Enchantra by Kaylie Smith - Book Review

Series: Wicked Games #2

Publication Date: 08th April 2025

Genre: Dark Romantasy 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Dark and entertaining 

Genevieve Grimm has been adrift since her sister became the head of her family after their mother’s death. So, when she got an invitation to attend an event in a grand palace in Italy, she jumped at the chance.

Rowin Silver doesn’t want complications or outsiders in his home. No point in risking more lives in a game where none can win. He shuts the door on Genevieve’s face only to realize she snuck in without his notice. 

Now, the two form an alliance to compete as lovers, hoping to increase their chances of survival. But with Rowin keeping many secrets, Genevieve wonders about her chances. 

The story comes in Genevieve’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

The book works as a standalone, but there are references to the previous one and a spoiler. This cannot be helped. If you are particular about spoilers, you may want to read that first. 

While Phantasma was no masterpiece, it was a fluffy read with a good dose of spice; something to grab when you want to stay entertained (and not use your brain cells). This is pretty much the same. Both books are huge (464 pages) and paced on the slower side, so pick them up accordingly. 

Genevieve is Ophelia’s (heroine of Phantasma) young sister, someone who spends her time fluttering around like a butterfly to avoid her feelings of abandonment. In this, she thinks an entry into Enchantra would help her find others like her, but little did she know she’d be fighting for her life. She is quirky, curious (worse than a cat), mouthy, and messy. She is entertaining too, what with her penchant for getting into trouble often. 

Rowin is your dark, grumpy, brooding, alpha guy with a soft heart, which is revealed over time. He has tattoos and piercings (some of those must have really, really hurt), which add to the vibe. Also, those shadows he controls! 

Given the genre, we have to accept that things will get gruesome and bloody in The Hunt, as well as result in some spicy scenes. I felt this was a bit less extensive in spice than the previous one, which is a good thing. Not that there isn’t attraction or the other stuff, but on a slightly smaller scale, say 3.5 to 4. 

The setting is great, of course. It’s creepy, atmospheric, and suffocating. What with the devil and other dangers, this is not a house you’d want to visit. Oh, those mirrors! Be warned if you have eisoptrophobia or spectrophobia. 

The side characters are the siblings (and fellow participants) in the Hunt. I felt they were done well. Each of them has a definite personality and is easy to track. Though we don’t get a lot of detail about everyone, we know enough to form a picture. 

The climax felt relatively bland (compared to book one). It seemed a bit too easy. Still, after reading 400+ pages by then, I was ready for the ending. 

There’s quite a bit of gore, but it’s written in a matter-of-fact manner. I didn’t feel put off by it (nor did it frighten me in the least). However, this may vary based on your reading preferences. Maybe gore level 3.5 on the scale of 5? 

The ending is HFN and partly open, providing a lead to the next book. Though we don’t have the details yet, there has to be book three. Someone needs to answer the remaining questions! 

To summarize, Enchantra is a dark horror romance with devils, immortals, hunting games, and a dose of spice. The best way to enjoy the book is to not think much. Forget logic and go where it takes you! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Second Sky/ Forever, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #Enchantra