“There are only two rules to the game. Stay alive. And don’t fall in love.”
Kaylie Smith’s new novel Phantasma is a captivating dark fantasy romance that blends elements of psychological thriller and gothic horror. Set in a haunted mansion, the story follows Ophelia, a young woman who must enter a deadly competition to save her sister’s life. In this novel, the author crafts a richly atmospheric world, filled with twisting corridors, demonic entities, and fatal temptations.
When Ophelia and her sister Genevieve discover the body of their mother brutally murdered in the inside of their home, the girls have no time to mourn—as Ophelia inherits both her mum’s enormous debt that put their home at risk and her dead-driven magic that turns her into a necromancer. After Genevieve suddenly disappears, there is only one way for Ophelia to save her. She must enter Phantasma, a deadly competition inside a haunted mansion where most don’t make it out alive and the winner is granted a single wish.
The mansion is a maze of twisting corridors where demons, temptations, and monsters torment the contestants. Ophelia must face nine challenges, one per night, each more challenging than the last, if she wants to win the competition and be reunited with her sister. When her fears are about to overtake her, an attractive, charming, and arrogant stranger appears in front of her to offer her a bargain. Blackwell, claims he can guide her through all the lethal levels in exchange of a decade of her life. Appearances may be deceiving but with her sister’s life on the line, Ophelia can’t afford to turn him away. Not only that but she also feels a dark and pulling attraction to him which will be risky for her life as well, since inside Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is falling love.
Smith’s portrayal of the protagonist, Ophelia, is nuanced and compelling. While not immediately likable, Ophelia’s character development throughout the story draws readers in, making her journey both relatable and engaging. The tense but loving dynamic between Ophelia and her sister adds depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of family bonds and sacrifice. On another hand, the romance aspect of the novel is steamy and intense, centered on the complex relationship between Ophelia and Blackwell. Their interactions are charged with tension, exploring themes of trust, attraction, and potential betrayal.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its world-building. The author’s decision to include a map classifying the various demons and ghosts enhances the reader’s immersion in this supernatural realm. The structure of the competition, with its nine challenges reminiscent of Dante’s circles of hell, adds an intriguing layer to the plot. Each of the nine levels will keep the readers engaged at all times and make them hungry for more.
It must be said that Smith really doesn’t shy away from dark themes, including death, gore, and mental illness. Notably, the portrayal of OCD as a “shadow voice” is well-executed and contributes to the overall ambiance of the story. The author’s note explaining this choice also adds valuable context for readers. While the book deals with heavy subjects, Smith balances these elements with moments of banter and mischievous interactions between the mortals and the supernatural beings, providing necessary moments of levity amidst the tension. It’s important to note that this mature content includes explicit sexual content, violence, and detailed descriptions of death and injury so potential readers should be aware of these elements before diving in (a complete list can be seen on the author’s website).
Overall, Phantasma is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy romance and psychological thrillers. With its blend of suspense, romance, and supernatural elements, Smith has created a gripping tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Phantasma is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of September 3rd, 2024.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Caraval meets Throne of the Fallen in this spicy dark romantasy where a necromancer needs help from a dangerous phantom to win a deadly competition, only to find their partnership puts her at risk of breaking the game’s most vital rule: don’t fall in love.
When Ophelia and her sister discovers their mother brutally murdered, there is no time to grieve: Ophelia has inherited both her powerful death-driven magic and enormous debt on their home. Circumstances go from dire to deadly, however, when Ophelia’s sister decides to pay off the loan by entering Phantasma—a competition where most contestants don’t make it out alive and the winner is granted a single wish.
The only way to save her sister is to compete. But Phantasma is a cursed manor, with twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, and filled with enticing demons and fatal temptations. Ophelia will need to face nine floors of challenges to win… if her fears don’t overtake her first.
When a charming, arrogant stranger claims he can protect and guide Ophelia, she knows she shouldn’t trust him. While Blackwell may not seem dangerous, appearances can be deceptive. But with her sister’s life on the line, Ophelia can’t afford to turn him away. She just needs to ignore the overwhelming, dark attraction drawing them closer and closer together.
Because in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart.
