Book Review: Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

 

Book Review: Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
**As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you.**

*SLIGHT SPOILERS*

OK, I loved this book. It’s dark, intense, emotional and probably the most unique fantasy book I’ve read this year. If you like haunted houses, magical trials, delicious slow-burn romance, and a MFC that you don't really want to throat punch, then please pick up Phantasma.

The book follows Ophelia Grimm, a young necromancer dealing with the grief of a recent loss. While trying to get to the bottom of a mystery, she stumbles upon a chance to enter a magical and deadly contest inside a creepy old house called Phantasma. Well, she takes it, hoping it will give her answers that she is searching for. 

But this house is no ordinary place. It's cursed and full of terrifying trials—each floor represents a different challenge, inspired by the circles of Hell. To make things more complicated, Ophelia has to work with Blackwell, a ghost who’s not exactly trustworthy and demands ten years of her life in exchange for his help. And yes, there’s tension (the good kind) between them.

The house itself is like a character. Every floor felt different—creepy, magical, sometimes downright horrifying. There are puzzles, monsters, illusions, and emotional tests that push Ophelia to her limits. I couldn’t stop reading because I had to know what the next trial would be.

Ophelia is probably one of the most relatable characters I’ve read in fantasy. She struggles with OCD and anxiety, and the way it’s shown in the story felt so real and well done. Her inner voice, the "Shadow", really captured the way intrusive thoughts can take over, and I loved how the story didn't shy away from showing her mental health challenges while also making her incredibly strong and brave.

Blackwell, the ghost with a sharp tongue and mysterious past, is such a fun and frustrating character. Their dynamic builds slowly, with just enough romantic tension to keep you hooked. It’s not cheesy or rushed, just the right amount of angst and chemistry. And some really good spice!

 Why I Loved It

  • The writing is so atmospheric. I could picture every spooky hallway and magical moment.

  • The representation of OCD and grief was powerful and emotional.

  • The romance was slow, intense, and didn’t take over the story—it balanced perfectly with the plot

  • The mystery of what happened to Ophelia’s sister kept me guessing right to the end.

HOWEVER, some parts toward the end did feel a little rushed, and I still have a few questions that I hope get answered in the next book. But honestly, I was so emotionally invested that I didn’t even mind.

Phantasma is everything I want in a dark fantasy: creepy magic, emotional depth, and characters that feel real. I highly recommend it if you’re into books with haunted mansions, magical competitions, and enemies-to-lovers vibes.

This one is definitely going on my list of favorites. Don’t sleep on it!

Buy your copy here!

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