If you're searching for your next dark fantasy romance obsession, the Wicked Games series by Kaylie Smith deserves a spot at the top of your TBR pile. This gothic romantasy series has taken BookTok by storm, earning comparisons to beloved authors like Sarah J. Maas and Stephanie Garber whilst carving out its own deliciously dark corner of the genre.
Set in an alternate, fantasy version of our world with heavy Victorian and Baroque Gothic aesthetics, the Wicked Games series follows different couples through deadly supernatural competitions where survival is never guaranteed and falling in love might just be the most dangerous game of all.
Series Overview
The Wicked Games series is planned as a four-book saga, with each instalment functioning as a standalone romance whilst building upon the wider world and overarching plot threads. Currently, two books have been released, with the third rumoured to be titled Daemonica - anticipated for 2026.
Kaylie Smith, the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, crafts each book around a different couple facing supernatural trials orchestrated by devils and demons. The series blends elements of horror, paranormal romance, and dark fantasy with settings ranging from haunted New Orleans mansions to cursed Italian palaces.
Reading Order:
Phantasma (2024)
Enchantra (2025)
Daemonica (Upcoming – 2026)
Book 4 (TBA)
Whilst each book can technically be read as a standalone, Smith recommends reading them in publication order as characters, world-building, and plot threads continue to develop throughout the series.
Book 1: Phantasma
Welcome to Phantasma. There are only two rules to the game: Stay alive. And don't fall in love.
Spoiler-Free Overview
When Ophelia Grimm's mother dies, she inherits not only her powerful necromancy magic but also crippling debt threatening to destroy everything her family has left. Things spiral from dire to devastating when Ophelia's younger sister, Genevieve, vanishes after entering Phantasma; a deadly supernatural competition held within a haunted mansion in New Orleans.
The prize? A single wish that can grant anything the winner desires.
To save her sister, Ophelia must enter the game herself. Phantasma is a labyrinth of twisting corridors and opulent ballrooms, filled with demons, temptations, and contestants who will do anything to eliminate their rivals. She faces nine increasingly dangerous challenges, each designed to exploit her deepest fears whilst the house itself creates new nightmares daily.
Just when Ophelia feels most overwhelmed, a mysterious phantom offers her a bargain. Blackwell is charming, arrogant, and impossibly attractive; but he's also a ghost trapped within Phantasma's walls. He promises to guide her through the lethal trials ahead in exchange for ten years of her life. Ophelia knows she shouldn't trust him, yet she finds herself drawn to him in ways she can't explain.
As the competition intensifies and the death toll rises, Ophelia must confront her darkest thoughts, battle supernatural horrors, and resist an attraction that could prove more deadly than any monster the house conjures.
What Makes Phantasma Special
Phantasma stands out in the crowded romantasy market through its thoughtful representation of OCD, depicted through Ophelia's struggles with intrusive thoughts and compulsions; what she calls the "Shadow Voice." Smith handles this mental health representation with care, weaving it naturally into both the character development and the supernatural elements of the story.
The New Orleans setting drips with atmosphere, and the mansion itself feels like a character; gothic, dangerous, and endlessly fascinating. Readers who loved the deadly games of Caraval but wished for more mature content will find exactly what they're craving here.
Subgenres: Dark fantasy romance, gothic romantasy, paranormal romance, enemies to lovers
Book 2: Enchantra
Welcome to Enchantra. There's only one rule: Never, ever trust your heart.
Spoiler-Free Overview
Following the events of Phantasma, Genevieve Grimm finds herself adrift. When she receives a mysterious invitation to Enchantra; a cursed palace in Italy frozen in time and shrouded in forbidden fruit; she sees an opportunity to uncover secrets about her late mother's hidden past.
But when the hostile and devastatingly handsome Rowin Silver refuses to let her inside, Genevieve finds her own way in... only to realise her terrible mistake.
Enchantra is a twisted labyrinth of gleaming marble, thorned hedges, and deadly illusions. Here, Rowin and his six immortal siblings are trapped in an eternal game of hide and seek, forced to compete at the mercy of a wicked devil and his demonic spectators. The rules are simple: only one occupant of the house can survive each round. The losers are trapped in Hell until the competition begins again.
Now that she's stumbled into their cursed existence, Genevieve must compete or forfeit any hope of escape. Her only chance? Rowin warns her he's the deadliest of the Silvers; that he always wins; and offers her a dangerous proposition. Married couples can compete as a pair. If they can convince everyone watching that they're desperately in love, she might just survive.
As their fake courtship leads them deeper into the deadly hunt, the hatred between them gives way to something far more dangerous. But Rowin is keeping secrets, especially about his ruthless family, and Genevieve can't shake the feeling that she's trapped in two treacherous games: Enchantra and the one Rowin is playing with her heart.
What Makes Enchantra Special
Enchantra shifts from Victorian Gothic aesthetics to Baroque Gothic grandeur, offering readers a fresh setting whilst maintaining the series' signature atmosphere. The enemies-to-lovers and fake dating tropes are executed brilliantly, with razor-sharp banter and palpable tension between Genevieve and Rowin.
Genevieve emerges as a refreshingly capable heroine; she's not an overpowered "chosen one" but rather a clever, stubborn woman who uses her wits to survive. Her female friendships, body confidence, and personality make her feel wonderfully real amidst the supernatural chaos.
Subgenres: Dark fantasy romance, enemies to lovers, fake dating, gothic romantasy
Book 3: Daemonica (Upcoming)
Expected Release: September 2026
What We Know So Far
The third instalment in the Wicked Games series appears to centre on a woman desperate to escape her controlling fiancé. Her only hope? Gaining entry to Daemonica, a notoriously exclusive supernatural club. But there's only one available spot, and a charming man from her past is also vying for access.
A deadly scavenger hunt will determine the winner - but at what cost?
Set in the same world as Phantasma and Enchantra, Daemonica can reportedly be read as a standalone whilst continuing to expand the rich mythology Smith has crafted.
Why You Should Read the Wicked Games Series
Perfect for fans of ACOTAR and Caraval – If you loved Sarah J. Maas's morally grey love interests or Stephanie Garber's deadly magical games, this series delivers both with added spice
Standalone romances with series benefits – Each book features a complete romance with a different couple whilst building an interconnected world you'll want to explore
Gothic atmosphere done right – From haunted New Orleans mansions to cursed Italian palaces, the settings are atmospheric, immersive, and utterly transporting
Morally grey heroes who deliver – Blackwell and Rowin are swoon-worthy love interests who walk the line between dangerous and devoted
Enemies to lovers and fake dating tropes – Smith executes beloved romantasy tropes with fresh twists and genuine tension
Spicy romance with substance – The intimate scenes are steamy and well-written, but they serve the emotional journey rather than replacing it
Strong, capable heroines – Both Ophelia and Genevieve face their challenges head-on, using their intelligence and resilience to survive
Thoughtful mental health representation – Phantasma's portrayal of OCD through the "Shadow Voice" adds meaningful depth to the narrative
Deadly games with real stakes – The supernatural competitions are inventive, suspenseful, and genuinely unpredictable
BookTok sensation for good reason – With over 300,000 ratings on Goodreads and #1 New York Times bestseller status, this series has earned its devoted fanbase
Content Warnings
The Wicked Games series is adult romantasy and includes explicit sexual content, graphic violence, gore, and mature themes. Specific content warnings include: depictions of OCD and intrusive thoughts, death of family members, blood, torture, and dubious consent in non-romantic contexts. Readers should check the author's website for complete content warnings before reading.
Final Verdict
The Wicked Games series represents the best of modern dark romantasy; atmospheric settings, swoon-worthy romance, deadly stakes, and characters you'll think about long after you've finished reading. Whether you're a longtime fan of the genre or looking for your entry point into spicy fantasy romance, Kaylie Smith's addictive series deserves your attention.
With two books already captivating readers worldwide and more to come, now is the perfect time to enter the deadly, delicious world of Phantasma and Enchantra. Just remember the rules: stay alive, and whatever you do... don't fall in love.
Looking for more dark fantasy romance recommendations? Explore our guides to books like ACOTAR, discover the most anticipated romantasy releases of 2026, or find your next adventure at UK book events and literary festivals happening this year.
Books Featured in This Article
Phantasma
by Kaylie Smith
AN INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER & BOOKTOK SENSATION Welcome to Phantasma. There are only two rules to the game: Stay alive. And don't fall in love. When Ophelia's sister disappears, there is only one way to save her. Ophelia must enter Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion, and claim its prize--a single wish. Phantasma is a maze of twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, of demons and temptations. Ophelia will face nine challenges, each more dangerous than the last. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals. Every day the house creates new monsters. But just as Ophelia's fears threaten to overwhelm her, a mysterious stranger offers her a bargain. Charming, arrogant and infuriatingly attractive, Blackwell claims he can guide her through the lethal trials ahead. All he asks in return is ten years of her life. Ophelia knows she shouldn't trust him. Blackwell doesn't seem dangerous, but appearances can be deceptive. Worse still, she feels a dark and irresistible attraction drawing them closer and closer. Her life is on the line. But in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart . . . A Court of Thorns and Roses meets Caraval in this seductive fantasy adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling author of Enchantra. With steamy romance, a sexy morally gray love interest, OCD rep and jaw-dropping twists, Phantasma is perfect for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Nisha J. Tuli and Carissa Broadbent. The print edition includes custom gold foiling on the cover!
Enchantra
by Kaylie Smith
AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! Return to the world of Phantasma in this spicy, stand-alone romantasy, where seven immortal siblings are trapped in a deadly game of hide and seek . . . until one mortal woman changes the rules. The print edition includes custom silver foiling on the cover. Welcome to Enchantra. There's only one rule: Never, ever trust your heart. When Genevieve Grimm's mother dies, she's left with questions no one can answer--until she receives an invitation to Enchantra, a cursed palace in Italy, frozen in time and shrouded in strange fruit. So when the hostile and sinfully handsome Rowin Silver refuses to let her inside, Genevieve finds her own way in . . . only to realize her mistake. For Enchantra is a twisted labyrinth, carved from gleaming silver and thorned hedges, where Rowin and his six siblings are forever trapped in a deadly game, at the mercy of a wicked Devil and his ghastly spectators. Only one occupant of the house can survive. Genevieve now must win or die. Rowin warns her he's the deadliest of the Silvers. That he always wins. That her only chance is to compete as his wife . . . so they must convince their audience that they're desperately in love. And while Genevieve's willing to do whatever it takes to survive, she knows she can't trust Rowin, that the desire burning between them is a lie. After all, it was Rowin who taught her Enchantra's first rule . . . Never, ever trust your heart.