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Phantom: A Dark Fantasy Novel with Secret Identities, Star-Crossed Lovers, and an Unfinished Prophecy
His enemy’s courtesan. Her only chance of escape.
As the assassin for his duke, Lord Silas Graveston’s world is clear-cut—protect his liege, protect his family name and honor, and the rest will take care of itself… Or so he believed until three years ago, when his aunt was attacked in the capital and his family’s emerald necklace stolen.
When the emerald choker appears upon the neck of his long-sworn enemy’s new courtesan, Silas knows he’ll stop at nothing to get it back.
But Silas isn’t the only one engaged in a deep masquerade, and he’s not the only assassin in the queen’s court.
The threat of violence is a familiar shadow for Natalya Slipshayde, an ever-present force following her every step. She has no family, no code. All she needs is a way out.
Unfortunately for them both, the webs of Draykemire are more intricate than even the most skilled assassin can navigate, and there are predators lurking at every turn.
For those who relish stories of fate and The courtly intrigue of One Dark Window meets the sultriness of From Blood and Ash, the chemistry of Quicksilver, and the natural magic of For the Wolf in this lyrical, first-in-series dark fantasy novel by Beth Ball, set in the world of Eldura before the War of the Champions.
As the assassin for his duke, Lord Silas Graveston’s world is clear-cut—protect his liege, protect his family name and honor, and the rest will take care of itself… Or so he believed until three years ago, when his aunt was attacked in the capital and his family’s emerald necklace stolen.
When the emerald choker appears upon the neck of his long-sworn enemy’s new courtesan, Silas knows he’ll stop at nothing to get it back.
But Silas isn’t the only one engaged in a deep masquerade, and he’s not the only assassin in the queen’s court.
The threat of violence is a familiar shadow for Natalya Slipshayde, an ever-present force following her every step. She has no family, no code. All she needs is a way out.
Unfortunately for them both, the webs of Draykemire are more intricate than even the most skilled assassin can navigate, and there are predators lurking at every turn.
For those who relish stories of fate and The courtly intrigue of One Dark Window meets the sultriness of From Blood and Ash, the chemistry of Quicksilver, and the natural magic of For the Wolf in this lyrical, first-in-series dark fantasy novel by Beth Ball, set in the world of Eldura before the War of the Champions.
- GenresRomantasyFantasy Romance
472 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2025
4 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Beth Ball
18 books71 followersBeth Ball is a weaver of words and worlds spinning stories of druidic magic and the power of nature that span the epic fantasy realms of Azuria and Eldura. If you enjoy lyrical tales of action and adventure, dragons, werewolves, fae, wily foxes, and more, then grab your enchanted amulet, flaming longsword, poisoned dagger, or other mystical accessory of choice, and let’s start our adventure!
When she’s not writing fantasy fiction, Beth is a tabletop RPG designer creating adventures and campaigns with her husband Jonathan as part of their work at Grove Guardian Press. She’s also working on her first foray into the LitRPG space with an epic story based on their home duet game. As you might imagine, her ttRPG adventures incorporate lots of druids.
You can find more of Beth’s work and the legends of Azuria and Eldura at bethballbooks.com. And if you’re looking for playable, immersive adventures in Azuria, visit groveguardianpress.com.
When she’s not writing fantasy fiction, Beth is a tabletop RPG designer creating adventures and campaigns with her husband Jonathan as part of their work at Grove Guardian Press. She’s also working on her first foray into the LitRPG space with an epic story based on their home duet game. As you might imagine, her ttRPG adventures incorporate lots of druids.
You can find more of Beth’s work and the legends of Azuria and Eldura at bethballbooks.com. And if you’re looking for playable, immersive adventures in Azuria, visit groveguardianpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 10, 2025
Beth Ball’s writing continues to impress me with its elegance and atmosphere. Phantom is no exception in that regard. The prose is beautiful, and the court intrigue is richly imagined. There’s no doubt Beth has a talent for crafting immersive, emotionally charged fantasy worlds, and I deeply admire her ability to explore themes with such nuance.
That said, Phantom ultimately wasn’t the easiest read for me, primarily due to some personal discomfort with the courtesan aspect of the story. I’d hoped for a dynamic built on emotional depth and communication, possibly even exploring a poly structure with consent. Instead, the power imbalance between characters (especially the women) left me unsettled. We get women with very little agency, infantilized under the guise of being treasured. And Silas does this too, but is kind because he’s better than his peers, but still part of the system. Obviously, there will be a lot of character growth moving forward from here, but it was a little bit unsettling in the first book.
One character that especially stuck with me was Comfort. She’s written as an antagonist, but her motivations, particularly around grief and jealousy following traumatic miscarriages, are deeply human. I wish the narrative had given her more space and empathy. She wasn’t an obstacle to be maneuvered around; she was someone with legitimate emotional needs and trauma, and her pain deserved more dignity. I also struggled with the way names and identity are handled throughout the book: there’s a lot to unpack about power, autonomy, and personhood that left me uneasy.
Still, despite these reservations, I loved the ending. The themes are genuinely compelling. The final stretch of the book really brought together the emotional stakes in a compelling way, and the resolution genuinely intrigued me. The novella that precedes this book remains a standout for me and I think it allowed me to enjoy this story even more fully. There’s so much here to admire, especially in the broader character arcs and the way the story will resolve.
I am very certain that this is very much the beginning of a long character arc. I’m looking forward to seeing where the story and characters grow from here. But check your trigger warnings!
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
That said, Phantom ultimately wasn’t the easiest read for me, primarily due to some personal discomfort with the courtesan aspect of the story. I’d hoped for a dynamic built on emotional depth and communication, possibly even exploring a poly structure with consent. Instead, the power imbalance between characters (especially the women) left me unsettled. We get women with very little agency, infantilized under the guise of being treasured. And Silas does this too, but is kind because he’s better than his peers, but still part of the system. Obviously, there will be a lot of character growth moving forward from here, but it was a little bit unsettling in the first book.
One character that especially stuck with me was Comfort. She’s written as an antagonist, but her motivations, particularly around grief and jealousy following traumatic miscarriages, are deeply human. I wish the narrative had given her more space and empathy. She wasn’t an obstacle to be maneuvered around; she was someone with legitimate emotional needs and trauma, and her pain deserved more dignity. I also struggled with the way names and identity are handled throughout the book: there’s a lot to unpack about power, autonomy, and personhood that left me uneasy.
Still, despite these reservations, I loved the ending. The themes are genuinely compelling. The final stretch of the book really brought together the emotional stakes in a compelling way, and the resolution genuinely intrigued me. The novella that precedes this book remains a standout for me and I think it allowed me to enjoy this story even more fully. There’s so much here to admire, especially in the broader character arcs and the way the story will resolve.
I am very certain that this is very much the beginning of a long character arc. I’m looking forward to seeing where the story and characters grow from here. But check your trigger warnings!
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
June 19, 2025
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
review coming soon...
review coming soon...
May 31, 2025
This Author is now the author that when I start I'm sure that she will conquer me with everything she writes because I love how she writes, from the construction of the world but believe me the characters she creates, they are something unique ... I have to read every single issue. And what can I say about this? She bewitched me in many ways but I have to be careful because I don't want to ruin the reading for you. As an Italian I say that I would like this story to be brought to Italian readers, it is so intriguing and full of action with a beautiful love story that will make you dream. The Author my Beth does not make any story seem exaggerated, on the contrary she will make you passionate about her stories but as in all her books you will fall in love with her characters Silas and Natalya who are the protagonists of this beautiful, romantic, sexy story that will keep you on tenterhooks, but believe me I didn't want to be in another place and now that I've finished I hope to read more about them because from the first pages they took my heart and soul and they are still with me now. You absolutely must read this book both to discover this excellent Author and if you love like me the romantic and intriguing fantasy stories that take your breath away. Read it. Vote 5
June 1, 2025
I loveeeed this book
It had spy’s , assassins , a stabby and sexy FMC with a cunning and witty MMC mixed with political intrigue and the fantasy world building to bring it together. Natalia and Silas make a great duo . If you like slow burn - this one has the slow burn . 🥵🥵😏
It left me wanting more but I know this is just book one in this series ……. I will be impatiently waiting for book two . Five stars ⭐️ for sure
It had spy’s , assassins , a stabby and sexy FMC with a cunning and witty MMC mixed with political intrigue and the fantasy world building to bring it together. Natalia and Silas make a great duo . If you like slow burn - this one has the slow burn . 🥵🥵😏
It left me wanting more but I know this is just book one in this series ……. I will be impatiently waiting for book two . Five stars ⭐️ for sure
July 1, 2025
Okay so…this one’s a bit of a mixed bag for me. I really liked the concept. Give me court intrigue, assassins, morally gray characters, and I’m usually all in.
Silas is broody and ruthless but has those tiny moments of softness that make you pause. Natalya is sharp, guarded, and fighting her own battles, which I loved. Their dynamic was tense and complicated in a way that kept me curious, but the pacing dragged for me at times. It’s very much a slow burn and not just the romance, but the plot too. I kept waiting for the big “something” to happen and while there were definitely cool moments, it felt like a lot of setup for future books. There’s hints of magic and deeper lore that sound really interesting, but it didn’t fully come together for me here.
That said, the writing has a really atmospheric, almost lyrical quality that fits the dark tone of the story. If you like slow-building stories with morally gray leads, political tension, and a bit of a stabby, enemies-to-something vibe…this might be your thing. I’m curious enough to keep an eye on book two and see where it goes.
Silas is broody and ruthless but has those tiny moments of softness that make you pause. Natalya is sharp, guarded, and fighting her own battles, which I loved. Their dynamic was tense and complicated in a way that kept me curious, but the pacing dragged for me at times. It’s very much a slow burn and not just the romance, but the plot too. I kept waiting for the big “something” to happen and while there were definitely cool moments, it felt like a lot of setup for future books. There’s hints of magic and deeper lore that sound really interesting, but it didn’t fully come together for me here.
That said, the writing has a really atmospheric, almost lyrical quality that fits the dark tone of the story. If you like slow-building stories with morally gray leads, political tension, and a bit of a stabby, enemies-to-something vibe…this might be your thing. I’m curious enough to keep an eye on book two and see where it goes.
July 8, 2025
Huge thank you to MTMC Tours and Beth Ball for gifting me a copy of Phantom in exchange for my honest review!
I was really intrigued by this book, but unfortunately, it just didn’t deliver for me. While the writing was absolutely beautiful and I genuinely loved the characters, I constantly felt like I was missing something.
I know it was advertised as not directly connected to the author’s previous books—still, I couldn’t help but feel like the worldbuilding and character introductions were lacking, as if I was supposed to already know the context. I kept wondering if I had missed something important.
The plot didn’t fully grab me, and the courtesan storyline wasn’t really for me. Maybe if I had understood the world better, I would’ve felt more invested—but in the end, I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped to.
I was really intrigued by this book, but unfortunately, it just didn’t deliver for me. While the writing was absolutely beautiful and I genuinely loved the characters, I constantly felt like I was missing something.
I know it was advertised as not directly connected to the author’s previous books—still, I couldn’t help but feel like the worldbuilding and character introductions were lacking, as if I was supposed to already know the context. I kept wondering if I had missed something important.
The plot didn’t fully grab me, and the courtesan storyline wasn’t really for me. Maybe if I had understood the world better, I would’ve felt more invested—but in the end, I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped to.
Read
June 21, 2025Phantom is a dark romantasy that follows two main characters, Silas, a nobleman and dukes guard, and Natalya who is posing as a courtesan. Silas is first drawn to Natalya when she attends a court gathering with his rival Oxbrow and he discovers she is wearing a lost family heirloom necklace. After dueling with Oxbrow, Natalya joins Silas and his two existing courtesans. Silas gets more than he bargained for however, and together they end up navigating the complex world of court politics, avoiding enemies from every angle and slowly but surely falling for each other.
This is mostly written from the MMC Silas’s perspective which makes a refreshing change in romantasy, as we usually get the FMCs POV and the emotion that comes along with that. Seeing it from Silas’s perspective takes away some of this emotional side and allows a plot to develop mainly around the workings of the court and the intrigue that goes along with that. That being said the partnership between Silas and Natalya was interesting to watch develop, as initially he is dead set against expanding his family beyond his two existing courtesans, Comfort and Vice. However the longer they work together, the more Silas opens up to Natalya and you begin to see the bond they share is set miles apart from those he has with the other women.
I did find this fairly slow going as there is a lot of world building and there are quite a few characters introduced which makes it difficult to follow in some parts. I did feel like there was stuff I was expected to know maybe from a previous book, even though this is the first in the series which meant my attention waned in some of the parts where it was more character heavy. It seemed like we had a massive amount of pages where not a whole lot seemed to happen and I was waiting for some huge climax that didn’t ever really develop.
If you like stories that contain court politics, hidden magic, slow burn romance, assassins, morally grey mmc, stabby fmc, and prophecies, then this is absolutely worth the read.
This is mostly written from the MMC Silas’s perspective which makes a refreshing change in romantasy, as we usually get the FMCs POV and the emotion that comes along with that. Seeing it from Silas’s perspective takes away some of this emotional side and allows a plot to develop mainly around the workings of the court and the intrigue that goes along with that. That being said the partnership between Silas and Natalya was interesting to watch develop, as initially he is dead set against expanding his family beyond his two existing courtesans, Comfort and Vice. However the longer they work together, the more Silas opens up to Natalya and you begin to see the bond they share is set miles apart from those he has with the other women.
I did find this fairly slow going as there is a lot of world building and there are quite a few characters introduced which makes it difficult to follow in some parts. I did feel like there was stuff I was expected to know maybe from a previous book, even though this is the first in the series which meant my attention waned in some of the parts where it was more character heavy. It seemed like we had a massive amount of pages where not a whole lot seemed to happen and I was waiting for some huge climax that didn’t ever really develop.
If you like stories that contain court politics, hidden magic, slow burn romance, assassins, morally grey mmc, stabby fmc, and prophecies, then this is absolutely worth the read.
June 7, 2025
This is a unique romantasy. The writing is absolutely beautiful and eye-catching. It helped me be able to read and finish the book. I enjoyed the book for the most part. The author knows how to write in a way that captures your attention, I applaud that.
I loved the characters. The strong and yet sensitive female MC, and the protective male MC. There’s quite a few of other side characters that I enjoyed, especially Vice. Vice helped kind of pull everyone together and keep them there. She was a very kind and generous person, and a fun one too. I really liked her character.
There seems to be an entire world in this book that the author built with unique beings and situations and unique magic. Which is amazing! That being said…
What I struggled with was the world building that seemed to be missing or lacking in detail, and the courtesans. Also, I’m not 100% sure what the plot was 😅
There were quite a few times I felt I was missing a book prior to this explaining about the world and who people were or WHAT people are. I guess I was expected to already know. I wish there could have been more history building about the world and explanation about the people in it and the magic, and why there’s courtesans. There’s some explaining, but not enough for me to understand.
I also felt weirded out by the courtesans. It felt kind of archaic and I know it’s the norm in this world. However, and this is a me thing, but I just felt weirded out and uncomfortable. I think maybe if there was an explanation as to why there were courtesans like this, maybe I would have been okay, but I just didn’t enjoy, nor understand, that aspect of the world.
I have no way to really explain what the book is about aside from it’s a romantasy, sort of, and it has to do with Natalya’s destiny.
It’s a good book, I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I know others would enjoy it, so check it out if it interests you!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved the characters. The strong and yet sensitive female MC, and the protective male MC. There’s quite a few of other side characters that I enjoyed, especially Vice. Vice helped kind of pull everyone together and keep them there. She was a very kind and generous person, and a fun one too. I really liked her character.
There seems to be an entire world in this book that the author built with unique beings and situations and unique magic. Which is amazing! That being said…
What I struggled with was the world building that seemed to be missing or lacking in detail, and the courtesans. Also, I’m not 100% sure what the plot was 😅
There were quite a few times I felt I was missing a book prior to this explaining about the world and who people were or WHAT people are. I guess I was expected to already know. I wish there could have been more history building about the world and explanation about the people in it and the magic, and why there’s courtesans. There’s some explaining, but not enough for me to understand.
I also felt weirded out by the courtesans. It felt kind of archaic and I know it’s the norm in this world. However, and this is a me thing, but I just felt weirded out and uncomfortable. I think maybe if there was an explanation as to why there were courtesans like this, maybe I would have been okay, but I just didn’t enjoy, nor understand, that aspect of the world.
I have no way to really explain what the book is about aside from it’s a romantasy, sort of, and it has to do with Natalya’s destiny.
It’s a good book, I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I know others would enjoy it, so check it out if it interests you!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 12, 2025
I LOVED this book! We got a little bit of everything I love in this one - a morally grey MMC, a stabby FMC, magic, prophecies, assassins, star crossed lovers, political/royal intrigue, and so much more! 💜
Reading the prequel novella Promise first, it made me a little bit sad to see how Natalya was faring after the events of the novella. But it didn’t take long for things to turn around for her.
I absolutely loved her and Silas’ dynamic from the start. What was even better was that we get most of the book from Silas’ POV. Getting the MMC’s POV is always my favorite treat, so getting to be in his head for most of the book was an absolute delight. ⚔️
Seeing Silas and Natalya get to bond while working together was one of my favorite aspects of the book. I could feel Silas’ joy in getting to share that part of himself with someone else, and those parts had me kicking my feet. Seeing their relationship evolve and grow into a true partnership helped set what they have apart from Silas’ relationships with his other 2 courtesans.
Speaking of Silas’ other courtesan’s, Vice was an absolute delight. I loved everything about her, and I hope we get to see more of her in Book 2. Comfort on the other hand…I sympathized with what she had gone through and understood where her insecurities and jealousy stemmed from. But, I don’t trust her. I’ll leave it at that.
Beth Ball did an amazing job building an immersive world and story, and that’s cliffhanger left me wanting so much more. I cannot wait for Book 2! Thank you so much to Beth Ball for the opportunity to ARC read this one! 💚
Reading the prequel novella Promise first, it made me a little bit sad to see how Natalya was faring after the events of the novella. But it didn’t take long for things to turn around for her.
I absolutely loved her and Silas’ dynamic from the start. What was even better was that we get most of the book from Silas’ POV. Getting the MMC’s POV is always my favorite treat, so getting to be in his head for most of the book was an absolute delight. ⚔️
Seeing Silas and Natalya get to bond while working together was one of my favorite aspects of the book. I could feel Silas’ joy in getting to share that part of himself with someone else, and those parts had me kicking my feet. Seeing their relationship evolve and grow into a true partnership helped set what they have apart from Silas’ relationships with his other 2 courtesans.
Speaking of Silas’ other courtesan’s, Vice was an absolute delight. I loved everything about her, and I hope we get to see more of her in Book 2. Comfort on the other hand…I sympathized with what she had gone through and understood where her insecurities and jealousy stemmed from. But, I don’t trust her. I’ll leave it at that.
Beth Ball did an amazing job building an immersive world and story, and that’s cliffhanger left me wanting so much more. I cannot wait for Book 2! Thank you so much to Beth Ball for the opportunity to ARC read this one! 💚
April 22, 2025
I now have a serious book hangover and need the next book to read. I fell down the rabbit hole with age of azuria and hoped for a series going back to the beginning in eldura and my wish was finally granted. Silas and Natalya did not disappoint with all the magic, scheming and suspense from the beginning to the end. Malthorpe is one vicious enemy that needs to be ended very cruelly just like he's done to others. I loved seeing how Natalya and Silas came together and Oxbrow ( oxbreath 🤣) deserved all he got and more. I honestly took my time reading this cuz I didn't want it to end and I'm now looking forward to what will between Silas and Nata and how they forge forward and end the evilness lurking about.
thanks to the author and hiddengemsbooks for being able to binge this early.
thanks to the author and hiddengemsbooks for being able to binge this early.
June 7, 2025
Phantom is Book 1 in the Heir of Lilith series. It is a Dark Romantasy of inheritance, intimacy, and the cost of becoming who you were meant to be.
I feel the author’s world building is establishing foothold in the series to come. It is immersive and has great detail. The MCs Silas Graveston, the duke’s assassin and Natalya Slipshayde, the courtesan, have a noticeable dynamic and are captivating. I was easily kept engrossed by the magic, political intrigue, betrayal and plot twists.
With this being the first book in the series and ending on a cliffhanger, I have some unanswered questions, and look forward to them being answered in the books to follow.
Looking forward to a dark, edgy, thrilling Romantasy with a slow burn? This is one to check out.
I feel the author’s world building is establishing foothold in the series to come. It is immersive and has great detail. The MCs Silas Graveston, the duke’s assassin and Natalya Slipshayde, the courtesan, have a noticeable dynamic and are captivating. I was easily kept engrossed by the magic, political intrigue, betrayal and plot twists.
With this being the first book in the series and ending on a cliffhanger, I have some unanswered questions, and look forward to them being answered in the books to follow.
Looking forward to a dark, edgy, thrilling Romantasy with a slow burn? This is one to check out.
September 4, 2025
Warning: this book will ruin your sleep schedule!
Phantom by Beth Ball is magical and deliciously dark. It’s the kind of story that lingers, wraps around you, and refuses to let go. Morally Grey MMC and a Stabby FMC are always one of my favorite combos! Throw in some forced proximity and you are at the top of my must have list! Loved it!
Other tropes: secret Identities, prophecies and magic, assassins, Star-crossed lovers, political/royalty intrigue, and has a cliffhanger
Phantom by Beth Ball is magical and deliciously dark. It’s the kind of story that lingers, wraps around you, and refuses to let go. Morally Grey MMC and a Stabby FMC are always one of my favorite combos! Throw in some forced proximity and you are at the top of my must have list! Loved it!
Other tropes: secret Identities, prophecies and magic, assassins, Star-crossed lovers, political/royalty intrigue, and has a cliffhanger
June 3, 2025
Phantom is the book equivalent of getting seduced in a castle during a thunderstorm while assassins fight on the rooftop. Read it. Obsess over it. Then scream into the void waiting for book two. This book is a chaotic, slow-burn, morally gray fever dream
💀🔥 Read the full chaos on my blog.
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💀🔥 Read the full chaos on my blog.
Instagram ˗ˏˋ ❤︎ ˎˊ˗ Blog ˗ˏˋ ❤︎ ˎˊ˗ Linktree
May 18, 2025
ARC Read
Phantom by @bethballauthor 💜
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Tropes:
• stabby fmc 🔪
• morally grey mmc 🩶
• forced proximity ❤️🔥
• star crossed lovers 💫
• dark fantasy 🖤
Triggers:
• death ☠️
Phantom is a richly written fantasy with a darker edge. The story centers on Silas, an assassin with a haunted past, and Natalya, a courtesan with secrets of her own. Their connection is complicated, intense, and really well done—it’s the kind of dynamic that keeps you guessing.
Beth Ball’s world-building is immersive without feeling overwhelming, and the writing has a lyrical, almost dreamlike quality that fits the tone of the story perfectly. There’s magic, mystery, and plenty of political tension, which makes for an engaging read.
This book was a difficult introduction to the author’s work, as I struggled to follow the story for the first 20-30%. The world-building seemed to rely on prior knowledge, leaving me feeling confused and disconnected. The sheer number of unfamiliar references made it hard for me to become fully invested in the story.
The pacing dragged a little in the middle, and there were moments where I wanted more clarity on some of the world’s rules. But overall, the characters and atmosphere more than made up for it.
If you enjoy slow-burn fantasy with emotional depth and a touch of gothic intrigue, Phantom is definitely worth reading. I’m looking forward to where the series goes next.
Phantom by @bethballauthor 💜
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Tropes:
• stabby fmc 🔪
• morally grey mmc 🩶
• forced proximity ❤️🔥
• star crossed lovers 💫
• dark fantasy 🖤
Triggers:
• death ☠️
Phantom is a richly written fantasy with a darker edge. The story centers on Silas, an assassin with a haunted past, and Natalya, a courtesan with secrets of her own. Their connection is complicated, intense, and really well done—it’s the kind of dynamic that keeps you guessing.
Beth Ball’s world-building is immersive without feeling overwhelming, and the writing has a lyrical, almost dreamlike quality that fits the tone of the story perfectly. There’s magic, mystery, and plenty of political tension, which makes for an engaging read.
This book was a difficult introduction to the author’s work, as I struggled to follow the story for the first 20-30%. The world-building seemed to rely on prior knowledge, leaving me feeling confused and disconnected. The sheer number of unfamiliar references made it hard for me to become fully invested in the story.
The pacing dragged a little in the middle, and there were moments where I wanted more clarity on some of the world’s rules. But overall, the characters and atmosphere more than made up for it.
If you enjoy slow-burn fantasy with emotional depth and a touch of gothic intrigue, Phantom is definitely worth reading. I’m looking forward to where the series goes next.
June 30, 2025
From the first page, this book is loaded with an atmospheric setting, the prologue sets the scene so well and had me hanging on by a thread to find out where this story is going! I enjoyed Beth Ball's writing, it's well-developed and flows easily while reading. I really loved that we got most of the story from Silas's perspective, we don't always have MMCs carry a book and it's really refreshing to experience that every once in a while!
I did enjoy the worldbuilding a lot and the political intrigue was so good! I really like Silas's position within the court, being a duke's assassin. I like how much sway he has in general and I love that his character is a bit rough around the edges even though he's basically a cinnamon roll! Natalya is a very interesting character too, I enjoyed her scenes, I was invested in her heartbreaking past and I really loved her unique physical attributes that stand out in this world!
I think I wanted a little more tension between the characters though, I feel like it took quite a while before we felt any romantic pull between them. I also wasn't a fan of Silas's main courtesan in this story, everytime Comfort was in a scene, I felt very annoyed lol. All in all, I really enjoyed this read and would definitely recommend to readers who enjoy a political focused dark themed romantasy!
I did enjoy the worldbuilding a lot and the political intrigue was so good! I really like Silas's position within the court, being a duke's assassin. I like how much sway he has in general and I love that his character is a bit rough around the edges even though he's basically a cinnamon roll! Natalya is a very interesting character too, I enjoyed her scenes, I was invested in her heartbreaking past and I really loved her unique physical attributes that stand out in this world!
I think I wanted a little more tension between the characters though, I feel like it took quite a while before we felt any romantic pull between them. I also wasn't a fan of Silas's main courtesan in this story, everytime Comfort was in a scene, I felt very annoyed lol. All in all, I really enjoyed this read and would definitely recommend to readers who enjoy a political focused dark themed romantasy!
July 29, 2025
2.5, round up out of fairness. I would happily have one-starred it.
TL;DR I hated it.
This is admittedly rambly, as I'm mainly trying to convey the vibes. But I got so much ick from this book. I doubt it's what the author intended, but everything about it felt incredibly patronizing. It is a patriarchal fever dream. Polygynous, except that the women don't even get the legal or social protection of being a 'wife.'
Ball chose their title well; these are courtesans. And of course, a courtesan is a "prostitute with a courtly, wealthy, or upper-class clientele." As far as I can tell, they're schooled, trained, and then hired or purchased. Their patriarch/husband/John is called a Suzerain, but it sure felt like owner/master to me. Cortesians are counted among a nobleman's assets after all. Sure, ideally, they have some agency in whose offer they accept, but once accepted, the Suzerain seems to basically own them. The man is the head of the household, making all decisions. Women (or at least some women) don't speak until acknowledged by the man first; they stand when he enters a room and don't sit again until he does, he names them (and names them in relation to what they bring him or he enjoys about them—Comfort, Vice, Pain etc), they are sexually available to him at his whim, and their reproductive labor is his to claim. He holds ALL the power, socially, financially, legally, politically, and so on.
I think it's the inconsistency that irked me, though. They're courtesans in the truest sense. But Ball wants them to come across as family. And sure, in theory, I could get on board with this being an alternate society where that's the case. But it just didn't work for me. What I saw instead was a familial scenario in which everything revolves around men and their women-shaped toys, all smoothed over by etiquette and benevolent sexism. And ultimately, when I sit down to read a romance novel, I want romance. As a female reader, I especially want to feel that the woman is special to the man in the relationship. I didn't feel that here. I feel like I just read about a man and the interchangeable whores he's fond of, has some moderate affection for, and therefore treats well. Meh.
Honestly, having said all of that, if I hadn't seen Beth Ball's author photo, I'd swear a man wrote this. That feels like a reasonable explanation for it all. Not just because of the strictly male-headed hierarchical family relationship. But also because all of the women are reduced to old, stale stereotypes. There is a single cold, duplicatous woman in possession of power. The jealous, cruel older woman who sees herself as scorned, the youthful skipping, giggling second 'wife' who brings child-like joy to the man's life, and the FMC who is supposed to be smart, strong, and skilled but still somehow needs the man to rescue her and submits to him happily, while not being like other girls. As well as the tone and thought processes of the male lead, from whose POV most of the book is written, and the fact that the book almost doesn't pass the very low bar of the Bechdel Test.
Plus, there's just a whole sense that the men (even the guards) understand the way of the world in a manner the women do not. They then allow the women their illusions, acquiescing to their naive games and watching over them with paternal/patriarchal care. It's all just kind of...Well, I bet a conservative/fundamentalist Christian would feel right at home. Hell, I hardly even think the multiple wives would be all that off-putting so long as they showed the deference of gracious submission as these cortesans do their masters.
And look, this is listed as dark romance (though it's not particularly dark, to be honest). It's not that I expected it to be a paragon of feminism. It's just that I'm so tired of the same recycled social orders. Honestly, even I'm a little surprised by how exhausted reading this made me. I think I would have been more tolerant of the whole system if courtesans (and nobles, for that matter) could be of both male and female genders. If Ball had thrown in a chevalier or something. (There is a single mention of a noblewoman and her consort about 3/4 of the way through. But that is the only reference in a system that is wholly gendered for the entirety of the rest of the book, and I'm not even sure he was meant to be the equivalent of a courtesan.) If there had been more gender parity among both courtesans and nobles, the whole thing wouldn't have felt so gendered and tired then. I know I've used that word, tired, more than once. But it's honestly how I feel about the whole thing. Just imagine a person who is tired of something, encountering it again, and again, and again, but is also just too exhausted by it all, even to be piqued to ire.
Add to all of this the cardboard cutout FMC and my intense dislike for the MMC. True, almost everyone else is shown to mistreat their courtesans, some horribly, and no one seems to blink (which says a lot about the place and protections of courtesans). The MMC is, of course, appalled, and the reader is meant to see that he is so much better than the rest. This is supposed to reflect well on him. But he still exists within and supports the system. He still holds all the power. He could, at any moment, decide to treat his courtesans just as poorly as we see others do, and there would be no recourse. (He all but dismissed Comfort, who had been with him since he was a teen, with ease, and anted Vice up in a bet, for example.) This makes him complicit in the system, and nothing in his surface-level kindness to his own courtesans made up for it.
And yes, the romance between Phantom and Pain is written to be a grand love, something more than what the MMC has with the others. But so was his passion for Comfort once, and his love for Vice, cooled, but still alive. How am I to believe there is a true romantic HEA here and not just another burst of passion that will pass with her replacement? It all just felt like a business transaction. He bought himself a new fancy lady, and she's playing the role of his most novel courtisan, just as Vice is his youthful (childish) joy, and Comfort his useful social bridge (almost out to pasture). And we mustn't forget that she was hurt by his bringing Vice into the family, and then again when he brought Pain in. So, her feelings were not important in the face of his desire for a new toy. Nor were they when he literally "gave no thought to the soft sob that sounded behind them" as he and Pain walked away. This is a romantic lead? Not in my world.
I'm not claiming this is a bad book. If someone wants a romance steeped in the patriarchy, this will light them on fire. I, however, hated it. I mean, really hated it. There's no point in even getting into any technical critiques I have. I just hoped for so much more. So, while the writing here is fine, it was not a winner for me.
TL;DR I hated it.
This is admittedly rambly, as I'm mainly trying to convey the vibes. But I got so much ick from this book. I doubt it's what the author intended, but everything about it felt incredibly patronizing. It is a patriarchal fever dream. Polygynous, except that the women don't even get the legal or social protection of being a 'wife.'
Ball chose their title well; these are courtesans. And of course, a courtesan is a "prostitute with a courtly, wealthy, or upper-class clientele." As far as I can tell, they're schooled, trained, and then hired or purchased. Their patriarch/husband/John is called a Suzerain, but it sure felt like owner/master to me. Cortesians are counted among a nobleman's assets after all. Sure, ideally, they have some agency in whose offer they accept, but once accepted, the Suzerain seems to basically own them. The man is the head of the household, making all decisions. Women (or at least some women) don't speak until acknowledged by the man first; they stand when he enters a room and don't sit again until he does, he names them (and names them in relation to what they bring him or he enjoys about them—Comfort, Vice, Pain etc), they are sexually available to him at his whim, and their reproductive labor is his to claim. He holds ALL the power, socially, financially, legally, politically, and so on.
I think it's the inconsistency that irked me, though. They're courtesans in the truest sense. But Ball wants them to come across as family. And sure, in theory, I could get on board with this being an alternate society where that's the case. But it just didn't work for me. What I saw instead was a familial scenario in which everything revolves around men and their women-shaped toys, all smoothed over by etiquette and benevolent sexism. And ultimately, when I sit down to read a romance novel, I want romance. As a female reader, I especially want to feel that the woman is special to the man in the relationship. I didn't feel that here. I feel like I just read about a man and the interchangeable whores he's fond of, has some moderate affection for, and therefore treats well. Meh.
Honestly, having said all of that, if I hadn't seen Beth Ball's author photo, I'd swear a man wrote this. That feels like a reasonable explanation for it all. Not just because of the strictly male-headed hierarchical family relationship. But also because all of the women are reduced to old, stale stereotypes. There is a single cold, duplicatous woman in possession of power. The jealous, cruel older woman who sees herself as scorned, the youthful skipping, giggling second 'wife' who brings child-like joy to the man's life, and the FMC who is supposed to be smart, strong, and skilled but still somehow needs the man to rescue her and submits to him happily, while not being like other girls. As well as the tone and thought processes of the male lead, from whose POV most of the book is written, and the fact that the book almost doesn't pass the very low bar of the Bechdel Test.
Plus, there's just a whole sense that the men (even the guards) understand the way of the world in a manner the women do not. They then allow the women their illusions, acquiescing to their naive games and watching over them with paternal/patriarchal care. It's all just kind of...Well, I bet a conservative/fundamentalist Christian would feel right at home. Hell, I hardly even think the multiple wives would be all that off-putting so long as they showed the deference of gracious submission as these cortesans do their masters.
And look, this is listed as dark romance (though it's not particularly dark, to be honest). It's not that I expected it to be a paragon of feminism. It's just that I'm so tired of the same recycled social orders. Honestly, even I'm a little surprised by how exhausted reading this made me. I think I would have been more tolerant of the whole system if courtesans (and nobles, for that matter) could be of both male and female genders. If Ball had thrown in a chevalier or something. (There is a single mention of a noblewoman and her consort about 3/4 of the way through. But that is the only reference in a system that is wholly gendered for the entirety of the rest of the book, and I'm not even sure he was meant to be the equivalent of a courtesan.) If there had been more gender parity among both courtesans and nobles, the whole thing wouldn't have felt so gendered and tired then. I know I've used that word, tired, more than once. But it's honestly how I feel about the whole thing. Just imagine a person who is tired of something, encountering it again, and again, and again, but is also just too exhausted by it all, even to be piqued to ire.
Add to all of this the cardboard cutout FMC and my intense dislike for the MMC. True, almost everyone else is shown to mistreat their courtesans, some horribly, and no one seems to blink (which says a lot about the place and protections of courtesans). The MMC is, of course, appalled, and the reader is meant to see that he is so much better than the rest. This is supposed to reflect well on him. But he still exists within and supports the system. He still holds all the power. He could, at any moment, decide to treat his courtesans just as poorly as we see others do, and there would be no recourse. (He all but dismissed Comfort, who had been with him since he was a teen, with ease, and anted Vice up in a bet, for example.) This makes him complicit in the system, and nothing in his surface-level kindness to his own courtesans made up for it.
And yes, the romance between Phantom and Pain is written to be a grand love, something more than what the MMC has with the others. But so was his passion for Comfort once, and his love for Vice, cooled, but still alive. How am I to believe there is a true romantic HEA here and not just another burst of passion that will pass with her replacement? It all just felt like a business transaction. He bought himself a new fancy lady, and she's playing the role of his most novel courtisan, just as Vice is his youthful (childish) joy, and Comfort his useful social bridge (almost out to pasture). And we mustn't forget that she was hurt by his bringing Vice into the family, and then again when he brought Pain in. So, her feelings were not important in the face of his desire for a new toy. Nor were they when he literally "gave no thought to the soft sob that sounded behind them" as he and Pain walked away. This is a romantic lead? Not in my world.
I'm not claiming this is a bad book. If someone wants a romance steeped in the patriarchy, this will light them on fire. I, however, hated it. I mean, really hated it. There's no point in even getting into any technical critiques I have. I just hoped for so much more. So, while the writing here is fine, it was not a winner for me.
June 3, 2025
🌶️🌶️
“Oh, yes, the picnic.” Natalya raised an eyebrow. “The true calling of assassins.”
I fell in love hard and fast with this one. I loved the aristocrat-based protocols and culture mixed in with the high fantasy intertwined fates, amazing world building and twists you didn't see coming. I need book two like yesterday so I can recover from that soft cliffhanger ending!
How was one being so delicate and fierce, all in the same moment?
Thank you BookSirens, QPbooktours and Beth Ball for an eARC.
“I have a great deal of experience with knots,”
The fact that both FMC Natalya and MMC Silas are rogues just adds to their fiery chemistry. Silas really is my favorite flavor of secret assassin book boyfriend. He exudes a beloved gentleman lord in public and a smart, dedicated and deadly shadow you never see coming at night. Natalya is so strong even after everything that has come her way. I just want to give her a big hug and have her train me to be as badass as her. I can't wait to see how they both continue to grow throughout the trilogy and strengthen their partnership. This book is full of great banter, lovely side characters and the kind of focus on house-based fashion that I can never get enough of. Also, bellemancer is my new favorite fantasy job! I enjoyed every moment of this read and cannot wait to read the prequel Promise (out now) next and get even more emotionally (damaged) attached to Natalya. If you enjoyed This Vicious Dream, The Ever King or Quicksilver definitely check out Phantom!
“If you’ll excuse me, I must endeavor to appear less feral.”
🗡️Stabby FMC
💀Secret Identities
🗡️Forced Proximity
💀Fake Courting
🗡️Touch Her and 💀
💀Star Crossed Lovers
🗡️Court Intrigue
“My father always says ‘To victory’ as part of his toast.” Natalya grinned. The lavender depths of her eyes shone. “My mother taught us to say ‘To the shadows.’” Silas smiled back at her. He liked that even more.
🖤🖤🖤🖤
If you only want to see books I rate 4-stars or higher, get book recommendations or just connect and talk books follow me on Booksta
🖤🖤🖤🖤
“Oh, yes, the picnic.” Natalya raised an eyebrow. “The true calling of assassins.”
I fell in love hard and fast with this one. I loved the aristocrat-based protocols and culture mixed in with the high fantasy intertwined fates, amazing world building and twists you didn't see coming. I need book two like yesterday so I can recover from that soft cliffhanger ending!
How was one being so delicate and fierce, all in the same moment?
Thank you BookSirens, QPbooktours and Beth Ball for an eARC.
“I have a great deal of experience with knots,”
The fact that both FMC Natalya and MMC Silas are rogues just adds to their fiery chemistry. Silas really is my favorite flavor of secret assassin book boyfriend. He exudes a beloved gentleman lord in public and a smart, dedicated and deadly shadow you never see coming at night. Natalya is so strong even after everything that has come her way. I just want to give her a big hug and have her train me to be as badass as her. I can't wait to see how they both continue to grow throughout the trilogy and strengthen their partnership. This book is full of great banter, lovely side characters and the kind of focus on house-based fashion that I can never get enough of. Also, bellemancer is my new favorite fantasy job! I enjoyed every moment of this read and cannot wait to read the prequel Promise (out now) next and get even more emotionally (damaged) attached to Natalya. If you enjoyed This Vicious Dream, The Ever King or Quicksilver definitely check out Phantom!
“If you’ll excuse me, I must endeavor to appear less feral.”
🗡️Stabby FMC
💀Secret Identities
🗡️Forced Proximity
💀Fake Courting
🗡️Touch Her and 💀
💀Star Crossed Lovers
🗡️Court Intrigue
“My father always says ‘To victory’ as part of his toast.” Natalya grinned. The lavender depths of her eyes shone. “My mother taught us to say ‘To the shadows.’” Silas smiled back at her. He liked that even more.
🖤🖤🖤🖤
If you only want to see books I rate 4-stars or higher, get book recommendations or just connect and talk books follow me on Booksta
🖤🖤🖤🖤
June 14, 2025
Phantom wasn't really what I was expecting. It's called a dark romantasy so I was expecting more of a dark romance...which it wasn't. Maybe my brain is just busted, idk.
That being said, I enjoyed this book immensely.
The writing was beautiful and I felt fully immersed in the world created. The characters were multi dimensional and even their dialogue really helped them come across as unique individuals. Dialogue can really take me out of book but it sucked me in more.
However, I had a hard time with the names Comfort and Vice. Their names were their exact purpose as a courtesan. Did Silas rename them? Did their parents actually give them those names to help them find their purpose as a courtesan? The other courtesans we met didn't have the same type of name so it did put me off a bit.
The treatment of Comfort also didn't sit right with me. Did she make some poor decisions? Absolutely. She was also trying to keep her family together after a devastating loss. I think that she meant well but when she was shut out more, she kept spiraling because she was afraid of being abandoned. My heart aches for her, especially because Silas' words and actions did not line up.
The political intrigue however was amazing. I am a sucker for royals and nobility backstabbing one another. Phantom did not disappoint. The usage of potions more than magic for attacking others was a breath of fresh air.
The ending. Uhhh. So many thoughts and feelings. I have no idea where this series is going in the best way. I also appreciated that the ending wasn't an insane cliffhanger while also setting up for the next book.
If you like romantasy, especially with different humanoid species, definitely give this a shot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That being said, I enjoyed this book immensely.
The writing was beautiful and I felt fully immersed in the world created. The characters were multi dimensional and even their dialogue really helped them come across as unique individuals. Dialogue can really take me out of book but it sucked me in more.
However, I had a hard time with the names Comfort and Vice. Their names were their exact purpose as a courtesan. Did Silas rename them? Did their parents actually give them those names to help them find their purpose as a courtesan? The other courtesans we met didn't have the same type of name so it did put me off a bit.
The treatment of Comfort also didn't sit right with me. Did she make some poor decisions? Absolutely. She was also trying to keep her family together after a devastating loss. I think that she meant well but when she was shut out more, she kept spiraling because she was afraid of being abandoned. My heart aches for her, especially because Silas' words and actions did not line up.
The political intrigue however was amazing. I am a sucker for royals and nobility backstabbing one another. Phantom did not disappoint. The usage of potions more than magic for attacking others was a breath of fresh air.
The ending. Uhhh. So many thoughts and feelings. I have no idea where this series is going in the best way. I also appreciated that the ending wasn't an insane cliffhanger while also setting up for the next book.
If you like romantasy, especially with different humanoid species, definitely give this a shot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 28, 2025
3.5 stars
Firstly I'd like to thank the author and Tales & Teacups for having me on the ebook tour for Phantom. I can only apologise for reviewing the book so late!
I really liked the concept; court intrigue, political tension, assassins, courtesans, morally grey characters, all things that I usually love. Silas our male main character is broody and comes with a hidden identity at night. Natalya holds the key to an unknown destiny and has some cool magic powers. I also really loved some of the side characters, Vice especially was entertaining.
I did find this fairly slow going, and at times it felt like there was stuff I was expected to know. This book is the first in the series, but it is set in a world that the author has other books in. Because of this, it was a bit difficult to follow along at times. I didn't really know what Silas was, or how other characters were different, I'm sure it wasn't revealed until much later into the book that Silas isn't fae because he calls Natalya fae, and Silas is something else. All i know is that he is green lol. I would have liked some explanation about the world, the people in it and the magic, especially as there are references to portals to other realms.
I think the courtesans aspect needed to be fleshed out a bit as well. It doesn't explain why or how the system works, I'm not sure if people have courtesans, but also marry nobles. And I felt incredibly sad for Comfort who is really going through a traumatic experience but Silas is obviously no longer interested in her. It seems like Comfort is being used as the antagonist, when really Silas should help her find someone who wont replace her, like he did...
I was really looking forward to a dramatic cliffhanger, but it fell a little flat with the rest of the story. I'm sure it will pick up in the next books. I didn't enjoy it as much as i thought i would, but i know others would enjoy it so check it out if it interests you!
Firstly I'd like to thank the author and Tales & Teacups for having me on the ebook tour for Phantom. I can only apologise for reviewing the book so late!
I really liked the concept; court intrigue, political tension, assassins, courtesans, morally grey characters, all things that I usually love. Silas our male main character is broody and comes with a hidden identity at night. Natalya holds the key to an unknown destiny and has some cool magic powers. I also really loved some of the side characters, Vice especially was entertaining.
I did find this fairly slow going, and at times it felt like there was stuff I was expected to know. This book is the first in the series, but it is set in a world that the author has other books in. Because of this, it was a bit difficult to follow along at times. I didn't really know what Silas was, or how other characters were different, I'm sure it wasn't revealed until much later into the book that Silas isn't fae because he calls Natalya fae, and Silas is something else. All i know is that he is green lol. I would have liked some explanation about the world, the people in it and the magic, especially as there are references to portals to other realms.
I think the courtesans aspect needed to be fleshed out a bit as well. It doesn't explain why or how the system works, I'm not sure if people have courtesans, but also marry nobles. And I felt incredibly sad for Comfort who is really going through a traumatic experience but Silas is obviously no longer interested in her. It seems like Comfort is being used as the antagonist, when really Silas should help her find someone who wont replace her, like he did...
I was really looking forward to a dramatic cliffhanger, but it fell a little flat with the rest of the story. I'm sure it will pick up in the next books. I didn't enjoy it as much as i thought i would, but i know others would enjoy it so check it out if it interests you!
May 24, 2025
Phantom by Beth Ball is a story dripping with atmosphere—silk-draped secrets, dangerous court intrigues, and a romance as sharp as a blade’s edge. The tension between Silas Graveston, the duke’s coldly efficient assassin, and Natalya Slipshayde, the courtesan with a mythic past, is undeniable from the moment their paths cross. Their relationship—rooted in suspicion, sharpened by necessity, and layered with growing desire—is one of the novel’s strongest elements.
Ball’s writing is lush and evocative, painting the court as a place where masks are not only worn but weaponized. Every glance, every whispered secret, every dance beneath velvet-draped chandeliers carries weight. Silas, loyal to legacy but increasingly torn between duty and desire, makes for a brooding, compelling protagonist. Natalya is equally captivating—mysterious, cunning, and imbued with a magic that feels both dangerous and delicate.
While the worldbuilding is immersive and the romantic tension crackles, the pacing occasionally falters under the weight of its own intricacy. Some readers might find the layered court intrigue a touch overwhelming, and a few subplots feel slightly underdeveloped. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise compelling tapestry of legacy, betrayal, and whispered prophecies.
If you love slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers fantasy set in a world where danger lurks behind every mask and magic shimmers beneath every secret, Phantom is a must-read. Beth Ball has woven a story as intricate and dangerous as the court itself—one that will leave you eager for the next twist in this darkly glittering world.
Ball’s writing is lush and evocative, painting the court as a place where masks are not only worn but weaponized. Every glance, every whispered secret, every dance beneath velvet-draped chandeliers carries weight. Silas, loyal to legacy but increasingly torn between duty and desire, makes for a brooding, compelling protagonist. Natalya is equally captivating—mysterious, cunning, and imbued with a magic that feels both dangerous and delicate.
While the worldbuilding is immersive and the romantic tension crackles, the pacing occasionally falters under the weight of its own intricacy. Some readers might find the layered court intrigue a touch overwhelming, and a few subplots feel slightly underdeveloped. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise compelling tapestry of legacy, betrayal, and whispered prophecies.
If you love slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers fantasy set in a world where danger lurks behind every mask and magic shimmers beneath every secret, Phantom is a must-read. Beth Ball has woven a story as intricate and dangerous as the court itself—one that will leave you eager for the next twist in this darkly glittering world.
June 12, 2025
⋆｡°✩ ᴀʀᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✩°｡⋆
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : Phantom
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Beth Ball
ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ : Book 1 in the Heir of Lilith Series
Tropes include:
⚬ Assassin MCs
⚬ Forced Proximity
⚬ Court Setting
⚬ Fake Dating
⚬ Fae/Shifters
⚬ Dual POV
Phantom was a nice change from normal books as the main narrator of the book is the MMC, Silas. The story is told through his POV mostly with a small sprinkle of Natalya's POV here and there. It kind of felt like one of them books where the authors brings out a whole extra book for the Male POV if the original was solely Females POV. But this time it was the Male first! I thought this was fun and unique for me.
Silas is all mysterious with his alter ego Phantom. I thought it was fun how they had code names. You could tell her really cared about this courtesans, this is my first book I've read where the MMC has more than one female partner. I thought i would struggle with it, but honestly i loved Vice and please can we be friends? Lets not talk about Comfort. She's not in my good books right now still. It does give off Sister Wives vibes but i understood it was the culture of the book and i love new stuff.
Natalya is a strong FMC who is driven by the love for her Sister. You can see it with everything she does that her main focus is for her. She is super mysterious and i would love to know more about her family and past! Even a tale or two of her Assassin days!
You could tell the Author put a lot of thought and love into worldbuilding for this book. I have a feeling there is lots more to be said about this world and I'm looking forward to knowing more about it!
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : Phantom
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Beth Ball
ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ : Book 1 in the Heir of Lilith Series
Tropes include:
⚬ Assassin MCs
⚬ Forced Proximity
⚬ Court Setting
⚬ Fake Dating
⚬ Fae/Shifters
⚬ Dual POV
Phantom was a nice change from normal books as the main narrator of the book is the MMC, Silas. The story is told through his POV mostly with a small sprinkle of Natalya's POV here and there. It kind of felt like one of them books where the authors brings out a whole extra book for the Male POV if the original was solely Females POV. But this time it was the Male first! I thought this was fun and unique for me.
Silas is all mysterious with his alter ego Phantom. I thought it was fun how they had code names. You could tell her really cared about this courtesans, this is my first book I've read where the MMC has more than one female partner. I thought i would struggle with it, but honestly i loved Vice and please can we be friends? Lets not talk about Comfort. She's not in my good books right now still. It does give off Sister Wives vibes but i understood it was the culture of the book and i love new stuff.
Natalya is a strong FMC who is driven by the love for her Sister. You can see it with everything she does that her main focus is for her. She is super mysterious and i would love to know more about her family and past! Even a tale or two of her Assassin days!
You could tell the Author put a lot of thought and love into worldbuilding for this book. I have a feeling there is lots more to be said about this world and I'm looking forward to knowing more about it!
March 30, 2025
The synopsis of this book includes a blurb at the end stating it's a "first-in-series...set in the world of Eldura before the Worlds of the Champions."
Unfortunately, that may really be rather imperative information when choosing to read this story, which I quickly began to realize once I delved in.
I have never read any other books by this author, which ending up being a rather unfortunate start. As a new reader to this world, I was left rather confused throughout the first 25% of this story. I immediately felt as if I was dropped into a world that had been established, where the world-building was something that had taken place before even coming into this story. It was a bit convoluted, with all the mentions of places, characters and names with which I was not familiar, lorekeepers, Lilith, etc. This made it difficult for me to really become invested in the story.
After about 50% of the way through, the main storylines seemed to somewhat be coming together to me a bit more, but even after muddling my way through that far and then finally continuing to the end, I was left underwhelmed. The story as a whole seemed to have too many side plots or diversions, too many attempts at sleight of hands and didn't come across as if the main focus had even truly been decided upon. I also never felt any connection to the characters throughout the story, with the exception of enjoying Vice somewhat.
I will not be continuing to read any more in this series.
I was provided a copy of this book in advance and leave this review voluntarily.
Unfortunately, that may really be rather imperative information when choosing to read this story, which I quickly began to realize once I delved in.
I have never read any other books by this author, which ending up being a rather unfortunate start. As a new reader to this world, I was left rather confused throughout the first 25% of this story. I immediately felt as if I was dropped into a world that had been established, where the world-building was something that had taken place before even coming into this story. It was a bit convoluted, with all the mentions of places, characters and names with which I was not familiar, lorekeepers, Lilith, etc. This made it difficult for me to really become invested in the story.
After about 50% of the way through, the main storylines seemed to somewhat be coming together to me a bit more, but even after muddling my way through that far and then finally continuing to the end, I was left underwhelmed. The story as a whole seemed to have too many side plots or diversions, too many attempts at sleight of hands and didn't come across as if the main focus had even truly been decided upon. I also never felt any connection to the characters throughout the story, with the exception of enjoying Vice somewhat.
I will not be continuing to read any more in this series.
I was provided a copy of this book in advance and leave this review voluntarily.
July 24, 2025
I had really high hopes for this one and while I enjoyed the last half this just wasn’t for me overall.
With it being third person pov and the world building and court politics being complex it was hard for me to understand and follow at times. I felt as though I was dropped into an established world and needed more explanation on everything.(I’ve since learned the authors previous books are in the same world so it’s probably best to read them first and explains why I was confused a lot and even after finishing)
After about 40% it picked up and I enjoyed the characters more. I love Silas and Natalya and Vice. I understand Comfort and why she is the way she is but I didn’t like her.
There wasn’t enough description for the characters to know how they look, besides Natalya. Without seeing character art you wouldn’t know Silas is green and his horns aren’t mentioned until towards the last half of the book.
This is a slow burn but when the spice hits it’s done really well! I enjoyed any moments Silas and Natalya spent together.
The mind to mind communication was fun! I always am sold when a book has it.
I did want a bit more of the mind to mind communication though and dialogue in general. For me that’s what helps myself connect to characters and see their personalities come through.
Phantom had lots of potential and it’s an enjoyable enough read it just wasn’t for me. I thrive on connecting with the characters and reading their banter and my preference is first person pov.
With it being third person pov and the world building and court politics being complex it was hard for me to understand and follow at times. I felt as though I was dropped into an established world and needed more explanation on everything.(I’ve since learned the authors previous books are in the same world so it’s probably best to read them first and explains why I was confused a lot and even after finishing)
After about 40% it picked up and I enjoyed the characters more. I love Silas and Natalya and Vice. I understand Comfort and why she is the way she is but I didn’t like her.
There wasn’t enough description for the characters to know how they look, besides Natalya. Without seeing character art you wouldn’t know Silas is green and his horns aren’t mentioned until towards the last half of the book.
This is a slow burn but when the spice hits it’s done really well! I enjoyed any moments Silas and Natalya spent together.
The mind to mind communication was fun! I always am sold when a book has it.
I did want a bit more of the mind to mind communication though and dialogue in general. For me that’s what helps myself connect to characters and see their personalities come through.
Phantom had lots of potential and it’s an enjoyable enough read it just wasn’t for me. I thrive on connecting with the characters and reading their banter and my preference is first person pov.
April 2, 2025
I devour every book this author writes. I love the way she writes, the world building, and the characters she creates. I look forward to every single release. So when I call this book my favorite thing she has written to date I do not say it lightly. There is so much I adore about Phantom it’s hard to decide where to start but this will be spoiler free.
The story is intrigue and action with a beautiful romance threading through it. The author’s ability to weave everything together is evident in every story beast and subplot. None feel unfinished, none feel over done or cliched. It is the best kind of roller coaster ride!
The heart of Beth ball’s stories though are her characters. Silas and Natalya, Phantom and Pain, the leads in this dance that’s beautiful, romantic, sexy, tense, and sometimes bloody are two of my favorites in fantasy. There is something about their interactions from their first meeting that hooked me and never let me go. Again no spoilers but … yeah I love them both and I cannot wait to see more stories about these characters
The world building meets the excellence I’ve come to expect from this author. Further fleshing out the world she has told many of her stories in.
Overall I cannot recommend this book enough. Whether you are a fan of the author’s other work, or you just love stories of fantasy intrigue and romance with engaging, dangerous characters and the perfect amount of spice, you owe it to yourself to give this one a read.
The story is intrigue and action with a beautiful romance threading through it. The author’s ability to weave everything together is evident in every story beast and subplot. None feel unfinished, none feel over done or cliched. It is the best kind of roller coaster ride!
The heart of Beth ball’s stories though are her characters. Silas and Natalya, Phantom and Pain, the leads in this dance that’s beautiful, romantic, sexy, tense, and sometimes bloody are two of my favorites in fantasy. There is something about their interactions from their first meeting that hooked me and never let me go. Again no spoilers but … yeah I love them both and I cannot wait to see more stories about these characters
The world building meets the excellence I’ve come to expect from this author. Further fleshing out the world she has told many of her stories in.
Overall I cannot recommend this book enough. Whether you are a fan of the author’s other work, or you just love stories of fantasy intrigue and romance with engaging, dangerous characters and the perfect amount of spice, you owe it to yourself to give this one a read.
April 26, 2025
Phantom is set in a world where nobles take courtesans that they are either attracted to or in love with, it’s quite unclear. It also sounds more dirty than it actually is. It’s kind of a polygamy situation with consent, mature discussions and clear boundaries. Again, for unclear reasons. Mysterious Natalya ends up being a courtesan to Silas (who is green and has horns on his head!?) and they’re inevitably drawn to each other when he finds out that she, too, is a trained assassin and pretty bad ass.
I felt the chemistry between Silas and Natalya pretty lacking. Silas seems to be intimate and loving with his courtesans because he’s expected to, not because of any desire or interest. So the love story is a bit lacking. We just kind of fall into it and then it’s a central plot component. In general, I had a hard time connecting to the characters. I found them a little bland, with the exception of Vice who is delightful.
BUT there is an overarching story too! It’s a well-crafted world with its own species and magic systems. It’s quite well done, albeit a bit hard to follow. I know there are other books set in this world, so maybe it’s a good idea to read those first if one is interested in the author’s work. I don’t doubt the other books are well-planned and set in an interesting place.
I received this book as an eARC from Hiddengems. Many thanks to the author and to Hiddengems for letting me review this book.
I felt the chemistry between Silas and Natalya pretty lacking. Silas seems to be intimate and loving with his courtesans because he’s expected to, not because of any desire or interest. So the love story is a bit lacking. We just kind of fall into it and then it’s a central plot component. In general, I had a hard time connecting to the characters. I found them a little bland, with the exception of Vice who is delightful.
BUT there is an overarching story too! It’s a well-crafted world with its own species and magic systems. It’s quite well done, albeit a bit hard to follow. I know there are other books set in this world, so maybe it’s a good idea to read those first if one is interested in the author’s work. I don’t doubt the other books are well-planned and set in an interesting place.
I received this book as an eARC from Hiddengems. Many thanks to the author and to Hiddengems for letting me review this book.
May 27, 2025
Phantom is set in this unique world where nobles take on courtesans—they might be in love with them, or maybe just attracted? It’s kind of vague. The concept sounds spicier than it actually is. It’s more like a consensual polygamy setup with mature conversations and clear boundaries… but again, the why behind it all isn’t super clear.
Natalya, who’s mysterious and clearly hiding something, ends up becoming a courtesan to Silas—who, fun fact, is green and has horns (which I weirdly loved?). Turns out she’s also a trained assassin, and once Silas finds out, they start gravitating toward each other. Classic “we’re both dangerous and hot” situation.
But honestly? I didn’t really feel the chemistry between them. Silas feels affectionate and intimate with his courtesans because it’s expected of him, not because he wants to be. So the romance felt kind of meh—it just... happens, and suddenly it’s a major part of the plot. I struggled to connect with the characters overall—they felt a bit flat to me. Except for Vice. Vice is a gem.
That said, the worldbuilding is impressive. The author has clearly put a lot of thought into the species, magic, and politics. It’s a bit dense and tricky to keep up with, but I could tell there’s a bigger picture at play. I haven’t read the other books in this universe, but maybe starting with those would make the experience smoother. It’s a cool world—I just wish I cared more about the people in it.
Natalya, who’s mysterious and clearly hiding something, ends up becoming a courtesan to Silas—who, fun fact, is green and has horns (which I weirdly loved?). Turns out she’s also a trained assassin, and once Silas finds out, they start gravitating toward each other. Classic “we’re both dangerous and hot” situation.
But honestly? I didn’t really feel the chemistry between them. Silas feels affectionate and intimate with his courtesans because it’s expected of him, not because he wants to be. So the romance felt kind of meh—it just... happens, and suddenly it’s a major part of the plot. I struggled to connect with the characters overall—they felt a bit flat to me. Except for Vice. Vice is a gem.
That said, the worldbuilding is impressive. The author has clearly put a lot of thought into the species, magic, and politics. It’s a bit dense and tricky to keep up with, but I could tell there’s a bigger picture at play. I haven’t read the other books in this universe, but maybe starting with those would make the experience smoother. It’s a cool world—I just wish I cared more about the people in it.
June 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Beth Ball absolutely blew this book out of the water! I love, love, loveeeee when authors give us a dual POV, but this is the first book I’ve read where the majority of the story is told from the MMC’s perspective — and it was so refreshing. Silas’s voice was compelling, and being in his head for most of the story added a deeper emotional layer to everything.
This book gave me everything I wanted: slow burn, yearning, and witty banter. Watching Silas and Natalya’s relationship evolve was the heart of the story for me — their chemistry was electric. It felt so real, like it was leaping right off the page.
I also really enjoyed Silas’s dynamic with the other courtesans. Each one had such a distinct personality, and it was easy to see how they each brought something different to his life. Vice was a delight to get to know. As for Comfort... I’m keeping my eye on her. I understand her insecurities, and I get why she is the way she is, but there’s still something that makes her feel a little distant or untrustworthy to me. I’m curious to see where her arc goes.
Beth Ball did an amazing job with the worldbuilding. The court intrigue and political tension were layered without ever being overwhelming. It was rich, immersive, and kept the stakes high while still giving plenty of space for character development.
This book was just fun — in the best, most emotional and immersive way. I’m absolutely hooked.
Beth Ball absolutely blew this book out of the water! I love, love, loveeeee when authors give us a dual POV, but this is the first book I’ve read where the majority of the story is told from the MMC’s perspective — and it was so refreshing. Silas’s voice was compelling, and being in his head for most of the story added a deeper emotional layer to everything.
This book gave me everything I wanted: slow burn, yearning, and witty banter. Watching Silas and Natalya’s relationship evolve was the heart of the story for me — their chemistry was electric. It felt so real, like it was leaping right off the page.
I also really enjoyed Silas’s dynamic with the other courtesans. Each one had such a distinct personality, and it was easy to see how they each brought something different to his life. Vice was a delight to get to know. As for Comfort... I’m keeping my eye on her. I understand her insecurities, and I get why she is the way she is, but there’s still something that makes her feel a little distant or untrustworthy to me. I’m curious to see where her arc goes.
Beth Ball did an amazing job with the worldbuilding. The court intrigue and political tension were layered without ever being overwhelming. It was rich, immersive, and kept the stakes high while still giving plenty of space for character development.
This book was just fun — in the best, most emotional and immersive way. I’m absolutely hooked.
May 27, 2025
This first book in a new romantasy series opens with a haunting prologue: young Natalya is abandoned by her mother, left to care for her little sister, and forced to conceal a vital part of herself. That sense of secrecy and survival carries through the story as we’re launched into a richly layered world of magic, politics, and betrayal.
Fast forward several years, and we meet Silas—the male main character (MMC), a deadly assassin in service to his duke. The story is primarily told from his point of view, though we also get key chapters from Natalya and another female character. The plot quickly immerses readers in court intrigue, where nobles play dangerous games and courtesans are more than companions—they’re political tools trained from a young age to serve powerful houses. Silas has two: Comfort and Vice. Natalya, meanwhile, serves Lord Felix Oxbrow, but it’s clear she’s not there willingly. Her mysterious connection to Silas—marked by an heirloom necklace that once belonged to his family—sparks a tense and compelling dynamic between them.
This is a dark romantasy with a strong enemies-to-lovers undercurrent. The romance is a slow burn, simmering beneath layers of distrust, secrets, and emotional scars. As the story unfolds, themes of identity, inheritance, and power rise to the surface, surrounded by magic, deception, and political betrayal. The book ends on a heart-stopping cliffhanger, leaving readers desperate for more.
Fast forward several years, and we meet Silas—the male main character (MMC), a deadly assassin in service to his duke. The story is primarily told from his point of view, though we also get key chapters from Natalya and another female character. The plot quickly immerses readers in court intrigue, where nobles play dangerous games and courtesans are more than companions—they’re political tools trained from a young age to serve powerful houses. Silas has two: Comfort and Vice. Natalya, meanwhile, serves Lord Felix Oxbrow, but it’s clear she’s not there willingly. Her mysterious connection to Silas—marked by an heirloom necklace that once belonged to his family—sparks a tense and compelling dynamic between them.
This is a dark romantasy with a strong enemies-to-lovers undercurrent. The romance is a slow burn, simmering beneath layers of distrust, secrets, and emotional scars. As the story unfolds, themes of identity, inheritance, and power rise to the surface, surrounded by magic, deception, and political betrayal. The book ends on a heart-stopping cliffhanger, leaving readers desperate for more.
June 10, 2025
At no point in this book did I know what was going to happen next!!
Phantom has multiple POVs but focuses mainly on Silas. I enjoyed seeing this world from his point of view. While the Suzerain and courtesan culture of the world was a little off-putting, learning more about Silas and his level of love and care for his courtesans did make me feel better. I love how he gave them power through choice and they each had their own roles in the family. Not going to lie, I’d love a sister wife to share the load with but I don’t want to share my spouse 🤣
I did love learning about the political intrigue of the court. There’s something nefarious happening and, just when you think you have it figured out, no you don’t. I also really enjoyed the role of magic and prophecy in this story. It wasn’t totally focused on the magic or the prophecy, but brought it up just enough to be a reminder.
I loved the side characters as well! While the book is focused on Silas and Natalya’s story, I really enjoyed Greer, Vice, Athas, and Mathias. I’d love to know how they came to be in Silas’s household.
Beth Ball has such a beautiful writing style that keeps me invested. Her world building is descriptive and grows as the story progresses. I’m eager to see what happens to Natalya and Silas after that ending!!
Phantom has multiple POVs but focuses mainly on Silas. I enjoyed seeing this world from his point of view. While the Suzerain and courtesan culture of the world was a little off-putting, learning more about Silas and his level of love and care for his courtesans did make me feel better. I love how he gave them power through choice and they each had their own roles in the family. Not going to lie, I’d love a sister wife to share the load with but I don’t want to share my spouse 🤣
I did love learning about the political intrigue of the court. There’s something nefarious happening and, just when you think you have it figured out, no you don’t. I also really enjoyed the role of magic and prophecy in this story. It wasn’t totally focused on the magic or the prophecy, but brought it up just enough to be a reminder.
I loved the side characters as well! While the book is focused on Silas and Natalya’s story, I really enjoyed Greer, Vice, Athas, and Mathias. I’d love to know how they came to be in Silas’s household.
Beth Ball has such a beautiful writing style that keeps me invested. Her world building is descriptive and grows as the story progresses. I’m eager to see what happens to Natalya and Silas after that ending!!
May 11, 2025
2 and a half stars.
Unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me. The author is a great writer, you can tell she has a great understanding of the English language as it seemed to be written in old school proper English. The story just didn’t grab me though, there’s a lot of court politics which I just don’t find interest in. It was also quite hard for me to follow at times. Lots of names and places that I felt like I didn’t know anything about. Unfortunately I wasn’t really interested until about 50% through the book. After then, I kept reading because I wanted to know how certain things played out but not because I “couldn’t put it down”. I would have benefited a lot from a glossary of terms, given the style that it’s written in, there were a few words I didn’t know and had to research. I also didn’t realise there actually was a map, because it was only about the third last page that it was on, it would’ve been very helpful to have had that at the beginning of the book too. I think that this book would be fantastic for the right audience, it really is written very well. But unfortunately I was not that audience.
Thank you to booksirens and Beth Ball for providing me with this arc.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me. The author is a great writer, you can tell she has a great understanding of the English language as it seemed to be written in old school proper English. The story just didn’t grab me though, there’s a lot of court politics which I just don’t find interest in. It was also quite hard for me to follow at times. Lots of names and places that I felt like I didn’t know anything about. Unfortunately I wasn’t really interested until about 50% through the book. After then, I kept reading because I wanted to know how certain things played out but not because I “couldn’t put it down”. I would have benefited a lot from a glossary of terms, given the style that it’s written in, there were a few words I didn’t know and had to research. I also didn’t realise there actually was a map, because it was only about the third last page that it was on, it would’ve been very helpful to have had that at the beginning of the book too. I think that this book would be fantastic for the right audience, it really is written very well. But unfortunately I was not that audience.
Thank you to booksirens and Beth Ball for providing me with this arc.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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