What would you risk to prove you belong –
Your life? Your freedom? Or the fate of a kingdom?
The Cost of Magic
Prequel to The Intrigue of Magic Series
by L.J. Evias
Genre: YA Epic Fantasy, Swords & Sorcery
She’s young, gifted,
and desperate to prove she belongs. But some lessons come with a cost.
Torvia has one goal: to earn her place as a royal guard and repay the prince
who saved her life. But despite her powerful magic, the prince refuses to send
her into danger, and the princess wants her in court.
Everyone has a plan for Torvia’s future. None of them match her own.
So when a charming older boy offers secret lessons and a chance to escape her
overprotective guardian, Torvia is tempted. He’s clever. He listens. And the
magic he shows her is unlike anything she’s seen before.
But every step she takes draws her further from the path she planned – and one
wrong move could cost her the mission, her future, and the prince who’s
counting on her.
The Cost of Magic is a dark coming-of-age prequel to The
Intrigue of Magic, a young adult epic fantasy series, perfect for readers
who crave fierce heroines, tangled loyalties, and the high price of choosing
your own path.
Start The Cost of Magic today
and discover how one girl’s ambition can change the fate of a kingdom.
** Only .99cents for a limited time! **
Prince Otis tempts Torvia
Otis’s eyes lit up. “You’re the one. Mavron, isn’t it? Well, Mavron, here’s your final chance. Torvia will be selected for the next position, unless you can prove she’s not capable.”For a moment, no one moved, and Otis’s words lingered, an open invitation.
Rage surged through Torvia. How dare Otis intervene in such matters? And now he was going to make her fight for his amusement?
Not today.
Grabbing Otis roughly by the collar, Torvia teleported them back to his private balcony. The effort ravaged her magic, leaving her lightheaded and weak-kneed, but at least she’d ended the conflict on her terms, and curtailed Otis’s mischief before it got out of hand.
Otis brushed her away and straightened his collar. “Watch my tunic,” he moaned.
“You gave me little choice.”
“After all the reports of your incredible magic, I thought you’d be able to teleport people without manhandling them by now.”
“No one can do that.”
“Kavir can.” Otis smirked at her blank expression. “Don’t tell me you don’t know his name. What’s the point of studying magic if you don’t study the greats?”
Torvia’s eyes widened. “The Royal Mage is not great. He’s a menace.” The only royal to visit them from the northern kingdom, his power was without equal, and he let everyone know it. He often dropped in to make suggestions on new policies despite having no ties to the south. He wasn’t even royal by blood, but his sister had married the king of North Parsa. Unfortunately, the northerners allowed a powerful mage to lead everything magical, and he seemed to think that included South Parsa.
“No one can deny his magic.” Otis met her gaze. “Haven’t you wondered what you might have been capable of if you were brought up in the north?”
Torvia pursed her lips. “We have northern tutors here.”
“Middling mages at best. With a limited curriculum. I’m talking about being part of Kavir’s inner sanctum, learning the spells reserved only for his most loyal followers.”
Torvia rolled her eyes. “Then it wouldn’t make much difference. An outsider would never be part of his inner circle.” Remembering the fear he invoked in his sporadic visits to their city, she shuddered. “And I’d never want to be.”
Otis edged closer, and lowered his voice to a whisper. “What if you didn’t have to? What if I had access to those types of spells? What would that be worth to you?”
The Discovery of
Magic
The Intrigue of
Magic Book 1
A world ruled by
magic. A palace full of secrets. A girl who refuses to back down.
Seventeen-year-old Alice Harper had her future mapped out—win an archery
scholarship, protect her friends, and stay in control. But when a portal hurls
her into a kingdom where magic rules and obedience means survival, she lands in
a palace gripped by fear—and under the eye of the most powerful man in the realm.
The Royal Mage doesn’t just control the court—he controls people. With power,
with fear, with enchantments no one dares resist. And for reasons Alice can’t
explain, he’s taken a disturbing interest in her.
The only person who seems to want to help is the prince. He’s charming,
clever—and very possibly lying. Caught between dangerous truths and beautiful
deceits, Alice must decide who to trust before her friends are lost forever.
She’s not afraid of a fight. But in a world where magic is control, and trust
is the most dangerous choice of all, surviving will take more than arrows—it
will take everything she’s got.
The Discovery of Magic is the thrilling first book in The
Intrigue of Magic, a YA epic fantasy series perfect for fans of court
intrigue, character-driven fantasy, and bold heroines who don’t just
survive—they fight for each other.
Buy The Discovery of Magic today
to enter a world where freedom is fragile—and every alliance comes at a cost.
What readers are saying:
‘A creative first novel in the Intrigue of Magic series, the
contemporary characters are endearing and believable figures with magical
threats, delicate alliances, and savvy manipulators at every turn. The
world-building is strong, with thematic undercurrents pointing back to
contemporary life in a way that inspires a continuing sense of empathy for the
characters. Evias’ care with character interaction and modern-day social
parallels make it a distinctly compelling start to a new series.’ – Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★
‘The world-building is great with
detailed political structure and magical elements…Evias dishes up the angst
that accompanies young love, and…is authentic in depicting the frustrations
of youth…Overall, this is a thoughtful and well-executed entry to a new
series and I look forward to seeing where we go next’ – Asher Syed, Readers’ Favorite, ★★★★★
‘…offers a balance of
lightheartedness and tension, making it accessible to both younger and older
audiences. This first book in the series holds great promise and delivers a
charming and enjoyable story.’ – Carol
Thompson, Readers’ Favorite, ★★★★
‘L. J. Evias’ thrilling fantasy adventure will keep readers glued to the
pages…The Discovery of Magic is a well-written, clean fantasy to
be enjoyed by fantasy lovers young and old’ – Delene Vrey, Readers’ Favorite, ★★★★★
‘The Discovery of Magic is a compelling start to what promises to be an
exceptional fantasy series for readers who appreciate carefully crafted magical
worlds and meaningful character growth. I cannot wait to see what comes next.’
– K.C. Finn, Readers’ Favorite, ★★★★★
‘A suspense-filled, magical adventure with a strong, reckless protagonist to
root for. Highly recommended!’ – The
Wishing Shelf, ★★★★
Jaime and Jordan spar
Jaime dodged sideways, almost too late, as a sword slashed at him from his right. It wasn’t like him to be this distracted in a fight, but with his escalating schoolwork, his brothers’ nagging and now Jordan’s revelation, it was a wonder he could pay attention at all.
Fortunately, the large boy who had swiped at him stumbled before regaining his footing, allowing Jaime an easy victory. Others wouldn’t be that cumbersome, yet Jaime’s thoughts returned to Jordan and Alice.
A small hope remained that the girls wouldn’t turn up, but that was currently being devoured by a monster that had recently taken up residence inside him, writhing in his stomach and filling him with anxiety.
Perhaps he could distract Alice or Jordan and delay the situation until he’d figured out what to do. Or maybe he could introduce Jordan to someone else. Then Jaime would have plenty of time to figure out whether he really did have feelings for Alice.
Up the hill, blonde hair blowing in the breeze caught his attention. Alice and Emily, with Eliot running ahead. This was no time to be putting all his hope into wishful thinking. He’d just have to tell Jordan he didn’t like the idea.
His mind made up, he threw himself back into the melee, finding a new opponent, more skilled and more eager than the last. He lunged, then dodged, spun around his opponent, then lunged again, his sword slashing. Back again, dodging out of reach, then thrusting forwards until the other boy’s tiredness began to show. Enthused, Jaime delivered the final blow, the clang of his sword ringing out above the din of the other combatants.
As his adversary yielded, two more rushed Jaime, one from each side, making him regret taking his time with his previous opponent. He couldn’t afford to tire himself out yet, not while several people still fought.
Sucking in a quick breath, he swiftly sidestepped, swung his sword around above his head, and cut across the first rival before they could do anything to stop him.
At the same time, the other lunged, but he was not quick enough for Jaime. Darting behind the felled boy, Jaime brought his blade round to strike, and with a few well-timed blows, had the second boy on his knees, capitulating.
With the rush of victory surging through him, he glanced around for his next opponent.
Only Jordan remained, surveying him with a smirk. The expression unsettled Jaime. Although Jordan was more committed to LARPing, Jaime’s fencing skill gave him a strong advantage, and Jordan knew it. Whatever Jordan had planned, he would not be easy to beat.
Approaching slowly and purposefully, Jordan let his gaze drift towards Alice. Both girls were watching intently. Even Eliot was quiet and still beside them.
Suddenly, Jordan’s smile vanished, and he locked his eyes on Jaime, his intent to impress Alice written all over him.
Adrenaline coursed through Jaime, reawakening his tired muscles. The previous fighting had been just for fun, but this was his chance. He could stop Jordan. Beat him for his own good. He’d never ask out Alice then.
L. J. Evias writes
exclusively in the fantasy genre, infusing stories with a dash of adventure and
mystery. In Evias’s worlds, moral absolutes do not exist, giving life to a
diverse cast of intriguing characters.
The Intrigue of
Magic is Evias’s debut series, featuring accessible world-building, intricate
plots, and unforgettable heroes and villains. Released in 2024, The Discovery
of Magic is the first book in this series.
When not immersed
in the pages of a novel, Evias enjoys real-world adventures both in the UK and
abroad. The enchanting settings of The Intrigue of Magic series draw
inspiration from personal travels, notably the unique architecture and
evocative landscapes of Morocco.
Bonus material and
a sample short story are available from the author’s website.
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Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a good read.