Phantasma

Phantasma is a dark, spellbinding romantic fantasy. This is a novel where danger, desire, and magic collide in a high-stakes game where the rules are deadly, and falling in love is the greatest risk of all.

Ophelia, a young necromancer, is thrust into a deadly competition after the death of their mother and the crippling debt left behind. In a desperate bid to save her sister, Ophelia enters Phantasma—a cursed manor where the prize is a single wish, but the path to victory is filled with treacherous traps, diabolical challenges, and seductive demons. The twist? Only one contestant survives the game, and losing could mean much worse than death.

What makes Phantasma such a compelling read is the world Kaylie Smith has created: a labyrinthine manor that twists and shifts, filled with dangerous secrets and darker desires. Each floor presents a new challenge, pushing Ophelia—and the reader—into increasingly perilous situations. The competition is thrilling, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, but it’s the emotional stakes that really drive the story forward.

The romance between Ophelia and Blackwell, a mysterious and charming phantom with his own agenda, is a slow-burn tension of forbidden attraction. Though she knows better than to trust him, Ophelia finds herself drawn to Blackwell in ways that could jeopardize her chances in the game—and, more dangerously, her heart. Their chemistry is palpable, and the question of whether or not Ophelia can resist the pull of love while navigating a deadly game is at the core of the novel’s intrigue.

Ophelia herself is a fierce, resourceful heroine, driven by love and duty, yet deeply vulnerable in the face of overwhelming odds. As she battles both the external dangers of Phantasma and her own fears, the character development is rich and satisfying. Blackwell, with his dark charisma and hidden motives, serves as the perfect foil—equally alluring and dangerous. Their relationship is one of the book’s highlights, fraught with tension, betrayal, and moments of intense passion.

The pacing of Phantasma is taut and addictive. While the setting and premise draw you in, it’s the combination of danger, romance, and the fear of what comes next that keeps you turning the pages. The stakes are high, and the tension builds steadily toward an explosive, unpredictable climax.

That said, the dark atmosphere and high tension might not be for every reader. Some may find the twists and turns a bit overwhelming, but for fans of dark romantasy, Phantasma delivers exactly what it promises: a thrilling, emotional ride filled with peril and passion.

In the end, Phantasma is a beautifully twisted tale of survival, sacrifice, and the dangerous line between love and obsession. It’s a book that will haunt you long after you’ve finished, and a perfect pick for anyone who loves high-stakes romance with a dash of danger.