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.