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Empyreal #2
A Masterpiece in Blood
Perfect for fans of A Discovery of Witches and Serpent & Dove, this sequel to the sizzling dark romantasy The Temptation of Magic follows fated mates Nicole and Kyan as they attempt to root out the secrets at the heart of a shadowy supernatural organization.
Nicole and Kyan are playing a dangerous game.
Nicole is on the run, hiding from The Wake as she attempts to track down her mother’s last artistic clue and the truth of her death.
Kyan is pretending to still be The Wake’s loyal Empyreal assassin, even though his feelings for Nicole—and the mate bond that ties them together—have changed everything.
Separated, yet determined to be together, Nicole and Kyan must embark on a quest that will take them from the most powerful Vampire in England, to ancient Celtic treasures, and lost Druid sites.
Meanwhile, the Wake sees all, and the Wild Hunt is stirring.
As Nicole and Kyan get close to the dark secrets at the root of the organization, they court complete destruction—of themselves, each other, and all they hold dear.
Nicole and Kyan are playing a dangerous game.
Nicole is on the run, hiding from The Wake as she attempts to track down her mother’s last artistic clue and the truth of her death.
Kyan is pretending to still be The Wake’s loyal Empyreal assassin, even though his feelings for Nicole—and the mate bond that ties them together—have changed everything.
Separated, yet determined to be together, Nicole and Kyan must embark on a quest that will take them from the most powerful Vampire in England, to ancient Celtic treasures, and lost Druid sites.
Meanwhile, the Wake sees all, and the Wild Hunt is stirring.
As Nicole and Kyan get close to the dark secrets at the root of the organization, they court complete destruction—of themselves, each other, and all they hold dear.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 18, 2026
About the author
Megan Scott
3 books365 followersMegan Scott is the Sunday Times Bestselling romance and fantasy author from the North West of England.
Her debut for upper YA, THE TEMPTATION OF MAGIC, is a contemporary fantasy romance published in 2024 with HarperCollins in the UK and US, 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, or paint something she doesn’t want to ceremoniously burn in the garden.
You can find her on:
Instagram: @meganscott_writer
TikTok: @meganscott_writer
Her debut for upper YA, THE TEMPTATION OF MAGIC, is a contemporary fantasy romance published in 2024 with HarperCollins in the UK and US, 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, or paint something she doesn’t want to ceremoniously burn in the garden.
You can find her on:
Instagram: @meganscott_writer
TikTok: @meganscott_writer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
August 7, 2026
An absolute INCREDIBLE follow up to The Temptation of Magic! The plot is notched up even further and Megan has done such an incredible job at making us care for all of the characters. In this book we get to know the side characters even more, creating the opportunity to fall in love with them even deeper! I feel so invested in all of their individual stories. To me this series is criminally underrated!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
.ೃ࿐ Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collins for the opportunity to read and review the ARC before release! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3 ★
ੈ✩‧₊˚ my thoughts
I don’t think this series is meant for me as a reader.
A Masterpiece in Blood had all the ingredients of a book I should have loved: dark magic, mystery, and high stakes. But in the end, it was more enjoyable than memorable for me.
The atmosphere was easily my favorite part of the story. Megan Scott does a great job creating a dark, intriguing setting filled with secrets and tension. The mystery kept me turning pages, and I was invested in discovering how everything would come together. However, I wasn't a fan of the six-month time jump at the beginning of the book. It felt like I had missed an important part of the characters' journeys, and it took me a while to adjust to the new status quo. Because so much development happened off-page, it was harder to connect with some of the relationships and characters for me.
I also found myself still struggling with the world-building at times. While the concepts were fascinating, I often wanted more explanation and depth to fully understand the rules of the world and the magic system, especially as the world expanded in this sequel. Because of that, some plot developments felt a little rushed, and I wasn't always as emotionally invested as I wanted to be.
The characters were likable enough, but I never formed a strong connection with them. The relationships had potential, yet some interactions felt underdeveloped, making it difficult for the emotional moments to land as strongly as intended.
Overall, A Masterpiece in Blood was a solid read with an engaging premise, a compelling atmosphere, and plenty of intrigue. While it didn't completely work for me, I can see it appealing to readers who enjoy dark fantasy with mystery elements. I'm glad I read it, but I was left wishing for a bit more depth and development to make it truly stand out.
-`♡´- Happy reading! Belle
─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ୨୧ ──── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──── ୨୧ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─
୨୧➛ post-read ── .✦
meh. I’m not convinced by this series. I’m sure it’s perfect for other readers, but not for me
full rtc
.ೃ࿐ pre-read .ೃ࿐
decided to jump right into book 2 with the arc, because if i don't i don't think i'll end up picking it up 🫣
3 ★
ੈ✩‧₊˚ my thoughts
I don’t think this series is meant for me as a reader.
A Masterpiece in Blood had all the ingredients of a book I should have loved: dark magic, mystery, and high stakes. But in the end, it was more enjoyable than memorable for me.
The atmosphere was easily my favorite part of the story. Megan Scott does a great job creating a dark, intriguing setting filled with secrets and tension. The mystery kept me turning pages, and I was invested in discovering how everything would come together. However, I wasn't a fan of the six-month time jump at the beginning of the book. It felt like I had missed an important part of the characters' journeys, and it took me a while to adjust to the new status quo. Because so much development happened off-page, it was harder to connect with some of the relationships and characters for me.
I also found myself still struggling with the world-building at times. While the concepts were fascinating, I often wanted more explanation and depth to fully understand the rules of the world and the magic system, especially as the world expanded in this sequel. Because of that, some plot developments felt a little rushed, and I wasn't always as emotionally invested as I wanted to be.
The characters were likable enough, but I never formed a strong connection with them. The relationships had potential, yet some interactions felt underdeveloped, making it difficult for the emotional moments to land as strongly as intended.
Overall, A Masterpiece in Blood was a solid read with an engaging premise, a compelling atmosphere, and plenty of intrigue. While it didn't completely work for me, I can see it appealing to readers who enjoy dark fantasy with mystery elements. I'm glad I read it, but I was left wishing for a bit more depth and development to make it truly stand out.
-`♡´- Happy reading! Belle
─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ୨୧ ──── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──── ୨୧ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─
୨୧➛ post-read ── .✦
meh. I’m not convinced by this series. I’m sure it’s perfect for other readers, but not for me
full rtc
.ೃ࿐ pre-read .ೃ࿐
decided to jump right into book 2 with the arc, because if i don't i don't think i'll end up picking it up 🫣
paused
December 14, 2024I NEED THIS IN MY HANDS ASAP🥹
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Finally writing this review after reading in June!
A phenomenal second installment! The world building and character development completely blew me away. The romance between Kyan and Nicole was my favorite aspect of TTOM, and while it continued to meet all my expectations in AMOB, I found that I mainly could not put this down because of the constant stream of revelations. Every new secret they uncovered, particularly the truth behind the wake’s real history, kept me completely invested and constantly questioning what would be revealed next.
There were moments where the pacing felt slower than I would have preferred, and the story occasionally seemed to lose some momentum. However, whenever the plot picked back up, it did so at full speed so it ended up working out.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins for the eARC!
A phenomenal second installment! The world building and character development completely blew me away. The romance between Kyan and Nicole was my favorite aspect of TTOM, and while it continued to meet all my expectations in AMOB, I found that I mainly could not put this down because of the constant stream of revelations. Every new secret they uncovered, particularly the truth behind the wake’s real history, kept me completely invested and constantly questioning what would be revealed next.
There were moments where the pacing felt slower than I would have preferred, and the story occasionally seemed to lose some momentum. However, whenever the plot picked back up, it did so at full speed so it ended up working out.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well, it’s about the time that I hand this book over to readers since it’s heading out as e-arcs, and I just want to say: thank you so much for supporting a debut author. You have no idea how much you can impact a writer’s life and how hard it is to get people to even pick up a new author. I appreciate it more than I can express. The love you’ve shared with me for these characters has helped me through so many of the behind-the-scenes waits, delays and dilemmas!
Things you should know about A MASTERPIECE IN BLOOD:
- It is definitely New Adult, no longer upper YA
- It’s more urban fantasy than book one
- It’s got more of a follow-the-clues / quest plot, like National Treasure and The Da Vinci Code (but supernatural), so perfect if you love art history, celtic history, mythology and a good old conspiracy!
- The spice has increased (hence the older age rating) and the characters are slightly older
- There are trigger warnings, which I’ve included below
- There is a pronunciation guide and pretty much all the spellings of these Irish names are *Old Irish* to match the character’s immortal origins, other texts like the Táin and non-fiction on Irish mythology. Therefore, they may look different to what you’re used to if you’re a modern speaker. But, they’re pronounced so that a modern listener could understand, as otherwise many of the names would have sounded unrecognisable in the audiobook! *These have all been checked and recommended by professors of Irish history and modern speakers.
I can’t wait for you all to read!! I absolutely adore this book, even after reading 10+ times. There’s more yearning and heat, more POVs for a richer and more expansive narrative, a faster pace now we’re into the world, and of course: increased stakes. I hope you love it.
Meanwhile, I’m off to finish book three!
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Needles and blood being drawn
Loss of a parent and traumatic memories
Violence
Torture
Murder
Blood
Scenes of a sexual nature
Want to Read
November 18, 2024Please don’t let 2026 be the actual release date. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 I won’t last that long.
June 27, 2026
I thought the first book in this series had a great mix of nostalgic elements from the YA-era of 2010, but still had a unique feeling with fresh elements, especially the magical art. I looked forward to reading the sequel.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel as invested this time around. A lot of the elements that made the first book so intriguing is missing. The book starts out with a six-month time jump that made me feel disconnected to the story, because we missed so much that are only told to the reader and not shown.
The magical art isn’t as present, instead the focus lays on the sketchy operation The Wake. And while it does have some interesting elements, it delivers a different feeling than the first book.
This book also features one of my biggest pet peeves; adding more POV in later installments. If I haven’t established a bond with these characters from their POV in the first book that made me want to continue the series, I just find these chapters to be a distraction from the story I expected and wanted to read. If an author chose to do this, I will almost always rate the book lower than the previous one.
I could see myself giving the next book a try despite not enjoying this one fully.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel as invested this time around. A lot of the elements that made the first book so intriguing is missing. The book starts out with a six-month time jump that made me feel disconnected to the story, because we missed so much that are only told to the reader and not shown.
The magical art isn’t as present, instead the focus lays on the sketchy operation The Wake. And while it does have some interesting elements, it delivers a different feeling than the first book.
This book also features one of my biggest pet peeves; adding more POV in later installments. If I haven’t established a bond with these characters from their POV in the first book that made me want to continue the series, I just find these chapters to be a distraction from the story I expected and wanted to read. If an author chose to do this, I will almost always rate the book lower than the previous one.
I could see myself giving the next book a try despite not enjoying this one fully.
June 8, 2026
Booksta Link✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
Series: Empyreal Trilogy #2
Themes & Tropes: Fated Mates, Celtic Mythology & Lore, Mystery & Intrigue, Forbidden Romance, Hidden Clues in Art, Gods & Demons, Hidden Identities, Secret Conspiracies, Urban Fantasy Romance, Slow Burn Romance, Touch Her and Die, Murder Mystery Elements, Artistic Prose.
Summary:
A Masterpiece in Blood was my most anticipated release of the year, and somehow it exceeded every expectation I had. Yes, there is a lot happening. The scope of the story expands dramatically, the mysteries deepen, and the stakes become impossibly high. But at its heart, this remains a story about family, love, truth, and the people willing to risk everything to protect one another.
I adore these characters. I adore this world. I adore the mythology, the mystery, and the romance. Most of all, I adore Megan’s writing, which feels like a work of art in its own right - something that deserves to be framed and displayed in a museum for everyone to experience in it’s glory.
This was a phenomenal sequel, an emotional rollercoaster, and one of my favourite reads of the year so far. Now excuse me while I desperately wait for book three and attempt to recover from that ending!
Plot:
The first thing you’ll notice going into A Masterpiece in Blood is the six-month time jump. Initially, I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about it - I wanted everything!!! However, once I settled into the story, I genuinely couldn’t imagine the book any other way. Megan manages to organically remind readers of the events from book one without relying on a lengthy recap chapter, while also using Nicole’s lingering questions to mirror many of the questions we as readers still have.
Book two significantly expands the scope of the story, introducing several interconnected plotlines.
Nicole continues unraveling the clues left behind by her mother, particularly those hidden within her mother’s portrait. This was the central mystery of book one, and seeing it branch into something much larger felt like a natural progression. No longer confined to Eastwood, Nicole and her family find themselves once again on the run from the Wake, desperately trying to stay hidden while piecing together the truth.
At the same time, Remi begins investigating the mysteries surrounding the legendary Harp, the second divine artifact needed to challenge the Wake’s growing power. We also follow Kyan as he searches for answers regarding the increasingly common hybrid creatures appearing throughout the world, the truth behind Nicole’s mother’s murder, and the sudden reappearance of the Druids - his long-dead ancestors. Meanwhile, Dylan’s storyline quietly unfolds in the background as he struggles to recover memories surrounding his mother’s death.
There is undeniably a lot happening in this sequel, and I can understand why some readers may find it overwhelming at first. It’s a significant step up from book one, which focused primarily on Nicole’s mother’s clues and the central murder mystery. However, every thread ultimately ties back to the same question: who truly controls the Wake? What is the deeper conspiracy working in the background? And let me tell you— the answers are worth the wait.
Not only do we finally uncover the truth behind the Wake’s leadership, but we also receive long-awaited answers regarding Nicole’s father’s powers that were hinted at in the ending of book one. I did not see any of it coming!
Megan has a talent for weaving together seemingly unrelated threads until everything clicks into place. The final stretch of this book is absolutely relentless, filled with revelations, impossible choices, and high-stakes moments that left my heart racing.
And that ending? I finished this book on a flight and was genuinely sitting there in tears. The cliffhanger didn’t just end the story—it emotionally finished me.
One of my favourite additions was the expanded POV structure. We spend more time with Nicole’s entire family, including Ronan, Bell, and Dylan, which gives the story so much additional depth and emotional weight.
World Building:
One of the biggest strengths of A Masterpiece in Blood is how much it expands the world introduced in TTOM. For the first time, we move beyond Eastwood and venture into London and Ireland, opening the door to an entirely new level of mythology, lore, and magical creatures. Dragons. Vampires. Hybrids created by the Wake. And several other creatures I’m intentionally avoiding mentioning because discovering them was part of the fun.
At first glance, the amount of world-building may seem intimidating. However, it makes perfect sense within the context of the story. Nicole and her family spent years hidden away in Eastwood, meaning readers were naturally limited in what they could learn about the wider world. Now those doors have been thrown open.
What continues to impress me most is Megan’s use of Celtic mythology as the foundation of the world. The mythology never feels superficial or decorative—it feels deeply embedded into the story’s DNA. Every new piece of lore had me completely invested, and by the end of the book I was seriously considering booking a ticket to Ireland.
Characters:
One of the greatest joys of this sequel is spending more time with the wider cast. The additional POV chapters allow us to finally learn more about characters like Ronan and Callum, both of whom raised countless questions in book one. And somehow? Megan answered those questions in ways I never would have predicted.
Callum in particular became a standout for me. His friendship with Kyan is one of my favourite relationships in the series, and their interactions consistently brought some much-needed humour and heart to the story. We also spend more time with Remi and her Siren heritage. There is one chapter near the end of the book involving Remi that completely broke me. Watching Nicole’s fierce love for her best friend and seeing the lengths she’d go to protect her had me openly crying.
As for Nicole and Kyan, I somehow love them even more now than I did in book one. Nicole’s growth throughout this book is incredible. Having finally embraced her Empyreal nature after years of resisting it, she’s forced to reckon with what that power means—not just for herself, but for everyone she loves. Watching those changes manifest in both subtle and significant ways was fascinating. Kyan’s journey is equally compelling. He continues questioning everything he’s ever been taught by the Wake while confronting hidden truths about his family, his history, and himself. Both characters experience tremendous growth individually, but some of their strongest moments come when they’re forced into impossible situations together. Nicole remains endlessly curious, intelligent, and driven by her love of art, history, and truth. Kyan remains the fierce protector struggling to reconcile the person he’s been told to be with the person he’s becoming. I could happily read hundreds more books about these two.
Romance:
The yearning. THE. YEARNING. When I say I love slow-burn romance, this is exactly what I mean. Megan understands that slow burn isn’t about withholding romance—it’s about building anticipation until every interaction feels electric. The tension between Nicole and Kyan in this book is absolutely unreal. Every glance. Every touch. Every protective instinct. Every moment of vulnerability. I was losing my mind.
And the spice. After the ending of book one, I expected things to progress, but Megan absolutely delivered. I was unwell. Nicole was unwell. We were all unwell. And yes, Kyan snapping someone’s neck while looking directly at Nicole may genuinely be one of the sexiest things I have ever read in a book, period.
I don’t make the rules. He’s officially secured the number two spot on my fictional boyfriend ranking (shoutout to Arin of Nizhal.)
Writing:
Megan’s writing continues to be one of my favourite aspects of this series. The artistic prose isn’t limited to discussions of paintings or galleries—it extends into every aspect of the story. Landscapes feel like artwork. Cities feel like artwork. Even moments of devastation are written with a strange, beautiful elegance. There is something incredibly distinctive about Megan’s voice as an author. I honestly struggle to compare her writing to anyone else’s because it feels entirely her own.
Every page feels intentional. Every description feels vivid. Every emotional moment lands exactly where it’s meant to. Considering The Temptation of Magic and A Masterpiece in Blood are her first published works, I’m still completely blown away by what she’s accomplished.
I cannot thank Harper Collins for the advanced copy via NetGalley!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
Series: Empyreal Trilogy #2
Themes & Tropes: Fated Mates, Celtic Mythology & Lore, Mystery & Intrigue, Forbidden Romance, Hidden Clues in Art, Gods & Demons, Hidden Identities, Secret Conspiracies, Urban Fantasy Romance, Slow Burn Romance, Touch Her and Die, Murder Mystery Elements, Artistic Prose.
Summary:
A Masterpiece in Blood was my most anticipated release of the year, and somehow it exceeded every expectation I had. Yes, there is a lot happening. The scope of the story expands dramatically, the mysteries deepen, and the stakes become impossibly high. But at its heart, this remains a story about family, love, truth, and the people willing to risk everything to protect one another.
I adore these characters. I adore this world. I adore the mythology, the mystery, and the romance. Most of all, I adore Megan’s writing, which feels like a work of art in its own right - something that deserves to be framed and displayed in a museum for everyone to experience in it’s glory.
This was a phenomenal sequel, an emotional rollercoaster, and one of my favourite reads of the year so far. Now excuse me while I desperately wait for book three and attempt to recover from that ending!
Plot:
The first thing you’ll notice going into A Masterpiece in Blood is the six-month time jump. Initially, I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about it - I wanted everything!!! However, once I settled into the story, I genuinely couldn’t imagine the book any other way. Megan manages to organically remind readers of the events from book one without relying on a lengthy recap chapter, while also using Nicole’s lingering questions to mirror many of the questions we as readers still have.
Book two significantly expands the scope of the story, introducing several interconnected plotlines.
Nicole continues unraveling the clues left behind by her mother, particularly those hidden within her mother’s portrait. This was the central mystery of book one, and seeing it branch into something much larger felt like a natural progression. No longer confined to Eastwood, Nicole and her family find themselves once again on the run from the Wake, desperately trying to stay hidden while piecing together the truth.
At the same time, Remi begins investigating the mysteries surrounding the legendary Harp, the second divine artifact needed to challenge the Wake’s growing power. We also follow Kyan as he searches for answers regarding the increasingly common hybrid creatures appearing throughout the world, the truth behind Nicole’s mother’s murder, and the sudden reappearance of the Druids - his long-dead ancestors. Meanwhile, Dylan’s storyline quietly unfolds in the background as he struggles to recover memories surrounding his mother’s death.
There is undeniably a lot happening in this sequel, and I can understand why some readers may find it overwhelming at first. It’s a significant step up from book one, which focused primarily on Nicole’s mother’s clues and the central murder mystery. However, every thread ultimately ties back to the same question: who truly controls the Wake? What is the deeper conspiracy working in the background? And let me tell you— the answers are worth the wait.
Not only do we finally uncover the truth behind the Wake’s leadership, but we also receive long-awaited answers regarding Nicole’s father’s powers that were hinted at in the ending of book one. I did not see any of it coming!
Megan has a talent for weaving together seemingly unrelated threads until everything clicks into place. The final stretch of this book is absolutely relentless, filled with revelations, impossible choices, and high-stakes moments that left my heart racing.
And that ending? I finished this book on a flight and was genuinely sitting there in tears. The cliffhanger didn’t just end the story—it emotionally finished me.
One of my favourite additions was the expanded POV structure. We spend more time with Nicole’s entire family, including Ronan, Bell, and Dylan, which gives the story so much additional depth and emotional weight.
World Building:
One of the biggest strengths of A Masterpiece in Blood is how much it expands the world introduced in TTOM. For the first time, we move beyond Eastwood and venture into London and Ireland, opening the door to an entirely new level of mythology, lore, and magical creatures. Dragons. Vampires. Hybrids created by the Wake. And several other creatures I’m intentionally avoiding mentioning because discovering them was part of the fun.
At first glance, the amount of world-building may seem intimidating. However, it makes perfect sense within the context of the story. Nicole and her family spent years hidden away in Eastwood, meaning readers were naturally limited in what they could learn about the wider world. Now those doors have been thrown open.
What continues to impress me most is Megan’s use of Celtic mythology as the foundation of the world. The mythology never feels superficial or decorative—it feels deeply embedded into the story’s DNA. Every new piece of lore had me completely invested, and by the end of the book I was seriously considering booking a ticket to Ireland.
Characters:
One of the greatest joys of this sequel is spending more time with the wider cast. The additional POV chapters allow us to finally learn more about characters like Ronan and Callum, both of whom raised countless questions in book one. And somehow? Megan answered those questions in ways I never would have predicted.
Callum in particular became a standout for me. His friendship with Kyan is one of my favourite relationships in the series, and their interactions consistently brought some much-needed humour and heart to the story. We also spend more time with Remi and her Siren heritage. There is one chapter near the end of the book involving Remi that completely broke me. Watching Nicole’s fierce love for her best friend and seeing the lengths she’d go to protect her had me openly crying.
As for Nicole and Kyan, I somehow love them even more now than I did in book one. Nicole’s growth throughout this book is incredible. Having finally embraced her Empyreal nature after years of resisting it, she’s forced to reckon with what that power means—not just for herself, but for everyone she loves. Watching those changes manifest in both subtle and significant ways was fascinating. Kyan’s journey is equally compelling. He continues questioning everything he’s ever been taught by the Wake while confronting hidden truths about his family, his history, and himself. Both characters experience tremendous growth individually, but some of their strongest moments come when they’re forced into impossible situations together. Nicole remains endlessly curious, intelligent, and driven by her love of art, history, and truth. Kyan remains the fierce protector struggling to reconcile the person he’s been told to be with the person he’s becoming. I could happily read hundreds more books about these two.
Romance:
The yearning. THE. YEARNING. When I say I love slow-burn romance, this is exactly what I mean. Megan understands that slow burn isn’t about withholding romance—it’s about building anticipation until every interaction feels electric. The tension between Nicole and Kyan in this book is absolutely unreal. Every glance. Every touch. Every protective instinct. Every moment of vulnerability. I was losing my mind.
And the spice. After the ending of book one, I expected things to progress, but Megan absolutely delivered. I was unwell. Nicole was unwell. We were all unwell. And yes, Kyan snapping someone’s neck while looking directly at Nicole may genuinely be one of the sexiest things I have ever read in a book, period.
I don’t make the rules. He’s officially secured the number two spot on my fictional boyfriend ranking (shoutout to Arin of Nizhal.)
Writing:
Megan’s writing continues to be one of my favourite aspects of this series. The artistic prose isn’t limited to discussions of paintings or galleries—it extends into every aspect of the story. Landscapes feel like artwork. Cities feel like artwork. Even moments of devastation are written with a strange, beautiful elegance. There is something incredibly distinctive about Megan’s voice as an author. I honestly struggle to compare her writing to anyone else’s because it feels entirely her own.
Every page feels intentional. Every description feels vivid. Every emotional moment lands exactly where it’s meant to. Considering The Temptation of Magic and A Masterpiece in Blood are her first published works, I’m still completely blown away by what she’s accomplished.
I cannot thank Harper Collins for the advanced copy via NetGalley!
June 25, 2026
A Masterpiece in Blood was everything I hoped for after the first book and more. One of my favourite parts of this installment was getting more perspectives woven into the story. Seeing things through different characters’ eyes added so much depth and gave the narrative a richer, more complete feeling. I especially loved getting to know the side characters more intimately, their stories, motivations, and personalities were explored in a way that really helped flesh out the narrative from what we experienced in book one.
The romance between Kyan and Nicole continues to be one of my favourite parts of the series. I absolutely adore the pacing of their relationship. While certain tropes could easily lean into an insta-love feeling, Megan Scott handles their connection so well that it still feels like a true slow burn. There’s a natural progression to their bond, and the build-up makes every moment between them feel earned.
The Celtic and Irish mythology is also what truly sets this series apart for me. I love how seamlessly Megan Scott has woven these elements into the story, it feels intentional, immersive, and like such an important part of the world rather than just an added detail. The way the mythology has expanded has completely pulled me further into the series, and after that ending, I am beyond excited to see where she takes it next.
This series is quickly becoming something special for me, and A Masterpiece in Blood has solidified that it could easily become an all-time favourite read. I cannot wait for more.
The romance between Kyan and Nicole continues to be one of my favourite parts of the series. I absolutely adore the pacing of their relationship. While certain tropes could easily lean into an insta-love feeling, Megan Scott handles their connection so well that it still feels like a true slow burn. There’s a natural progression to their bond, and the build-up makes every moment between them feel earned.
The Celtic and Irish mythology is also what truly sets this series apart for me. I love how seamlessly Megan Scott has woven these elements into the story, it feels intentional, immersive, and like such an important part of the world rather than just an added detail. The way the mythology has expanded has completely pulled me further into the series, and after that ending, I am beyond excited to see where she takes it next.
This series is quickly becoming something special for me, and A Masterpiece in Blood has solidified that it could easily become an all-time favourite read. I cannot wait for more.
June 27, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for approving me to read this, rating 4.25 stars.
What a follow up to book 1! I feel like so much changes in book 2 and the secrets upon secrets it reveals had me hooked. I still feel like we have more to discover which is wild.
I still adore the romantic sub plot between our main characters, it’s so fiery and deep, these two characters feel like the force behind how all the characters keep things moving and figuring things out despite how bleak things look at times. The clues and mystery surrounding freya grows and I’m not sure how nicoles family will recover after the end. I’m locked in for the next book because what do you mean book 2 ended like that???
What a follow up to book 1! I feel like so much changes in book 2 and the secrets upon secrets it reveals had me hooked. I still feel like we have more to discover which is wild.
I still adore the romantic sub plot between our main characters, it’s so fiery and deep, these two characters feel like the force behind how all the characters keep things moving and figuring things out despite how bleak things look at times. The clues and mystery surrounding freya grows and I’m not sure how nicoles family will recover after the end. I’m locked in for the next book because what do you mean book 2 ended like that???
Want to Read
December 15, 20242026?!? please say it aint sooooo
September 21, 2026
This is an original series I liked the art being embedded into the fantasy aspect of the books.
There were a lot of revelations in this book, everyone is special in some way which I kind of started to guess by the time it was revealed but it was maybe too much?
I love the romance between the two protagonists but it really was a secondary plot point in this second book where I thought that after the ending of book 1 would be more important.
It’s also unfortunate because I think the writing is good but it’s not addicting enough? There’s so many good and original fantasy books that don’t have enough visibility and I think to really seal the deal on this one, the writing in book 3 needs to be more fast paced, giving me the need to binge it !
There were a lot of revelations in this book, everyone is special in some way which I kind of started to guess by the time it was revealed but it was maybe too much?
I love the romance between the two protagonists but it really was a secondary plot point in this second book where I thought that after the ending of book 1 would be more important.
It’s also unfortunate because I think the writing is good but it’s not addicting enough? There’s so many good and original fantasy books that don’t have enough visibility and I think to really seal the deal on this one, the writing in book 3 needs to be more fast paced, giving me the need to binge it !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2026
Talk about an epic sequel! We went from an epic murder mystery into full-blown Irish folklore with Druids and old gods. There were so many secrets revealed in this book; my jaw was on the floor for the last 25% of the book. The yearning between Nicole and Kyan, even though we know they are mates, was torturous. The world-building was even better in book two as well. I can't wait to see where this story goes from here.
Jane Fox does an amazing job narrating this epic story.
Thank you to HTP Books for the ALC.
Jane Fox does an amazing job narrating this epic story.
Thank you to HTP Books for the ALC.
May 10, 2026
3 ✰
↳ eARC
Blood hides more secrets than it reveals.
After enjoying the first book, I was really looking forward to A Masterpiece in Blood. Even though I had a good time reading it and still really enjoyed certain aspects, this second book unfortunately left less of an impression on me.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is clearly its worldbuilding. The lore remains just as interesting and immersive, especially everything related to the creatures and the overall atmosphere of the story. You can really feel that the world is carefully crafted and has its own identity.
I also enjoyed several plot twists and revelations. Some of them were well executed and managed to reignite my interest in the story at key moments. However, I found the pacing quite uneven. The plot takes a long time to truly move forward at the beginning, and some parts felt rather slow. At times, certain elements or reflections became a bit repetitive, which slowed down the reading experience even more.
I also think what I missed the most in this book was perhaps more action or emotional intensity. Even though the story remains interesting, I didn’t feel the same level of attachment or obsession that I had with the first book. There was less of that tension or spark that made me want to keep turning the pages.
Despite that, it was still an enjoyable read with a strong universe and interesting ideas. I’m still looking forward to reading the sequel!
───── ｡⋆ 🩸 ⋆｡ ─────
•Secrets
•Mystery
•Urban fantasy
•Found family
•Dark academia vibes
•Irish myths
•Hunt
•Art & magic
જ⁀➴ Thank you to the author, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for this eARC <3
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
3 ✰
↳ service de presse numérique
Le sang cache plus de secrets qu’il n’en révèle.
Après avoir apprécié le premier tome, j’attendais avec impatience A masterpiece in blood . Même si j’ai passé un bon moment et que certains aspects m’ont encore beaucoup plu, ce deuxième tome m’a malheureusement moins marquée.
L’un des points forts du livre reste clairement son univers. Le lore est toujours aussi intéressant et immersif, notamment tout ce qui touche aux créatures et à l’ambiance du récit. On sent que l’univers est travaillé et possède sa propre identité.
J’ai également apprécié plusieurs rebondissements et retournements de situation. Certains étaient bien amenés et réussissaient à relancer l’intérêt de l’intrigue à des moments clés. Cependant, j’ai trouvé que le rythme était assez inégal. Le début de l’intrigue met beaucoup de temps à avancer et certaines parties m’ont semblé longues. Par moments, certains éléments ou réflexions se répétaient un peu ce qui ralentissait un peu la lecture.
Je pense aussi que ce qui m’a le plus manqué dans ce tome, c’est peut-être davantage d’action ou d’intensité émotionnelle. Même si l’histoire reste intéressante, je n’ai pas ressenti le même niveau d’accroche ou d’obsession que pour le premier tome. Il y avait moins cette tension ou cette étincelle qui me donnait envie d’enchaîner les chapitres.
Malgré cela, ça reste une lecture agréable avec un univers toujours aussi solide et des idées intéressantes. J’ai tout de même hâte de lire la suite !
───── ｡⋆ 🩸 ⋆｡ ─────
•Secrets
•Mystère
•Fantaisie urbaine
•Found family
•Dark academia vibes
•Mythes irlandais
•Chasse
•Art et magie
↳ eARC
Blood hides more secrets than it reveals.
After enjoying the first book, I was really looking forward to A Masterpiece in Blood. Even though I had a good time reading it and still really enjoyed certain aspects, this second book unfortunately left less of an impression on me.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is clearly its worldbuilding. The lore remains just as interesting and immersive, especially everything related to the creatures and the overall atmosphere of the story. You can really feel that the world is carefully crafted and has its own identity.
I also enjoyed several plot twists and revelations. Some of them were well executed and managed to reignite my interest in the story at key moments. However, I found the pacing quite uneven. The plot takes a long time to truly move forward at the beginning, and some parts felt rather slow. At times, certain elements or reflections became a bit repetitive, which slowed down the reading experience even more.
I also think what I missed the most in this book was perhaps more action or emotional intensity. Even though the story remains interesting, I didn’t feel the same level of attachment or obsession that I had with the first book. There was less of that tension or spark that made me want to keep turning the pages.
Despite that, it was still an enjoyable read with a strong universe and interesting ideas. I’m still looking forward to reading the sequel!
───── ｡⋆ 🩸 ⋆｡ ─────
•Secrets
•Mystery
•Urban fantasy
•Found family
•Dark academia vibes
•Irish myths
•Hunt
•Art & magic
જ⁀➴ Thank you to the author, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for this eARC <3
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
3 ✰
↳ service de presse numérique
Le sang cache plus de secrets qu’il n’en révèle.
Après avoir apprécié le premier tome, j’attendais avec impatience A masterpiece in blood . Même si j’ai passé un bon moment et que certains aspects m’ont encore beaucoup plu, ce deuxième tome m’a malheureusement moins marquée.
L’un des points forts du livre reste clairement son univers. Le lore est toujours aussi intéressant et immersif, notamment tout ce qui touche aux créatures et à l’ambiance du récit. On sent que l’univers est travaillé et possède sa propre identité.
J’ai également apprécié plusieurs rebondissements et retournements de situation. Certains étaient bien amenés et réussissaient à relancer l’intérêt de l’intrigue à des moments clés. Cependant, j’ai trouvé que le rythme était assez inégal. Le début de l’intrigue met beaucoup de temps à avancer et certaines parties m’ont semblé longues. Par moments, certains éléments ou réflexions se répétaient un peu ce qui ralentissait un peu la lecture.
Je pense aussi que ce qui m’a le plus manqué dans ce tome, c’est peut-être davantage d’action ou d’intensité émotionnelle. Même si l’histoire reste intéressante, je n’ai pas ressenti le même niveau d’accroche ou d’obsession que pour le premier tome. Il y avait moins cette tension ou cette étincelle qui me donnait envie d’enchaîner les chapitres.
Malgré cela, ça reste une lecture agréable avec un univers toujours aussi solide et des idées intéressantes. J’ai tout de même hâte de lire la suite !
───── ｡⋆ 🩸 ⋆｡ ─────
•Secrets
•Mystère
•Fantaisie urbaine
•Found family
•Dark academia vibes
•Mythes irlandais
•Chasse
•Art et magie
May 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this eArc.
When I first read The Temptation of Magic I knew that it would slowly work its way to one of my all time favourite reads. The second I knew that A Masterpiece in Blood was coming out, I knew I had to read it - and I currently have 2 copies on pre order - but I am so grateful to have been given the chance to read this as an ARC too.
I LOVE Kyan and Nicole as people, as if they were 2 people that I had been friends with and was finally starting to see them grow into who they were meant to be - and I have to remind myself regularly that they are, in fact, characters of a book.
The multiple perspectives between Bells, Dylan, Kyan, Nicole, and another (who I won't name for fear of spoiling it) just adds extra to the storyline and the overarching development of these people and who they are working to be.
We find out The Wake is worse than we could have imagined, but the determination of 'The Family' is inspiring. The way they band together, act as a true family, a support network is comforting and is something that just adds extra to the overall development of the story and the characters.
I couldn't get enough of the intimacy between Nicole and Kyan, the respectfulness but also the HEAT. the ONE BED. the alone in a CABIN!? Urgh you have hit some of my favourite tropes!
I will say nothing else on the story, except for this, HOW COULD YOU LEAVE IT LIKE THAT!!! My soul is a little bit sad right now and I need time to recover.
When I first read The Temptation of Magic I knew that it would slowly work its way to one of my all time favourite reads. The second I knew that A Masterpiece in Blood was coming out, I knew I had to read it - and I currently have 2 copies on pre order - but I am so grateful to have been given the chance to read this as an ARC too.
I LOVE Kyan and Nicole as people, as if they were 2 people that I had been friends with and was finally starting to see them grow into who they were meant to be - and I have to remind myself regularly that they are, in fact, characters of a book.
The multiple perspectives between Bells, Dylan, Kyan, Nicole, and another (who I won't name for fear of spoiling it) just adds extra to the storyline and the overarching development of these people and who they are working to be.
We find out The Wake is worse than we could have imagined, but the determination of 'The Family' is inspiring. The way they band together, act as a true family, a support network is comforting and is something that just adds extra to the overall development of the story and the characters.
I couldn't get enough of the intimacy between Nicole and Kyan, the respectfulness but also the HEAT. the ONE BED. the alone in a CABIN!? Urgh you have hit some of my favourite tropes!
I will say nothing else on the story, except for this, HOW COULD YOU LEAVE IT LIKE THAT!!! My soul is a little bit sad right now and I need time to recover.
May 9, 2026
What the fuck???? I need the sequel RIGHT NOW
The tension and slow burn had me literally so frustrated it was written so well
Megan has such a way with nuance and detail in her writing I love this so much
The tension and slow burn had me literally so frustrated it was written so well
Megan has such a way with nuance and detail in her writing I love this so much
October 11, 2026
This sequel was surprisingly well-crafted for the most part. The chapters were short and fast-paced, the Irish lore was well-developed, and the treasure hunt quest (taking us from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye via Ireland and London) was engaging and entertaining. 🏴🇮🇪🍀
However, just as in book one, there are still some significant flaws... :
The multiple perspectives are uneven, with Dylan's remaining the weakest by far; he constantly mopes, feels very superficial, and often slows down the plot 😑. Bells, on the other hand, is more interesting but underdeveloped—though I suspect she will play a much more central role in the third volume.✨
Nicole's character improves, gaining autonomy and independence. Her relationship with Kyan is very touching, but she learns to master and control her powers far too quickly and effortlessly. Yet , she also manages to stand her ground physically against experienced, far better-trained members of The Wake way too often, which is quite annoying and unrealistic.
The small riddles are solved much too easily, and certain steps of their quest are resolved with baffling speed and without the slightest difficulty. There's no sense of risk or danger conveyed by the author; we feel no tension and never even have time to worry for the characters or fear failure, which feels quite disappointing and lazy. 🥱🙄
Nevertheless, the story remains gripping, and the references to famous paintings and artists from various eras are well-researched and captivating. I'll read the next book, but just like the first one, the story lacks depth and nuance to be truly solid and earn more than a 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐💫
However, just as in book one, there are still some significant flaws... :
The multiple perspectives are uneven, with Dylan's remaining the weakest by far; he constantly mopes, feels very superficial, and often slows down the plot 😑. Bells, on the other hand, is more interesting but underdeveloped—though I suspect she will play a much more central role in the third volume.✨
Nicole's character improves, gaining autonomy and independence. Her relationship with Kyan is very touching, but she learns to master and control her powers far too quickly and effortlessly. Yet , she also manages to stand her ground physically against experienced, far better-trained members of The Wake way too often, which is quite annoying and unrealistic.
The small riddles are solved much too easily, and certain steps of their quest are resolved with baffling speed and without the slightest difficulty. There's no sense of risk or danger conveyed by the author; we feel no tension and never even have time to worry for the characters or fear failure, which feels quite disappointing and lazy. 🥱🙄
Nevertheless, the story remains gripping, and the references to famous paintings and artists from various eras are well-researched and captivating. I'll read the next book, but just like the first one, the story lacks depth and nuance to be truly solid and earn more than a 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐💫
September 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this earc
Welcome back to second book syndrome.
There were few things I enjoyed in this book, like mention of real places and objects (as someone who’s been to Trinity College Library, it was very cool to see it here). Made the story feel more grounded.
I also liked how much the art was important to the plot. It’s not easy to use art history as a tool. But I also can see how many people won’t be able to connect to it.
The first half of this was pretty slow. Once we got past that point, things started to pick up but it got us to the part that annoyed me the most. That every single character was SPECIAL. I can take the main FMC and MMC. I can even agree with their families. But everyone? The best friends too?
Give one human. Just one. And because they are all special, obviously nobody died. Which kind of makes no sense.
Overall, this book under delivered
Welcome back to second book syndrome.
There were few things I enjoyed in this book, like mention of real places and objects (as someone who’s been to Trinity College Library, it was very cool to see it here). Made the story feel more grounded.
I also liked how much the art was important to the plot. It’s not easy to use art history as a tool. But I also can see how many people won’t be able to connect to it.
The first half of this was pretty slow. Once we got past that point, things started to pick up but it got us to the part that annoyed me the most. That every single character was SPECIAL. I can take the main FMC and MMC. I can even agree with their families. But everyone? The best friends too?
Give one human. Just one. And because they are all special, obviously nobody died. Which kind of makes no sense.
Overall, this book under delivered
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
I had enjoyed book one a lot but I was worried about one of the tropes in this one and unfortunately it didn’t work for me. While in book one I had really enjoyed the mystery aspects and magic system rather than the love story, in this one I didn’t love the pacing of the plot. I did think that the last 100 pages really twisted the story and I enjoyed the ending, but I think this might not be the series for me. Unfortunately neither of the MCs were interesting, Nicole a tad more than Kyan. I was more interested in the side characters than the main storyline.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2026
Okay I am URGING you guys to pick up this series because it’s incredible. Book 2 had me in a chokehold from start to finish and I loved it more than book 1. The world, folklore and revelations (!!!) expanded in this book and the stakes are so HIGH now. I also love that this is the first fantasy I read based on art, art history so much Irish folklore and early religions.
The absolute magnificent YEARNING was also amazing.
We are left on a HUGE cliffhanger and I’m gonna need book 3 right now!!!!
The absolute magnificent YEARNING was also amazing.
We are left on a HUGE cliffhanger and I’m gonna need book 3 right now!!!!
October 20, 2026
One of my most anticipated sequels/books of the year, and it did not disappoint. My one quibble is the narrator, she's good enough at the main character and the atmosphere, but her range for the supporting characters is limited and annoyingly high pitched. It's a testament to the author and how well written this book is that I was only mildly irked by the narrator.
July 2, 2026
5 stars.
This sequel was INCREDIBLE!!! The plot, the characters, the complexities of everyone's relationships, the romance, the YEARNING, the Irish folklore... This installment truly expands after book 1 and for the better. We get a lot of answers to many questions, some twists that left me gasping, action at the end that left me on the edge of my seat, and an ending that was criminal with the cliffhanger it leaves on (but I loved how it ends, I can't wait to see what Megan Scott has in store for these characters in book 3!!).
Above all, what truly stole the show for me was the romance between Nicole and Kyan. Their love is so beautiful, the tension between them was exquisite and the intimate moments between these two felt really vulnerable and added depth to their story and their romance.
I cannot recommend this series enough!
This sequel was INCREDIBLE!!! The plot, the characters, the complexities of everyone's relationships, the romance, the YEARNING, the Irish folklore... This installment truly expands after book 1 and for the better. We get a lot of answers to many questions, some twists that left me gasping, action at the end that left me on the edge of my seat, and an ending that was criminal with the cliffhanger it leaves on (but I loved how it ends, I can't wait to see what Megan Scott has in store for these characters in book 3!!).
Above all, what truly stole the show for me was the romance between Nicole and Kyan. Their love is so beautiful, the tension between them was exquisite and the intimate moments between these two felt really vulnerable and added depth to their story and their romance.
I cannot recommend this series enough!
October 2, 2026
So much plot & twists & nerves
Did Not Finish
August 21, 2026Unfortunately it's prob not the right time for me, it's so much talking and info and I'm getting married and can't emerse myself in it enough. I don't think it works well on audio either because I feel as if it jumps around a lot.
July 2, 2026
I was expecting this sequel so much but i was quite disappointed about it
But it felt so long, why did we get a time jump, that was so unnecessary because it felt like we missed a lot of stuff.
I liked the main relationship in the first book but why did i feel like it seemed with a lot of interactions forced???
I dont know what to say, it was enjoyable but i am not sure after a month i will remember anything about it.
I am severely underwhelmed
Thank you to the publisher for the arc
But it felt so long, why did we get a time jump, that was so unnecessary because it felt like we missed a lot of stuff.
I liked the main relationship in the first book but why did i feel like it seemed with a lot of interactions forced???
I dont know what to say, it was enjoyable but i am not sure after a month i will remember anything about it.
I am severely underwhelmed
Thank you to the publisher for the arc
July 26, 2026
The universe, the creatures, the characters, the writing!! Megan Scott gave us the perfect sequel to A Temptation of Magic and I really need the third book right now!!
It is hard to write how this series make me feel. I love it so much and is growing to be a favorite of mine.
First of all this book continues right after the ending of book one. I really appreciate this since I don’t always enjoy a big time skip between books. We keep following the amazing characters we got introduced to in book 1. We even got 1 more POV in this book which I felt fit into the story very well.
I absolutly adore all the supernatural creatures we get to meet in this series. I think it was exiting to learn more about «the wake» and follow Kyan more as he is working for them. I also really enjoy how the supernatural aspects intertwine with art in this series and I have never read anything like it! I enjoyed how The Wild Hunt is a part of the story and it made me interested to read more books with it!
Also the romance in this series is perfection! We got a slow burn romance. It is hunter x hunded and it is so so slow! I think they have a really good chemistry and we really got to see the atraction between them grow throug both book 1 and 2!
There was some really good twists in here and I had no idea about any of them so I was shocked more then once! The ending have me craving the next book and it will be hard to wait for it! I recommend this to anyone who enjoy YA fantasy of any kind!
It is hard to write how this series make me feel. I love it so much and is growing to be a favorite of mine.
First of all this book continues right after the ending of book one. I really appreciate this since I don’t always enjoy a big time skip between books. We keep following the amazing characters we got introduced to in book 1. We even got 1 more POV in this book which I felt fit into the story very well.
I absolutly adore all the supernatural creatures we get to meet in this series. I think it was exiting to learn more about «the wake» and follow Kyan more as he is working for them. I also really enjoy how the supernatural aspects intertwine with art in this series and I have never read anything like it! I enjoyed how The Wild Hunt is a part of the story and it made me interested to read more books with it!
Also the romance in this series is perfection! We got a slow burn romance. It is hunter x hunded and it is so so slow! I think they have a really good chemistry and we really got to see the atraction between them grow throug both book 1 and 2!
There was some really good twists in here and I had no idea about any of them so I was shocked more then once! The ending have me craving the next book and it will be hard to wait for it! I recommend this to anyone who enjoy YA fantasy of any kind!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Harper Audio for the preview. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
Wow! Masterpiece of Blood is a fantastic follow up to Temptation of Magic. The stakes, the action, and the reveals are all turned up several notches. The ending was absolutely INSANE! Like holy cliffhanger, Batman! I can’t wait for the next book!
It did take me a bit to get back into the plot, but that’s because my mind is a sieve—but I would suggest refreshing yourself on some of the big points from the previous book. But once I was re-immersed I really had a great time. Kyan and Nicole’s relationship really develops more on many levels. Their connection is so strong now, especially by the end of the book. And I continue to love how close Nicole’s family is, even as we learn there’s so much more to the parents than previously imagined. I also enjoyed the quest-style plot as they traveled around Ireland and the UK searching for clues.
Like I said the ending is insane. So much action, so many reveals, and the cliffhanger is no joke. I can’t wait to see how it all wraps up! I really enjoyed Jane Fox’s narration for the audio. She does the different accents really well!
A note—this started as a YA series and I think it might still be classified as YA? But there are 2 explicit open door scenes in the book which in my mind at least takes it to New Adult.
4.5 stars
Wow! Masterpiece of Blood is a fantastic follow up to Temptation of Magic. The stakes, the action, and the reveals are all turned up several notches. The ending was absolutely INSANE! Like holy cliffhanger, Batman! I can’t wait for the next book!
It did take me a bit to get back into the plot, but that’s because my mind is a sieve—but I would suggest refreshing yourself on some of the big points from the previous book. But once I was re-immersed I really had a great time. Kyan and Nicole’s relationship really develops more on many levels. Their connection is so strong now, especially by the end of the book. And I continue to love how close Nicole’s family is, even as we learn there’s so much more to the parents than previously imagined. I also enjoyed the quest-style plot as they traveled around Ireland and the UK searching for clues.
Like I said the ending is insane. So much action, so many reveals, and the cliffhanger is no joke. I can’t wait to see how it all wraps up! I really enjoyed Jane Fox’s narration for the audio. She does the different accents really well!
A note—this started as a YA series and I think it might still be classified as YA? But there are 2 explicit open door scenes in the book which in my mind at least takes it to New Adult.
October 12, 2026
Megan Scott, that ending was entirely unnecessary, and now I desperately need book three.
I loved how much this story expanded on everything established in The Temptation of Magic. The Celtic mythology, the Wild Hunt, the mysteries surrounding The Wake, and the way art is woven into the magic continue to be some of my favorite parts of this series.
And Nicole and Kyan? THE YEARNING. Their slow burn feels earned, and I appreciate that their relationship develops alongside the larger plot rather than taking over the story.
I also loved getting more from the supporting characters, especially Callum, Dylan, and Bella. The found family aspect really added to my emotional investment.
The first half was a little slower with so many storylines developing, but once everything started connecting, I was completely invested.
I loved how much this story expanded on everything established in The Temptation of Magic. The Celtic mythology, the Wild Hunt, the mysteries surrounding The Wake, and the way art is woven into the magic continue to be some of my favorite parts of this series.
And Nicole and Kyan? THE YEARNING. Their slow burn feels earned, and I appreciate that their relationship develops alongside the larger plot rather than taking over the story.
I also loved getting more from the supporting characters, especially Callum, Dylan, and Bella. The found family aspect really added to my emotional investment.
The first half was a little slower with so many storylines developing, but once everything started connecting, I was completely invested.
August 26, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
A good sequel, although I’m having trouble caring for the story or the romances
Maybe right book wrong time?
The magic based on history, art and lore is fascinating, really what makes this story different than others
A good sequel, although I’m having trouble caring for the story or the romances
Maybe right book wrong time?
The magic based on history, art and lore is fascinating, really what makes this story different than others
September 21, 2026
Book two, and another five-star favorite!
I loved returning to this dark academia atmosphere where art is at the heart of the mystery, taking us from London to Liverpool and all the way to Ireland. This sequel dives deeper into Irish mythology and expands the lore while also revealing more about Kyan’s past.
Dylan and Bells’s POVs add even more depth and keep the story dynamic. And the romance? The yearning between Nicole and Kyan is absolutely delicious, and their moments together are so beautifully written. A few things were predictable, but that ending still managed to surprise me… The wait for book three is going to be painful!
I loved returning to this dark academia atmosphere where art is at the heart of the mystery, taking us from London to Liverpool and all the way to Ireland. This sequel dives deeper into Irish mythology and expands the lore while also revealing more about Kyan’s past.
Dylan and Bells’s POVs add even more depth and keep the story dynamic. And the romance? The yearning between Nicole and Kyan is absolutely delicious, and their moments together are so beautifully written. A few things were predictable, but that ending still managed to surprise me… The wait for book three is going to be painful!
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