Phantasma – Kaylie Smith

Phantasma follows Ophelia Grimm, a young woman thrust into a deadly game within a haunted mansion to save her sister. The labyrinthine halls of Phantasma are filled with twisted trials, demons, and temptations, each more perilous than the last. To survive, Ophelia strikes a dangerous bargain with Blackwell, a mysterious stranger who offers guidance in exchange for years of her life. But trust is a luxury she can’t afford, especially as her attraction to him grows.

The story weaves gothic New Orleans atmosphere with high-stakes challenges inspired by the Nine Circles of Hell. Ophelia’s journey is as much about confronting her inner demons—like her OCD and isolation—as it is battling external horrors. Blackwell’s enigmatic past and the mansion’s sinister secrets add layers of intrigue, while the tension between survival and forbidden romance keeps the pages turning.

Kaylie Smith crafts a world where magic and danger collide, blending steamy moments with heart-pounding action. The bond between Ophelia and Blackwell evolves from uneasy alliance to a connection that defies the game’s cruel rules. Supporting characters, like Ophelia’s sharp-witted sister Genevieve, add humor and heart to the dark narrative.

Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and self-discovery are threaded through the trials, making Phantasma more than just a battle for survival. The mansion itself becomes a character, shifting and scheming to test its prisoners. With twists that surprise and a climax that lingers, this is a tale that grips until the final page.

Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses and Caraval will find familiar thrills here, but Smith’s unique voice and neurodivergent representation set this story apart. It’s a decadent mix of horror, romance, and fantasy that lingers like a shadow long after the book is closed.