Phantasma (Wicked Games, 1)

"In all the darkness, in all the loneliness, you have been my one source of light, my soul will go to its grave with your name echoing in my mind.”

"In all the darkness, in all the loneliness, you have been my one source of light, my soul will go to its grave with your name echoing in my mind.”

This book had spice, phantoms, devils in the best way. I was so entertained!

I loved the book. Didn’t expect the twist but I did feel like it was not as dark as the trigger warnings said.

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith certainly knows how to tempt a romantasy reader with a haunted mansion, nine deadly trials, and a dangerously charming phantom. The gothic atmosphere, forbidden romance, and spicy encounters made for an captivating read. Although, the competition itself wasn't quite my cup of tea. Ophelia Grimm is a young necromancer desperate to save her sister, Genevieve. Her sister has disappeared into Phantasma which is a supernatural competition where contestants must survive nine deadly trials for a chance to win a single wish. The mansion is filled with demons, temptation, and challenges inspired by the Nine Circles of Hell. Ophelia's survival becomes a little more complicated after she strikes a bargain with Blackwell who is a seductive phantom offering his protection in exchange for ten years of her life. Naturally, falling for her mysterious guide is strictly forbidden. We all know how well forbidden romance rules tend to work out. The competition's progression through increasingly dangerous levels was my least favorite aspect. I've never been particularly interested in video games or level based challenges, so the structure didn't capture my attention. I fought back 'Nam flashbacks to The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern when Ophelia discovered that Phantasma would eventually relocate which added a ticking clock to the competition. Smith's prose occasionally felt unnecessarily elaborate and slowed a narrative that would have benefited from a little more urgency. The mythology was more appealing. Ophelia and Blackwell reminded me of Persephone and Hades. The mansion's underworld imagery and Blackwell's mysterious connection to it increased the callbacks to the infamous love story. Their relationship had a sense of fate with an attraction that transcended their circumstances. I enjoyed their chemistry, playful exchanges, and the tenderness beneath Blackwell's dangerous exterior. Let's not forget the spice because phew! Ophelia's anxiety and OCD played a significant role as the intrusive Shadow Voice that repeatedly interrupts her thoughts. I found its constant repetition frustrating to read. I appreciated the intention behind portraying the exhausting persistence of intrusive thoughts. Pick up Phantasma if you enjoy deadly competitions, gothic atmosphere, mythology, morally gray love interests, and supernatural bargains.