Survival, Bargains and Forbidden Romance—A Review of Phantasma

If you’re craving gothic vibes, deadly trials, and a haunted manor that feels alive… Phantasma by Kaylie Smith absolutely delivers.

This one won my reading poll—and let’s just say, I didn’t just read it… I inhaled it.

At a Glance

What It’s About

Set in an alternative New Orleans where the paranormal is very real, the story follows Ophelia Grimm—a newly turned necromancer after her mother’s sudden death.

With debts closing in and her sister Genevieve making a reckless decision to enter a deadly magical competition inside a cursed manor, Ophelia has no choice but to follow.

Enter: Phantasma—a haunted house where contestants live, compete, and most importantly… don’t survive.

Think: Paranormal Big Brother, but make it lethal.

Atmosphere & World-Building

The gothic atmosphere? Immaculate.

From:

eerie manor corridors

hauntingly vivid descriptions

an alternate, dark, early 20th century New Orleans vibe (where supernatural creatures exist in the open)

Every detail pulls you deeper into the story. The setting isn’t just a backdrop—it breathes, it watches, it traps.

Characters & Romance

Ophelia is a compelling FMC—grieving, determined, and fiercely protective. Her love for her sister drives everything, and that emotional core grounds the chaos. So if you appreciate family bonds and sisterhood, keep reading.

Then there’s Blackwell 👀

A phantom with missing memories, sharp banter, and undeniable chemistry with Ophelia.

Their dynamic gives:

• forced proximity
• tension-filled partnership
• very satisfying banter

And yes…the romance?

Hot. The spice is definitely spicing. 🌶️

Tropes & Themes

• Necromancer FMC
• Deadly competition
• Forced proximity
• Hidden identities
• Haunted house setting
• Sister bond
• Ghost cat (sweet Poe)

Themes explored:

• Life, death, and the afterlife
• Trust vs. betrayal
• Family and sacrifice
• Mental health (OCD rep)
• Power and survival

Vibes

Gothic, eerie, and seductive—like stepping into a cursed manor where every shadow hides a secret and every choice could get you killed.

What Worked (and One Tiny Gripe)

✔️ Addictive plot with high stakes

✔️ Unique competition format (Caraval vibes, but darker)

✔️ Strong emotional core

✔️ Immersive, cinematic writing

Minor gripe:

The word “insidious” will live in my head rent-free forever after this book 😅 Once you read it, you'll know why.

Final Thoughts

Phantasma is the kind of book that traps you inside its world and refuses to let go.

It’s dark, atmospheric, romantic, and full of tension—blending mystery, magic, and survival into one gripping ride.

If you love:

• gothic romance
• deadly magical trials
• haunted settings
• morally complex characters

Don’t miss this one. 

And yes—I’ve already started the next interconnected standalone (Enchantra)… and I’m hooked all over again. I have a feeling (but I could be wrong) that the story is going to get darker. Anyway, I'm glad I discovered this series and I look forward to reading more books by Kaylie Smith.

Writing reviews is only half my story; the other half is spent crafting gritty, no-romance vampire thrillers. If you prefer your vampires dangerous and your characters morally gray, you might want to hide out in the Ghost in the Attic with me.