Mage’s Gambit by Ava Marie Salinger
The Mage and His Brute #4
MM Historical Fantasy Romance
October 6, 2026
Slow Burn Romance
Forbidden, cross-class Love
Enemies to Lovers
Protective MMC
Rich Fantasy World
Danger & Longing
The artefact he fought to recover across two continents is now secured. But the Crimson Codex does not intend to be contained.
Duke Evander Ravenwood’s magic is changing. The Crimson Codex may be secured in Scotland Yard’s vault, but it is far from dormant. The ancient power he wrested from the Alps has lodged itself inside him, erupting without warning and beyond his control. A secret he had yet to reveal to anyone—including the man who shares his bed.
When two of Viggo Stonewall’s agents disappear in Liverpool, Evander and Viggo lead a team on a rescue mission that will drag them from the rain-slicked dockyards of the industrial north to the gilded drawing rooms of London’s elite.
Soon, the fragile peace they fought for begins to fracture. The Mage Council wants the Codex. Parliament wants the Arcane Division on its knees. And the foe whose reach stretches from the streets to the highest corridors of power is tightening a noose none of them can see.
With allies stretched thin and enemies hiding in plain sight, Evander and Viggo must navigate a web of conspiracy, political ambition, and dark magic that threatens to consume everything they have built, including each other.
This time, the greatest threat may not be the enemy at their gates. It may be the force awakening inside the mage himself.
Mage’s Gambit is the fourth book in Ava Marie Salinger’s bestselling MM historical fantasy romance series The Mage and His Brute. With heart-pounding intrigue, a romance forged in fire, and stakes that will leave readers breathless. Perfect for fans of historical fantasy and LGBTQ+ romance.
Start reading today: https://getbook.at/TheMageAndHisBrute4
Mage’s Gambit by Ava Marie Salinger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
**Parts of my review from book one
As a Special Investigator for the Arcane Division of the Metropolitan Police, Duke Evander Ravenwood has seen his share of unspeakable oddities. Evander is an incredibly talented Archmage, capable of controlling the elements and so much more, using his knowledge to solve crimes. Viggo, (the Ironfist Brute) has incredible strength and formidable intelligence. People find him fascinating, the equivalent of a rockstar in Victorian England.**
Viggo’s love and undying devotion fed Evander’s soul. Making them both strong enough to withstand the evil that is constantly coming their way. It just seems that the evil is getting stronger than either of them is capable of handling.
So much happening, Evander dealing with power surges he has no control over (the pull of the Crimson Codex?), new and old players (good? or bad?), dark magic getting infinitely stronger, all rushing towards a confrontation Evander doubts they’ll come back from unscathed.
So many people to keep track of with new names thrown in. But the old reliables, Hargrove, Mrs. Sinclair, Samuel, Rufus, Shaw, Solomon, Ginny, and Finn are there, giving their all for The Mage and His Brute.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Ava Marie Salinger is the romance pen name of an Amazon bestselling urban fantasy author who has always wanted to write scorching hot contemporary and M/M fantasy romance. FALLEN MESSENGERS and THE MAGE AND HIS BRUTE are M/M fantasy romance series written as Ava Marie Salinger. NIGHTS and TWILIGHT FALLS are contemporary M/M romance series written as A.M. Salinger. When she’s not dreaming up hotties to write about, you’ll find Ava creating kickass music playlists to write to, spying on the wildlife in her garden, drooling over gadgets, and eating Chinese.
