Scan barcode
A review by wordswritinstarlight
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Pure brain candy, with a fun premise, a cool magic system, and eminently charming main characters. Loved watching Ophelia learn to embrace violence as a problem-solving option; enjoyed her romance with Blackwell greatly. The vibe of the mansion was very Crimson Peak, classic cursed manor, which I’m consistently a sucker for. I wasn’t taken off-guard by a single plot twist in the whole thing, but frankly I don’t put a lot of stock in being Shocked and Astonished by plot twists and that doesn’t bother me or detract from my enjoyment at all. Also, I’ve been told that I have an unsettling and irritating ability to clock plot twists in books, so that may just be me.
Overall, a great time, easy to read, and actually THE most relatable portrayal of intrusive thoughts I’ve seen in a book. (I was once told by a psychiatrist that I was definitely obsessive enough for an OCD diagnosis, but not compulsive enough, so I vibed immensely with Ophelia and was NOT surprised to do so.)
Recommended for someone looking for a fast, easy Gothic romance, with the full suite of spooky ghosts, secret doors, and deals with devils.
Overall, a great time, easy to read, and actually THE most relatable portrayal of intrusive thoughts I’ve seen in a book. (I was once told by a psychiatrist that I was definitely obsessive enough for an OCD diagnosis, but not compulsive enough, so I vibed immensely with Ophelia and was NOT surprised to do so.)
Recommended for someone looking for a fast, easy Gothic romance, with the full suite of spooky ghosts, secret doors, and deals with devils.