Guardians are humans with very special magical powers
derived from nature and tend to run in families. As chief
enforcer of the Guardian Council, Simon Malmain, the Earl
of Falconer, is not always the most well-liked of the
Guardians. But he takes his job seriously and never
pronounces judgment without strong evidence. When he
confronts a rogue mage, Lord Drayton, about misuse of
magical powers, the evil lord captures Simon in a
transformation spell that only he (Drayton), or death, can
release.
The realization of what's happened to him puts Simon into a
burning rage and gives him enough energy to break free of
the binding spell holding him captive. Racing from the
castle and grounds, he takes refuge in the surrounding
forest. Meg, a fey young woman from the castle, unwittingly
aides in Simon's recapture, but she's his salvation, as
well, when she then frees him. As they make their escape
together, Simon soon discerns that Meg is also under one of
Drayton's evil spells. Using his magical Guardian powers,
Simon restores as much of Meg's true nature and strong
magical abilities as possible. Even though her past is
still unclear, she understands what Drayton has done to
her.
As they join their magical forces to bring Drayton to
justice, Simon and Meg find even more magic in the passion
they feel for each other. But sensuous desire cannot be
satisfied until they put a stop to Drayton, who's hosting a
gathering of the finest inventors and engineers in all of
Britain at his secluded country estate. If what he has in
mind succeeds, it will alter the future of Britain, and the
world. Will the combined magic of Simon and Meg be enough
to avert catastrophe, or will they need the help of others
to succeed?
Continuing the Guardian series that she started with A KISS
OF FATE (written as Mary Jo Putney), M. J.
Putney has written a lyrical tale of powerful magic and
sensual romance in STOLEN MAGIC. Readers are quickly
immersed in a well-defined world of sorcery and science
containing strong and exciting characters that almost
overload our sensory perceptions. I can't wait for more
stories of the Guardians, and I'm delighted that one of my
favorite authors is writing in this genre, no matter what
name she uses.
Heir to an ancient title, Simon Malmain, the Earl of
Falconer, is well known among the Guardians, humans with
magical powers derived from nature. Well known, but not
always well loved . . . for those who enforce the law are
rarely embraced by those whom they protect–and this is
equally true whether the law is magical or mundane.
A routine mission to confront a rogue Guardian who has
misused his powers turns disastrous when Simon’s quarry,
Lord Drayton, captures his pursuer in a transformation spell
that can only be released by Drayton–or death. Aid arrives
in the form of Meg, a fey young woman who first traps Simon,
then frees him.
As they flee together, Simon recognizes that Meg is also a
victim of Drayton’s evil enchantments, and he restores her
nature and innate magic. Though her memory is still clouded,
she is freed at last from a shadowy world of fear and lost
identity. She agrees to help Simon bring down Drayton.
The need for each other’s magic binds them together–and
releases the more ancient magic of passion. But desire
cannot be satisfied until the rogue mage is stopped. For
Drayton has a diabolical plan that will profoundly alter the
course of Britain’s future. Even the combined power of Simon
and Meg may not be enough to stave off catastrophe. Only a
desperate act of love may win back the future–or destroy all
they hold dear.