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renpuspita 's review for:
Phantasma
by Kaylie Smith
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Phantasma is a book that either you will really love it or maybe hate it. I did find the book enjoyable and this is also the first Kaylie Smith's book I'd read. Phantasma deemed as Caraval meet The Hunger Games meet Kingdom of the Wicked, but since I don't read Caraval and Kingdom of the Wicked is still in my TBR, I have nothing to compare. However the resemblance with The Hunger Games is pretty much on point and I like how Smith use 9 Circles of Hell from Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri.
The book start with a bang, a death of a parent that make our heroine, Ophelia Grimm become the sole head of Grimm family line who famous with their Necromancy magic. She enter Phantasma in order to save her sister, Genevieve and also Grimm Manor from its debt. In her journey, she meet this rakish and charming Phantom (a kind of ghost) called Blackwell who strike a bargain, in order to help Ophelia to successfully win all 9 level in Phantasma, Blackwell will have 10 years of Ophelia's life span. The rule of Phantasma is simple and one of them is to not fall in love, a fact that Ophelia will soon find that she hardly resist her growing feeling for Blackwell and vice versa.
From the world building itself, the setting is pretty simple although the timeline can be a little bit confusing. Phantasma set in New Orleans but at what century, I have no slightest idea. Since this book have some gothic vibes and based on the characters art from the author's Insta, I presumed that Phantasma happen in Victorian era or maybe in the late 19th or early 20th century. For first 50% mark, I have difficulty to connect with the story and character, especially because Ophelia's characterization. It's not that she is hard to connect with or annoying, I quite sympathize with her OCD's symptom. It's just she seems aloof and cold and only seems to okay when she finally meet Blackwell. Their banter is okay and I kinda enjoy it. For a morally grey character, Blackwell is an entire Amazon forest, a sign that men character written by woman is an absolute delight. His act of service is delish and he seems caring to Ophelia despite the warning for not falling in love in Phantasma.
The dark setting actually pretty tame for my taste (heh), although there are two or three grotesque, bloody and gory scene (did my sense for this kind of violence become dull?). I like the games that presented in each level although the last level kinda a little bit down. Ophelia might be cheating in the games because of Blackwell's assistance but if I'm in her shoes, I will do the same in order to ensure my survival odds. The mystery surrounding Ophelia's origin, her family and the beginning of the Phantasma also explained in this book, so Phantasma can be considered as a standalone. What make me surprised is the level of heat this book have. Wow. Just wow. The first scene when Ophelia and Blackwell consummated their desire to each other in a room with haunts that currently pouring blood while they do the deeds will always live rent free in my mind. Yes, I know it's a kind of "yuck" moment, but I found the scene to be sexy. Sue me, heh. The amount of sexual tension and the sex scenes as well is plentyyyy, so if that's your preference you will be delighted to read. But if not, ah well, you can always skipped it, tho.
I enjoy Phantasma despite its rough beginning and confusing timeline. I also like how Smith portrayed Ophelia's OCD based on their own OCD's experience and I like the message that Smith convey through Blackwell that help always come when you need it so Ophelia didn't need to face her fears alone. Phantasma might be stand alone but Smith will continue her story in her gothic world featuring Genevieve in Enchantra. Personality wise, I prefer the sunny and didn't give a damn attitude that Genevieva has, so I looking forward for her story in Echantra. I think if you like your fantasy romance slightly darker in nature and also very steamy, Phantasma might be right up your alley.
The book start with a bang, a death of a parent that make our heroine, Ophelia Grimm become the sole head of Grimm family line who famous with their Necromancy magic. She enter Phantasma in order to save her sister, Genevieve and also Grimm Manor from its debt. In her journey, she meet this rakish and charming Phantom (a kind of ghost) called Blackwell who strike a bargain, in order to help Ophelia to successfully win all 9 level in Phantasma, Blackwell will have 10 years of Ophelia's life span. The rule of Phantasma is simple and one of them is to not fall in love, a fact that Ophelia will soon find that she hardly resist her growing feeling for Blackwell and vice versa.
From the world building itself, the setting is pretty simple although the timeline can be a little bit confusing. Phantasma set in New Orleans but at what century, I have no slightest idea. Since this book have some gothic vibes and based on the characters art from the author's Insta, I presumed that Phantasma happen in Victorian era or maybe in the late 19th or early 20th century. For first 50% mark, I have difficulty to connect with the story and character, especially because Ophelia's characterization. It's not that she is hard to connect with or annoying, I quite sympathize with her OCD's symptom. It's just she seems aloof and cold and only seems to okay when she finally meet Blackwell. Their banter is okay and I kinda enjoy it. For a morally grey character, Blackwell is an entire Amazon forest, a sign that men character written by woman is an absolute delight. His act of service is delish and he seems caring to Ophelia despite the warning for not falling in love in Phantasma.
The dark setting actually pretty tame for my taste (heh), although there are two or three grotesque, bloody and gory scene (did my sense for this kind of violence become dull?). I like the games that presented in each level although the last level kinda a little bit down. Ophelia might be cheating in the games because of Blackwell's assistance but if I'm in her shoes, I will do the same in order to ensure my survival odds. The mystery surrounding Ophelia's origin, her family and the beginning of the Phantasma also explained in this book, so Phantasma can be considered as a standalone. What make me surprised is the level of heat this book have. Wow. Just wow. The first scene when Ophelia and Blackwell consummated their desire to each other in a room with haunts that currently pouring blood while they do the deeds will always live rent free in my mind. Yes, I know it's a kind of "yuck" moment, but I found the scene to be sexy. Sue me, heh. The amount of sexual tension and the sex scenes as well is plentyyyy, so if that's your preference you will be delighted to read. But if not, ah well, you can always skipped it, tho.
I enjoy Phantasma despite its rough beginning and confusing timeline. I also like how Smith portrayed Ophelia's OCD based on their own OCD's experience and I like the message that Smith convey through Blackwell that help always come when you need it so Ophelia didn't need to face her fears alone. Phantasma might be stand alone but Smith will continue her story in her gothic world featuring Genevieve in Enchantra. Personality wise, I prefer the sunny and didn't give a damn attitude that Genevieva has, so I looking forward for her story in Echantra. I think if you like your fantasy romance slightly darker in nature and also very steamy, Phantasma might be right up your alley.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Stalking, Death of parent, Alcohol
Minor: Torture