by Kaylie Smith
Publisher: Forever
Pub Date: September 3, 2024
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adult, Gothic
Format: Print
Source: Bought
Book Links: Goodreads Amazon Bookshop
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 . . .
My Review: OMG I LOVED this book.
The entire book was fantastic. From the characters, world building, romance and everything in between, I was so here for it.
Ophelia and Genevieve start the book a pretty bad note. Their mum was just found dead. Ophelia takes her necklace and quickly performance the spell to become the next necromancer in the family. Then they visit her at the funeral home and THEN they find out their home is at stake.
There is A LOT going on. Things get more tense when Ophelia finds out that Genevieve kinda secretly knew about more than she let on and didn't tell Ophelia about it. That among other things, ends up causing a fight between them.
When on the look for her sister, Ophelia comes to find out that she must have entered Phantasma. So the logical thing to do was enter as well clearly.
Then comes Blackwell. I loved his character. The banter between him and Ophelia. They are great together and Blackwell ended up being a much bigger role than you'd think which was fantastic.
I don't have much about this book that I didn't like. There were moments that it was a little all over the place but really if there was anything it was minor. I loved how the author brought in a character with OCD and really brought a new light to it. The variations of it and was really well brought out and one of the best representations of it.
Overall, I loved this entire book. I couldn't put it down and then didn't want to even when it ended. I'm so excited for more books in this series.
