DNF’ing Phantasma… For Now!

Okay, so real talk—this one was tough for me.

I recently started reading Phantasma by Kaylie Smith, and I was genuinely excited about it. The writing is really solid, and the vibes? Very cool. But here’s the thing: I just finished Caraval not that long ago, and Phantasma felt so similar in tone and atmosphere that I just couldn’t fully get into it right now. It’s one of those situations where the book isn’t bad (at all!), it’s just bad timing.

So, I’ve officially DNF’d Phantasma—but only for now. I’m planning to pick it back up later this year, maybe in the fall when the spooky, whimsical vibes hit just right. I think I’ll appreciate it so much more with a little distance from Caraval.

In the meantime, I’m 38% of the way through City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards, and OH. MY. GOSH. I’m obsessed. Like seriously, can’t-put-it-down, reading-past-my-bedtime obsessed. Loren’s journey is everything I hoped it would be, and the worldbuilding? Chef’s kiss.

This book is a beast—700-something pages—but honestly, I never want it to end. You know that magical feeling when you’re reading a big book and you’re loving every second, but you’re also dreading turning that final page? Yeah. That’s where I’m at.

Fingers crossed I finish it this week, but part of me also wants to slow down and just live in this story a little longer.

Have you ever DNF’d a book just because it felt too similar to another one you just finished? Or had a book you wished would never end? Let me know in the comments!

Happy reading,

Crystal