The Temptation of Magic
Published on 24. April 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
384 pages
978-0-00-858717-8 (ISBN)
Description
THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
Serpent and Dove meets A Discovery of Witches in this lush, darkly magical romantasy debut.
He was an Empyreal, her greatest threat, her greatest fascination. Everything she'd been warned against. And yet she wanted him, still.
As an Empyreal, Nicole has the ability to kill any deadly supernatural. But if her power ever awakened, the Wake-the organisation that governs supernaturals-would force her to be their loyal huntress. Or kill her, like they did her mother.
To stay safe, Nicole hides in a small university town, convinced the mythological art collection at a local manor contains a final message from her mother. But before she can study it, Kyan McCarter, the Wake's most skilled Empyreal, arrives on his own hunt. When they discover his prey has stolen a painting for leverage, they're forced to work together.
As the creature threatens to expose Nicole's powers, her tenuous alliance with Kyan threatens her heart. If her true identity is revealed, Kyan will hunt her next. No one disobeys The Wake and survives. Especially when the art they're seeking unveils a conspiracy that would change the lives of creatures and humans forever. . .
But Nicole may only be able to resist one: her wicked impulses, or a love that could repaint their world.
And after a life of hiding her true nature, who could resist the temptation of magic
A luxurious, forbidden romance that will become your new obsession. . .
Serpent and Dove meets A Discovery of Witches in this lush, darkly magical romantasy debut.
He was an Empyreal, her greatest threat, her greatest fascination. Everything she'd been warned against. And yet she wanted him, still.
As an Empyreal, Nicole has the ability to kill any deadly supernatural. But if her power ever awakened, the Wake-the organisation that governs supernaturals-would force her to be their loyal huntress. Or kill her, like they did her mother.
To stay safe, Nicole hides in a small university town, convinced the mythological art collection at a local manor contains a final message from her mother. But before she can study it, Kyan McCarter, the Wake's most skilled Empyreal, arrives on his own hunt. When they discover his prey has stolen a painting for leverage, they're forced to work together.
As the creature threatens to expose Nicole's powers, her tenuous alliance with Kyan threatens her heart. If her true identity is revealed, Kyan will hunt her next. No one disobeys The Wake and survives. Especially when the art they're seeking unveils a conspiracy that would change the lives of creatures and humans forever. . .
But Nicole may only be able to resist one: her wicked impulses, or a love that could repaint their world.
And after a life of hiding her true nature, who could resist the temptation of magic
A luxurious, forbidden romance that will become your new obsession. . .
Reviews / Votes
Praise for The Temptation of Magic'A dark jewel of a book, glinting with adventure, a gorgeous dark academia setting, and spellbinding romance'
Natasha J. Hastings, author of How to Charm a Viscount
'An intoxicating blend of the supernatural, Celtic mythology and an atmospheric Cornish town, Scott weaves an enthralling tale of desire and temptation. I was lured in by the gorgeous descriptions of art and the coastal setting, and ensnared by the characters and thrilling plot as it unfurled'
Rachel Greenlaw, author of Compass and Blade
'Simmering romance melds with dark academia in this lush, immersive tale-I was completely spellbound from the very first pages'
Lyndall Clipstone, author of Unholy Terrors
'Finally, a book that balances romance and fantasy perfectly! The Temptation of Magic is filled with art, mythology, and unique paranormal creatures, but the love story between Nicole and Kyan never gets overshadowed. The tension between these two is impeccable. This book is a slow burn that actually burns and I adored it!'
Melissa McTernan, author of A Curse of Blood and Wolves
'An absolutely sweeping love story that weaves the magic of dark academia, forbidden romance, with just a splash of enemies-to-lovers. This book felt like walking through a museum, admiring an art gallery, and breathing in the pages of an old bookstore all at once. Kyan and Nicole are both easy to fall in love with and impossible not to root for. From start to finish, it was a rich and vivid ride'
Elizabeth Helen, author of the Beasts of the Briar series
'Lush and glittering'
Booklist
'Their forced proximity causes proverbial sparks to fly. Filled with intriguing worldbuilding, a swoony forbidden romance, and a diverse collection of fascinating mythological creatures who coexist in the human and supernatural worlds, this series opener is ideal for fans of Holly Black, Cassandra Clare, and Sally Green...A page-turning romantasy'
Kirkus
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers
Target group
Young adult
Interest Age: From 15 years
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 193 mm
Width: 126 mm
Thickness: 31 mm
Weight
262 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-00-858717-8 (9780008587178)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Megan Scott is a romance and fantasy writer from a coastal town in the North West of England. Her debut for young adults, The Temptation of Magic, is publishing with HarperCollins in the UK and US in 2024, beginning the Empyreal trilogy.
She studied Art History and Classical Civilisation at university and masters level, looking at depictions of myth in nineteenth century art which still inspire her novels. When she's not writing or on Pinterest, she's trying to read as much as her nana, falling more in love with romance books, and soaking up all the Irish family history she can.
She studied Art History and Classical Civilisation at university and masters level, looking at depictions of myth in nineteenth century art which still inspire her novels. When she's not writing or on Pinterest, she's trying to read as much as her nana, falling more in love with romance books, and soaking up all the Irish family history she can.