Book Review: Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
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Genre: Dark Romantasy
Tropes: Paranormal (ghosts, phantoms, devils), games and trials, allies to lovers, necromancy, haunted house, sisterly bond, secret past, mental health representation (OCD)
Synopsis:
When Ophelia Grimm inherits her family’s necromancer magic after the sudden death of her mother, she’s reluctant to take on the role of town psychic and necromancer. But when her sister Genevieve disappears, Ophelia learns she’s entered Phantasma—a sinister traveling competition of devils, phantoms, and ghouls where participants are tested through harrowing trials that force them to face their deepest fears.
Determined to save Genevieve, Ophelia enters Phantasma, forming a reluctant alliance with Blackwell, a phantom who’s equal parts handsome, charming, and maddeningly arrogant. As they navigate the deadly trials, Ophelia confronts not only the horrors of the competition but also the personification of her OCD, embodied as a “shadow voice” that constantly challenges her.
My Review:
What a way to close out 2024! Phantasma easily claimed a spot in my top 10 reads of the year. As a long-time fan of thrillers, horror, and paranormal books (hi, Stephen King!), this hit all the right notes while blending in the romantasy goodness I live for.
Blackwell is chef’s kiss. He reminded me so much of Rhysand—gorgeous, cocky, and hiding a heart of gold. His dynamic with Ophelia was everything I could want in an allies-to-lovers trope. The way he becomes protective of her while she battles her inner demons (and literal demons) had me swooning.
Speaking of inner demons, I loved how Ophelia’s OCD was portrayed through her “shadow voice.” It added such depth to her character and made her struggle deeply relatable. Kaylie Smith did a fantastic job weaving mental health representation into a story filled with high stakes and haunting imagery.
The trials were absolutely wild. Each one was modeled after a level of hell and was more gruesome, heart-pounding, and harrowing than the last. The tension kept me glued to the pages, and I couldn’t stop rooting for Ophelia to come out on top.
With Enchantra (the sequel!) coming out in April 2025, I’m counting down the days. But let’s be real—Blackwell is going to be very hard to top as my favorite book boyfriend of the year. He’s already in my top ten of all time!
If you’re looking for a dark, thrilling romantasy with complex characters, mental health rep, and a romance that’ll keep you hooked, Phantasma needs to be on your TBR.
