Phantasma
Ratings62
Average rating3.8
Maybe a 3.5? This is an example of a book where you have to absorb the things happening in the first few chapters to get into the groove. In this case, it did not start strong, then interesting, then tiring, then on another turn, hot, on a left turn it was intriguing, and on the right, what's going on? Lol. Honestly, the games were boring, and I'd rather just learn from the walls. The MMC was an unreliable narrator and half the time I call BS on what he was saying, in the end, it did make sense but at what expense?
4.25!! incredible setting and the end really got me even tho i should have seen it coming
The social media hype over this book got me to stray from my end of year TBR (shocker, I know), and it was time well spent! It seemed appropriately hyped to me and felt plenty adventurous. I found myself really wanting to know what happens next.
The depictions of OCD and anxiety were done decently and added tension to the story. At times I was thinking I could really relate to the anxiety. The world overall is basic for fantasy- basic magic, devils, ghosts, etc. Very simple and easy to wrap my head around. Not a lot of exposition either.
I got Kingdom of the Wicked crossed with Caraval vibes from this book so if you liked one or both of those, this will be a fun read!
3,5⭐
Liked the story, but it was very foreseeable and did not hock me like songs others
But liked also the MMC a lot
Was well ended and good length!
4.75 stars
- Gothic Romance
- Ghost/Phantom
- Forced Proximity
- Family Magic
- Forbidden
- Deadly Competitions
- Morally Grey MMC
- OCD/Anxiety Rep
- Secrets & Lies
- Who did this to you?
- He called her ‘Angel'
- Phantom x Necromancer
- Poe the Cat
I haven't been a big romance fan in years but when I saw this as a BOTM with a Gothic house full of deadly games I knew I wanted to read it.
I absolutely devoured this book and loved every bit. The romance was great, the games were great, the fantasy was great. This really felt like an adult version of a 2000s YA novel.
There was a great storyline with just enough romance mixed in. Plus the romance enhanced the story and fit well.
The only reason for 4.75 instead of 5 stars is that I figured out the ending pretty early on. It didn't ruin the journey though. Can't wait for the next one!
Phantasma starts off with promise, drawing you into its intriguing world and setting the stage for what seems like a captivating dark romance. However, as the story unfolds, the plot twists become painfully predictable, and the narrative takes on the vibe of an underdeveloped Wattpad story. While the smut is present, it feels lackluster compared to the vivid and engaging scenes you’d find in more popular BookTok recommendations. The pacing falters toward the end, and the characters lose some of their earlier appeal. Overall, it’s a decent read, but it doesn’t live up to its initial potential or stand out among its competitors.
DNF 22%
I'm pulling alternate universe Danny Phantom fanfic off my bingo card. No thank you.
I enjoyed this book, its similar to Caravel but with a darker twist to it. I felt that there were some parts that could have been written better but overall had a fun time with it.
Edit: (Now that I think about there were many questions that didn't get answered so its more of a 3.5 rounded up to 4)
Ghostly Gothic Vibes ✔️ October in New Orleans ✔️ Magical Trials ✔️ Handsome Devils ✔️
Be prepared when entering the deadly Phantasma manor, you never know which devil you'll make a deal with. Ophelia Grimm definitely wasn't prepared for the trials and tribulations of Phantasma. The night before entering Phantasma, Ophelia's mother passed away unexpectedly leaving everything to fall to her. Now the head Necromancer in New Orleans, Ophelia has to find her place between what her mother wanted for her and what she wants for herself. That is until Ophelia learns her sister entered Phantasma.. the game that offers the winner a granted wish from the Prince of the Devils. Once you enter Phantasma, the games begin.. but remember the cardinal rule: Never fall in love during Phantasma.
I enjoyed my time reading this so much that I never wanted it to end. The vibes were immaculate for the fall with the Ghost, Gothic manors, and eeriness of New Orleans. I really recommend reading this in October. Phantasma has everything you'd want for the perfect fall/spooky vibes.
There was OCD and Anxiety representation from our FMC. The portrayal was spot on, especially after reading the Authors Note at the end. As someone who has chronic anxiety and a mother with OCD, the representation made me feel seen and the FMC relatable. There were times it was hard reading her thoughts because they were so accurate.
The banter between Ophelia and our MMC had me giggling kicking my feet, it was so good!! The back and forth they constantly had made this read fly by so fast. The MMC gave Roman Kitt from Divine Rivals vibes but more devilish, the things that come out of this phantoms mouth!!