Scan barcode
A review by midnightrose_reads
The Temptation of Magic by Megan Scott
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Temptation of Magic is the first book in debut author Megan Scott’s Empyreal trilogy. It’s about a young woman named Nicole and her family who live in a small coastal university town named Estwood. Outwardly she’s seems to be a typical college student studying art, but what no one knows is that she is an Empyreal. An Empyreal is someone who can transform into any supernatural creature’s greatest threat once that being lets off the kill hormone. They are then sent out by the Wake to kill that supernatural creature. Nicole and her family have hidden from the Wake for years after Nicole’s mother was killed by one of their Empyreal agents to prevent her from revealing their secrets. Their relatively peaceful existence is shattered by the death of one of her professors, Professor Westmoore, complicating her studying of a particular painting. Nicole is hoping the painting will reveal secrets from her mother’s clues. All the while trying not to transform physically into a Empyreal and attract the attention of the Wake, putting her beloved family in danger.
Kyan is a Empyreal and the Wake’s most lethal agent. He’s sent to Estwood to investigate a Spectre who’s been attacking students at the town’s University. He poses as the late professor’s nephew in order to get access to the teachers paintings and residence, Westmoore Manor. Kyan and Nicole reluctantly team up to take care of the Spectre, named Lynch, and find out what he knows about painting. Along the way they uncover secrets that will turn both of their worlds upside down.
This was such a propulsive read that was exceptionally paced. Nicole and Kyan were wonderful in their dual POV chapters, really characters you rooted for. I also enjoyed how involved in the plot Nicole’s father, brother and sister were. The father is a Seer who makes all sorts of tonics and weapons to keep them safe, the brother Dylan is also an Empyreal, and their younger sister Bells is a Seer. I can’t wait until the next book in this trilogy!
Kyan is a Empyreal and the Wake’s most lethal agent. He’s sent to Estwood to investigate a Spectre who’s been attacking students at the town’s University. He poses as the late professor’s nephew in order to get access to the teachers paintings and residence, Westmoore Manor. Kyan and Nicole reluctantly team up to take care of the Spectre, named Lynch, and find out what he knows about painting. Along the way they uncover secrets that will turn both of their worlds upside down.
This was such a propulsive read that was exceptionally paced. Nicole and Kyan were wonderful in their dual POV chapters, really characters you rooted for. I also enjoyed how involved in the plot Nicole’s father, brother and sister were. The father is a Seer who makes all sorts of tonics and weapons to keep them safe, the brother Dylan is also an Empyreal, and their younger sister Bells is a Seer. I can’t wait until the next book in this trilogy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent