Episode Title: Phantasma – Chapters 1–17
Description: The Romanty Roundtable trio kicks off Fantasma by Kaylie Smith with their signature blend of literary insight and chaotic charm. In this episode, Amanda, Kim, and Rick unpack the first 17 chapters of this gothic romantasy adventure set in a haunted New Orleans. From phantom flirtations and necromantic rituals to soup dreams and ghost cats, the team breaks down the eerie vibes, complex magic system, and early trials of the Devil’s Manor competition—all while making wildly accurate predictions, literary deep dives, and a surprising number of Danny Phantom references.
Key Topics Discussed:
Technical Difficulties & TikTok Shoutouts – The crew fights through dying fans and phantom mics, gives love to BookTok followers, and teases upcoming reads including The Knight and the Moth.
Setting & Style – Praise (and confusion) for the New Orleans setting, gothic atmosphere, and the unclear time period—carriages and septum piercings?
OCD Representation & Shadow Voice – Amanda discusses the depiction of OCD through Oilia’s intrusive thoughts and internal “shadow voice,” sharing both personal insights and community feedback.
Hierarchy of the Paranormal – The group nerds out over the glossary chart, breaking down demons, ghosts, necromancers, and ephemerals.
Ophelia's Journey – From her mother’s death and the magical inheritance ritual to finding herself trapped in Fantasma, Ophelia struggles with responsibility, family legacy, and (of course) hot ghosts.
Blackwell the Phantom – Green eyes, snow-white hair, and disembodied banter. Blackwell enters as a mysterious phantom trapped in the manor. Is he the love interest? Danny Phantom? Both?
The Blood Bargain – Ophelia refuses at first, but later accepts Blackwell’s blood pact to help her find her sister and win the Devil’s Grant—setting up a classic romantasy deal-with-a-demon trope.
The Trials Begin – Level One (Limbo) throws contestants into a disorienting maze with a hellhound. Ophelia survives thanks to her wits and magic sparks, but tensions rise between contestants.
Favorite Details – Poe the ghost cat, the glimmers of soup (aka spice), and the Dante’s Inferno-inspired structure of the competition get big love from the team.
Theories & Predictions – Who’s the heart? Who’s the key? Is Cade the Jack Barlow of this book? Will Genevieve be the one to set Blackwell free?
Bonus Reading Recs – Amanda powers through five books for her bingo board. Kim’s back in Crescent City, and Rick is deep in Throne of Glass, rating Crown of Midnight a 5-star banger.
Join us for a wild ride through ghouls, ghost cats, bargain demons, and growing soup tension. Chapter 18–35 is next—lust awaits. Like, subscribe, and summon Blackwell by saying his name three times… if you dare.
