The Nora Theory

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith has been on my to-be-read list since its September release, and I am kicking myself for waiting this long to dive into this atmospheric, Gothic tale. This book is a spectacular romantasy, with mental health representation, stunning characters, and a plot that will keep you turning pages with a definite hunger.

Ophelia Grimm has spent her entire life at Grimm Manor, preparing herself for the day when she will inherit her ancestral necromancy powers and the responsibility that comes with them. When that day comes, laced with the grief of losing her mother, Ophelia discovers that not only has she inherited her mother’s powers and her business, but also her debts.

Now she and her sister Genevieve are left scrambling to find a way to keep their house, and Genevieve’s solution is to sneak off and enter a famous and dangerous competition called Phantasma. The competition is run by Devils, and the winner gets a prize of their choosing. But first, the competitors have to survive nine brutal trials. When Ophelia discovers what Genevieve has done, she follows her and enters the competition herself.

In the house, Ophelia discovers much more than she bargained for. New powers and family secrets abound, and Ophelia is adept at making enemies. One of Phantasma’s phantoms, the enticing and enigmatic Blackwell, offers her a deal, and she has no choice but to accept. She desperately needs his help to guide her through this twisted game. As Ophelia and Blackwell make their way through the competition, they discover long-buried truths, and their growing connection risks damning them both.

The premise of Phantasma is spectacular. It has a matriarchal family of necromancers, a haunted house, and a sexy ghost. What more could a girl want? The Devil’s House, where the Phantasma competition takes place, is an atmospheric setting steeped in danger and drama, and it’s absolutely perfect. I am particularly partial to anything to do with a haunted, mysterious, or otherwise creepy old house, but I think any reader will be able to appreciate the world crafted in this book.

Blackwell, the main love interest, is what truly launches this book into the stratosphere of excellent literature. He gives the fanfiction version of Malfoy vibes in the best possible way. The way Blackwell talks to Ophelia is fucking impeccable. I could read endless chapters just of him comforting her.

“You have nothing to be embarrassed about,” he vowed. “Next time your mind tries to convince you otherwise, remember this: there is nothing about you that I find undesirable. Okay?”

Ophelia is a character that many may not necessarily relate to, but I found it so captivating. She’s a little aloof, a little feisty, and spends much of the novel battling with her inner demons. Her journey is a fantasy manifestation of obsessive-compulsive disorder, and I fucking love it. I have OCD, with those repetitive intrusive thoughts. Mine manifests significantly differently than Ophelia’s, but it is still so wonderful to see it represented on the page like this. And the way Blackwell handles her anxieties and dread is just so soothing to read. 

Phantasma features lots of action and danger, with a hell of a twist ending. There is no cliffhanger at the end, but instead, a complete story that is equal parts tragic and heartwarming, spicy and engaging.

Writing: 5

Spice: 3

Kindle: free with Kindle Unlimited

Paperback: $14.24

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