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Stolen Magick

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Jonas and Yenna lead normal lives as a London pub owner and a journalist...but they moonlight as notorious thieves with their five-member crew of unlikely criminals. Since the night twelve-year-old Jonas and his feisty red-headed neighbor—who happens to be a witch—knocked over a corner shop, the two have been inseparable. Until Yenna's magick breaks and the two of them have to face the traumatic after-effects. After years apart, Jonas brings Yenna in for one last heist—to steal a diamond from the Millenium Dome on New Year's Eve 1999, just as the clock strikes midnight and the New Millennium is ushered in. But there is a new detective in town that has opened six cold-cases that are all too familiar...

With everything at stake, the two of them must work together to stay ahead of the police, unravel the mystery of Yenna’s broken magick, and face the ghosts of their own past.

This crew of misfit criminals will steal your heart as efficiently as they steal money and jewels.

Unknown Binding

First published May 9, 2023

29 people are currently reading
891 people want to read

About the author

J.L. Vampa

13 books807 followers
J.L. is a gothic fantasy author and boutique owner
You can follow JL on
TikTok : jlvampa
Boutique: wickedwhimsyboutique.com
And by signing up for JL’s newsletter on her website jlvampa.com

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5 stars
32 (35%)
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29 (31%)
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19 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Sarietales.
136 reviews9 followers
May 5, 2023
I've been combing my brain to write a review of Stolen Magick for a few days now while simultaneously wrapping my head around the story itself (it's not confusing or anything, but JL Vampa gets me in my feelings every time).

Stolen Magick has stolen my heart.

JL develops her characters in tandem with the plot, completely immersing the reader in the emotions while building out the setting, the world and lightly foreshadowing the events to come.

Stolen Magick abounds with memories, twists and intrigue that continually pulls the reader.

I connected greatly with the MC's, Yenna and Jonas. They breathed new life into me, in such a raw way. The breadth of detail in their past and present unraveled to the perfect crescendo.

Be warned that JL has a way of absolutely ruining me with the depth of emotion in her novels and life lessons. Stolen Magick is no exception to this. JL writes in a way that readers will undoubtedly feel connected to each and every emotion. From sorrow and longing, to care and concern, to horror and grief, to tension so tight that I was pacing in the same spot over and over. Stolen Magick is an emotionally charged and suspenseful tale of friends to lovers, found family and of course - thieves!
Profile Image for Brittany |planted.library.
249 reviews12 followers
September 17, 2023
This was everything nostalgic, and all of my favourites wrapped into one. Set in the 90's, magick, a found family of thieves, heists, and a love that is warm, full of history, but has sadness and heartbreak.
Yenna was admirable in her strength, will power and love, and Jonas was everything you'd wish for in a friend, partner and lover. (They kept me rooting for a HEA) Not too mention the rest of the group, I felt connected to all of them, I especially loved the flashback memories, and how we got to see how they met and their friendships develop.

And as I sit here sipping my coffee and writing this, I wish I could go back and read it again. I was surprised at the twists and turns, audibly gasped, and even teared up a little. I was feeling all the feels with this one! Plus after that cliffhanger, I would not be upset if there was a sequel!

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your ARC team!
Profile Image for Ruby.
374 reviews39 followers
May 13, 2023
If you would have told me that a 90s heist, with a second chance romance would be my new favorite book - I wouldn't have believed you. But here we are - this book has me in an absolute chokehold. The characters, the story, the plot twist, the romance - I am blown away. I wish I could go back and time and read this again for the first time. I ADORED it, it was brilliant.

Its 1999, and Jonas wants to carry out the largest diamond heist in history. He enlists the help of his old thieving team and his long time friend Yenna for one last job. Yenna is hesitant, she has been trying to move on from this lifestyle, and trying to make it work as reporter. After some convincing, she decides to do this one last job. Through the book you learn they have been through so much together, love and loss, and just a little bit of magick.

It is important to note, that like most of JL Vampa's work, this book is highly character driven. Even if there is a heist, it really doesn't come to fruition until the end of the book. This book is really about the journey and relationship of the two MC's Yenna and Jonas, presented to the reader through past and present pov's. While I generally do not love this kind of back and forth, I thought Vampa did such a great job creating intrigue and mystery. The whole book you are asking yourself, what happened between them? What happened to Yen's magic? Who is the tinker? I thought the back and forth was such a great way to introduce tibdits of information, I was constantly questioning everything and everyone's intentions.

Yenna, is everything. She is the epitome of a strong female character - this is in my opinion, is one of Vampas standout characteristics in the books she writes. She is able to create such exceptional female characters who are strong, intelligent, flawed, crafty and relatable. Yenna will go down in history as one of my favorite characters of all time.

The relationship between her and Jonas was so tragic and beautiful. Their love story could move mountains, the highs were spectacular, the lows were completely devastating, but their love never wavered. They were both just so considerate with one another. They were my favorite part. You are just rooting for them the whole time. My favorite part was when Yenna decided to give her portion of the heist to her friend, that desperately needed it. Jonas, without hesitation did the same (but of course got crafty).

Y'all this book is so good - I will be thinking about it for a long time. I have said it a million times, but Vampa is an autobuy author. This book is so different from her other Sisters Solstice Series, yet honestly, i'm completely enamored and impressed that she can excel in such a different genre, yet still have a bit of "Magick"

Thank you so much J.L Vampa for the ARC, it is such an honor to be part of your arc team and to be able to read your books! All my thoughts are my own

Profile Image for Yvonne Marie.
699 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2023
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ . 💫

This was seriously the best magical, love story I have ever read! The way J.L. Vampa was able to mend both into a beautiful marriage, was literally the best 👌🏽

I could not put it down ...

It is so obvious the love Jonas and Yenna had for each other. The way they could always be there, considering everything that happened between them.

I love the found family trope in this one...it was very warming to see them both find a family in others, even when their "line of work" labels it as taboo. The way they also found support in her father and Laurel was just beautiful 🖤

It was not a full 5 because I caught on to Inspector Logan, but J.L. Vampa executed it so well.

I am super excited to read more books by this author, because why not!?
Profile Image for Kansas.
395 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2023
I can’t remember the last time I was loving a book SO MUCH that I rearranged my entire work day to finish reading it. Oh wait, yes I can, TODAY. I DID THAT WITH THIS BOOK TODAY! Seriously, loved everything about it and am so grateful for my digital ARC. Loved the story, loved the Magick, loved the characters… zero complaints from me! However, if we don’t get a sequel, I’ll lose my mind! This book was such an enjoyable read 🥰
Profile Image for Bookish Heidi.
1,814 reviews31 followers
May 29, 2023
I can't even begin to tell you how much I adored this book. A found family of thieves are preparing for the heist of a lifetime. 90s London, magick, second chance romance, and a whole crew of characters that you meet in bits and pieces. Chock full of emotion, the story fully pulls you in and holds you captive until the very end. And that ending!!!! Omg!
Profile Image for Linnea Kleist.
290 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2023
Where do I even begin... JL Vampa has again bewitched me with a new fantastic novel. This is a book I didn't know I was missing in my life and it's going to live rent free in my mind for a long time.

Coming back to to add to this review. I needed some time to melt this story and figure out what I wanted to say about it.
Stolen Magick is a fantastic character driven novel. Just as in Vampas Sister Solstice series the characters are incredibly well written and you can't just not fall in love and like them, even the ones you're supposed to dislike. I got so emotionally invested in this story and its characters.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this ARC.
186 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2025
Stolen Magick was a fun, thrilling, quick read.

Overall, I found this book intriguing and I wanted to keep reading. This book occurs in the real world in 1999, right before Y2K, and includes witches and warlocks. The book centers around an MMC and MFC, and their found family, who happen to be a band of thieves. The plot includes 1) a big heist and all the issues they face with this and 2) second chance romance after loss. There are themes intertwined throughout that address topics such as racism, white privilege, pregnancy, loss, grief, and forgiveness.

The book was written to jump between the current time and the past. However, it got a bit confusing because it does not jump back and pick up where the last jump back in time ended, rather it’s at a new point in time that doesn’t correlate with the last point in time. For example, it can go back to 1997, then the next time 1999, then the next time 1996, then 1999, and so on. I had to write out the timeline to make sense, which was not enjoyable.

There is a lot of mystery to this book and the mystery is slowly revealed as the book progresses. The pace picks up pretty quickly at the end to reveal a lot of information. With that said, chunks of the book are quite slow. This did not bother me, but I could see how people could get bored. There are a lot of twists and turns, some very small and some quite big, whereas some you can see coming and some you had no idea we’re going to happen. I like the hybrid of being confirmed that your guesses were right, while also being surprised at other times.

In regards to the MFC and MMC, their loss and how they grieved that resembled what can happen in real life. However, what I found a bit frustrating, was how naïve the MFC was to how her behavior was hurting the MMC. Avoiding him, shutting down when he wanted to have adult/mature conversations, asking him to be there for her when she needed him, but completely neglecting him when he needed her, and at times lashing out at him, all while antagonizing him in small ways about how she went on a date with another man or got a gift from another man and showing that gift off, was annoying and made her unlikable (only in this context). Despite this one incredibly frustrating issue, she was overall a very well rounded MFC, who was strong, stood up for herself, yet was vulnerable and had emotions, which made her very likable and I enjoyed her as a whole.

The MMC was a kind and thoughtful man. He was a bit impulsive at times, getting himself into trouble. He was secretive and often did things that made the MFC mad, with any woman in that situation would be mad at. Overall, I really loved him because of how much he loved the MFC and the things he would do to protect her. He was a strong lead in supporting and empowering the MFC.

Overall, I loved the found family, the relationship between the main characters, the mystery, and the plot moving forward towards the big event to steal the diamond 💎.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rebecca Hill.
727 reviews11 followers
May 21, 2023
Stolen Magick is book about a group of thieves who set about to steal a massive diamond on the eve of Y2K. The book centers around Yenna Thatcher and Jonas Simon who became friends when they were kids. Yenna, Jonas' neighbor, caught him sneaking out at night to rob a corner store. After listening to his lack of plan, she helped him by coming up with an actual structured one. The two were inseparable thereafter, continuing to getting closer as they planned various heists.

The book flips back and forth across time, revealing more about our two main characters, as well as their crew. Vampa has woven together a beautiful story including the adventure of the planned heist, mysteries that gradually unfold throughout the book, second chance romance, and found family. In addition, there is awe inspiring trust and respect alongside heartbreaking, soul crushing loss. As if that weren't enough, there is also a thread of witchcraft and magic that has been artfully worked through the story.

This book quickly captured my attention and my heart, and has moved to the top of my favourite books list. The characters are so well developed, and the relationships between them draw you in. While you know they are thieves, you still can't help but cheer them on and hope for the best. They are smart and strong and simply magnificent.

You cannot help but yearn to be loved the way Jonas loves Yenna. Of course he thinks she's beautiful and smart, but he also admires her and hold her in the highest esteem. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for her.

"Yenna, what are you really asking me, with all this?"
She hugged herself again, shaking her head. "I can't - It's not fair."
Jonas inched closer. "I didn't ask if it was fair. I asked what you want."


I loved this book. LOVED it! I want to go back and read it once more to enjoy the twist and turns all over again. Do yourself a favour - add this book to your TBR list, and pick up a copy of Stolen Magick as soon as possible. It was so well written, and the story was absolutely wonderful.

Now that I have popped my Vampa cherry, I definitely need to seek out more of her books.
Profile Image for Matou.
328 reviews19 followers
April 30, 2023
JL Vampa has a way of making you deeply care for characters in the span of a few pages— it IS actual magic.

Like most of the author’s other works, Stolen Magick is more character-driven than action packed, which I think is important to note here.

The heist itself becomes more significant and substantial approximately after the 2/3rd marker.

Before that, you get to connect with our two main characters— Yenna and Jonas. Stolen Magick revolves around their POVs and JESUS: the book unpacks the emotional baggage between Yenna and Jonas, which is raw, intense, and full of both angst and longing. Chapter after chapter, you learn more about their past and their psyche, until you get to the heist and everything that goes down then just makes so much sense.

As usual, JL Vampa’s writing makes you feel everything, from pain to frustration without forgetting worry and unwavering love.

The ending had me stressed and I absolutely loved some side characters, like Laurel and Yenna’s father.

I would’ve liked to know a bit more about the other crew members, who were more in the background— but it is hard to develop so many characters within a standalone! I would definitely be interested in novellas digging more into Mouse’s, Finn’s and Coop’s respective stories 👀

The main reason I’m dropping a star is because of a very ME thing: I’m unfortunately not a big fan of the present/past format.I always find myself a bit thrown off by these back and forths, which makes it harder for me to really connect with any of the timelines. But again, this is a recurring thing for me and so not proper to Stolen Magick itself— it did affect my reading experience though, so I had to make a note.

A thousand thanks to JL Vampa for the opportunity to read this ARC! I’m obsessed with your characters and your writing and was just so happy to discuss this book with you.
Profile Image for Mandy Kell.
444 reviews15 followers
June 8, 2023
"“Magick is just alchemy and nature aligning, my love,”⠀

J.L. Vampa, Stolen Magick ⠀



Stolen Magick by J.L. Vampa is a bewitching 90's heist story that answers the question, "What if Practical Magic and Ocean's Eleven had a baby?".⠀

The book has a heaping dose of magical realism and the retro references are to die for! Y2K conspiracies, velvet tops, and Led Zeppelin records all brought me back to my childhood and I think it's such a cool, grungy vibe for the story. ⠀

Yenna and Jonas are second chance romance goals and I need more stories about them, pronto! Yenna really stood out to me as a woman who takes all of her pain and melancholy and tries to shape it into a brighter future. She loves fiercely and would do anything to protect her friends and family. Jonas is also a deep, kind, character cut from a history of setbacks who doesn't hesitate to show his affection for his crew, customers, and those he holds dear. As exciting as the heist scenes were, I was on the edge of my seat every time this couple were together because they oozed passion for each other. ⠀

I also liked the side characters, especially mouse and, let me tell you, the twists and turns each of them took. Inspector Logan, Finn, and Yenna's dad Thomas all surprised me and I love when that happens in a book that I think I've figured out. This one kept me guessing until the very end. ⠀

And endings!!! I swear, Miss Vampa better be typing out book two as we speak because I HAVE to see my witch and her love break ALL hell loose and make things right. ⠀

Stolen Magick is a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ modern fantasy that I couldn't recommend more to anyone and everyone who loves found family, chaotic covens, and a sprinkle of whimsical nostalgia.
Profile Image for T.M..
Author 10 books46 followers
May 12, 2023
Yen and Jonas have a long history together, starting when he was just 12 years old. Over the last 15 years, they’ve been through heist after heist, love, heartbreak, and more. When the biggest heist of their career comes into play, Jonas is convinced that all he needs to do is to get Yen on board and it’ll go according to plan and they will never need to plan another heist. But these kind of things never go according to plan, do they?

I loved this book. So much. Even though I have had several of Vampa’s other works on my TBR, this was the first I’ve read by her. I couldn’t pull myself away from it. Magick, mystery, and brains abound. I love that the FMC was a strong, smart woman who knew what she wanted (except in her love life but ya know…) and that her MMC was a cinnamon roll kinda guy who would do anything for those he loves. There was just enough magick in here to give it that supernatural feeling, enough mystery to keep you guessing, and enough second chance romance to keep you rooting for our MCs to find one another in that manner again.

And with that cliffhanger, I’m definitely looking forward to finding out what happens next!

Thank you so, so much JL Vampa for allowing me to be part of your ARC review team!
Profile Image for Kristen Fischer.
68 reviews5 followers
May 18, 2023
10/10

J.L Vampa delivers again with Stollen Magick, this book literally stole my heart out of my body. This book by far is one of my Top reads of 2023 thus far.

J.L Vampas work is always highly character driven, which makes it extremely easy to fall into sync with these characters. The relationship between our 2 main characters (Yenna and Jonas), is tragically beautiful. The lows these two people go through are absolutely devastating and it will rip your hearts to shreds as you read. Their love story though, now that is a love story that could change the world, move mountains, topple governments. That’s a love story we all wish to truly have and know of a love so fierce.

While this story is character driven the plot is work in tandem with the character development . While successfully balancing the past/ present writing style. While the heist isn’t a big factor until later in the book, the tension and high stakes environment can be felt from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads, I mean anyone. To not read this book would be a mistake.
Profile Image for Liz ~ LittleBoneLibrary.
279 reviews8 followers
May 4, 2023
If she wasn’t already (hint: she was) this would secure JL Vampa as an auto-buy author for me. I love how all of her characters really shine at some point - even secondary characters have big meaningful moments and you can’t help but be emotionally invested in them. And Jonas and Yenna? I would do anything for them.

The way they navigate the emotional turmoil and big issues they face is beautiful. Be mindful of the emotional triggers on this one. It’s not a quick fix, it’s not an easy fix, but damn that payoff is amazing. Don’t mind me up late bawling tears of joy…thanks JL.

Also, as a 90’s kid this book was so fun and full of Y2K nostalgia that it made my little elder millennial heart so happy. Combined with covens, family secrets, and a heist, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat!

So thankful for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Kïrsten.
67 reviews
May 11, 2023
I knew I would probably love this book because J.L. wrote it, but I was not expecting to connect with the characters on the level that I did. There were also some twists I didn’t see coming, which was awesome.

The depth of feeling throughout every part of this book, the well-developed relationships between the characters, all of the little details that hold so much meaning… I loved every moment. The atmosphere and emotion are so rich, it’s like l could soak in it.

With plenty of witty banter, a high stakes plot for all of the characters, found family, second chance romance, magic, and so much more, this is such a good fun read. It is beautifully written, wonderfully descriptive and is full of complex relatable characters.

I absolutely recommend this book, and I’ll read anything Vampa writes.
Profile Image for Becca.
422 reviews28 followers
May 17, 2023
Wow!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am not a here and now reader. I usually love a great made up fantasy world and all the world building that goes along with it. But this, this is amazing. Vampa you have changed me.

This is a slow burn, second chance romance, diamond heist book centered around Jonas and Yenna but their “crew” is a central part of the story as well.

The story had me captivated from the first chapter. I loved the shifting timeframe, getting moments or memories from Jonas and Yenna to develop their characters and suspensefully catch the reader up on their history together.

I loved the HUGE twist and turns at the end. At one point I sat up and bed and was gripping the bed spread anxious and eager to see what what going to happen next.

The last page 🤌

💎magick
💎heist
💎second chance romance
💎slow burn
💎found family
💎plot twist
💎suspense
Profile Image for Tristen Tayco.
222 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2023
This book has an abundance of mystery, deception, and plot-twists. Stolen Magick is a brilliant stand-alone novel that will keep you guessing and leave you wanting more. J.L. Vampa is an artist who paints the perfect picture of love, loss, and heart-racing adventure.

Jonas is officially added to “book boyfriends I will swoon over for the rest of my life” list.

90’s vibes, found family, coven of witches, friends to lovers.

I couldn’t get enough. The last 20% of this book had me pacing around my living room with my kindle in hand!

7 reviews
November 11, 2025
I'm sorry but no!

I spend the entirety of the book hoping to have a chapter that would make go: wow this is amazing!!!!
Unfortunately it never happened...
It had everything I liked, different time lines, a heist, magic a group of very particular friends and a mystery man.
I was so excited at the idea of linking magic to a heist but in the end there is only a bunch of plot holes...
Only funny thing, couples of weeks later the Louvre's diamonds were robbed.
Anyway, I'm giving it a 2 ⭐ thinking that there's probably someone out her that will enjoy reading it
Profile Image for Jessica Grace.
87 reviews4 followers
March 19, 2023
This book had me hooked from the first chapter ! I really enjoyed the nostalgia of the 90s. All the characters were fun and unique, and even better all together! Yenna is a powerhouse witch and I can’t wait to see what she does next. The last few chapters really had me on the edge of my seat and I didn’t want it to end ! Rooting for the criminals is fun-don’t sleep on this book. And shoutout to Lemon the cat.
Profile Image for Marissa Eckel.
136 reviews8 followers
September 26, 2024
Well its my first book of JL Vampa and i absolutely loved it. I enjoyed every bit of this book. The writing style was spot on. I was always wanting to know what happened next. Not many books i see that involve a diamond heist and magic. The two together is just perfect. Would i read again? Yes. Would i recommend this book. Yes. Would i buy this book? Yes. So if this seems like your book go and pick up a copy. Pick up other of her novels to. You wont regret that.
Profile Image for Heidi.
612 reviews7 followers
May 21, 2023
I love the 90s references, the heist, this motley found family, the romance, the tension, the writing, the banter, the characters - it's all bloody brilliant!!! JL is an auto-buy for me! Just trust me and read this one!!

Thank you JL and Book of Matches Media for my review copy! Gushing and opinions my own!
Profile Image for Teri B.
999 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2025
This is the story of a last heist. This is the story of the life of everybody involved changing irrevocably. This is the story of star crossed love, living life on the edge and a mystery that needs to be solved.
I found the book very well written, keeping the balance between mystery and romance throughout.
If you loved The Atlas Six you may love this one too.
Profile Image for Delaney Oleniczak.
75 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2023
I adored everything about this book! 90s/Y2K nostalgia, romance, realistic depiction of complex emotions, crime, magic, a cat named Lemon…it’s got it all! Please please PLEASE write a sequel!
Profile Image for Stephanie Miller.
147 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2023
I’m done trying to finish this book after months of trying, I kept picking up others that interested me more. I just couldn’t get into the story and about halfway just gave up. Not for me
Profile Image for Sadie Lopez.
74 reviews
August 27, 2025
A fun heist, but I felt like most of the book dragged and then the last 20 pages were insane and rushed through. I wanted to see more action from the heist night.
Profile Image for Danielle Dexter.
Author 5 books16 followers
March 17, 2025
Stolen Magick stole my heart!

And all because of a Thriller t-shirt.

Vampa steals the show by introducing a classic heist with killer 90s vibes that had me reading like it was 1999. I swooned over the delicious imagery as well as her carefully crafted, well-rounded characters. More importantly, YENNA!!

What I love about JL Vampa's books is that she always delivers powerhouse, strong female MCs.

I sincerely hope there's a sequel or even a prequel to this book. I absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Holly.
46 reviews
January 11, 2026
i love this book so much. like SO much. journalist witch and also a criminal? yes please. so fair u got a divorce, even fairer you took him back
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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