Litcadia
Rate this
Wicked Games #1

Phantasma

Kaylie Smith

4.60

LIMITED PRINT EDITION―this gorgeous deluxe hardcover of Kaylie Smith's bestselling gothic romantasy includes a seductive new cover, two-colored stenciled edges, a stamped foil case, and designed endpapers. Available for a limited time and while supplies last. THE BOOKTOK SENSATION AND COMPANION TO #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ENCHANTRA!

Welcome to Phantasma. There are only two rules to the game: Stay alive. And don't fall in love.

When Ophelia's sister disappears, there is only one way to save her. Ophelia must enter Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion, and claim its prize--a single wish. Phantasma is a maze of twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, of demons and temptations.

Ophelia will face nine challenges, each more dangerous than the last. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals. Every day the house creates new monsters.

But just as Ophelia's fears threaten to overwhelm her, a mysterious stranger offers her a bargain. Charming, arrogant and infuriatingly attractive, Blackwell claims he can guide her through the lethal trials ahead. All he asks in return is ten years of her life.

Ophelia knows she shouldn't trust him. Blackwell doesn't seem dangerous, but appearances can be deceptive. Worse still, she feels a dark and irresistible attraction drawing them closer and closer.

Her life is on the line. But in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart . . . Check out the deluxe hardcover of Enchantra, publishing simultaneously in December 2025!

YAFantasyScience FictionRomanceParanormal RomanceContemporary RomanceFiction
Pages
497
First published
September 3, 2024
Language
English
Edition
Ebook

More editions

▾

Pick a cover to preview.

Shelved by 27 Litcadians

Reviews

  • Finished October 4, 2025

  • Finished April 29, 2025

  • Finished May 20, 2025

    “In all the darkness, in all the loneliness, you have been my one source of light, my soul will go to its grave with your name echoing in my mind.” ~ Caraval but make it spicy 😏🫢. I had so much fun reading this book. I love a book surrounding a competition, even better when there is a mystery involved as well. I loved both of the main characters and the chemistry they had from the very beginning. This definitely wasn’t a slow burn but I wasn’t complaining. I also really enjoyed this world and I’m excited for the rest of the series to get to know some of the other paranormal creatures in this world. I also really liked the way the author worked in the fmc’s OCD, with the fantasy setting it had me questioning what was real and what wasn’t and if the voice really some demon or entity in her mind. 🌶️ 4/5 the spice in this was really good, and they did a good job with the audio. Sometimes the audio can make it a little cringe and I need to switch back to the book only but the narrator made it come to life in a great way. I loved the raining blood scene.

  • Finished December 21, 2024

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Favorite line: “I’d let you drag me to the depths of Hell right now if that would please you.” 📖 My Thoughts I really enjoyed this! It was a fun break from all of the romcoms lately and I love a good paranormal romance or story. I loved that it felt like a sexy, paranormal, adult version of the hunger games. I swear, every time I heard her shadow voice say tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, I was reminded of the hunger games. It was super creepy and yet funny. I loved both the main characters, Ophelia and Blackwell; their banter and chemistry made the book so enjoyable. The explanation of all paranormal beings and the introductions to some of them throughout Phantasma set the dark atmosphere nicely. I'd say my favorite level in Phantasma was lust as the others did feel a little rushed and conveniently beat by Ophelia. The biggest shock factor for me was who Ophelia's dad was. I was not expecting that or wasn't paying close enough attention. I guessed some of the other twists but it was still fun! The one thing that I felt wasn't explained well enough was the Shadow voice. Is it really just a voice or is it an actual being inside of Ophelia's mind? If it is, where did it come from? Maybe we'll get more answers on that in the next book. ⚠️ Trigger Warnings Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, Gore Moderate: Death of parent, Violence, Death Minor: Vomit, Self harm, Torture 🌶️ Spice The spice in this was really hot. Doesn't every woman fantasize about amazing paranormal sex with a hot ghost? The blood scene and Blackwell's abilities with his mouth had me drooling a little bit. I kind of wish there had been a little more pain involved during their sex scenes to give a little darker of a twist but it was still enjoyable. The tension and chemistry between Opehlia and Blackwell was just enough to make it extra spicy.

  • Finished June 27, 2026

  • Started December 20, 2024 · Finished January 11, 2025

    I mostly audiobooked this, it was really good, but I think I should have combo read it. I would reread in the future as a combo at some point. I was pulled in a lot of different directions reading this, but I did enjoy it when I was able to squeeze in a chapter here or there. I liked the concept, and characters, it was easy to follow along with and there were a few twists I didn’t see coming so that was nice. 🌶️ 5/5 Deliciously smutty, and this narrator - can get it! she really got into it lol I have seen some of her tiktoks and this is my first audio of hers I’ve tried to listen to and felt like she really made it come to life with emotion and… enthusiasm lol

  • Finished May 31, 2026

  • Started May 20, 2026 · Finished May 31, 2026

  • Started May 6, 2026 · Finished May 11, 2026

    I am pleasantly surprised by this book. As a long-time lover of Dante, I love the way the competition is modeled after the nine circles of the Inferno. Though certain plot points are predictable, the story’s pacing is easily bingeable, turning almost 500 pages into easy work. My main criticism, however, lies in its overuse of profanity. I’m not against cursing in books. I’m a grown woman, after all. But I felt the gothic time period and overall atmosphere of the novel really did not mesh with the repeated use of the word “fucking,” as it made it feel too modernized. I guess I just expected grander professions of love instead of “I’m so fucking in love with you.” It really took me out of it.

  • Finished September 14, 2025

    I greatly enjoyed this book, the gothic setting and the entire concept of Phantasma! This book was extremely well written and I liked reading all the different trials and haunts. I had some thoughts about Blackwell fairly early on (which actually turned out to be accurate!), and Ophelia was such a complex character.

  • Finished November 17, 2024

    4.25 ⭐ Can't wait for book 2!

  • Finished October 8, 2024

  • darkemotionalfunnymysterioustenseMedium-paced

    Started October 3, 2024 · Finished October 9, 2024

  • Finished December 13, 2024

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This was fantastic! A perfect 5-star read! The ambiance and descriptions were spot-on, creating an eerie and immersive world. The dialogue and pacing kept everything perfectly together. Blackwell? Swoon-worthy. He’s the epitome of a dark, mysterious, and romantic hero. Meanwhile, Ophelia was a standout protagonist, showing growth throughout the story. Her transformation into a more confident and capable character was so rewarding to read. With open plot threads hinting at a sequel, I can’t wait to return to this world in the next book, learning more about Genevieve!