Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Arcane Entanglement
SERIES: The Mage and His Brute #1
AUTHOR: Ava Marie Salinger
PUBLISHER: Silver Orb Publishing
LENGTH: 357 Pages
RELEASE DATE: November 15, 2024
BLURB:
He thought he had to choose between duty and desire. But what if he could have both?
In an alternate Victorian London where magic reigns supreme, Duke Evander Ravenwood hides a dangerous secret — he is an Archmage of unparalleled power. When a brutal murder throws him into the path of Viggo Stonewall, the notorious leader of the underground information guild Nightshade, Evander’s carefully constructed world begins to unravel.
Forced into an unlikely alliance, Evander and Viggo find themselves drawn into a web of conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of their society. With tensions rising between the magical elite and the oppressed thralls, they must navigate a treacherous landscape of politics, prejudice, and forbidden desire to find a common enemy.
But in a world where magic divides the haves from the have-nots, their growing attraction could be their greatest weakness — or their most powerful weapon. Can Evander and Viggo’s burgeoning relationship withstand the storms to come? Or will the shadows of the past and the dangers of the present tear them apart?
Arcane Entanglement is a spellbinding tale of magic, mystery, and romance that will captivate readers from the first page to the last. Perfect for fans of historical fantasy and LGBT romance, this first instalment in The Mage and His Brute series promises an unforgettable journey through a London where love and magic intertwine in the most unexpected ways.
REVIEW:
Evander is a British mage nobleman with a cause and a secret, or several. There are those who believe that the magically blessed should not be equal to people with none. And with tensions rising, Evander must keep his eyes open. However, nature has seen to it that some members of society have heightened immunity to magical influences. When Evander encounters such a being in the Brute called Viggo, a future that could spell disaster or give him all that he ever hoped for is possible.
Oh myyyyy, where to start? I loved it – is a good beginning. Thereafter, I’ll be fangirling till the next book comes out. Arcane Entanglement is the first tale in a series that contains within its covers action, murder, romance, and danger at all levels of society, from Queen Victoria to the scullery maid – and sass. Imagine Bridgerton meets Sherlock Holmes with a hefty dose of Grindelwald. What’s not to love!!! If the blurb interests just a little bit – the best thing to do is read it. Once I picked it up – only the need for sleep made me put it down.
The story is written in British English, in the third person, from the viewpoints of Evander and Viggo. The setting is London, England, in the era of Queen Victoria. However, it is an AU version of the UK, where magic is widely known and used. And like many universes, some fight for good, and others, who want power, and the subjugation of anyone deemed a threat to that power.
At the beginning, there is an appendix containing a glossary of terms. Most things were logical, and while it is stated that one can go back and refer to them, it is unnecessary. However, it is worth noting that the term Brute – is not a mindless, musclebound individual but a non-magical, incredibly strong, intelligent individual who can also resist magic.
Evander is a Duke with principles. He’s a detective and a powerful mage intent on doing right for the people. His household contains an eclectic array of loyal staff with various entertaining personalities. Also, Evander’s friend Ginny and Met Officer Shaw are gutsy women with sass who made quite the impression.
Viggo is a brave Brute, and lead man of the underground information network, Nightshade. He, too, has a loyal following. His people get where many can’t, and I look forward to discovering more in the next of the series.
In short, Arcane Entanglement is a magical book of murder and intrigue with a Moriarty-level bad guy that spans all levels of Victorian society. Bravo – Ava Marie Salinger.
RATING: 
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