Fact Check: Is Phantasma a standalone?

Is Phantasma a Standalone?

The claim in question is whether "Phantasma," a novel by Kaylie Smith, is a standalone book. This assertion has been made in various contexts, particularly in promotional materials and reader discussions. However, the nature of its standalone status appears to be nuanced, as some sources suggest it may be part of a series of interconnected standalones.

What We Know

1. Standalone Assertion: A Goodreads entry for "Phantasma" states that it is a standalone book, indicating that readers are not committing to a lengthy series by picking it up [2].

2. Interconnected Standalones: In a FAQ section on Kaylie Smith's official website, the author clarifies that "Phantasma" is the first book in a series of interconnected standalones. This means that while it can be read independently, it is part of a broader narrative universe that may include other books [6].

3. Genre and Themes: "Phantasma" is described as a paranormal romance set in a haunted mansion, which adds context to its narrative style and potential appeal [4][8].

4. Publication Context: The book is marketed as an "instant USA Today bestseller," which may influence how it is presented in various platforms, potentially emphasizing its standalone nature to attract a wider audience [4].

Analysis

The claim regarding "Phantasma" being a standalone work is supported by multiple sources, but the nuances of its categorization warrant a closer examination.

• Source Reliability: The Goodreads entry [2] is user-generated and can be subject to inaccuracies, though it is widely used by readers for book information. The author's website [6] is a primary source and thus carries more weight, as it directly reflects the author's intentions. However, promotional language can sometimes be biased towards making a book appear more appealing.

• Potential Confusion: The term "standalone" can be misleading in the context of interconnected narratives. While "Phantasma" can be read independently, the fact that it is part of a series may lead some readers to expect connections to future installments, which could affect their reading experience.

• Marketing Influence: The book's status as a bestseller might lead to promotional strategies that emphasize its standalone nature to attract readers who prefer not to engage with long series. This could introduce a bias in how the book is presented across different platforms.

• Additional Context Needed: It would be beneficial to have more detailed information about the subsequent books in the series and how they relate to "Phantasma." Understanding the thematic and narrative connections could clarify the implications of the term "interconnected standalones."

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The assertion that "Phantasma" is a standalone book is mostly true, as it can be read independently without requiring knowledge of other works. However, the author's clarification that it is part of a series of interconnected standalones introduces important nuances. While the book is marketed as a standalone, readers should be aware that it exists within a broader narrative universe, which may influence their expectations regarding future installments.

It is important to note that the evidence supporting this claim comes from both user-generated content and the author's official statements. While the author's website provides a reliable source of information, promotional language can sometimes skew perceptions. Additionally, the term "standalone" may lead to confusion for readers who might expect a completely isolated narrative experience.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate this information and consider the context in which "Phantasma" is presented, as well as the implications of its interconnected nature with other potential works in the series.

Sources

1. Dons, donations et legs au bénéfice d'une association. Service Public. Link
2. Phantasma (Wicked Games, #1) by Kaylie Smith. Goodreads. Link
3. Donations et legs – Associations.gouv.fr. Link
4. Phantasma by Kaylie Smith, Paperback. Barnes & Noble. Link
5. LE LEGS AU PROFIT D’UNE ASSOCIATION - Chambre Gironde. Link
6. FAQ's with Kaylie Smith. Link
7. Faire une donation ou un legs à une fondation ou une association. Notaires. Link
8. Phantasma by Kaylie Smith. Book of the Month. Link