Stolen Magic

Stolen Magic follows Simon Malmain, a Guardian tasked with protecting Britain from rogue magic users in the early 1800s. When he encounters Lord Drayton, a corrupt mage who turns him to stone, Simon must rely on the healing abilities of Drayton's captive, Kit Marlowe, to restore his humanity. Kit Marlowe possesses unique powers that make her valuable to Lord Drayton's schemes. After helping Simon recover, she joins forces with him to stop Drayton's plans while navigating the complex politics of Britain's magical society and their growing attraction to each other. The plot combines elements of Regency romance and fantasy, featuring magical duels, healing powers, and a race against time. Simon and Kit must work together to prevent the misuse of ancient magical artifacts while protecting Britain's mundane and magical communities. This novel explores themes of power, responsibility, and the choices people make when given extraordinary abilities. Through its blend of historical and fantastical elements, it raises questions about the proper use of power and the nature of true justice.

Readers found this romance-fantasy engaging but less compelling than the first book in the series. Many appreciated the Welsh magic elements and the chemistry between Simon and Meg. Positives from reviews: - Fast-paced plot with magic, romance and suspense - Strong character development for both leads - Historical details and supernatural worldbuilding - Satisfying conclusion to story threads from book 1 Common criticisms: - Romance felt rushed compared to previous book - Some plot points resolved too easily - Less emotional depth than expected - Supporting characters needed more development Ratings: Goodreads: 3.85/5 (1,400+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (80+ reviews) "The magic system and Welsh mythology were fascinating, but the relationship needed more time to develop naturally," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review stated: "Good historical fantasy elements but missing the deep emotional connection that made the first book special."

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🔮 Mary Jo Putney wrote this book as part of her Guardian series, which blends Regency romance with magical elements, creating an alternate historical England where magic is real but regulated. ⚔️ The novel explores the concept of "Guardian" magic users who protect Britain, drawing inspiration from both historical secret societies and folkloric traditions of magic in England. 🎭 Unlike many Regency romances, Stolen Magic incorporates elements of suspense and fantasy, making it a pioneer in the paranormal historical romance subgenre. 📚 The book was originally published in 2005 under the title "A Kiss of Fate" before being rereleased as "Stolen Magic" in later editions. 💫 The magical system in the book is based on elemental powers (earth, air, fire, water), a concept that appears in various historical mystical traditions, including medieval alchemy and Renaissance occultism.