Book Review: Phantasma

Trying to explore the fantasy world and not knowing where to start at Luna, we kept seeing all the hype with this gothic series, Wicked Games. Phantasma, written by Kaylie Smith which was released in September 2024. We have only read the first one of the series and hopefully will read the second, Enchantra which was released a year later in 2025. Kaylie Smith is an American writer and has reached number one in the New York Times with her dark fantasy romance books.

Phantasma is a dark and gothic fantasy read with a hint of romance. I say a hint, a ruck load! Plenty of sauciness for my spicy readers. For myself a bit too much but I am not overly fussed when it comes to a raunchy storyline. The story follows Ophelia who is a necromancer. Which means she works with magic, for those who don't know. When her sister goes missing she has only one way to save her and she enters a deadly contest set in a haunted mansion to grant a wish as the prize. She is then guided through the challenges and trials with a guide called, Blackwell. 

What I enjoyed about Phantasma is the excitement it brung. First the haunted mansion vibe is something I loved and reminds me of being a child, excited watching a haunted house film. The constant change of settings with the different trials, you could imagine it vividly which I liked, it wasn't complicated to envision. I can only imagine how lavish the rooms were and the characters outfits would be. I liked the companionship of Ophelia and Blackwell and their relationship forming. It was easy to follow as their relationship evolved. At the start it is tame and progresses into something deeper but as you read, you felt you could get to know them and it wasn't purely physical. It was more than a story about romance and action but a story about family. The stories of her childhood and relationship with her family intertwined nicely and revealed some shocking truths as the challenges commenced, leading up to the ending which was a shock. I did not see it coming, no spoilers.

One thing I wish we had more is the relationships with the other characters. I understood the focus was between Ophelia and Blackwell but I felt there could have been bridges built with the other contestants. I think you knew enough about them as standalone characters but felt it could have brought more gasps and surprises if there was meaningful connections with them. It felt when some contestants were eliminated you were like hey ho thats another one. 

Overall I did enjoy this book but thinking over the other book series' I have read once I finished Phantasma I didn't necessarily want to jump to the next book. I will read it at some point but I am not rushing to which is strange for myself. I would rate it a three out of five stars, it was a fun read but I didn't have that lull for the second.