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rosieplecko 's review for:

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
2.5
dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
I was rooting for this book and it's interesting premise but I ended up being disappointed. The book has several genuinely disturbing moments that were well written. However, these moments were overpowered by the main character 's illogical decisions throughout the book as well as a bizarre lack of fear that was somewhat explained but not even close to believe able for me. The moments she did express fear centered on her own inner demons and not the horrific deaths of others around her and her own close calls. If 1% of the thing that happened in this book had happened to me I would be absolutely scarred for life, not making innuendos and banging .5 seconds later. I think part of what makes horror compelling is seeing the anxiety and the fear in the characters/how the scary stuff impacts them, which we don't see hardly at all in this book. I think if this author had leaned into the horror elements and away from the romance the book would have been much more compelling. Instead, it came off as immature insta-lust that contrasted sharply to the intense gore and monstrous creatures appearing throughout.  I felt like the pace of the book was uneven and also the quality--some parts were well written (specifically the scary bits) but the romance leaned so hard into clichés that it was difficult to take seriously.  If you like scary and insta-lust this will scratch the itch. If you like characters who behave in a logical manner and an immersive and even plot you will not find it in Phantasma. 
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