Reviews - Phantasma | The StoryGraph

16.9k reviews for:

Phantasma

Kaylie Smith

4.05 AVERAGE

finches_and_lilacs's review

4.5

adventurous challenging dark funny tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

richaar0709reads's review against another edition

2.5

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

It was a dumpster lit on fire, but I... I don't even know, to be honest. Don't know what to think of this book whatsoever. I'm disappointed, tho. I really looked forward to reading it since it was described as the dark version of Caraval. And let me tell you that comparing this book to Caraval is a huge insult. This book is overhyped as hell if you ask me.

It was kinda: One Dark Window X Kingdom of the Wicked, but less good. Kinda a dump of shit with a red bow on it, actually.

It's a gothic romance book. There's something about reading about gothic mansion and paranormal beings during autumn, so it's best to read it during spooky season and autumn.

I, however, thought it regrettable that almost all their interactions ended intimate. Nothing against smut, but there is something as too much. In my opinion, it took away from the plot. Not only the plot but also the romance got overshadowed by the amount of smut scenes.
I, for instance, would've liked there to be more trap doors and rooms and such in the manor in their search for the key.
Idk the plot was kinda lacking, in my opinion.
I would've much preferred it if it'd been ya. If the book was focused on the actual romance (emotions) and not just about the physical attraction.
I don't hate smut in books, but if there is, it should have a purpose to the plot and not be thrown in there like it's candy.
There just was no emotion dept to the story.

The games we're good, tho. It is my favorite thing about this book.

The romance was barely there and not explored enough. I also don't believe they love each other. The only thing they did was jump each other's bones. No emotional connection whatsoever.

I saw the plottwist coming from a mile away, but it was still interesting. I liked getting his back story. Wished we got some more, tho. And the ending felt a bit rushed bc of it.

We also know almost nothing about the mmc. He was just there to pressure her. That seemed to be his sole purpose in the book.
I thought it adorable how he called her 'angel' until finding out it's the name of his ex😒

Ophelia is also such a weird girl.

First of all, why did she feel the urge to stick her tongue out at him constantly? How old are you? She never did it, but still.
I also don't understand why she never talked to the other contestants. Why was she so blunt to Lucy all the time? She was so sweet. Wished she had more interacting with other people besides Blackwell.
I also thought it weird how she never worried for her sister not to make it past the 7th level. She always talked about searching her after the 7th level with such certainty as if it wasn't possible for her sister not to make it. Very unrealistic.

The writing lacked. She described what had happened instead of writing about it, if it makes sense.
The idea behind the plot was fantastic. The execution just sucked a ton.

The beginning was slow and hella boring. The end felt rushed. And there are sooooo many plot holes. Even duct tape wouldn't be enough to close them.

There is probably much more, but I ain't gonna put any more time in this review.

It was bad, but I kinda enjoyed it or something🤷🏽‍♀️ (with the emphasis on something)