If you’re searching for your next dark fantasy obsession, Phantasma by Kaylie Smith absolutely deserves a place at the top of your TBR. I picked it up thinking I’d get a moody, supernatural story—and I ended up spiraling into a world so vivid, haunting, and emotionally gripping that I still can’t stop thinking about it.
Whether you’re a fan of Caraval, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, or A Court of Thorns and Roses, this book perfectly blends gothic fantasy, heart-wrenching romance, and high-stakes magic.
Let’s talk about why I’m obsessed.
The Plot: A Deadly Magical Game With Everything on the Line
After her mother’s death, Ophelia Grimm inherits her family’s necromancy business—yes, necromancy. When her younger sister, Genevieve, goes missing inside a supernatural competition called Phantasma, Ophelia must enter a haunted New Orleans mansion and complete a series of nine twisted trials to win her back.
Every trial is deadly. Every choice has consequences. And every page pulled me deeper into a world I never wanted to leave.
The Vibe: Gothic, Lush, and Dangerously Romantic
What I loved most about Phantasma is how immersive the setting is. The mansion where the trials take place is dark and decaying, yet beautiful in the most decadent, haunted way. Think crumbling staircases, flickering chandeliers, and masquerade balls that feel both magical and cursed.
The writing? Atmospheric and sharp. Kaylie Smith paints scenes that feel cinematic, and I could practically hear the whispers in the hallways and feel the cold marble beneath Ophelia’s feet.
The Characters: Complex, Flawed, and Addictive
Ophelia is one of my favorite protagonists in recent memory. She’s grieving, navigating life with OCD, and still manages to summon the kind of inner strength that had me rooting for her the entire time. Her development throughout the book is powerful, and her internal battles were just as compelling as the external ones.
Then there’s Blackwell—a mysterious phantom who offers his help… for a price. Dark, alluring, and so easy to fall for, he brings a slow-burn tension that is both romantic and maddening in the best way.
Their chemistry? Absolutely electric. No insta-love here—just a simmering build that makes every interaction feel loaded.
The Cliffhangers: Yes, I Yelled at the Book
I’m not being dramatic when I say Phantasma kept me up until 3 a.m. I could not stop turning the pages. Every chapter ends on a cliffhanger that made me gasp, clutch my chest, or flip back a page like “Wait—WHAT just happened?”
This is the kind of book that plays with your emotions and keeps you guessing. You’ll think you know where it’s going, and then it yanks the floor out from under you in the best possible way.
Final Thoughts: This Book Owns Me Now
If I could give Phantasma more than five stars, I would. It’s the perfect read for anyone craving:
- A slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers style romance
- Gothic, immersive worldbuilding
- High emotional stakes and raw character development
- Dark magic, haunting trials, and secret bargains
Honestly, this book ruined me in the best way. And with a sequel coming soon, I’m already bracing for the emotional damage round two will bring.
⭐ Final Rating: 5/5 Stars
🔥 Spice Level: Medium (emotional & romantic tension with some heat)
⚠️ Content Warnings: Grief, mental illness (OCD), violence, death
Have you read Phantasma yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—or drop your favorite dark fantasy recommendations, because I clearly need a support group after this one.
📚 You can grab a copy of Phantasma here
If you’re looking for other reviews check out We Are Voulhire by Matthew Tysz
