Podcast Summary: We're Your Girls – Book Club Episode: Phantasma – A Dark Fantasy Romance

Release Date: June 27, 2025
Host/Author: Good Mess Media

We're Your Girls delivers a vibrant and authentic conversation between two best friends tackling their latest book club pick, Phantasma by Kaylie Smith. This episode dives deep into the intricacies of the novel, exploring its plot, characters, and overall execution. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Introduction to the Book Club and Phantasma

The hosts kick off the episode by introducing Phantasma, emphasizing that it was chosen by Tiffany. They set the stage for an honest and unfiltered discussion, mentioning that neither has shared their thoughts on the book prior to this episode.

Speaker B [03:30]: "Uh. Cause what you not about to do is air me out to dry."

2. Initial Reactions and Overall Impressions

Both hosts express their initial impressions of Phantasma, balancing their appreciation for the story's potential with frustrations regarding its execution.

Speaker A [04:29]: "Overall, this is not badly written. I will say that."

Speaker B [04:24]: "This is her debut and we're ruining her book writing career."

They acknowledge the book's success despite being a debut, noting its substantial number of reviews.

3. Plot Analysis and Key Critiques

The discussion delves into the plot of Phantasma, highlighting significant moments that both intrigued and frustrated the hosts. They dissect various plot points, such as the protagonist Ophelia's journey into a haunted mansion akin to the Hunger Games setting.

Speaker B [05:14]: "I started reading the book before you got to it. And remember I stopped about 15% of the way through. Cause it was getting good and I was like, let me wait."

Both hosts critique the book's ending, expressing confusion over unresolved plot elements and inconsistencies in world-building.

Speaker A [20:01]: "I reread the last two chapters. I reread them because I didn't understand what had transpired."

4. Character Development and Relationships

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on character dynamics, particularly the relationship between Ophelia and the antagonist, Blackwell Salamatris Amastris.

Speaker B [06:48]: "A lot of flowery language used to describe certain situations in romance novels that are usually glanced over."

They discuss the portrayal of consent within the romantic aspects of the novel, appreciating the emphasis on respectful interactions.

Speaker A [07:06]: "We love consent."

However, they express frustration with character behaviors that felt out of place for the historical setting, such as Genevieve's modern language and actions.

Speaker A [32:12]: "She was like, I fucked one guy at a parade. What the hell?"

5. Writing Style and World-Building

The hosts admire Kaylie Smith's creativity in crafting an original fantasy universe but criticize the execution, pointing out inconsistencies that disrupt immersion.

Speaker B [13:25]: "But as readers, we know that in order to believe certain pieces of a relatively unbelievable fantasy, there has to be consistencies in the universe that it's set."

They highlight specific examples where world-building fell short, such as technological anachronisms and underdeveloped magical rules.

Speaker A [14:22]: "Chapter 44. She up and kills a man. Great. This guy was an asshole."

6. Emotional Connection and Character Motives

Ophelia's strong motives and emotional depth resonate with the hosts, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist despite the surrounding narrative flaws.

Speaker B [31:08]: "The feeling of being left out in the cold. Like everyone around her knows the secret that she doesn't know."

They also critique the antagonist's development, feeling that Blackwell's character lacks depth and consistency.

7. Final Impressions and Ratings

After thorough analysis, both hosts provide their final evaluations of Phantasma. While acknowledging the book's strengths in romance and originality, they ultimately rate it below their expectations due to its numerous shortcomings.

Speaker A [29:57]: "I think maybe I have been a little too nitpicky for, you know, just a fun, light, romantic read."

Speaker B [29:54]: "I'm gonna keep it at 6, only because I did love the romance. I will give them that."

They conclude that while Phantasma has admirable elements, the execution issues prevent it from fully realizing its potential.

8. Closing Remarks and Future Plans

The episode wraps up with the hosts deciding to move away from fantasy genres for their next book club selection, opting for a more conventional romance novel without supernatural elements.

Speaker A [46:39]: "Next time, no ghosts. No, no ghosts."

They also touch upon their upcoming travel plans, adding a personal touch to the episode's conclusion.

Speaker B [49:19]: "We're going to Cannes and Saint Tropez, and then I'm going to Miami at the end of this week, which I'm excited about."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Speaker B [05:14]: "I started reading the book before you got to it. And remember I stopped about 15% of the way through. Cause it was getting good and I was like, let me wait."

• Speaker A [07:06]: "We love consent."

• Speaker A [14:22]: "Chapter 44. She up and kills a man. Great. This guy was an asshole."

• Speaker B [31:08]: "The feeling of being left out in the cold. Like everyone around her knows the secret that she doesn't know."

• Speaker A [29:57]: "I think maybe I have been a little too nitpicky for, you know, just a fun, light, romantic read."

Conclusion

This We're Your Girls episode offers a candid and in-depth examination of Phantasma – A Dark Fantasy Romance. While the hosts appreciate the book's romantic elements and imaginative premise, they critique its inconsistent world-building and character development. Their thoughtful analysis provides valuable insights for listeners considering this book, balancing praise with constructive criticism.

For those interested in diverse perspectives and lively discussions on contemporary literature, tune in to We're Your Girls every Friday night on YouTube and your preferred podcast platforms. Join the sisterhood and engage with hosts Tiffany and Kelly as they navigate the messy and magical moments of book club life.