A Masterpiece in Blood

Empyreal #2

by Megan Scott

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Gothic, Dark Academia, Young Adult, Romantasy, Fiction

384 pages, Hardcover

First published June 18, 2026

About the author

Megan 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

Reviews

[belle ੈ✩‧₊˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

.ೃ࿐ 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 🫣

[Lia Carstairs]

I NEED THIS IN MY HANDS ASAP🥹

[tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

all i want is this masterpiece in my hands today! not six months from now! TODAY!!!

[Whitney]

Please don’t let 2026 be the actual release date. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 I won’t last that long.

[Jessica Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Sanja ✵ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Booksandmoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cyd’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

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???

[Alex]

2026?!? please say it aint sooooo

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Mela · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Louise9 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Oana · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[_linnslibrary_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Menel ୨୧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved A Temptation of Magic so I was so excited to start the sequel, which I ended up loving even more!

A Masterpiece in Blood is an absolute masterpiece (pun intended). I absolutely adored the blend of magic, Irish history and art. Nicole and Kyan has the most swoonworthy relationship and the sheer amount of yearning in this book had me squeeling, kicking my feet and grinning my head off.

The plot was deeply complex and intriguing and so full of foreshadowing that made my jaw drop. Megan Scott is such a phenomenal author and her writing style is so beautiful!

So many questions and from book one were answered but now I have even more questions! The cliffhanger was absolutely brutal and I will not rest until I get my hands on book three!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for the eARC

[The Bookish Chimera - Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She loved that he was her new safeplace, that he had helped her understand she was her own one too.”

Let me get this straight: The Temptation of Magic has obsessed me since I read it for the first time 2 years ago. So saying that I had high expectations for A Masterpiece in Blood would be an euphemism. What I didn’t expect, however, was to be stricken even more. I know I’ll need at least another read to seize the whole as my thoughts are still all over the place, weeks after finishing reading (which also means that this review will be messy, sorry about that, that’s the crazy excitement).

That’s one thing I adore with this series: you can read it as pure entertainment, being dragged by the plot, the heists and mysteries. Or you can take your time, appreciate the craft as much in the style as in the way of planning and foreshadowing. You can read it 10 times and still find new things (I know, I did/do that with book 1!!). You can stop with every piece of art, place, double meaning and try to solve the mystery with the characters. I absolutely love these multiple layers of reading, and enjoy all of them. You can also read it in an attempt to analyse the craft, trying to understand how the author managed to put everything together in such a brilliant way (I’ve said that many times, but I need an annotated edition of this series).

BecauseM.S.’s craft is just spectacular. The style, yes (huge yes!), but the storytelling and foreshadowing. There were so many hints in book 1 that landed in this one, so many opportunities to have theories. I can’t even count how many times I yelled while reading this book, as my theories crashed or were confirmed, as I gasped, my heart thundering in my chest. If you had unhinged theories —like I did— you might have been right, but be warned, it's to be even more crashed a few paragraphs later. OMG how crazy that book (and revelations) was!

There’s a bit less space for lyrical writing, as you could expect for a second book in a series that develops, runs at a breathtaking pace, grabs you with its tension. But when we take a breath, when it occurs, it’s mindblowing (the whole middle, OMG).
The pace is a whirlwind of events and emotions, but it also knows when to breathe, the writing taking control then, as soft brushes on a Canva, adornments here to reveal the bigger picture. The Masterpiece.
I had mentioned before how MS’s writing felt synestheasic, and it’s still the case, probably even more than before as synesthesia is an explicit part of Nicole’s experience (which makes her even more precious to me –as I mentioned in my TTOM review, her character and lived experience was one of the times I’ve felt seen the most in a book). Once again, Nicole made me (metaphorically) feel seen with her experiences post unmasking, how she can be overwhelmed by the outside world. This is one of the reasons why TTOM was so precious to me, and I’m glad it was here again, but in a different way.

The tension is once again tensioning. Between Nicole and Kyan, of course, as things get even more heated than in book one (the writing of the spicy scenes was so perfect! But also the other moments that built such heated tension —I’ll just say it’s better than in omegaverses) even though the romance is a bit less central (but just as important to the plot), but also in general. I can’t count the number of times I had to close the book because I was too scared about what could happen next.
There is so much happening in the book that it feels like you run until you're out of breath. Heists. Street fights. Museums. Dangerous new characters. Riddles. Kidnapping. Revelations. And then, breaks, but so important ones (also, can I have a Tène too?)
MS makes you travel. Real places and pieces of art anchor the story in our reality, but the writing makes you feeling you’re actually there, diving deeper in the story. This second book is just as immersive as was the first one and I loved to visit England, Scotland and Ireland (oh, Ireland !!).

Even more than TTOM, AMIB is full of Irish myths. I loved how it mixed mythology retellings as we usually know them (Kyan) but also with an academia view (Nicole). The book/series remains a dark academia one to me (even though the setting is more urban fantasy in this second book), as Nicole is a scholar at her core, and that’s what guides her in her adventures.
There is a lot more about Kyan and his past (my dreams are thanking the author), and SO MUCH MORE about The Wake. OMG so so much more. Revelations, but also discourse, and the opportunity for the author to keep deepening the dystopian supernatural society, discussing power, control and cultural erasure. There are also very feminist moments (the Muse !! <3), especially around erasure or the false impression of safety).

And there is art. Of course, there is art. TTOM’s magical system (and magic for the reader) was based in art, and AMIB keeps going. Arts are at the center of the plot, but also the foundations of who the characters are (Nicole and Remi especially), how they think and act. It’s immersive, beautiful and a lot of my favorites scenes are linked to art. The pieces of art, the museums, the locations are described in such a way that makes you feel you are in here (the Whovian in me was VERY scared because of a sculpture in Liverpool) and live the events in real time with the characters.

The book becomes choral, with many POV which allows MS to develop previously secondary characters but what remains are the family dynamics. The Palmer family is beautiful and not at all toxic like we can see very (too?) often in fantasy (or in our world), and that’s such a precious thing to read. They’re all mostly green flag, even though the morality glimpse a bit (sometimes a lot) in this one as the protective instincts get the upper hand.
That notion of protection is at the center of the book (of course) and it’s a great way to discuss security and freedom, how fear can be used to rule, how culture can be scared —and crushed— for another one to dominate and erase them.

If TTOM was my unicorn of a fantasy (and more), AMIB is my unicorn of a book in general, what I dreamt for, and more. Not only did it survive my excitement about TTOM (and yall know how high it was/is) and confirmed some of my most unhinged theories, but it largely overtook it and confirmed that this series is my favorite fantasy series of all time.

AMIB is brilliant. All consuming. Haunting. Entrancing. Breathtaking. And also hot.
I don’t know what to do with my life while waiting for book 3, except maybe waiting for my physical copy and reread AMIB again and again, filling it with annotations, just like I did with TTOM.
(if it wasn’t clear enough, infinite stars for this one)

Thank you Harper Voyager for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

[Chels ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ★

Megan Scott is back and delivering some wild developments in this epic Empyreal game. Reading A Masterpiece in Blood (MiB) reminded me of my experience tandem reading Empire of Storms and Tower of Down on account of the multiple POVs and various storylines being followed by different characters. Because of this, MiB, especially in comparison to A Temptation of Magic (ToM), was not an easy read. It took some serious brain power and focus to follow along with all of the mysteries unraveling and the mythology woven within, but it was worth it.

I am in awe of the amount of research I imagine Scott conducted to develop this story and make it as vast and detailed as it is while also being so succinct. There’s a solid chance I’ll be at a museum soon, browsing relics and art in an effort to uncover some long lost magic because I don’t know how to reacquaint myself with the actual world after this.

Things I Loved:
🪉 The New Players and Places - Scott expands this world far beyond what I could’ve imagined after ToM. While that does complicate things for everyone involved, it aptly raised the stakes and deepened my immersion into the story. Scott’s writing brings locations to life so beautifully that I also found myself longing for a trip to Ireland and Scotland.
🩸 The Magic, Mythology, and Mystery - This is what hooked me in the first book and kept me still. Magical mysteries are my catnip, and this one, in combination with Irish lore and an abundance of supernatural creatures and powers, was fascinating.
💞 The Romance - I appreciate how Kyan and Nicole are presented as equals despite Kyan’s age/experience. They fully believe in, and are there for, one another without overshadowing or constantly needing to save the other. It’s refreshing. There’s also a satisfying balance between their ruthless protectiveness and genuine affection towards the other. There’s no unnecessary drama, and the obstacles they face are realistic given the story’s progression. Their burn is slow still, even though we know they are mates, because of those obstacles, so the tension and yearning keep things spicy.
🏠 The Palmer Family - Ronan, Dylan, and Bells have been through it, but this book took it to another level with them confronting their traumatic pasts, unearthing some new skills, and facing multiple threats. Despite it all, they continuously have each other’s backs, and I admire and adore their ferocity in the face of someone coming for any of them.
👥 The Side Characters (Remi and Callum) - I cannot wait to see where they go in terms of their powers and positions as well as their relationships with the other characters. Callum and Dylan, I am invested!
🔀 The Twists, Turns, and Revelations - These just kept coming, especially in the last quarter, and my jaw dropped on more than one occasion.
🧗‍♀️ The Cliffhanger - The rollercoaster that was MiB left me hanging on the ledge and eager for what comes next. Those bombshells at the end… oh my!

Things I Struggled With:
📕 Some Slow Pacing - There were a few spots, particularly in the middle, that felt dense on account of all the information being swapped and analyzed amongst the group. While I found the information itself quite interesting, it did slow things down and cause me to have to go back and reread some.
❤️‍🩹 More Kyan and Nicole Moments - I understand why they couldn’t most of the time, but that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t yearning for it as much as they were! According to the book’s acknowledgements, however, I may be getting this in spades in book three (here’s hoping!).

** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this text in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **

[A Pixie Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I technically finished A Masterpiece in Blood at 2am, but I was far too emotionally compromised to form a coherent review at the time, so this is me attempting to gather my thoughts now… though I’m still not entirely recovered. Megan really said “let me raise the stakes and ruin your peace” and fully committed to it, especially with that ending. I spent most of this book reacting in real time (through messages to Megan, which she was really lovely about), and by the final stretch I was just staring at the pages in disbelief. It’s the kind of ending that lingers and makes you immediately desperate for the next book.

One of the standout elements for me was the intensity of the relationships. The shift into NA feels very clear here, and it allows for a deeper exploration of emotions, loyalty, and consequences. Everything feels sharper, more layered, and more impactful because of it.
Nicole continues to be such a strong central character. I really appreciated how grounded she feels, particularly because of her family. They’re present, involved, and important to the story rather than just existing in the background, which adds a lot of emotional weight to everything that happens. Kyan and Nicole completely delivered on the tension. The yearning is constant, and the dynamic between them carries that “we would burn the world for each other” energy that makes every interaction feel significant. It never felt repetitive either. Instead, it built steadily throughout the book in a way that kept me fully invested.

Callum was another highlight for me. There’s something so effortlessly likeable about him, and he brings a different kind of energy to the story. His dynamic with Dylan was genuinely one of the softer, more endearing aspects of the book, and I found myself really looking forward to their scenes.
Bells is also someone I’m very curious about moving forward. There are clear hints that there’s more going on with her, and I’m especially interested in how her connection with Callum might develop in the next installment as I feel like there were very strong suggestions towards the end that they might be pivotal in working together.

Plot-wise, there is a lot happening. This isn’t a slow or simple story, and it requires you to pay attention, but that’s part of what makes it so engaging. There are multiple POVs, shifting dynamics, and layers of tension that keep everything moving. Even when I felt overwhelmed, it was in a way that made me want to keep reading rather than step away.

Overall, this book felt bigger, darker, and more emotionally intense than what came before, and I really enjoyed that progression. It expands the world, deepens the characters, and raises the stakes in a way that makes the wait for the next book feel almost unbearable.

And yes… that ending. I am both impressed and emotionally unwell.

I will absolutely be picking up book three as soon as possible, because I need to know what happens next. I truly don't want to be that person always demanding more, and I know there is so much work that goes into writing and editing and publishing a book and I know it takes time and isn't something Megan can just give us immediately.... but also... Megan knows what she did to make me feel like this haha

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC!

I read the first book a couple of months after it was released, and immediately fell in love. I loved the characters, I loved the atmosphere, and I loved that art history was such a large part of the story. Art history is something that I've always enjoyed and found interesting, so I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading the book and found out what Nicole was majoring in.

I have been not so patiently waiting for the next book, and it did not disappoint. It was a little slow in the beginning, but I think that was just because I was impatiently waiting for Nicole and Kyan to reunite in the book. In any case, the book only got better when they were reunited. I love their relationship and the pining and yearning between the two of them. They are both so clearly head over heel for each other, and the tension was just great. I also loved the sense of found family that the book gives. It was there in the first one, but I think with the addition of some other characters, it just makes it better.

There is a lot of mythology in this book---way more than we got in the first, which in a way gives us more insight into Kyan's backstory and everything that happened there. Greek mythology is what is usually so heavily used in book, so it's always interesting to see when another mythology is incorporated into a book. It can be kind of confusing at times, but I think part of that is because it's not a mythology that I'm super familiar with and I can't pronounce the ancient---or modern, for that matter---Irish words to save my life, I'm pretty sure my mind just blanked whenever an Irish word came up, but oh well. It was still a fascinating part of the book.

But that ending . . . Ugh, I am so mad at Megan for doing this to me. Waiting for the last book---I think, at least---is going to be so painful. I cannot recommend this book enough, especially if you liked A Discovery of Witches. It got a lot of the same vibes, and in some ways, Kyan reminds me of Matthew.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for a digital ARC.

TLDR: a stellar sequel to the first volume.

Nicole is researching her mother’s clues while Kyan pretends to be a loyal assassin for the Wake. A cure for the oath that binds the Empyreals to the Wake must be found. But the Wake is eager to keep its secrets, and they know.

I adored the first book, A Temptation of Magic, for its savvy use of romantasy tropes, artistic references, the wistful one, its unusual magical creatures, and the white-hot romance. While I’m cynical about things like fated mates in general, the first book won me over.

I absolutely gobbled this sequel up because it does justice to all of those aspects from the first book– but, like the best of sequels, it builds on the first volume (and gives us plenty of breadcrumbs to remember what happened in the first one, thank you!) while raising the stakes. Unlike most sequels, stuff actually happens– the plot moves forward, there are big reveals that made me gasp, we learn useful things about the world, and characters’ relationships meaningfully develop. And y’all, there’s no miscommunication trope.

I also really love how various real artworks and artists are woven into the second volume as well. As a big fan of pre-Raphaelite painters, I particularly enjoyed seeing the references to John William Waterhouse and others.

My criticism is minor and more of an argument with the genre than this specific work. I don't think this is YA given the on-page sex, but calling it New Adult is fair. I wish the book was more aware of its own tropes and played with them a little bit, like a possible conversation between Kyan and Nicole about how old he is. Without spoilers, I also disliked how Kyan kept some information from Nicole at one point, and there’s no exchange about it and Nicole doesn’t even reflect on it. I think it could have been a good opportunity to contrast Nicole’s modern independence with Kyan’s history. But the smallest of quibbles.

I can’t wait for the next volume!

[Sameer Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the first book laid the foundation, A Masterpiece in Blood builds something darker, bolder, and far more emotionally devastating.

From the opening chapters, the novel wastes no time raising the stakes. Every decision carries weight, alliances are tested, and the line between hero and villain becomes increasingly blurred. The story balances breathtaking action with quieter character moments, giving the emotional conflicts just as much importance as the larger plot.

What impressed me most was the character development. The protagonists aren't simply reacting to the world around them—they're forced to confront difficult truths about themselves, their loyalties, and the sacrifices they're willing to make. Those internal struggles made the victories feel earned and the losses genuinely painful.

The world-building is another standout. The mythology expands naturally without becoming overwhelming, and each revelation adds another layer to the story rather than existing purely for spectacle. The author does an excellent job of maintaining a sense of mystery while steadily answering questions from the previous installment.

The pacing is relentless but never rushed. Just when I thought I understood where the story was heading, another twist completely changed my expectations. The final act is particularly gripping, delivering emotional payoffs that linger long after the last page.

My only minor criticism is that the large cast and intricate lore can occasionally make it difficult to keep track of every detail, especially if it's been a while since reading the first book. I'd definitely recommend rereading or refreshing your memory of the previous installment before diving in.

Overall, A Masterpiece in Blood is an outstanding sequel that deepens the series in every way. It's darker, more emotionally complex, and impossible to put down. If you enjoyed the first book, this sequel more than lives up to the expectations.

[Fallon Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a good time with this book! I read a Temptation of Magic back in 2024 when it was first released and I enjoyed it but, if I’m honest, it didn’t particularly stick with me, so I went into book two with no real expectations.

It picks up more or less where book one ended, with Nicole adjusting to life as an Empyreal, Kyan continuing to work with the Wake while covertly trying to uncover their secrets, and their group of friends and family following the clues laid out by Nicole’s mother. The world building definitely expands in this book and the mix of the urban setting with Celtic folklore and a vast array of fantastical creatures really worked for me - it felt unique rather than just another typical romantasy that churns out all the usual tropes. Another aspect I really enjoyed was the multiple POVs we got in this book - although Kyan and Nicole get the most page time, it truly felt like an ensemble cast.

In terms of the romance, Kyan and Nicole’s relationship feels like one of equals, despite his many more years of life experience, which is something I really appreciated. And while there is of course an attraction there, it feels like they also want to build a solid foundation. Their romance could have felt very anticlimactic bearing in mind we already know they’re mates; however, Megan Scott has done a really good job at keeping the tension. I’m also very invested in Dylan and Callum’s burgeoning relationship! And I’d be here for a Ronan and Freya prequel 😁.

The ending brought lots of reveals, twists and turns, which left me eagerly anticipating the final book in the trilogy!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this book.

[Cosmic Reads Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

There are plenty of fantasy romances out there, but very few manage to make me care about the relationship as much as the plot. This series is one of those rare exceptions.

One of my favorite things about these books continues to be the romance between Kyan and Nicole. It is such a refreshing example of how a love story can be written without relying on constant drama, misunderstandings, or endless spice. Instead, it is built on yearning, trust, support, and genuine emotional connection. Their relationship feels healthy, believable, and moving which I don’t often find in other books.

The story itself was just as enjoyable. The conspiracy introduced in the first book continues here, with mysteries being unraveled, clues uncovered, and long-standing questions finally receiving answers. I also continue to love the art-focused setting. The way the author draws inspiration from real paintings and weaves art history into the narrative gives the series a unique atmosphere.

My one real criticism comes toward the later revelations. Without spoiling anything, I felt that the story perhaps went a little too far with how many characters suddenly turned out to have certain connections/ ancestry. At some point it started to feel slightly excessive and was probably the only development that stretched my disbelief.

Still, that was a relatively minor issue in an otherwise excellent sequel. The romance remains one of the strongest aspects of the series, the mystery is engaging, and the art-inspired world continues to be fascinating.

4.5 stars. A beautifully written sequel with one of my favorite fantasy couples and a wonderfully unique art-centered setting.

[Katerina Karavapori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Megan Scott made us wait a long time for the second instalment but, boy oh boy, did she deliver when it arrived! As with the first book, The Temptation of Magic, I gladly lost myself in this world, so rich in myths and lore, with such lush worldbuilding and interesting premise. The art, the details, *chef's kiss*

The story picks up 6 months after the events of TTOM and we're thrown straight into the action and throughout this second book, it becomes clear that there is SO MUCH more to uncover/discover. I am so pleased with Megan's storytelling, she clearly has a strong idea and direction for how she wants the narrative to progress. I found the developments and characters as enjoyable to read as the first time around, and I'm afraid I can't say too much without spoiling things, so the gist is: If you read the first book and liked it, you will very much like this one too!

I feel I have to take a moment and make an honourable mention to Megan's writing. She is incredible talented in weaving her story and I think her skills are top tier. This book feels like it's been edited and re-edited many many times to the point where every sentence feels intentional and no word out of place. It's not an easy read, in the sense that you have to immerse yourself and keep up with everything that's going on, but, equally, that is something I really enjoy as a reader and therefore found massively rewarding here.

Thank you to Megan Scott, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Magpie and NetGalley for my review copy, all opinions are my own.

[Hannah Locke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing sequel that I devoured this month. Megan has done a fantastic job building on her first book, Temptation of Magic. The art references are DIVINE, and this book immediately made me want to go to art galleries and museums to experience art the way Nicole does in this story.

What to expect
Fated Mates
Forbidden romance
On the run
God and other supernaturals
Mystery
Paintings, artifacts, and art

Nicole and her family are still trying to recover the clues her mum has left behind, clues to discover who the Wake are and how to stop them. Now, with the help of Kyan (Nicoles mate) and Callum (very old, very mysterious), two Emperyals in the Wakes service. I love the family dynamics, how caring, and loyal they all are to each other, it really is the heart of the story. I enjoyed Kyans and Nicoles romance, I was so glad when they were reunited, after being separated for the first part of the book.

I loved all the Irish lore in here as well, it was so fascinating. With all the art references and descriptions, Megan has created a fantasy series that is unique. It did require my concentration to read it, so it took me a bit longer, and I did feel slow in the beginning, but I was hooked, and the last 30% was incredible. I finished the book walking along the street with my Kindle as I couldn't wait a second longer to read the ending. I can't wait for the next one!

4.25 ✨️

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book and A Masterpiece in Blood is holding even more mysteries to untangle and the stakes of figuring out her mother's clues hidden in art are even more dangerous than they thought.
We start right where we left off with Nicole and her family on the run and hiding from The Wake while going through the art that supposedly holds answers to saving them all and solving the mystery of her mother's death.
Kyan on the other hand is playing his part as The Wake’s loyal hunter while seeking answers from inside what is brewing behind his back.
The combination of magic, mystery, art, and Celtic folklore is what I loved the most and the way it all blended with the modern world was really well made.
Furthermore, the multiple POV gave the story the perfect dynamic and pacing and I was most curious about Bells and when her character chapters came to play.
A bit of unpopular opinion but as a romantic arc my favourite was the dynamic between Callum and Dylan....all the walls and secrets between them and on some subconscious level they cared for each other gaining trust inch by inch.
The same captivating combination as the first book yet with a bit of a different flavour giving you a lot of answers that were plaguing me from book one but at the same time dropping the bombshell with a plethora of new ones for book 3.

[Bente Kato · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars

I really liked temptation of magic, so when the second book dropped on NetGalley and I got approved a fed days later I knew immediately what my next read should be. And I finished this in one day (while also having to work haha), so the story was definitely very compelling.


I really loved the development of the story that was set up in book 1 and the characters are also amazing and so diverse. The main thing I loved (just like book 1) was the relationship between Nicole and Kyan, and their reunion was just chiefs kiss, I loved how the author worked to keep these characters together while simultaneously also keeping up the really struggle they have to go through to remain close. And also Callum, I love him and hope he also gets his HAE.

This book however wasn’t a 5 star read for me because there is a lot of information in this book (which in a way also is normal for the second book in a third book), but sometimes it felt really hard to keep track of all the information the author wanted to include in this book and to be able to make a shift of what might be important for later and what are just interesting facts, and this also had it’s consequences for the pacing of the story so now and then.

But all in all, I would definitely recommend this book :)

[eternallove · Rating 3 out of 5]

After becoming a fan of the first volume, I was looking forward to A Masterpiece in Blood.

This one didn’t hit the same as the first. The writing was still very cinematic in the scenes that called for such great pacing and tone. For those who enjoy dark academic with twists of the supernatural and blends of realism (i.e. twilight, vampire diaries, etc.) the Empyreal series is a good choice for more. I believe as someone who grew up with stories like these already, it’s hard to get as attached this time around.

Needless to say, this sequel isn’t terrible, it’s merely lackluster in a sea of stories that feel all too the same. For about 75% of A Masterpiece in Blood, the plot felt dragged, though everything was set up for a rollercoaster of an ending. One plot twist after another cliffhanger. Knowing that this is a trilogy——or to my knowledge I still think it is(?)——I would say that I’m interested to see how everything ends but I definitely believe this would have been more impactful as a duology where the plots for volumes two and three were combined with its strongest story/character arcs.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy). This review is based off of an uncorrected proof.