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Phantom
Would you sell your hand for a million dollars? Regan “Roz� Osbourne is broke. Her ex-boyfriend won’t take no for an answer, and no one is taking her art work seriously. So when a mysterious stranger offers her a million dollars and safety from her unstable ex in exchange for her left hand, she can’t afford to refuse. Immediately following the amputation, she’s racked with insufferable phantom limb pain. Desperate for relief, she enrolls in an experimental drug trial. But this drug has a peculiar side effect―she develops a psychic connection to her missing limb. She soon discovers that Chicago’s long-dormant Phantom Strangler is now wearing her hand and is using it . . . to kill.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2023
28 people are currently reading
12.7k people want to read
About the author
Helen Power
10books619followersI'm an author, librarian, and book reviewer living in Saskatoon, Canada. My debut novel "The Ghosts of Thorwald Place" was published October 2021 by CamCat Books, and "Phantom" was released in October 2023.
I publish book reviews here, on Instagram, Amazon.ca, and on my . If you want to submit a request for a book review, please read my book review policy and reach out to me through that website.
I publish book reviews here, on Instagram, Amazon.ca, and on my . If you want to submit a request for a book review, please read my book review policy and reach out to me through that website.
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October 18, 2023Hey all! I'm really excited to be sharing my "unhinged" (ŷ' words, not mine!) book with the world!
The idea for the story came to me when I was helping a nursing student who was researching mirror therapy. The entire concept really lends itself to a sci-fi thriller/horror quite perfectly!
The haunting music was written by my sister herself!
Come chat with me about books on:
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Stay spooky!
The idea for the story came to me when I was helping a nursing student who was researching mirror therapy. The entire concept really lends itself to a sci-fi thriller/horror quite perfectly!
The haunting music was written by my sister herself!
Come chat with me about books on:
| | |
|
Stay spooky!
September 10, 2023
I wasn’t sure when I started this book what I would think of it. Its genres are horror, mystery and science-fiction, and I can be particular about what I like in those genres. This left me delightfully surprised - I know it’s a book I’ll remember for awhile!
Regan (Roz) is living in a dicey part of Chicago with a roommate who is rarely home. She is a starving artist who works part-time at a casino, and can never pay her half of the rent. She’s financially running out of options when she gets an offer she can’t refuse, at least not after a few whiskeys. She meets a dashing man who offers her a substantial amount of money - for her hand. Her dominant hand. Her hand that makes her art. When she makes her decision, she’s barely able to lift her head off the bar…but this isn’t the kind of contract where things like being of sound mind matter.
Roz wakes up at home, with no hand, but a lot of money in her bank account. Life is good, until she gets phantom limb pain, along with some other disturbing sensations. No doctor will prescribe her narcotics without her seeing a psychiatrist and attending an amputee support group, especially because of how much she drinks. Her new psychiatrist is aware that a new drug trial of a non-addicting pain medication (where have we heard that one before?) is beginning. Ryofen has not been tested on humans, but Roz is willing to do anything to stop the pain. She is not supposed to drink alcohol while taking it, but sobriety is not an easy thing for her. Let’s just say, there are some side effects�
Roz occasionally annoyed me with how stupidly she behaved, but I think that was kind of the point - this is a person who wasn’t stable even before she sold her hand. When an author veers into science-fiction, unless there is a relatively logical way to explain things, it will seem cheesy and far-fetched. An alternative option is to somehow admit to how outrageous it sounds, and I felt like this book did both of those things. The main character knew she couldn’t tell her story to anyone without sounding crazy, and there were also some parts of it that could be realistic.
Overall, I thought this was a very original story with just the right amount of detail, characters, and suspense. It was mind-blowing in some places, and thoughtful in others. The plot was so fresh and the writing was so good that I have to give this one five stars!
(Thank you to CamCat Books, Helen Power and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released October 10, 2023.)
Regan (Roz) is living in a dicey part of Chicago with a roommate who is rarely home. She is a starving artist who works part-time at a casino, and can never pay her half of the rent. She’s financially running out of options when she gets an offer she can’t refuse, at least not after a few whiskeys. She meets a dashing man who offers her a substantial amount of money - for her hand. Her dominant hand. Her hand that makes her art. When she makes her decision, she’s barely able to lift her head off the bar…but this isn’t the kind of contract where things like being of sound mind matter.
Roz wakes up at home, with no hand, but a lot of money in her bank account. Life is good, until she gets phantom limb pain, along with some other disturbing sensations. No doctor will prescribe her narcotics without her seeing a psychiatrist and attending an amputee support group, especially because of how much she drinks. Her new psychiatrist is aware that a new drug trial of a non-addicting pain medication (where have we heard that one before?) is beginning. Ryofen has not been tested on humans, but Roz is willing to do anything to stop the pain. She is not supposed to drink alcohol while taking it, but sobriety is not an easy thing for her. Let’s just say, there are some side effects�
Roz occasionally annoyed me with how stupidly she behaved, but I think that was kind of the point - this is a person who wasn’t stable even before she sold her hand. When an author veers into science-fiction, unless there is a relatively logical way to explain things, it will seem cheesy and far-fetched. An alternative option is to somehow admit to how outrageous it sounds, and I felt like this book did both of those things. The main character knew she couldn’t tell her story to anyone without sounding crazy, and there were also some parts of it that could be realistic.
Overall, I thought this was a very original story with just the right amount of detail, characters, and suspense. It was mind-blowing in some places, and thoughtful in others. The plot was so fresh and the writing was so good that I have to give this one five stars!
(Thank you to CamCat Books, Helen Power and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released October 10, 2023.)
July 26, 2023
This book was a major letdown. I loved the cover and the synopsis sounded fun. I usually let a lot slide in horror and thrillers and suspend my disbelief, but I could not with this. The author is from Canada, and there were some things that just did not make sense due to the way the American health care and legal system are set up, but I would have ignored that because of the genre. If not for the fact that Chicago is talked about sooooo wildly frequently and so inaccurately. Even then. I maybe would have given this three stars for being an interesting idea for a book with writing that I didn’t love. But there is rampant ableism, and an obvious ignorance to classism and the racism brought by classism as well as no mind paid to make effort at social correctness or empathy when it comes to mental health.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC
July 19, 2023
So, I recently got back into NetGalley, and guess what! I got auto-approved for an ARC for the first time. With that being said, here’s my thoughts (without spoilers, despite how badly I want to share EVERYTHING about this book with you all.
Initially I thought this was going to be a Phantom of the Opera retelling of sorts, and while there are some similar themes, I was super wrong. Also, pleasantly surprised with this. I was hooked from reading the synopsis because it was different than anything I’ve been reading lately and just what I needed as a palate cleanser.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. However, I did feel like there were some plot holes that hopefully get answered should this become a series. Which I hope it does, especially with how the ending is left. There’s also this weird romance that gets kind of thrown into the story that I felt was unnecessary. On the flip side of that coin thought it does have potential to become something.
Anyway, I’m trying not to give too much away but I think if you’re looking for an entry level thriller book you should pick this up when it comes out in a few months! I know I’ll be picking up a physical copy.
Everyone say “thank you NetGalley!�
Phantom by Helen Power hits the shelves October 10th 2023!
(Crossposted on ŷ and Instagram.)
Initially I thought this was going to be a Phantom of the Opera retelling of sorts, and while there are some similar themes, I was super wrong. Also, pleasantly surprised with this. I was hooked from reading the synopsis because it was different than anything I’ve been reading lately and just what I needed as a palate cleanser.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. However, I did feel like there were some plot holes that hopefully get answered should this become a series. Which I hope it does, especially with how the ending is left. There’s also this weird romance that gets kind of thrown into the story that I felt was unnecessary. On the flip side of that coin thought it does have potential to become something.
Anyway, I’m trying not to give too much away but I think if you’re looking for an entry level thriller book you should pick this up when it comes out in a few months! I know I’ll be picking up a physical copy.
Everyone say “thank you NetGalley!�
Phantom by Helen Power hits the shelves October 10th 2023!
(Crossposted on ŷ and Instagram.)
April 3, 2024
As someone who hasn't delved into the thriller genre for quite some time, "Phantom" by Helen Power served as a compelling re-entry. Intrigued by its captivating cover and promising premise, I eagerly picked it up, hoping for a riveting experience. While it didn't quite meet all my expectations, I found myself thoroughly engaged by its twists and turns.
Despite my enjoyment, I must admit some reservations. While the writing style possessed a certain wit and grit, it didn't entirely align with my preferences due to its clichés and repetition. However, this didn't hinder my overall enjoyment of the story. My main gripe with the novel lies with its protagonist, Roz. In my opinion, she's one of the most frustrating and disagreeable characters I've encountered. Additionally, the introduction of secondary characters left me wanting; many seemed to be abandoned by the story's end, leaving loose ends that felt unsatisfying.
At times, the novel veered uncomfortably close to the realm of cliché, resembling a Hallmark thriller with its unexpected romantic subplot that felt out of place. However, despite these drawbacks, I found myself having a genuinely fun time. Helen Power's storytelling prowess shines through, ensuring that even with its flaws, the novel remains engaging and entertaining.
Ultimately, "Phantom" is a worthwhile read for fans of the thriller genre, offering enough intrigue and excitement to keep readers hooked. While it may not be perfect, its compelling narrative and unexpected twists make it a memorable addition to the genre.
Despite my enjoyment, I must admit some reservations. While the writing style possessed a certain wit and grit, it didn't entirely align with my preferences due to its clichés and repetition. However, this didn't hinder my overall enjoyment of the story. My main gripe with the novel lies with its protagonist, Roz. In my opinion, she's one of the most frustrating and disagreeable characters I've encountered. Additionally, the introduction of secondary characters left me wanting; many seemed to be abandoned by the story's end, leaving loose ends that felt unsatisfying.
At times, the novel veered uncomfortably close to the realm of cliché, resembling a Hallmark thriller with its unexpected romantic subplot that felt out of place. However, despite these drawbacks, I found myself having a genuinely fun time. Helen Power's storytelling prowess shines through, ensuring that even with its flaws, the novel remains engaging and entertaining.
Ultimately, "Phantom" is a worthwhile read for fans of the thriller genre, offering enough intrigue and excitement to keep readers hooked. While it may not be perfect, its compelling narrative and unexpected twists make it a memorable addition to the genre.
April 5, 2024
I love the cover for this one, and I really enjoyed The Ghosts of Thorwald Place, so I wanted to get into this one ASAP.
I was interested in this novel right off the bat. The blurb sounds much more like a scifi thriller than a horror, but I figured we’d still get elements of darkness. Would you sell your hand for a million dollars? I have to be honest, I thought “it wouldn’t be that bad� more than once. You’d still have a hand to use! And you’d have $1,000,000! What could go wrong?
Let me tell you, it wouldn’t be all sunshines and daisies. Regan thought like me and then she started suffering from intense pains. Pains in her hand…that was no longer there. While that phenomenon is real, the author takes it and gives it a more scifi spin. It’s dark and eerie, and has so many what-ifs attached to it that it will make you sick.
I really enjoyed the doubled meaning of phantom, as the novel also features a serial killer on the loose known as the Phantom Strangler. Now I did guess the twist VERY early on, but that didn’t suck the fun out of it for me, because even as someone that reads (and even writes) mysteries, I am seldom right somehow. So the verification kept it going for me.
Personally a 4/5*! Well written and a very enjoyable unlikable liked main character, in a kind of Jessica Jones-y way.
I was interested in this novel right off the bat. The blurb sounds much more like a scifi thriller than a horror, but I figured we’d still get elements of darkness. Would you sell your hand for a million dollars? I have to be honest, I thought “it wouldn’t be that bad� more than once. You’d still have a hand to use! And you’d have $1,000,000! What could go wrong?
Let me tell you, it wouldn’t be all sunshines and daisies. Regan thought like me and then she started suffering from intense pains. Pains in her hand…that was no longer there. While that phenomenon is real, the author takes it and gives it a more scifi spin. It’s dark and eerie, and has so many what-ifs attached to it that it will make you sick.
I really enjoyed the doubled meaning of phantom, as the novel also features a serial killer on the loose known as the Phantom Strangler. Now I did guess the twist VERY early on, but that didn’t suck the fun out of it for me, because even as someone that reads (and even writes) mysteries, I am seldom right somehow. So the verification kept it going for me.
Personally a 4/5*! Well written and a very enjoyable unlikable liked main character, in a kind of Jessica Jones-y way.
October 15, 2023
i was going to give it three stars but the ending was so terrible😭
anyways. rtc.
anyways. rtc.
August 8, 2023
Fans of Chelsea G. Summers� A Certain Hunger might also enjoy Helen Power’s Phantom. The narrative voice and female protagonist are markedly similar; I can see this finding an audience with readers of the unhinged-woman subgenre.
However, I found Phantom unfortunately lacking. It’s marketed as horror, but reads more as a mystery or thriller, and would do better with audiences of those genres, expecting those tropes.
Regan “Roz� Osbourne, struggling twenty-something sculptor, agrees to sell her hand for a million dollars, and at first, life is sweet. But things soon take a turn when her phantom limb pain turns out to be all too real; the previously-inactive serial killer, the Phantom Strangler, is on the loose once more, now using her amputated hand to commit their dark acts.
The concept is fun, if a little ridiculous. But rather than being the adventurous romp I was hoping for, this book reads like a series of boxes being checked. Roz needs to share the physical characteristics of the Phantom Strangler, who is an artist, so she’s an artist. Roz needs to have hallucinations in order for parts of the plot to work, so she ends up in an experimental drug trial for a drug which causes hallucinations.
But what does it actually mean for Roz to be an artist? What does her art mean to her? We never get to see her create; we hear about her attempts, once or twice, in the past tense, but gain no real understanding of her craft. How does she cope with the loss of her hand, her prize possession as a sculptor? How is she coping with with day-to-day tasks? Is she really committed to her art, to being a career artist? Was she ever? Or was she just hoping for fame and fortune?
Also - Roz is an alcoholic. She gambles away most of her million-dollar payout. She starts as an awful, mean-spirited, selfish person with a substance abuse problem, and much of the novel revolves around her character development. But even at its end, she speaks with disdain and disregard for others with similar problems: for alcoholics, addicts, for fellow members of her support group. She refers to total strangers as "drugged-up lunatics", to dealers as “thugs�. Where was the growth? Where is the nuance?
The plot itself flounders for most of the novel as Roz and her love interest track down the individual(s) responsible for taking and transplanting her hand. We’re never given much of an explanation of the technologies that make such a sophisticated black market organ trade possible. Despite these holes, some of the latter twists and turns are interesting, and I think fans will be satisfied with the resolution.
As for me: I wanted to like this, and I hate to criticise a small author’s sophomore release, published by an indie press. It’s clear that Helen Power can write. But I felt that Phantom had so much more potential than it delivered on.
Thanks to NetGalley and CamCat books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
However, I found Phantom unfortunately lacking. It’s marketed as horror, but reads more as a mystery or thriller, and would do better with audiences of those genres, expecting those tropes.
Regan “Roz� Osbourne, struggling twenty-something sculptor, agrees to sell her hand for a million dollars, and at first, life is sweet. But things soon take a turn when her phantom limb pain turns out to be all too real; the previously-inactive serial killer, the Phantom Strangler, is on the loose once more, now using her amputated hand to commit their dark acts.
The concept is fun, if a little ridiculous. But rather than being the adventurous romp I was hoping for, this book reads like a series of boxes being checked. Roz needs to share the physical characteristics of the Phantom Strangler, who is an artist, so she’s an artist. Roz needs to have hallucinations in order for parts of the plot to work, so she ends up in an experimental drug trial for a drug which causes hallucinations.
But what does it actually mean for Roz to be an artist? What does her art mean to her? We never get to see her create; we hear about her attempts, once or twice, in the past tense, but gain no real understanding of her craft. How does she cope with the loss of her hand, her prize possession as a sculptor? How is she coping with with day-to-day tasks? Is she really committed to her art, to being a career artist? Was she ever? Or was she just hoping for fame and fortune?
Also - Roz is an alcoholic. She gambles away most of her million-dollar payout. She starts as an awful, mean-spirited, selfish person with a substance abuse problem, and much of the novel revolves around her character development. But even at its end, she speaks with disdain and disregard for others with similar problems: for alcoholics, addicts, for fellow members of her support group. She refers to total strangers as "drugged-up lunatics", to dealers as “thugs�. Where was the growth? Where is the nuance?
The plot itself flounders for most of the novel as Roz and her love interest track down the individual(s) responsible for taking and transplanting her hand. We’re never given much of an explanation of the technologies that make such a sophisticated black market organ trade possible. Despite these holes, some of the latter twists and turns are interesting, and I think fans will be satisfied with the resolution.
As for me: I wanted to like this, and I hate to criticise a small author’s sophomore release, published by an indie press. It’s clear that Helen Power can write. But I felt that Phantom had so much more potential than it delivered on.
Thanks to NetGalley and CamCat books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2023
I never would have read this if ŷ hadn't marketed this as 'unhinged' horror. it's actually a very standard thriller that didn't even make good use of its gimmick
Also I never want to read another rote big corporate conspiracy storyline again
Also I never want to read another rote big corporate conspiracy storyline again
April 7, 2025
Interesting concept, fun hijinks, terrible decisions, stupid as hell main character, very very lame ending.
October 14, 2023
I’m always a little sad when a book that sounds very promising doesn’t deliver what I thought it might; the premise of selling your hand for sheer desperation and finding out a serial killer (with the apt name of Phantom Strangler) uses it for their crimes (that you can feel happening through the means of phantom limb pains!) is incredibly intriguing - it’s definitely what drew me to read the novel - but falls flat in the end.
The novel tried to weave an intricate web consisting of mystery thriller tropes, science fiction themes and horror elements, but it ended up losing in believability - and not because of the fantastical bits, but because the author joined all elements of the plot that wouldn’t quite connect in a believable way with a high dose of convenience to give the right rhythm to the precise timing a mystery thriller should have in order for it to work like a well oiled machine.
This culminated with the use of the protagonist as a clear device to drive the plot forwards instead of creating the plot around her: everything in her life is there to make her an unreliable narrator, so that the reader can’t possibly feel cheated when an event happens or a red herring appears, both of which can be then swept under the rug of oblivion with a snap of the fingers, only so that the story can gain momentum to spring up with a new theory or a new narrative. It’s definitely a way to keep a plot going indefinitely, but I find it a cheap way to keep a reader’s attention. And not only she’s unreliable (because of reasons I won’t go into as they are plot sensitive and I don’t want to spoil anyone) but I find that her intelligence wavers, again, for the convenience of the plot. Sometimes she has insightful thoughts that seem like leaps of imagination given the information she has, and some other times she has all the cards in her hand but still forgoes the most obvious decisions or ignores the most obvious clues because those would trigger a result that needs to be explored a bit later in the book, for plot reasons.
Another thing I noticed that irked me a bit was the overexposition, especially at the beginning - in the first few chapters, when we’re supposed to get to know our protagonist, she tells us everything herself instead of letting us see things through her eyes: for example, in one of the first three chapters there’s a brief mention of her ex texting her. She doesn’t read the text, so you would think it’s a detail that we’ll explore later, but then right in the next paragraph we’re spoonfed the full backstory of how they broke up and what she thinks of him, when it’s clear she’s not thinking that in that moment and it’s only there for our benefit. Sadly I found many examples of this, which took me out of the reading experience.
This all might be a matter of experience - this is after all the author’s second book, so I hope with time she can find her footing because her premises sound very fun! I firmly believe in giving authors the opportunity to grow and thrive, letting them hone their skills.
I do have positive things to say, as well! The pacing was tight and engaging, especially when the book got to its second wind, and the protagonist has her own moments in which she shines - sadly for her they are always whenever she reaches rock bottom.
A theme I expected to be explored more was that of abject poverty - as I understand it Chicago is one of the prime examples of it when it comes to US cities (but I’m basing these impressions from the portrayal seen in tv so I clearly don’t know much), and the book does talk about it at length, but for some reason it doesn’t really delve deeper than “rich people exploit poor people for their own unethical gains�.
Overall it was a solid effort, and despite it being more of a 2/2.5 rating for me I’m rounding it up because I believe in the author’s potential.
Access to the ARC acquired thanks to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The novel tried to weave an intricate web consisting of mystery thriller tropes, science fiction themes and horror elements, but it ended up losing in believability - and not because of the fantastical bits, but because the author joined all elements of the plot that wouldn’t quite connect in a believable way with a high dose of convenience to give the right rhythm to the precise timing a mystery thriller should have in order for it to work like a well oiled machine.
This culminated with the use of the protagonist as a clear device to drive the plot forwards instead of creating the plot around her: everything in her life is there to make her an unreliable narrator, so that the reader can’t possibly feel cheated when an event happens or a red herring appears, both of which can be then swept under the rug of oblivion with a snap of the fingers, only so that the story can gain momentum to spring up with a new theory or a new narrative. It’s definitely a way to keep a plot going indefinitely, but I find it a cheap way to keep a reader’s attention. And not only she’s unreliable (because of reasons I won’t go into as they are plot sensitive and I don’t want to spoil anyone) but I find that her intelligence wavers, again, for the convenience of the plot. Sometimes she has insightful thoughts that seem like leaps of imagination given the information she has, and some other times she has all the cards in her hand but still forgoes the most obvious decisions or ignores the most obvious clues because those would trigger a result that needs to be explored a bit later in the book, for plot reasons.
Another thing I noticed that irked me a bit was the overexposition, especially at the beginning - in the first few chapters, when we’re supposed to get to know our protagonist, she tells us everything herself instead of letting us see things through her eyes: for example, in one of the first three chapters there’s a brief mention of her ex texting her. She doesn’t read the text, so you would think it’s a detail that we’ll explore later, but then right in the next paragraph we’re spoonfed the full backstory of how they broke up and what she thinks of him, when it’s clear she’s not thinking that in that moment and it’s only there for our benefit. Sadly I found many examples of this, which took me out of the reading experience.
This all might be a matter of experience - this is after all the author’s second book, so I hope with time she can find her footing because her premises sound very fun! I firmly believe in giving authors the opportunity to grow and thrive, letting them hone their skills.
I do have positive things to say, as well! The pacing was tight and engaging, especially when the book got to its second wind, and the protagonist has her own moments in which she shines - sadly for her they are always whenever she reaches rock bottom.
A theme I expected to be explored more was that of abject poverty - as I understand it Chicago is one of the prime examples of it when it comes to US cities (but I’m basing these impressions from the portrayal seen in tv so I clearly don’t know much), and the book does talk about it at length, but for some reason it doesn’t really delve deeper than “rich people exploit poor people for their own unethical gains�.
Overall it was a solid effort, and despite it being more of a 2/2.5 rating for me I’m rounding it up because I believe in the author’s potential.
Access to the ARC acquired thanks to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2024
very readable, i loved the premise and hot mess of a protagonist. unfortunately the weirdness of the premise wasn’t explored as much as i wanted, with a pretty underwhelming and generic ending. the romance was also bland and unnecessary, wish that time was spent on wrapping up all the loose threads instead.
May 10, 2024
Bad one! Okay to start. Very poorly written. Felt like the author was pretty much just making it up as they went along. Nothing holds any emotional weight, it's just written as is. So much is repeated over and over again that just makes everything drag for so long, it could have been at least half the length.
Roz as a main character was perplexing (bad). Sometimes it felt like there was intention when writing her as an extremely flawed and unlikable person but most of the time it did feel like the author just thought this is how to write a cool female protagonist. Isn't she funny?? There is no accountability for anything she does, it all ends up working out. She hallucinates and kills someone, but that’s okay!!! He was secretly working for the bad guys :)))) her morally correct boyfriend doesn’t care at all now. She’s just a victim in all this! She doesn’t care about anything or anyone so why should I? She thinks everyone who isn’t her is an idiot and stupid and we’re never told she’s wrong for thinking this. And this is not me having a problem with “problematic characters� I promise you.
We’re basically just always told what’s happening and what Roz is feeling with nothing to back it up. Actually a lot of the time we aren’t. So many of the chapters start with “and last night I did (something that sounds important to the plot/character and I would have liked to see how that played out)� and we get nothing from it. You would think with the premise alone, you would get some interesting scenes of her experiencing the phantom pains and sensations, but no! It just happens. This is what she’s feeling right now. Or was feeling at some point. Then just moves on.
We’re also told Roz’s art is her life but nothing she ever does or says gives us that impression. We aren’t even really told what any of her art looks like or means. Her being an artist means nothing in this book.
She doesn’t do much of anything besides go to places and talk to people sometimes. Nothing she does after selling her hand does anything to move the plot along, it just (slowly) moves. Jace usually just comes in and is like “oh btw I have more info to help us� and she’s like “wow this is great I’m going to go talk to someone somewhere now� and he’s like “no you aren’t it’s too dangerous� but then she does anyway. And nothing happens. Rinse and repeat.
Besides Roz, and to a lesser extent, Jace, there really aren’t any characters in this book. Just people with names who sometimes say things. Half the time we don’t even know what they’re saying because Roz tells us it’s stupid and they’re stupid and blah blah blah. Great. Thanks. The romance was awful. Shoehorned in there as a plot device to solve everything in the end. Not much else to say about it cause there sure wasn’t much else to it.
And all this to say that the story itself was just stupid. Meant nothing, did nothing. Had nothing interesting to show or say.
AND *I* recommended this book for me and my friends� book club!! SO...0 stars if I could.
Roz as a main character was perplexing (bad). Sometimes it felt like there was intention when writing her as an extremely flawed and unlikable person but most of the time it did feel like the author just thought this is how to write a cool female protagonist. Isn't she funny?? There is no accountability for anything she does, it all ends up working out. She hallucinates and kills someone, but that’s okay!!! He was secretly working for the bad guys :)))) her morally correct boyfriend doesn’t care at all now. She’s just a victim in all this! She doesn’t care about anything or anyone so why should I? She thinks everyone who isn’t her is an idiot and stupid and we’re never told she’s wrong for thinking this. And this is not me having a problem with “problematic characters� I promise you.
We’re basically just always told what’s happening and what Roz is feeling with nothing to back it up. Actually a lot of the time we aren’t. So many of the chapters start with “and last night I did (something that sounds important to the plot/character and I would have liked to see how that played out)� and we get nothing from it. You would think with the premise alone, you would get some interesting scenes of her experiencing the phantom pains and sensations, but no! It just happens. This is what she’s feeling right now. Or was feeling at some point. Then just moves on.
We’re also told Roz’s art is her life but nothing she ever does or says gives us that impression. We aren’t even really told what any of her art looks like or means. Her being an artist means nothing in this book.
She doesn’t do much of anything besides go to places and talk to people sometimes. Nothing she does after selling her hand does anything to move the plot along, it just (slowly) moves. Jace usually just comes in and is like “oh btw I have more info to help us� and she’s like “wow this is great I’m going to go talk to someone somewhere now� and he’s like “no you aren’t it’s too dangerous� but then she does anyway. And nothing happens. Rinse and repeat.
Besides Roz, and to a lesser extent, Jace, there really aren’t any characters in this book. Just people with names who sometimes say things. Half the time we don’t even know what they’re saying because Roz tells us it’s stupid and they’re stupid and blah blah blah. Great. Thanks. The romance was awful. Shoehorned in there as a plot device to solve everything in the end. Not much else to say about it cause there sure wasn’t much else to it.
And all this to say that the story itself was just stupid. Meant nothing, did nothing. Had nothing interesting to show or say.
AND *I* recommended this book for me and my friends� book club!! SO...0 stars if I could.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2023
Thank you so much to Net Galley and CamCat Books for this ARC for review!
Phantom follows the story of a woman named Roz who is losing hope for her career as a sculpture artist, loses her job, and can’t escape her awful drug dealer ex-boyfriend. While she’s struggling to pay rent and buy food, she is offered one million dollars and is told her ex will be removed from the situation in exchange for her dominant hand. As she is learning to navigate life with an excess of money and the loss of her hand, Roz begins experiencing excruciating pain in the hand she no longer has. As time progresses and she attempts therapy, she becomes part of the first human trial for a “non-addictive� drug that is supposed to eliminate phantom limb pain, but she can feel her missing hand writing, and chopping vegetables, and committing murder so like, worth it?
This book was so full of twists and turns that I won’t mention any spoilers because I want you to read this and have as much fun with it as I did! The beginning of Phantom was a little slow for me, but I was so intrigued by the concept I just couldn’t stop reading, and I’m so glad I didn’t! By about 25% in, I actually could not put this book down. As I’ve been writing this I actually keep remembering things and gasping out loud and having to delete what I just typed! My favorite thing about this story is our unreliable narrator. The potential side effects for Roz’s phantom painkiller include hallucinations, which Roz frequently experiences, and it isn’t to be taken with alcohol or caffeine, which Roz frequently does anyways. That frustrating combination created a lot of moments where I was left asking, “WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING?!?!� (In a lovely way!!)
I loved the smart, scary, stalker-y, calculated killer and I loved our sarcastic, cunning, determined main girl despite the fact that her choices made me want to strangle her myself sometimes. The choices except for Jace, of course. I really enjoyed the side-romance plot that didn’t override the scariness of the story!
Phantom by Helen Power is a unique, entertaining, and thrilling novel that everyone should be adding to their October and Halloween TBR’s! 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 from me!
Phantom follows the story of a woman named Roz who is losing hope for her career as a sculpture artist, loses her job, and can’t escape her awful drug dealer ex-boyfriend. While she’s struggling to pay rent and buy food, she is offered one million dollars and is told her ex will be removed from the situation in exchange for her dominant hand. As she is learning to navigate life with an excess of money and the loss of her hand, Roz begins experiencing excruciating pain in the hand she no longer has. As time progresses and she attempts therapy, she becomes part of the first human trial for a “non-addictive� drug that is supposed to eliminate phantom limb pain, but she can feel her missing hand writing, and chopping vegetables, and committing murder so like, worth it?
This book was so full of twists and turns that I won’t mention any spoilers because I want you to read this and have as much fun with it as I did! The beginning of Phantom was a little slow for me, but I was so intrigued by the concept I just couldn’t stop reading, and I’m so glad I didn’t! By about 25% in, I actually could not put this book down. As I’ve been writing this I actually keep remembering things and gasping out loud and having to delete what I just typed! My favorite thing about this story is our unreliable narrator. The potential side effects for Roz’s phantom painkiller include hallucinations, which Roz frequently experiences, and it isn’t to be taken with alcohol or caffeine, which Roz frequently does anyways. That frustrating combination created a lot of moments where I was left asking, “WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING?!?!� (In a lovely way!!)
I loved the smart, scary, stalker-y, calculated killer and I loved our sarcastic, cunning, determined main girl despite the fact that her choices made me want to strangle her myself sometimes. The choices except for Jace, of course. I really enjoyed the side-romance plot that didn’t override the scariness of the story!
Phantom by Helen Power is a unique, entertaining, and thrilling novel that everyone should be adding to their October and Halloween TBR’s! 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 from me!
September 14, 2023
“I float amid the crowd, riding the wave of the shallow and elite that swim around me like a school of fish in an aquarium. They have no idea there is a shark in their midst. Enthralled by my wit and beauty, partygoers converge upon me, eager to meet me, to be close to me, to know me. I feel like I am the honorary guest, despite the lack of invitation. Despite no one knowing who I am or why I’m really here.�
A struggling young artist makes a shocking deal; her limb for a million dollars. Soon she is having Phantom Pain and the Phantom Strangler is killing again�. Coincidence or kismet?
This was an interesting thriller, a little over the top, but it mostly keeps the reader interested.
I wasn’t a fan of the character Roz, she seemed superficial and had a lack of depth and empathy. I think the plot could’ve been patched up and solidified in some areas, but overall, it works. Just be aware it’s a slowish start as well.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and CamCat Books for a copy!
A struggling young artist makes a shocking deal; her limb for a million dollars. Soon she is having Phantom Pain and the Phantom Strangler is killing again�. Coincidence or kismet?
This was an interesting thriller, a little over the top, but it mostly keeps the reader interested.
I wasn’t a fan of the character Roz, she seemed superficial and had a lack of depth and empathy. I think the plot could’ve been patched up and solidified in some areas, but overall, it works. Just be aware it’s a slowish start as well.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and CamCat Books for a copy!
May 10, 2024
this was so bad that it was insulting. no inner world no insight no intentionality. i feel like i need to take this author back to middle school creative writing and ask them to observe and then describe a bird in a tree or something. like this is beyond show dont tell
September 30, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up!
Phantom is about a broke young woman who just lost her job and has a crazy ex. When she is invited to an art exhibit from an old friend, she meets a man. The man offers to buy her hand for 1 million dollars. Eventually she agrees. After selling her hand, she has extreme phantom limb pain and she seeks out medical help. She joins a drug trial that has a weird side effect. She starts to feel what her hand is doing and she thinks the Phantom Strangler has her hand and is using it to kill people. She tries to seek out the strangler and stop the murders.
This book was just ok for me. I’ll start with the stuff I liked and then the few major problems I had with this book. I think the premise was interesting and original. It’s not like other thrillers I’ve read. You do have to suspend disbelief for this one but that wasn’t a problem for me. I think the twists were pretty good. I liked the it was set in Chicago, however, some lines made me think that the author has never been to Chicago or didn’t research it because some parts were just not accurate. I think the writing was good and the story was fast paced.
My major problem with this book was the main character. Talk about annoying! She sold her hand for a million dollars and then complained the whole time about losing her hand. She’s the one that made the choice to sell it! She was also very rude and mean to people for no reason. Like grow up and be nice. I think we were supposed to feel sympathy for her but I just couldn’t. I can’t stand when people don’t own up to their actions and choices. There was also a random romance thrown in that was completely unnecessary. She’s fearing for her life and trying to solve this murder and then all of a sudden she’s jumping into bed with this guy? Like why? Normal people don’t act like that.
Overall, this book had some major problems (for me at least). I think the premise was good and original it just didn’t work for me. Thanks so much to netgalley and Camcat books for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Phantom is about a broke young woman who just lost her job and has a crazy ex. When she is invited to an art exhibit from an old friend, she meets a man. The man offers to buy her hand for 1 million dollars. Eventually she agrees. After selling her hand, she has extreme phantom limb pain and she seeks out medical help. She joins a drug trial that has a weird side effect. She starts to feel what her hand is doing and she thinks the Phantom Strangler has her hand and is using it to kill people. She tries to seek out the strangler and stop the murders.
This book was just ok for me. I’ll start with the stuff I liked and then the few major problems I had with this book. I think the premise was interesting and original. It’s not like other thrillers I’ve read. You do have to suspend disbelief for this one but that wasn’t a problem for me. I think the twists were pretty good. I liked the it was set in Chicago, however, some lines made me think that the author has never been to Chicago or didn’t research it because some parts were just not accurate. I think the writing was good and the story was fast paced.
My major problem with this book was the main character. Talk about annoying! She sold her hand for a million dollars and then complained the whole time about losing her hand. She’s the one that made the choice to sell it! She was also very rude and mean to people for no reason. Like grow up and be nice. I think we were supposed to feel sympathy for her but I just couldn’t. I can’t stand when people don’t own up to their actions and choices. There was also a random romance thrown in that was completely unnecessary. She’s fearing for her life and trying to solve this murder and then all of a sudden she’s jumping into bed with this guy? Like why? Normal people don’t act like that.
Overall, this book had some major problems (for me at least). I think the premise was good and original it just didn’t work for me. Thanks so much to netgalley and Camcat books for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and CanCat Books for the advanced reading copy of Phantom. DNF @ 20%.
It pains me to say I could not finish this book. Between the extremely unlikable main character, ableism, and outright disrespect for mental illness and health - I didn’t wish to proceed.
The concept is compelling, along with gorgeous cover art, but I found this book to be a bit insulting, with incredibly clunky writing in serious need of an edit.
I’m sure lots of people will enjoy this book, just not me.
It pains me to say I could not finish this book. Between the extremely unlikable main character, ableism, and outright disrespect for mental illness and health - I didn’t wish to proceed.
The concept is compelling, along with gorgeous cover art, but I found this book to be a bit insulting, with incredibly clunky writing in serious need of an edit.
I’m sure lots of people will enjoy this book, just not me.
February 28, 2024
absolutely bonkers. you can’t take it too seriously and you have to have a suspension of disbelief, but it is solidly entertaining. unlikable and unreliable narrator! i love a “is this a shutter island situation� kind of book. literary equivalent of a mindless blockbuster
July 25, 2023
I was fortunate to receive this as an ARC Copy from NetGalley (Thanks to NetGalley and CamCat books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
Oh boy where to start!
Well first off I feel that the genre for this book fits more in the "Thriller" or "Suspense" genre (also a smidge of "Sci-Fi" as opposed to "Horror"... totally not a bad thing. I have been obsessed with reading these types for a really long time now. I thoroughly enjoyed how strange and odd it was. I enjoyed the fact that it was a nice well rounded quick read (a couple days for me - I read fast).
I am rating it 4 stars because I did enjoy the book, however I prefer a little less Sci-Fi when reading. I loved the character and story development and speed of the story (especially good to get out of a reading slump). I also loved how there were those moments where I just had to put the book down and wonder/question myself "Did that just happen??" - in a great way!
This book was my introduction to this author and i look forward to see what else they have in store for their readers! Extremely unique, would definitely recommend as a nice read!
Oh boy where to start!
Well first off I feel that the genre for this book fits more in the "Thriller" or "Suspense" genre (also a smidge of "Sci-Fi" as opposed to "Horror"... totally not a bad thing. I have been obsessed with reading these types for a really long time now. I thoroughly enjoyed how strange and odd it was. I enjoyed the fact that it was a nice well rounded quick read (a couple days for me - I read fast).
I am rating it 4 stars because I did enjoy the book, however I prefer a little less Sci-Fi when reading. I loved the character and story development and speed of the story (especially good to get out of a reading slump). I also loved how there were those moments where I just had to put the book down and wonder/question myself "Did that just happen??" - in a great way!
This book was my introduction to this author and i look forward to see what else they have in store for their readers! Extremely unique, would definitely recommend as a nice read!
July 29, 2023
If you need a sign to read this book DO IT!
𝘗𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘮 by Helen Power ✋🏻
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️�
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This book had me *𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥* right from the beginning. Absolute perfection. So unique it just sucks you in. I cried when I finished it because I didn't want it to be over. I didn't want to lose the characters or the story I just fell in love with. �
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Have you ever watched a movie and the whole thing is so dark, even if it's daylight, it's just this dark mood the whole time? Well that is exactly how I pictured this book. �
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Unfortunately this book doesn't publish until October and a huge thank you to Netgalley for introducing me to one of my favorite books of the year and allowing me to read it early ❤️�
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𝘗𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘮 by Helen Power ✋🏻
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️�
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This book had me *𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥* right from the beginning. Absolute perfection. So unique it just sucks you in. I cried when I finished it because I didn't want it to be over. I didn't want to lose the characters or the story I just fell in love with. �
�
Have you ever watched a movie and the whole thing is so dark, even if it's daylight, it's just this dark mood the whole time? Well that is exactly how I pictured this book. �
�
Unfortunately this book doesn't publish until October and a huge thank you to Netgalley for introducing me to one of my favorite books of the year and allowing me to read it early ❤️�
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October 31, 2023
Enjoyable murder mystery🥰
September 9, 2024
couldn’t stand the main character tbh
November 5, 2024
3.5 stars ⭐️ Interesting concept but kinda too far out there for me, and I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. 400 pages with the entire climax and ending in the last 10…could’ve been maybe 100 pages shorter and still would’ve been solid.
November 7, 2023
wow wow wow. this had me on the edge of my seat the entire time so so good. an amazinggg concept
July 16, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free and give my honest feedback and review.
Phantom was such an odd book but in the best way! The plot was incredibly original and it felt like I was watching a crime thriller movie unfold. The main character was a bit hard to like but her personality made sense for the situation she was in. I enjoyed the added romance to give this thriller a little more. Some things that didn’t add up for me were how this company was able to have the tech to make the stump heal and transplant a hand onto another person. It felt disjointed because there was no true explanation. There was also no explanation for how she felt the actions of her hand when it was on another person’s body. It felt too sci-fi and unexplained, even though it was crucial to the plot. I just felt like it was a bit unbelievable.
However, I did enjoy this read and finished it rather quickly. I would give it 3.5 stars and recommend it to those who like a quick thriller read
Phantom was such an odd book but in the best way! The plot was incredibly original and it felt like I was watching a crime thriller movie unfold. The main character was a bit hard to like but her personality made sense for the situation she was in. I enjoyed the added romance to give this thriller a little more. Some things that didn’t add up for me were how this company was able to have the tech to make the stump heal and transplant a hand onto another person. It felt disjointed because there was no true explanation. There was also no explanation for how she felt the actions of her hand when it was on another person’s body. It felt too sci-fi and unexplained, even though it was crucial to the plot. I just felt like it was a bit unbelievable.
However, I did enjoy this read and finished it rather quickly. I would give it 3.5 stars and recommend it to those who like a quick thriller read
October 9, 2023
[2.25/5, rounded slightly down]
The premise of Phantom is very fun: a broke young woman who decides to make a very strange deal, a background murder mystery, weird medical sci-fi stuff (which is always fun.)
Unfortunately, the execution didn't really work for me: I've seen other reviews mention that the protagonist isn't likeable, but that's not a prerequisite for me to enjoy a book. I feel like the biggest issue is that the protagonist seems to only act in ways that move the plot along instead of being a character who does things because it's in their nature to do so. The narration doesn't seem to be purposeful enough to make her an unreliable narrator: the way she describes the people around her and her reactions to them are wildly inconsistent depending on the vibe the author wants to go for in a given moment. This could possibly work if handled differently, but it doesn't really work here, and the prose itself feels a little too rough. "Show, don't tell," is really popular advice for a reason, and in this book a lot of things happen that are supposed to be building tension but the way we find out about them falls flat and doesn't really create the vibe that a thriller/mystery should have where you're on the edge of your seat wondering what's next. All in all, it's not a bad book, and the premise is fun, but it's not enough to carry the entire novel. It could have done with some polishing.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review!
The premise of Phantom is very fun: a broke young woman who decides to make a very strange deal, a background murder mystery, weird medical sci-fi stuff (which is always fun.)
Unfortunately, the execution didn't really work for me: I've seen other reviews mention that the protagonist isn't likeable, but that's not a prerequisite for me to enjoy a book. I feel like the biggest issue is that the protagonist seems to only act in ways that move the plot along instead of being a character who does things because it's in their nature to do so. The narration doesn't seem to be purposeful enough to make her an unreliable narrator: the way she describes the people around her and her reactions to them are wildly inconsistent depending on the vibe the author wants to go for in a given moment. This could possibly work if handled differently, but it doesn't really work here, and the prose itself feels a little too rough. "Show, don't tell," is really popular advice for a reason, and in this book a lot of things happen that are supposed to be building tension but the way we find out about them falls flat and doesn't really create the vibe that a thriller/mystery should have where you're on the edge of your seat wondering what's next. All in all, it's not a bad book, and the premise is fun, but it's not enough to carry the entire novel. It could have done with some polishing.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 3, 2023
ARC for review. TBP October 10, 2023.
Would you sell your left hand for one million dollars?
Roz, a starving artist in Chicago answers that question in the affirmative. She’s tired of having no money, tired of searching for a gallery and she’s just been fired from her job as a blackjack dealer. She thinks she’s hit rock bottom. After she’s sold her hand though she begins to experience excruciating phantom limb pain which leads her to a psychiatrist, then to experimental treatment and a support group. Soon Roz is fighting for her sanity and her life.
So, Roz, not the brightest crayon in the box. It’s hard to care about a character who is such a misanthrope and who consistently does such stupid things (and not just selling her hand.) Did I mention there’s also a serial killer on the loose? A strangler. I think you can see where this is going. And the therapist sees Roz maybe twice before she sends her off for untried, experimental treatment. If you can swallow a huge amount of disbelief this is an OK book though.
Would you sell your left hand for one million dollars?
Roz, a starving artist in Chicago answers that question in the affirmative. She’s tired of having no money, tired of searching for a gallery and she’s just been fired from her job as a blackjack dealer. She thinks she’s hit rock bottom. After she’s sold her hand though she begins to experience excruciating phantom limb pain which leads her to a psychiatrist, then to experimental treatment and a support group. Soon Roz is fighting for her sanity and her life.
So, Roz, not the brightest crayon in the box. It’s hard to care about a character who is such a misanthrope and who consistently does such stupid things (and not just selling her hand.) Did I mention there’s also a serial killer on the loose? A strangler. I think you can see where this is going. And the therapist sees Roz maybe twice before she sends her off for untried, experimental treatment. If you can swallow a huge amount of disbelief this is an OK book though.
September 28, 2023
Thank you netgalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Dnf at 21%. Usually I’d try to push through to 50%, but I’m going into a reading slump and I just don’t care enough. I don’t enjoy the tone of the story, something just feels idk like annoying? The main character isn’t likable or the type of character I want to root for. Just boring and annoying. I expected this to be a lot more fun, but it’s just not.
Also, the way OCD was mentioned twice within the first 80 pages and misrepresented. Literally giving “omg girl you’re so ocd 😋😋🙄� stop. “Her desk was tidy, and it crossed my mind that it might be she that had a touch of OCD.� (Real quote this time.) being “tidy� means you have a ‘touch� of OCD? Girl. 😭. Your desk is clean? Lemme give u an OCD diagnosis rq. Stop it� get some help. Use google.
Dnf at 21%. Usually I’d try to push through to 50%, but I’m going into a reading slump and I just don’t care enough. I don’t enjoy the tone of the story, something just feels idk like annoying? The main character isn’t likable or the type of character I want to root for. Just boring and annoying. I expected this to be a lot more fun, but it’s just not.
Also, the way OCD was mentioned twice within the first 80 pages and misrepresented. Literally giving “omg girl you’re so ocd 😋😋🙄� stop. “Her desk was tidy, and it crossed my mind that it might be she that had a touch of OCD.� (Real quote this time.) being “tidy� means you have a ‘touch� of OCD? Girl. 😭. Your desk is clean? Lemme give u an OCD diagnosis rq. Stop it� get some help. Use google.
November 6, 2023
This is a unique entertaining story that was loads of fun to read! It's written well and perfectly paced! I would highly recommend this! Thank You to Helen Power, Camcat books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
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