If you love dark, demonic, supernatural tales with a thrilling edge, then Phantasma by Kaylie Smith is a must-read. Available on Kindle Unlimited, this BookTok sensation blends elements of Caraval and A Court of Thorns and Roses, pulling readers into a gripping story set in New Orleans. The novel follows Ophelia, a witchy, young necromancer who is forced into a hellish contest with only one rule—survive. With deadly trials at every turn and the constant presence of the Shadow Voice in her head, she must fight to protect her sister. But amidst the chaos, she finds an unexpected ally—a handsome phantom seeking his own escape from the brutal competition.
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As the Prince of the Devils brings his twisted game to the city, many enter, but only one wins. The winner is granted a wish, making the dangerous journey into the depths of hell worth the risk. The gothic, gory, spicy nature of the book immerses readers in a horror-filled, pulse-racing experience. The story is steeped in the culture of New Orleans, with a heavy descent into a world teeming with paranormal beings. As Ophelia fights for survival, she must also battle her own inner demons. But when an unlikely romance unfolds, it adds a touching, yet sexy element to this dark adventure. Every twist keeps you hooked, making it impossible to put down.
What I Like About Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
When I first picked up Phantasma, I was expecting another dark romantasy novel that relied on shock value rather than true substance. Many books in the series I’ve read before have used the term “dark” in the subtitle to justify unnecessary, edgy scenes or an over-the-top villain-as-a-main-character who is irredeemable from the first page. Sometimes, the darkness in such stories leans too heavily on abuse as a trope, which can feel irresponsible. But this book? It promises something completely different—a fun romp into a world filled with flirtatious devils, clever specters, and the personification of each contestant’s greatest fear.
What made this story even more interesting was how it explored OCD through the Shadow Voice in the main character’s mind. I have known several people who struggle with different forms of this condition, and the way the author handled it using metaphor felt both powerful and deeply relatable. It mirrored the real challenges people face, adding a layer of emotional depth that made me trust the author from the jump. This wasn’t just another romantasy—it was a story that understood fear on a personal level.
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World of Magic, Danger, and Survival
From the moment Ophelia loses her mother to a sudden death, she has no time to grieve. She must take over the necromancy business, or risk losing the ancient magic in her bloodline. With no room for hesitation, she performs a ritual alongside her sister, Genevieve, to communicate with the dead. But as if that burden isn’t enough, the bank delivers devastating news—her family is drowning in debt, and their manor is at risk. Desperate for a break, Genevieve, who is magicless, takes a reckless step into Phantasma, a traveling, supernatural competition promising a grand prize to whoever survives. With no other choice, Ophelia follows, determined to do whatever it takes for saving her sister and their home.
Inside the dark, haunted mansion, two rules dominate: stay alive and avoid love. But Ophelia realizes staying alive is no easy task. Between violent, mind-bending trials, ruthless competitors, and powerful devils lurking in the halls, every moment is a fight. Then comes Blackwell, an infuriatingly charming ghost who is mysteriously trapped in the mansion. Their chemistry is undeniable, but survival takes priority. When he offers to help her win the contest in exchange for a favor, his support becomes invaluable. With his help, she might actually have a fighting chance.
Aspects I Wasn’t Completely Sold On
When I finish books, I often find myself thinking about what I would change. But when I finished Phantasma, I didn’t really have a list of things to alter. Honest opinions aside, my main complaints revolve around the minor characters. They weren’t as developed as I hoped, but did I care? Not really. The trials in the story also felt a bit simple at times. I couldn’t help but feel they could’ve been more intense, with higher stakes and more danger toward the end, especially to ramp up the excitement leading to a potential sequel. Something like Throne of Glass or From Blood and Ash came to mind, with that epic fight against the evil King.
However, it’s important to remember that Phantasma is a standalone romantasy—it’s not meant to kick off an entire series. Still, the ending was satisfying and enjoyable, and the love story wrapped up beautifully. I even gave it a rare five-star rating, a distinction I haven’t awarded since ACOMAF. While Phantasma didn’t offer the same level of surprise as A Court of Thorns and Roses, I couldn’t help but feel giggly and happy while reading it. The New Orleans setting, coupled with its gothic horror vibes, was perfect for the story, and the trials had their own inventive and clever moments.
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Summary About Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
I found Phantasma by Kaylie Smith to be an exciting read, with moments of brilliance in both the language and descriptions. Despite the story feeling unfinished and a bit rushed at times, I appreciated the flowery, melodramatic prose that added intensity to the scenes, particularly those involving Ophelia’s harrowing trials, like facing the hell hound in a white maze or the creepy ghoul.
The relationship between Ophelia and Blackwell mirrored the dynamic of Feyre and Rhysand, though it could have been developed further. I also enjoyed the southern gothic touches of the New Orleans setting, though the author leaned on the reader’s knowledge of the city, leaving some of the details to the imagination. Ultimately, the book’s twists and fast-paced ending, with its rushed resolution, left me wishing for more reflection from the characters.
- Language that is flowery and melodramatic, adding intensity
- Vivid descriptions of Ophelia’s trials and encounters with a hell hound and ghoul
- Relationship dynamic between Ophelia and Blackwell, similar to Feyre and Rhysand
- Southern gothic vibes, enhanced by the New Orleans setting
- A fast-paced ending with twists, but lacking character reflection
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