SagePagesStudio

Phantasma Book Review

(Spoilers ahead! If you haven’t read Phantasma, skip this post!)

I just finished the first book in the Wicked Games Universe, and wow… I was nervous at first that I wouldn’t like it and would have to force myself to finish. But I ended up absolutely loving it! I didn’t think I was a huge fan of necromancy or dark romance, yet I couldn’t put this book down. Now I’m super excited to read Enchantra, though I’m already dreading the wait for book three.

Getting Into the Story

At first, I struggled to get into the book. I would read a chapter and then put it down for a few hours. But once Ophelia actually arrived at Phantasma, my interest skyrocketed, and I found myself halfway through the book in just a few hours.

Ophelia’s Growth

Ophelia’s character development was fantastic. In the beginning, she was a young woman forced to take on her deceased mother’s duties while also grieving and caring for her little sister, Genevieve. She immediately faced threats from the New Orleans bank over her mother’s debts, all while dealing with a Shadow Voice in her head.

It was clear that Ophelia had been dependent on her mother her entire life, rarely considering her own wants or needs. She either followed her mother’s rules or obeyed the Shadow Voice’s sinful commands.

Going to Phantasma was one of the best things that could have happened to her. She faced her fears, pieced together the life she never knew existed, and found love beyond her family obligations.

Blackwell and the Love Story

Blackwell quickly became one of my favorite characters. His cocky but charming personality masked the walls he built over centuries of isolation and lost memories, thanks to his evil father. Despite all that, he was still able to reveal his true colors.

I’ll admit, I suspected from the start that Ophelia was the key to freeing him—it seemed obvious since no other contestants had succeeded. Still, the reveal that he was actually Salem, the Prince of the Demon, completely blew me away.

I’m eager to see where their story goes in Enchantra. Phantasma didn’t end on a cliffhanger, but I’m not ready to let go of their love story. I can’t wait to see how eternity together will unfold, and how the Demon King will react to his son’s freedom.

Questions and Curiosities

One thing I’m still wondering: did I miss it, or did the book never explain Luci’s powers? They hinted that she had magic more than once, and it was strange how effortlessly she completed each challenge.

Also, when Ophelia finally killed Cade, I leapt from my chair in sheer satisfaction. He was the kind of egotistical, powerless villain you love to hate, and I was honestly surprised he lasted as long as he did.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’d give Phantasma a solid 9/10. It’s different from a lot of books I’ve read, but in a really good way. The only reasons it didn’t get a perfect score are minor spelling and grammar errors, and the fact that I was able to guess the ending.

If you enjoy dark romance, magic, and intricate character growth, this book is absolutely worth your time. I can’t wait to continue the journey with Ophelia and Blackwell.