Can I just confess something? The title alone got me. The Temptation of Magic is a story about power, hiding, and secrets. If you love the idea of a contemporary fantasy with supernatural beings all around us, keep reading this book review of The Temptation of Magic.
Summary
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…
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Temptation of Magic is built on the foundations of hidden magic of the world beneath our feet. With dual POV, it’s an enemies to lovers and we have to wonder if they can make it to the other side. Immediately, I loved the idea of the power and persuasion of art – since that’s part of Nicole’s academic work. Additionally, The Temptation of Magic is a symbol of the sentiment that if we play it safe, how will we ever learn, to grow, to find our own limits?
This series opener was a solid first book in a series all about what lengths we will go to stay hidden, to fight for the ones we love, and to protect our world. While the world is still a bit nebulous for me, I have high hopes for the sequel! The Temptation of Magic is more about secrets we have to protect someone, when we think the truth will only endanger or hurt someone. But are we right? It’s about the allure of power and what mercy means.
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In The Temptation of Magic power does not always go hand in hand with more agency. There’s plenty of chemistry, corruption, and secrets. It’s the latest contemporary fantasy I read in a while which felt immersive and like a shade close to our world! Find The Temptation of Magic on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon (US)(UK), Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.