I wait with bated breath for Smith's next installment of this series. I have no doubt it will be fantastic.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to the book in exchange for my honest review.

I liked this book for sure... but I wasn’t obsessed with it like I thought I would be.

It had an interesting concept and I really appreciate the way the author presented her own struggles with OCD. It was great.

But I found myself struggling to keep with the plot. The trials were AWESOME, but there was kind of a lag in between and the big reveal was sort of lackluster.

Overall, I liked this read, but didn’t LOVE it.

First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Phantasma is the first book in a new romantasy series, set in New Orleans, in which we follow Ophelia Grimm, a young necromancer determined to save her sister by taking part in Phantasma, a deadly competition where the winner earns a wish.

This book is advertised as "Caraval meets Throne of the Fallen", and yes, I totally agree with that. I have not read Throne of the Fallen yet', but I have read Kingdom of the Wicked, and the vibes are really similar. And you know me, if it has Caraval vibes, I am here for it. And I was not disappointed at all.
The plot is awesome, full of plot twists and yet sometimes predictable, and truly perfect for the fall mood I was in. The OCD and anxiety representation adds to the haunting and dark ambience of the story. Ophelia is a character that I really liked, but Blackwell… he stole my heart. I was truly a fan of their relationship (although I had seen that plot twist coming). And can we talk about the ghost cat?? Loved the idea.

This is definitely one of my favourite reads of 2024!

The second book of the series, Enchantra, will be focused on Genevieve's side of the story (Ophelia's little sister) and I cannot wait to read it!

Oh my god! What did I just read. A perfect Halloween book of 2024. This was one of the best read and thank you netgallery and Second Sky for providing me with the eARC. I’m so glad I signed up. I’m in love with this book. Everything from character, vibes, quotes and storyline was amazing.

Ophelia is a necromancer who just suffered from her mother’s death and now the responsibility of continuing the legacy falls on her shoulder. When she finds out about the debt and possibly of loosing her house, she has no option than enter a deadly game happening in the city.

Blackwell is bound to Phantasma and for unknown reasons he can’t help but feel like helping Ophelia. Being a resident of Phantasma game, he can help her but she has to agree to his deal. He will provide help to win the whole game if she can find a way to help him free from Phantasma.

The game itself is deadly with each level associated with the seven sins. So while the contestants wait for the games they are harassed by the resident demons. If they win they get to name their price and will receive anything they wish for. With only one rule, don’t fall in love while in the game.

I recommend this amazing book to people who love spooky fantasy with dark manor and necromancy vibes.

I honestly dont know how to put into words how this book made me feel, I went into to it knowing little and I am now addicted to it and cannot wait for book 2.
This book honestly gave me everything I wanted and more, c

can't wait to read more from this author

"In a different life, in a fair one, I would've kept you until my eternal soul withered away to dust."

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You know, I never did have a Danny Phantom phase, but I sure could get on the Blackwell boat cuz WHEW that man. Delectable. *chef's kiss*

Was this the most fantastic story I've ever read? No. But was it a super fun & spooky time? Absolutely. I'm always down for a good deal-with-a-devil (or phantom, in this case) story, and this fits the bill. I did call the twist at the end, but that made it all the more fun to kick my feet and do a little internal cheer when it did happen, and it made the resolution way more satisfying.

9/10 would haunt again.

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Phantasma was published on September 3, 2024. Thank you to Second Sky/Forever, NetGalley and the author for the digital advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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"I told you before that nothing would ever stop me from getting to you if you needed me, and that will remain true forevermore. I would tear the universe apart at its seams if I must."

3.5 stars. I can see why people are going absolutely feral for this book. I get it, I do, however it's just not quite it for me.
First off, the positives. I like the idea of the trials and the games, I thought the characters were fun and I liked the underlying mystery.
However. There were some gaping holes in logic that I just couldn't get passed. First off, Ophelia finds loads of research by Genevieve on Phantasma, she realises that's where Gen's gone and follows her, all the while berating that Genevieve always does things without thinking them through. The irony that Ophelia is not thinking about her consequences, or given more than 2 seconds thought on to how the house works is lost.
Then we have the romance, personally, I could never quite get on board with the love interest being a ghost, it gives necrophilia- but who am I to yuck on your yum. I did think that there were too many sex scenes, they became repetitive and I ended up skipping them.
This will be a huge hit.. However, for me, it needed more logic, more thought out plot and less gratuitous sex

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book. Phantasma took me on quite the dark adventure and journey. With each level in this mansion bringing even more danger than the last to the contestants in this devilish game. It was interesting getting to know Ophelia and seeing her character grow in confidence even when everything is so uncertain. I loved Blackwell, he was definitely a highlight for me. I really enjoyed Ophelia and Blackwell’s interactions. They start off flirty and then the chemistry just gets hotter and hotter!

The pacing of Phantasma was good and the plot line easily kept me invested. I couldn’t wait to see how it would all play out for Ophelia. The romance had a good combination of sizzling heat but also had a few sweet moments too. This all worked very well. Phantasma had intricate games, death and danger with a hint of a gothic feel thrown in too. It’s safe to say that it was a full on experience and I can’t wait for the second book in the series!

Forever coming into their Romantasy era was not on my BINGO card, but could be one of my favorite things to happen in 2024.

Demons, death magic, and nine floors of deadly trials wouldn't be half as terrifying as losing your heart in the cursed manor of Phantasma. This gothic romantasy gem throws us into nail-biting, high stakes trials with a side of forbidden romance to keep the heart racing for multiple reasons. I absolutely loved the chemistry between the MCs; Blackwell and Ophelia's snarky banter had me grinning even with the mystery and danger they were in. I was pleasantly surprised with some of the most authentic OCD representation I've seen in literature let alone the fantasy genre.

I don't know who I need to sell my soul to for book 2, but the offer stands.

Thank you publisher for the eGalley!

This was the perfect read for "spooky season"! I don't think I could have picked a better time to read it. The vibes were five stars, but I have to be honest that there were plot holes, the romance felt surface level. and there were times I couldn't picture the trails that took place. Otherwise, it was great! I am looking forward to the sequel!

Thank you so much Kaylie, Netgalley and @nerdfam for this early copy!

I absolutely devoured this book! It scratched every itch! Eventhough I read just about any genre, Gothic romance is my absolute favorite! Add a splash of paranormal and you get the perfect book for me. And this was exactly that!

I loved the writing and the plottwists had me sqealing and on the edge of my seat! The banter and spice was done really well and let's just say I got a new book boyfriend!

It starts off with sisters Ophelia and Genevieve finding their mother death on the floor. They are a family of necromancers with their powers being tranfered to the eldest daughter when the mother dies. Ophelia needs to preform a ritual for that to happen and to be able to carry on the family business.

Once the ritual is completed, Ophelia starts to find out her family has been keeping secrets from her. After Genevieve disappears, she finds herself at Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion.

Phantasma is a maze of twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, of demons, horrors and temptations. Ophelia will face nine challenges, that represent the nine circles of hell, each more dangerous than the last. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals for the ultimate prize—a single wish.

There are only two rules to the game. Stay alive. And don’t fall in love. Every day the house creates new monsters. But just as Ophelia’s fears threaten to overwhelm her, she meets a mysterious phantom named Blackwell, that offers her a bargain. Blackwell claims he can guide her through the lethal trials ahead. All he asks in return is ten years of her life.

Ophelia knows she shouldn’t trust him but she can't help but feel a dark and irresistible attraction drawing them closer and closer. Her life is on the line. But in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart…

I highly recommend this book and I desperately need a physical copy when this comes out!