When I received September's Elixir package, I was immediately drawn to the book. The world-building in Phantasma is incredibly atmospheric, giving off a gritty, late 1800s/early 1900s Southern charm that I loved.

Reading Phantasma was reminiscent of Stephanie Garber's Caraval series but with its own unique twist. The deadly game levels, paranormal beings, spiciness, and overall excitement had me completely engrossed.

The character development of Ophelia was truly captivating. Witnessing her transformation from a sheltered, naive girl to someone with a more guarded persona was enthralling. It was evident that her experiences had a profound impact on her, and I found her journey to be incredibly compelling.

I also appreciated the portrayal of OCD in the story, particularly since the author, Kaylie Smith, created Ophelia with OCD in mind, drawing from her own experiences. As someone with OCD myself, I found the representation to be authentic and meaningful. 

The dynamic between Blackwell and Ophelia was electric. Their partnership as they navigated through the challenges was so well-written, and I found myself fully invested in their story.

Every page of Phantasma held my attention, and I found it to be an utterly addictive read. While I predicted some of the plot twists, it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book, Enchantra, and I can't wait to dive back into Kaylie Smith's captivating storytelling.