Book Review: Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
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The Prince of the Devils has visited New Orleans with Phantasma: a set of deadly trials that many enter, but only one wins. The winner is granted a wish, and that alone is worth the journey to the depths of hell.
This gothic horror romantasy book is fun, sexy, and steeped in the culture of New Orleans with a heavy descent into the world of paranormal beings. We follow Ophelia, a necromancer, who is doing battle with not only the trials themselves, but also the “Shadow Voice” inside her head. But as she dives into the dark world of Phantasma, an unlikely ally seeks her out — and a touching romance unfolds.
What I Loved About Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
Listen, I don’t usually like “dark” romantasy books. When romantasy book series use the term “dark” in the subtitle, I’m often expecting unnecessary “edgy” scenes that feel like the author is going for shock value over substance. Or, that the “darkness” the book is referring to sometimes comes from an over-the-top villain-as-a-main-character (in a way that makes them irredeemable from page one) or that puts abuse as a front-and-center trope in a way that feels a bit irresponsible.
However, Phantasma does not fall into any of those categories.
Instead, Phantasma promises a fun romp into a world of flirtatious devils, clever specters, and the personification of each contestant’s greatest fear.
What felt particularly interesting about Phantasma is the personification of OCD as a “Shadow Voice” in the main character’s mind. I’ve known several people who struggle with different forms of OCD, and the way that it was handled through metaphor in this book mirrored a lot of what real people go through with this condition. This added a layer of depth made me trust the author more from the jump.
This book feels similar to Quicksilver in the way that the main romance is fun, spicy, and full of good dialog and banter. But Phantasma is much more moody and steeped in a lore of hellish devils and demons that gave it a great dimension.
The quality of the writing is also just so good. Unlike When the Moon Hatched (a well-written but at times overly-flowery romantasy book) I found Phantasma to be clear yet creative in its descriptions and choice of words. The world and mood was set so effortlessly I found myself getting lost in the story after the first few chapters.
I’m not usually a fan of romantasy books set in the modern day, but Phantasma really changed my perspective on what this genre can do when skillfully placed in locations like New Orleans that already seem to crackle with a sense of magic.
What I Didn’t Love About Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
For most books I read, I often finish with a list of things I would change.
To be honest, I didn’t have that when I finished Phantasma. My only two major complaints are that the minor characters weren’t that developed (but did I care? not so much) and some of the trials were a bit too simple. I could have maybe had another 200 pages of trials and more of an increase of the stakes and danger at the end of book one, ramping into a book two epic fight-against-the-evil-King in the same vein of Throne of Glass or From Blood and Ash.
But… this is a standalone romantasy book. It’s not meant to be a huge launch into an epic series. As it is now, the ending is satisfying and enjoyable. I feel like the main love story gets a good conclusion.
Which is why I’ve awarded it my very very rare five-star rating: something I haven’t given since ACOMAF (A Court of Thorns and Roses book #2). Phantasma didn’t surprise me as much as ACOMAF, but I did feel giggly and happy reading the love story and the New Orleans and gothic horror vibes were perfect and the trials felt inventive and clever.
Final Thoughts on Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
Overall, Phantasma is a fun, standalone romantasy book with some good spice and great world building. The main love story (not quite enemies-to-lovers, but definitely a doomed love trope) is engaging and feels nuanced. This book is worth bumping to the top of your TBR pile.
My final score: 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating: 4 out of 5 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Do I recommend this book? 👍 Yes!
My Upcoming Romantasy Novel: Pre-Order The Ash Trials Now
If you’re new around here — hello! 👋 I’m an author who sometimes reviews books as well, and my new romantasy novel The Ash Trials is coming out soon.
It feels a bit challenging to mention my own upcoming romantasy novel after the review of a book that completely turned my world upside down, but if you do pick it up I hope you see it as a love letter to book series like ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, The Hunger Games, and The Bourne Identity.
Here’s the blurb, and my book The Ash Trials is out in print and e-book formats on Amazon come Valentine’s Day 2025:
The deadliest game is remembering who you are.
In the isolated prison of Ashguard where the kingdom’s most dangerous criminals await judgment, one yearly event offers both salvation and destruction: The Ash Trials.
Saffron Vale awakens in an Ashguard cell wearing a ruined wedding dress with no memory of who she is. As the only human competing against murderous shifters, fae, and spellcasters, she must survive the six otherworldly trials that transform villains into legends—or die trying.
Her only allies? A childhood friend turned royal commander who risks treason to save her and a mysterious assassin who claims she’s the real monster in the prison. As competitors fall and ancient magic stirs, Saffron must uncover the truth: was she truly an innocent bride, or something far more dangerous?
