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The Mage and His Brute #5
Shadow Mage
Not yet published
Expected 10 Nov 26A mage in hiding. A Brute holding the line. And a truth that will change everything.
The Prince of Wales has vanished and all of England believes Duke Evander Ravenwood took him.
Hunted by the authorities and condemned in every newspaper in London, Evander has lost his name, his face, and the freedom to walk the streets in daylight. Finding the missing prince may be the only way to clear himself—but whoever orchestrated his downfall has been planning this for far longer than he realised.
While Evander searches for answers from the shadows, Viggo Stonewall is fighting a war of his own.
The Aristocratic Oversight Committee has seized control of the Arcane Division. People are disappearing without charge. And a seemingly innocent welfare census is recording the name and location of every thrall in London.
When the trail finally leads Evander and Viggo across the Irish Sea, they find themselves closing on an enemy who has been three moves ahead of them from the beginning—and whose plans reach far beyond one missing prince.
But Evander is still hiding a devastating truth from the man he loves.
And if Viggo discovers it before Evander can make things right, defeating their enemy may be the least of what they stand to lose.
Shadow Mage is the fifth and penultimate book in Ava Marie Salinger’s bestselling MM historical fantasy romance series The Mage and His Brute, packed with heart-pounding intrigue, a romance forged in fire, and stakes that will leave readers breathless. Perfect for fans of historical fantasy and LGBTQ+ romance.
The Prince of Wales has vanished and all of England believes Duke Evander Ravenwood took him.
Hunted by the authorities and condemned in every newspaper in London, Evander has lost his name, his face, and the freedom to walk the streets in daylight. Finding the missing prince may be the only way to clear himself—but whoever orchestrated his downfall has been planning this for far longer than he realised.
While Evander searches for answers from the shadows, Viggo Stonewall is fighting a war of his own.
The Aristocratic Oversight Committee has seized control of the Arcane Division. People are disappearing without charge. And a seemingly innocent welfare census is recording the name and location of every thrall in London.
When the trail finally leads Evander and Viggo across the Irish Sea, they find themselves closing on an enemy who has been three moves ahead of them from the beginning—and whose plans reach far beyond one missing prince.
But Evander is still hiding a devastating truth from the man he loves.
And if Viggo discovers it before Evander can make things right, defeating their enemy may be the least of what they stand to lose.
Shadow Mage is the fifth and penultimate book in Ava Marie Salinger’s bestselling MM historical fantasy romance series The Mage and His Brute, packed with heart-pounding intrigue, a romance forged in fire, and stakes that will leave readers breathless. Perfect for fans of historical fantasy and LGBTQ+ romance.
- GenresM M RomanceLGBT
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 10, 2026
About the author
Ava Marie Salinger
15 books312 followersAva 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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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy
OMG, this was so good. Unfortunately, now I have a major book-hangover, and it ended on a much bigger cliffhanger than the one before...
Can't wait to read the next one.
I can't say a word about the story and where it goes as that would spoiler everything
Just know that the characters are true to themselves, and the cast is fantastic
I love this series and it gets better and better with each new book
Can't wait to read the next one.
I can't say a word about the story and where it goes as that would spoiler everything
Just know that the characters are true to themselves, and the cast is fantastic
I love this series and it gets better and better with each new book
November 3, 2026
Evander, Duke of Ravenwood has been accused of aiding in the kidnapping of Prince Albert. Stripped of everything that made him the man he was. The Traitor Duke. He could live with no title, no respect, and no help from any source because of the danger. Yet through all this he still had allies. What he couldn’t do without was his Brute. Viggo was his touchstone, the love of his life, and his every reason for being. Evander realizes the Codex has totally bonded with him. No one understands the bond and no one wants it. Especially Viggo, he’s jealous!
The story was full of magic. I felt the author wanted to give the reader a taste of what magic, good and bad, could do to a society at large. Not wish granting as such, just unadulterated power to command.
This book, while had some action and some sweet times between Evander and Viggo, came across as low key for me. There’s hiding, intrigue, friends doing things they shouldn’t, and history revealed. Evander must share the biggest secret of all with Viggo. This book was definitely set up for Evander, his allies, and Nightshade to step in and save the world in the last book.
Off all the books in the series I think this one gives the most insight into the main players. It also seemed the easiest to read and understand.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
The story was full of magic. I felt the author wanted to give the reader a taste of what magic, good and bad, could do to a society at large. Not wish granting as such, just unadulterated power to command.
This book, while had some action and some sweet times between Evander and Viggo, came across as low key for me. There’s hiding, intrigue, friends doing things they shouldn’t, and history revealed. Evander must share the biggest secret of all with Viggo. This book was definitely set up for Evander, his allies, and Nightshade to step in and save the world in the last book.
Off all the books in the series I think this one gives the most insight into the main players. It also seemed the easiest to read and understand.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Review of advance copy
Fifth in series (The Mage and His Brute), must be read in order. Paranormal historical fantasy. Established couple. Found family. Dual POV. Cliffhanger.
Evander is in hiding and the most sought after man in England while Prince Albert is missing. Viggo and their comrades are trying to help manage the repercussions in London by keeping mages and thralls safe from government inquiries while they all search for the prince.
This book is the run up to the series finale and keeps the story and intrigue both tense and action-packed. The danger remains ever-present and Evander and Viggo are separated while trying to avoid the authorities while on a mission to rescue the prince. But the secrets have a chokehold on them, both private and public, but their found family continues to rally around them with unwavering loyalty. This was just as entertaining as every book in this series has been, I really love all the characters, main and supportive, and the overarching plotline has kept me turning pages frantically. Looking forward to the finale and hopefully a wonderful HEA for everyone but especially Evander and Viggo.
Evander is in hiding and the most sought after man in England while Prince Albert is missing. Viggo and their comrades are trying to help manage the repercussions in London by keeping mages and thralls safe from government inquiries while they all search for the prince.
This book is the run up to the series finale and keeps the story and intrigue both tense and action-packed. The danger remains ever-present and Evander and Viggo are separated while trying to avoid the authorities while on a mission to rescue the prince. But the secrets have a chokehold on them, both private and public, but their found family continues to rally around them with unwavering loyalty. This was just as entertaining as every book in this series has been, I really love all the characters, main and supportive, and the overarching plotline has kept me turning pages frantically. Looking forward to the finale and hopefully a wonderful HEA for everyone but especially Evander and Viggo.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As an ARC reviewer I read this book. Evander and Viggo are on separate paths. Evander to hide in plain sight and continue searching for Prince Albert and to learn “I’s” identity. Viggo to protect their supporters within the Met and Arcane Division and the Thralls from their enemies that are taking them. The stakes are high as “Is” plans start to become known. Evander and Viggo unite to go to Ireland to try and find Albert. The treachery is real, “Is” reach and planning long. Evander secret will it keep him and Viggo together or tear them apart? The action is intense as is the race to find the answers and stop the madness and destruction. And finally what is happening between the Crimson Codex and Evander. Hand on !
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I first reviewed this book, it was as a beta reader and my review reflected what I thought the book could be with a bit of spit and polish. I’m pleased to say the story has been buffed up nicely and is now shiny perfection. This has turned out to be everything I hoped for and more. My heart is still breaking for Evander and Viggo, but the wait for the finale is nearly over.
Re-read November '26
As a beta reader, I first read this at the end of August, and it blew me away. Shadow Mage follows directly on from the end of Mage’s Gambit and it pretty much takes off running. Evander and Fairbridge are hiding out and Viggo is dealing with the fallout from the AOC. As fugitives, their hands are tied, but they are determined to find Albert and return him safely home, regardless of who is holding him or where.
I love all the characters inhabiting this magical version of Victorian London and beyond, and the plot is fast paced and racing towards the finale, but beware …..
Massive cliff hanger alert!
I feel so lucky to be an early reader for this series and I can’t wait for everyone else to read it. There is a lot going on, but it is so worth taking your time to follow all the threads that are slowly coming together.
Now to wait (im)patiently for the finale and the answers to all the questions that have been rattling around since the beginning.
Re-read November '26
As a beta reader, I first read this at the end of August, and it blew me away. Shadow Mage follows directly on from the end of Mage’s Gambit and it pretty much takes off running. Evander and Fairbridge are hiding out and Viggo is dealing with the fallout from the AOC. As fugitives, their hands are tied, but they are determined to find Albert and return him safely home, regardless of who is holding him or where.
I love all the characters inhabiting this magical version of Victorian London and beyond, and the plot is fast paced and racing towards the finale, but beware …..
Massive cliff hanger alert!
I feel so lucky to be an early reader for this series and I can’t wait for everyone else to read it. There is a lot going on, but it is so worth taking your time to follow all the threads that are slowly coming together.
Now to wait (im)patiently for the finale and the answers to all the questions that have been rattling around since the beginning.
Currently Reading
November 3, 2026Evander and Viggo continue to steal my heart! Evander has lost practically everything after being accused of helping kidnap Prince Albert. Stripped of his title, reputation, and the life he once knew, he is now the Traitor Duke. But through it all, he still has his allies, and most importantly, he has Viggo. Viggo is Evander’s touchstone, his Brute, the love of his life, and the one person he cannot imagine living without. Their relationship is everything, and I loved seeing how much they mean to each other. Evander's growing bond with the Codex adds another fascinating complication, especially when no one really understands it. And Viggo's jealousy? I definitely enjoyed that! The magic was such a huge part of this story, and I loved how the author explored what it could mean for society. It wasn't simply about granting wishes but about having the raw, unrestrained power to command, for better or worse. It added another fascinating layer to an already captivating story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Evander and Viggo are going to give me a heart attack before this series is done! They are breaking my heart. This series is so good!!! The secret that Evander has been holding so close is going to cause more problems for them before they reach their very hard won HEA. I love the whole steampunk England the author has created here as well.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This series seriously just gets better with each book. There is so much happening that it was almost impossible to put this book down. After that cliffhanger I can't wait until the next book comes out.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews