As a fan of dark fantasy and romance, Phantasma by Kaylie Smith hit all the right notes for me. It’s a gothic, slow-burn adventure that dives deep into mystery, magic, and a high-stakes competition that keeps the tension running from start to finish. Ophelia Grimm is a compelling protagonist, driven by the desire to save her sister by entering the sinister, haunted estate of Phantasma. What unfolds is a battle of wit and strength in a place where demons and dangerous magic rule.

What makes Phantasma stand out is the seamless blend of atmospheric world-building and rich character dynamics. The mansion itself feels alive with dark energy, making it the perfect backdrop for the dangerous trials Ophelia must face. Fans of slow-burn romance will especially love the tension between Ophelia and Blackwell, a mysterious and morally grey character who quickly became one of my favorites. Their interactions are full of sharp banter, and the chemistry between them is magnetic, adding another layer of intrigue to the narrative.

The romance is a slow burn, but the payoff is well worth the wait, especially if you enjoy a dark, forbidden love with stakes that feel real. Blackwell’s brooding, necromancer vibe fits perfectly with the gothic atmosphere, and his relationship with Ophelia has just the right mix of tension, power imbalance, and mutual attraction to keep readers hooked.

Smith’s writing is immersive, and while the book leaves some questions unanswered, particularly about the magic system and certain backstory elements, it sets up the potential for further exploration in future installments. The plot keeps you guessing with a few well-placed twists, and while some readers may wish for a bit more background on the magical and demonic aspects, the lack of full explanation adds to the overall mystery of the world.

For readers who enjoy gothic settings, morally complex characters, and slow-burn romance with a touch of magic, Phantasma is a hauntingly beautiful read that will leave you eager for the next book in the series. It combines everything you could want in a dark fantasy romance: an eerie setting, danger around every corner, and a romance that smolders beneath the surface until it ignites.

Overall, Phantasma delivers on both the fantasy and romance fronts, and it’s one of those books that keeps you thinking about the characters long after you’ve turned the final page. It’s definitely a must-read for fans of dark fantasy who appreciate well-drawn characters, a suspenseful plot, and a bit of forbidden love to spice things up.