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The Anatomy of Magic
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jun 26An unmissable new spicy romantasy series from Alexis L. Menard, bestselling author of TikTok sensation House of Bane and Blood.
Enter a world of crime, blood and forbidden magic, where falling in love could be the last mistake you ever make…
Packed with searing chemistry and razor-sharp banter, The Anatomy of Magic is perfect for fans of Quicksilver, Sarah J. Maas and Rachel Gillig.
Enter a world of crime, blood and forbidden magic, where falling in love could be the last mistake you ever make…
Packed with searing chemistry and razor-sharp banter, The Anatomy of Magic is perfect for fans of Quicksilver, Sarah J. Maas and Rachel Gillig.
477 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 30, 2026
7 people are currently reading
1126 people want to read
About the author
Alexis L. Menard
7 books1,254 followersAlexis is a registered nurse based out of Louisiana where she lives with her husband, toddler, and two oversized dogs. She enjoys long walks through the Renaissance Fair, reading smutty romance into the dark hours of the night, and wine nights with her "Finer Things Club." She hopes to enrich the lives of her readers with worlds they can both escape in and take with them long after the final chapter.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 26, 2026
fated x enemies to lovers x mind to mind speak
I’ve never read anything like this romantasy. I love the concept of relics and writing the code to magic. I love how she got sucked into the world through small betrayals/secrets and didn’t realize how it was impacting the entire system. I love the sloooow burn and why it had to be that way.
Oh and also - they speak mind to mind.
AND he’s an MMC with a tortured past.
I would recommend!
I’ve never read anything like this romantasy. I love the concept of relics and writing the code to magic. I love how she got sucked into the world through small betrayals/secrets and didn’t realize how it was impacting the entire system. I love the sloooow burn and why it had to be that way.
Oh and also - they speak mind to mind.
AND he’s an MMC with a tortured past.
I would recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Anatomy of Magic is one of those books that makes me want to kiss the author’s brain because how could a story be any more perfect than the one they just wrote? Spoiler alert, it can’t.
Just when reading the first chapter, I knew I was strapped in for the long haul. The reader is placed right in the center of tension, suspense, and even a little playful teasing. I won’t say which, but one of my favorite tropes happens in the same chapter. So yes, I was quickly invested in the story to come.
The plot was gripping from beginning to end, with complex magic, a chase and rescue mission, and family rivalry. There’s action on every corner, which I found very engaging. It helped raise the stakes and kept me from being too comfortable in my seat.
On top of the great plot, the romance blossomed beautifully. The characters are multifaceted and strong enough to stand on their own, but when they come together? The two are as radiant as the night sky. Their personalities clashed tastefully, and I reveled in watching them helplessly fall for each other.
Nina is relatable and very easy to root for. I like how she approaches obstacles and admire her determination. As a tortured MMC, Max found a soft place in my heart to land. His backstory tugged on my heartstrings and explained why he sees himself the way he does and how he cares for others. That said, the end pained me, and I won’t be okay until the second book releases.
This is one of those very few times I’m joyful to have read a book early, but upset because there’s no one to talk about it with. There’s so much to love in The Anatomy of Magic, and I need people to add this to their tbr. Nina and Max are going down as one of my favorite couples of 2026.
Just when reading the first chapter, I knew I was strapped in for the long haul. The reader is placed right in the center of tension, suspense, and even a little playful teasing. I won’t say which, but one of my favorite tropes happens in the same chapter. So yes, I was quickly invested in the story to come.
The plot was gripping from beginning to end, with complex magic, a chase and rescue mission, and family rivalry. There’s action on every corner, which I found very engaging. It helped raise the stakes and kept me from being too comfortable in my seat.
On top of the great plot, the romance blossomed beautifully. The characters are multifaceted and strong enough to stand on their own, but when they come together? The two are as radiant as the night sky. Their personalities clashed tastefully, and I reveled in watching them helplessly fall for each other.
Nina is relatable and very easy to root for. I like how she approaches obstacles and admire her determination. As a tortured MMC, Max found a soft place in my heart to land. His backstory tugged on my heartstrings and explained why he sees himself the way he does and how he cares for others. That said, the end pained me, and I won’t be okay until the second book releases.
This is one of those very few times I’m joyful to have read a book early, but upset because there’s no one to talk about it with. There’s so much to love in The Anatomy of Magic, and I need people to add this to their tbr. Nina and Max are going down as one of my favorite couples of 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Firstly I'd like to thank Second sky books for this e arc.
I really enjoyed this book it was dark, gritty and just wonderful.
Our FMC Nina was brilliant and the banter between her and the MMC Max was unmatched.
I really enjoyed morbid nature of this book, Nina's job for one isn't often what you find fantasy romance books and made it that more interesting. I also loved Max's character and the fact he's Cursed. A really cool character and he's blonde win win!
The magic in this was also refreshing too. The artifacts and how the magic is weidled and used.
This book really pulled me in from the first chapter and I fell for the characters instantly. Especially Nina. What a FMC.
This is my first book from Alexis and it won't be my last.
I really enjoyed this book it was dark, gritty and just wonderful.
Our FMC Nina was brilliant and the banter between her and the MMC Max was unmatched.
I really enjoyed morbid nature of this book, Nina's job for one isn't often what you find fantasy romance books and made it that more interesting. I also loved Max's character and the fact he's Cursed. A really cool character and he's blonde win win!
The magic in this was also refreshing too. The artifacts and how the magic is weidled and used.
This book really pulled me in from the first chapter and I fell for the characters instantly. Especially Nina. What a FMC.
This is my first book from Alexis and it won't be my last.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If I could give this book more than 5 stars out of 5 I would, and I truly do not mean this is an overdramatized way. This book grips you from the start and it's constant action, truly hitting the ground running. The magic system is very unique, nothing like anything I've ever read. The yearning between FMC/MMC you can even feel off page, it's a lot of show don't tell which is amazing. I don't want to give too much away but I already know this book will be a complete hit, I'm very lucky to have had the chance to read thanks to Alexis & NetGalley. Thank you Alexis for your creative brilliant mind 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Anatomy of Magic by Alexis L. Menard
Rating: 4
I am a big fan of Alexis L. Menard's writing, and having devoured her Vows and Vengeance duology I was so excited for this next series, and I was not disappointed.
An intricately woven world with a unique magic system that keeps the reader constantly questioning what's going to happen next gives this book a mysterious ambience.
The true highlight are the main characters Nina and Max. Both are strong, fully realised characters on their own, but with a true slow burn, enemies to lovers romance adds the extra level of intrigue.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!
Rating: 4
I am a big fan of Alexis L. Menard's writing, and having devoured her Vows and Vengeance duology I was so excited for this next series, and I was not disappointed.
An intricately woven world with a unique magic system that keeps the reader constantly questioning what's going to happen next gives this book a mysterious ambience.
The true highlight are the main characters Nina and Max. Both are strong, fully realised characters on their own, but with a true slow burn, enemies to lovers romance adds the extra level of intrigue.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!
Did Not Finish
April 12, 2026DNF.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews