Stolen Magic

The Mage and His Brute #2

by Ava Marie Salinger

Magic defines who they are. But what happens when that power can be stolen?

In a Victorian London where magical privilege divides society, Duke Evander Ravenwood and Viggo Stonewall have forged more than just an alliance—they’ve fallen in love. But their happiness is short-lived when a new threat emerges from the shadows of London’s magical society.


A renowned professor from the Royal Institute for the Arcane has vanished, leaving behind whispers of forbidden magic and mysterious experiments. As Evander begins to investigate, complications arise with the arrival of his enigmatic former lover from Paris. An expert called in to help, Leon Beaulieu brings old emotions and new secrets to light and soon becomes a source of jealousy for Viggo.

Meanwhile, troubling rumours reach the Nightshade network: thralls linked to noble families are disappearing across London. Determined to track down the perpetrator, Viggo and his friends are drawn into a perilous hunt for an elusive adversary working from the shadows.

Realising their cases are intertwined, Evander and Viggo join forces to unravel the mysteries behind the professor’s disappearance and the missing thralls. But their search soon plunges them into a web of conspiracies rooted in decades-old betrayals and ambition—where nothing, and no one, is quite as it seems.

As allies become adversaries and the true mastermind closes in, Evander and Viggo will need their wits—and their trust in each other—if they’re to survive the darkness gathering around them.

Stolen Magic is a spellbinding tale of magic, mystery, and romance that will captivate readers from the first page to the last. Perfect for fans of historical fantasy and LGBT romance, this second instalment in The Mage and His Brute series promises an unforgettable journey through a London where love and magic intertwine in the most unexpected ways.

Genres: Magic, M M Romance, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Fantasy

396 pages, ebook

Published June 20, 2025

About the author

Ava Marie Salinger is the romance pen name of an Amazon bestselling author with a passion for writing addictive tales. Known for her action-packed and thrilling urban fantasy novels, she has expanded her repertoire with the introduction of the M/M urban fantasy romance series Fallen Messengers. Additionally, she has penned the scorching hot contemporary M/M romance series Nights and Twilight Falls as A.M. Salinger. When not immersed in her writing, Ava can be found curating inspiring music playlists, indulging in her love for nature, marveling at the latest gadgets, and savoring Chinese cuisine.

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Reviews

[Kristel (hungryandhappy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so anxious throughout the whole thing. Nervous about new friends becoming enemies or old lovers being spies for the bad guys. Did it happen? Well, read and see for yourself.
I love there was no romance drama, the couple is established and, while they do find time for sexy times, they are mostly busy with their separate investigations then with their joint investigations. The dangers never end and I was constantly afraid something bad might happen to one of them, even more after how the last book ended. I am so excited for the next book!

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book of The Mage & His Brute; the 1st book Arcane Entanglement must be read since this book starts immediately where the 1st book finished.
Evander and Viggo's relationship continues to develop and grow stronger, blossoming with each turn of the page. Even though there is a slight hiccup of Evander's past love returning to his life, it is slightly minor. They communicate and it's resolved, no unnecessary dragged out drama. However, I do hope Leon does get his own story in which he finds his own love that gives his cocky attitude a run for its money. He was cocky but intriguing (and somewhat loveable, at least to me).
Evander and Viggo continue to uncover secrets and stop another evil scheme from succeeding; however, the suspense of who is the mysterious and depraved "I" and the unraveling of who is behind the evil shadows continues.
The stakes have gotten higher, the danger and fear becoming stronger, and no one is safe. It had me sitting at the edge of my seat, trying to get to the ending quickly, wanting and needing to know what happens but at the same time wanting it to last longer, reading carefully for any revealing clues.
The author does a great job of intertwining the mystery, action, suspense, and romance without making any aspect be lacking, boring, or an afterthought. The complex mystery with so many little dropped clues and twists and turns strings the reader along, making them more invested in discovering the truth and connecting all the dots. The world building continues to be intriguing, filled with a motley group of well developed and loveable side characters.
Now I'm anxiously waiting for the next book. I'm so invested in this world and can't get enough!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I was provided an electronic ARC via Gay Romance Reviews.**

Ava Marie Salinger returns to the world of The Mage and the Brute with book two, Stolen Magic. Readers continue to follow Duke Evander Ravenwood and the officers of the Met as he teams up with Viggo Stonewall and the thralls of Nightshade to solve arcane crimes. When a professor at the Institute is missing along with 18 thralls, both men cannot deny something is going wrong. A French academy professor is also missing, which brings a French investigator into the fray who happens to be Evander's former lover. When dark magic flies, Evander and Viggo must be able to support each other through all the things that would keep them apart.

I will endeavor to keep this review spoiler-free, but this becomes more difficult the further into a series one gets.

This series is very thoughtfully crafted with both lore and magical design. Without this firm basis, it would be easy to lose the thread of the investigations, but Salinger manages wonderfully. All challenges to Evander and Viggo's relationship are external in this book, which is a welcome set-up of them as a unit against circumstances or events. I was nervous about the introduction of Leon, but found that everyone involved turned their attention to the life-threatening horrors admirably rather than focusing on any petty jealousy when shenanigans were afoot.

Everything I loved from book one was back in book two. Certainly, if you were a fan of book one, there is no middle book syndrome here. I eagerly await book three and am grateful for the opportunity to have read Stolen Magic early.

[Taylin Clavelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4.5 hearts.
Thralls are going missing and the establishment doesn’t seem to care – but Nightshade do. Archmage Detective Evander Ravenwood is called in when magical professors also go missing. When the two cases become intertwined, they discover that more than magic is being stolen.
What a welcome return to the Victorian crime-fighting gang! The story was engaging from the first page, and while the plot was complex, it was easy to follow, making me feel like I was in the room with the investigators.
The story is told in the third person, British English, from the viewpoints of Evander and Viggo. Scenes are set within Victorian England, specifically London, and I could imagine myself navigating the streets and cobbles on foot or in a carriage. Also, the accents in dialogue scenes come through beautifully. My only niggle is that the author had favored phrases. Many scenes were surrounded with dread, frozen in tracks, worried glances and ice in veins, which over time diminished the effectiveness of the drama instead of enhancing it. I understand the gravity of the plot, but the team are seasoned investigators, too. Speaking of investigators – I loved Shaw and her direct, no-frills, say what you see bearing.
Evander and Viggo make a stunning pair. The introduction of Leon, the ex-lover, creates an intriguing subplot that impacts the investigation and their personal lives. However, it is evident that Evander's household staff, more specifically Hargrove, favour Viggo. Hargrove is another character amongst the stunning cast who deserves a special shout-out.
Throughout the story, I was introduced to brave and malevolent individuals, with innocents caught in the crosshairs. The plot included magical transference, kidnappings, experimentation, magical battles, and a classic good versus evil scenario where those who already have much desire more. Then there’s the delightful relationship between Evander and Viggo, and their deepening understanding, despite others who would prefer Evander for themselves.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! This series continues on from where we left in book one and is just as mysterious, entertaining and heated as its predecessor.
Evander and Viggo continue their relationship, known only due to those closest to them due to their stature in society. While it would be amazing to be able to bask in their new found love, the mystery is still the regarding the person known only as 'I', who is the mastermind behind the events of book one and they carry on, this time with a professor from the Arcane Institute going missing along with several thralls. There is a surprising battle of wills when it comes to the Institute with them wanting to sort the issue themselves. However, after the blowing reveal of who was committing the crimes before, Evander and everyone on the case know that anyone could possibly be involved in the nefarious schemes.
Alongside the deadly mystery, Evander's ex has been sent from Paris to assist with the investigation and it creates quite the tension. Of course, these two have an excellent way of working through that, and Evander's butler has no problem in speaking his mind bringing an excellent bit of entertainment, no matter how scandalous to the housekeeper and embarrassing for Evander.
It's another excellently written story that keeps you on your toes throughout. The supporting cast provide good insight and support to both MC's, unless of course they are purposefully getting in the way. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this progresses for the couple as well as diving further into the mystery that is 'I'.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evander is a Archmage, among the “most powerful and versatile of magic users”. Viggo is a Brute, magicless, but he has “extraordinary strength and resistance to magic”. Even though their stations in life couldn’t be further apart, they have fallen in love and are making the relationship between them work and it is getting stronger every day. Just as life settles down from their first adventure, more dangerous and deadly happenings start. Once again throwing them into a life or death battle with evil.

The world building is very complex and at times very confusing. With a book this involved I have found that I enjoy it more if I just accept what I didn’t understand and let the story flow over me. The types and degrees of magic and magic users seems to be endless but there is a certain symmetry to it all. Good or bad, the magic is intriguing.

Evander and Viggo’s falling in love so rapidly was delightful.. Even the daunting evil of new and more powerful bad guys couldn’t dim their joy in each other. I also enjoyed the banter between all the good guys, even Leon. I didn’t think I would like him but he was an affable enough character with a very important role in the story.

This is one of those series of books that needs to be read in order.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke Evander Ravenwood and Viggo Stonewall have crafted a relationship that is more than professional. In their job, each man is presented with a baffling case. Evander has been called upon to investigate the disappearance of a renowned professor, with very few clues to go on. To complicate his investigation, his former lover appears as the Paris specialist. He too is investigating a disappearance, that of a professor from Paris. While Evander not long feels anything for him, Viggo finds himself jealous. Nightshade, Viggo’s work, learns of rumors where thralls are disappearing. Viggo and Evander realize the two cases are related.

Stolen Magic is filled with lots of action, alarming revelations, and a deepening of feelings for Viggo and Evander. The plot was revealed slowly and skillfully. Each revealed fragment of the puzzle produced a feeling of dread and kept us glued to the pages. As the two men and their teams close in on their adversary, decades of shadow work are revealed and the danger increases. This part of the whole is concluded but there is more to come as they must find the very mysterious “I”, the master in charge. We can look forward to more amazing tales in this series. Let’s also hope we see more of Evander’s employees, they do add a chuckle or two.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Magic is the second story in Ava Marie Salinger's The Mage and the Brute series. Archmage Duke Evander Ravenwood is tasked with finding a missing mage from the Royal Institute for the Arcane. Meanwhile, his lover, Viggo Stonewall, is investigating the disappearances of thralls, magicless folk. These investigations immediately follow the events in book one, Magical Entanglements and they discover that they're related cases. It's so early in their relationship and they have to put up with class snobbism and an annoying ex. There's danger and betrayal and a really edge of the seat, knuckle biting mystery.
Historical and paranormal, oh my. Evander and Viggo sizzle. The pair are sleuthing their way though London, when they're not enjoying each other. World building is solid, but also a tad confusing. Thank goodness there's a glossary in the front of the book. It was definitely needed while reading.
A nice read. Witty dialog. This was a complex and very absorbing world. We're once again left with a doozy of a cliffhanger.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.

[EQUUS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this sequel as much as the first book. I won't repeat the blurb and try to avoid spoilers, so I'll keep this short.
The Victorian London setting is done perfectly and it's obvious that author put a lot of research into the series. Add a great writing, seamless flow of the story, interesting side characters, a lot of magic, mystery, action and heat and you have an almost perfect read. Frankly it's a page turner. Evander and Viggo are still going strong in and out of the bedroom and the plot thickens. Their relationship is developing in all the right ways and here's the one of the reasons for 4 instead of 5 stars. Insta love bothered me in the first book. Insta attraction - absolutely! But love? Hmm... The appearance of Evander's ex in this second installment was the perfect opportunity to put some turmoil in their personal relationship. Not explored enough. Add one or two questionable decisions plot vise. No biggies, but they threw me off.
Nevertheless I sincerely can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Books should be read in order or you'll probably be lost.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic sequel

I’ve heard it say, and I’ve said it myself, that sequels don’t always live up to the first installment. Thankfully, this one does live up to the first book! I absolutely adore Evander’s servants! They tease him, adore Viggo (who wouldn’t), support him, and are loyal to him. I just love seeing their interactions, giving a much needed reprieve to the reader from the suspense of the ongoing investigation. We get deeper into the horrors that “I” is trying to unleash upon London and the thralls, and peppered in between the tense pages, we see the unfolding of a tender and passionate love story between our MCs. It’s a well balanced book, but there doesn’t seem to be a good page to stop at, at all, well, maybe page 376, that’s a good one to take a break at. I haven’t found one before then that I felt I could stop comfortably. Fantastic story, with satisfying end to an overarching mystery, enough of a cliffhanger that I want to read the next, but with enough closure to allow me and my nails a break. Now, once my nails have grown back, I’ll read the next one.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in series (The Mage & His Brute), must be read in order. Paranormal historical fantasy. Established couple. Found family. Dual POV.

Starting almost immediately after the first book’s ending, Evander and Viggo are embroiled in a series of missing persons cases that seem connected to the dark mages they are pursuing. The ever present mastermind behind keeping thralls subjugated is still pulling strings with a connection to the city’s elite mage school.

I really enjoyed that Evander and Viggo are still strongly committed and actively pursuing growing their relationship, both in the bedroom and out. I do wish previous characters like Ginny and Ophelia were more present in this story, but the feeling of found family remains strong, although Viggo seemed underused with respect to his strengths as a brute. There was tons of exciting action, plenty of mystery and danger, and a strengthening of Evander and Viggo’s closeness, so I am still very invested in this entertaining series. 4.5 rounded up

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

- series
- continuing storyline
- established couple

This is the second outing for Evander and Viggo. It is best read in conjunction with the first book as the story starts there and is continued in this book. Viggo and Evander have more than a few obstacles in their path this time, with mages and thralls disappearing all over London and the added wrinkle of Evander's ex appearing too. I am loving this series, I'm a sucker for anything Victorian set and this is like an alternate victorian universe where magic exists and the tension between those with magic and those without, is rising.

These two together have insane chemistry and there is a ton of heat between them, they literally cannot keep their hands off one another and their connection fairly sizzles whenever they're on the page together. I am liking the story too, it's released to us piecemeal, with a part in the first book and further pieces revealed here too, but with that teaser that there's much more, and worse for Evander and Viggo to come. I can't wait to get my hands on the next instalment, I'm fully invested in Viggo and Evander by now and can't wait for more.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[purely.romantic · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in Ava Marie Salinger’s The Magic and the Brute series takes us back to an AU Victorian London, where Duke Ravenwood and Viggo Stonewall’s work as an Archmage with the London Police trying to root out a dangerous group of mages who seek to enslave non-magic users, becomes more serious. Mages who were working on new discoveries and non-magic users are going missing and to complicate it all, Ravenwood’s Parisian ex is also in town to lend a hand. This second book built on the foundations the first one put in place and the danger and tension was definitely raised a notch. And as Viggo and Ravenwood try as best as they can with the help of their friends to solve their current dilemma, the mastermind behind the whole enterprise continues to elude them. Excited to see where this goes!

CWs: class structure based on magic; mentions of past genocide; kidnapping; experimentation; injury

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stolen Magic in the second book in The Mage & History Brute series, this is a paranormal historical fantasy.

Duke Evander Ravenwood and Viggo Stonewall are throw into a new case, a missing profesor of the Royal Institute for the Arcane, this case is seam connected to the dark mages. As Evander is tasked with the investigation complication arise with the arrival of Evander’s former lover and with him also arrives a serie of new feelings for Viggo. Also Viggo is investigating the disappearance of thralls working for for noble families, they have to find out who is behind all this mystery.

I really enjoyed the chemistry between Evander and Viggo, they have a strong connection and I love the banter between them, their relationship is growing stronger in the bedroom and out. This new book is also full of action, a web of conspiracy and betrayal, Evander and Viggo have to work together to unravel this mystery.

[Emilyrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series continues on from the events of the first one and gripped me from start to finish. I love the scorching chemistry between Evander and Viggo but I also enjoyed how they work together so well, each bringing something different to their work. The world building becomes even more detailed in this story and there were many twists and turns I didn't see coming. There were moments of light relief (particularly when Shaw was about) to offset some of the darker, more sinister and haunting parts to the wider storyline. I liked Leon as a new secondary character and, although it again ends with a HFN, I'm definitely eager for book 3 to see where the mystery takes them next. Overall, a great book that I'd definitely recommend - best read after book 1 to understand the characters and world building.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Viggo and Evander so much. These two are absolutely perfect for each other and I can’t get enough of their partnership. Because that is what these two characters are, partners in every sense of the word. This author just has a way of creating these characters that I can’t get enough of. And yes while they may have a dangerous job and the threat is very real, they don’t lose faith in each other. I love how their connection just grows. I do have to wonder what Leon hoped to accomplish and am curious as to how he and Evander parted ways, but not enough to lose sleep over it. I am hooked on our mystery and I am on the edge of my seat hoping they can stop the evil mastermind before he accomplishes his goals.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this action-packed continuation of The Mage and His Brute, Evander and Viggo face a tangled web of missing persons cases tied to the dark mages they’ve long pursued. The sinister force controlling thralls remains at large, with troubling ties to the city's prestigious mage academy. Despite the escalating danger, the heart of the story lies in Evander and Viggo's deepening relationship, emotionally intimate and physically passionate. While the absence of familiar faces like Ginny and Ophelia is felt, the strong “found family” dynamic endures. Although Viggo’s physical prowess feels somewhat sidelined, the blend of danger, intrigue, and growing affection keeps the series thrilling and emotionally resonant.

[Tashyka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action abounds, shocking truths are revealed, and the emotions between Viggo and Evander grow stronger in Stolen Magic. Subtle and deftly revealed story points. We were engrossed in the pages because every piece of the puzzle that was disclosed made us experience a sense of dread. Danger grows as the two men and their teams draw nearer to their enemy, exposing decades of covert operations. This chapter is closed, but there is still more to come as they embark on a quest to uncover the identity of the ruler in charge. Amazing stories will continue in this series. Employees from Evander should make an appearance more often; they are very funny.I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Eli M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion *

Salinger once again creates a unique and complex world that manages intricacies and lore without ever being overwhelming.

There is no sophomore slump in this series, and reading about Evander and Viggo as an established couple is just as enjoyable as reading about them falling in love. There is still plenty of chemistry and spice in this book!

The series definitely needs to be read in order, not only to understand the couple’s relationship but also to help track the complex magical system.

I’ve loved the depth Salinger has created with all her books, and this is no exception!

[AshPenny37 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evander and Viggo are back in the midst of the magical murder mysteries in Victorian London, once more ably supported by Rufus and Shaw…and this time a blast from somebody's past!

The plot fits perfectly to progress the overarching series storyline - so this is not a standalone - and is as imaginative as you'd expect from this author. No spoilers, but there's plenty of interconnecting pieces that nicely build the mystery that drives the investigations. I also like the relationship development between the MCs - there's some spicy possessiveness there that totally worked for me.

Stolen Magic is very entertaining and I'm sad the next installment isn't already available right now…but I know whatever Evander and Viggo have to face next it'll be worth the wait. 4.5*

An e-copy was provided by GRR. This is my honest opinion.

[SandyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Salinger's take on an alternate Victorian London filled with magic and intrigue. In this sequel, Viggo and Evander's relationship continues to move forward as they both take on missing-persons cases the quickly prove to be intertwined. The story is high action and convoluted plot in all the best ways, with drama and suspense and the continuation of Viggo and Evander's love story threaded throughout. While I didn't read the series in order and had no problem following along, I agree with others: This is best read after book 1.

The next one in the series can't come soon enough.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fantastic world the author has created for this series gets more details added in this book and Evander and Viggo's relationship continues to deepen as well. Lots of mysterious disappearances in this one for our guys to try to solve all while working to find out who is the mastermind behind the things that are happening. I was on edge fearing who might turn out to be secretly working against them and in fact, there was a really well done sense of menace throughout the book. The suspense, mystery, action and romance were expertly blended.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in this series and you must read Arcane Entanglement as it follows the same characters and story arc throughout. Evander and Viggo are getting closer but now have to work together to solve a new mystery. Thralls are being kidnapped and as clues are becoming clearer as to why. I am loving this world and cannot wait to read the next instalment of this series. You will not be disappointed

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Magic is the second book in The Mage and His Brute series. In my opinion this series is best read in order. We are back with Evander and Viggo for another story. This book has it all, action, adventure, romance, jealousy, and a great plot. I love the world building and characters. I enjoyed this rollercoaster ride of a story. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evander and Viggo are great together - and these two are one pair where I would love to see more of just the two of them together.

I found the jealousy real sweet and loved how they communicated here.

the storyline is great and (I won't get into any details) I can't wait to read more. there are so many open questions and I have no ideas who could be the culprit

also it will be interesting to see if we see our french friend again ...

Can't wait to get my hands on the next book

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues to be intriguing, with wonderfeul world building and great characters. Shaw totally steals every scene she's in, while the building relationship between Viggo and Evander is beautifully described. The story was action-packed, with a bit of rivalry from Evander's past lover, new kinds of magic, and a new threat from the mage supremacist group. This story was well paced and the overarching story is developing well.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story certainly lived up to the authors blurb, it was magical and spellbinding! Loved the first book and thought this was a fantastic addition to the series. I like the fact it is set in the past as it seems to give the story more authenticity! Evander and Viggo are both such great characters and I thoroughly enjoyed the plot!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Deana Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charm, pathos,humor

Like most of Salinger's stories this one sparkles with just enough charm and world building to make it a good read. Her characters are well drawn, and behave like adults in real situations with enough sense to have real boundaries and actual disagreements without being idiots. It is a nice change from most romantic fiction.

[Cindy Deporter · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I”

Evander and Viggo are plunged into discovering why thralls and distinguished professors are missing. And what is the horrors and whispers of taking magic? They both face new adversaries but brandished by the same power hungry leader. Fast paced as usual with vivid descriptions!

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues the ongoing story in the series, with an evolving relationship and interesting secondary characters.
One thing to enjoy is the adult behavior of the main couple, where they speak to each other when necessary and have a realistic relationship.
The plot is interesting and is well written, keeping you engaged throughout he novel.
I recommend It!