Plot Summary
Chased by the Unseen
Joey, a first-year engineering student in Sydney, is thrust into chaos when he's attacked by an invisible force on his way to university. He's saved by a mysterious, no-nonsense woman wielding a glass sphere—Mary Blackthorne—who cryptically warns him to avoid dark alleys. Joey, skeptical but shaken, tries to rationalize the encounter as a hangover-induced hallucination, but the physical evidence—bruises, fear, and a sense of being hunted—remains. The city's normalcy feels like a thin veil over something monstrous. Joey's world, once defined by routine and rationality, is now haunted by the inexplicable, and he's left with more questions than answers as he stumbles into his first lecture, forever changed.
University, Friends, and Fears
Joey reconnects with his childhood friend Bree and meets Oscar, a reserved but brilliant classmate. The trio navigates the overwhelming energy of university life, but Joey is distracted by the morning's supernatural encounter. Bree's teasing and concern highlight their deep bond, while Oscar's quiet intelligence draws Joey's curiosity. The normalcy of lectures and campus life is a stark contrast to Joey's internal turmoil. He's plagued by night terrors and a sense of being different, which Bree remembers from their childhood. Despite the comfort of friendship, Joey's unease grows, hinting that the world is stranger—and more dangerous—than he ever imagined.
Party, Powers, and New Faces
At a university party, Joey, Bree, and Oscar mingle with new friends, including the enigmatic Rachel. Joey senses a strange pressure in the air, reminiscent of his earlier encounter. He confides in Rachel about the "air elemental," and she listens with surprising openness. The night is filled with laughter, flirtation, and the forging of new bonds, but beneath the surface, Joey's awareness of the supernatural intensifies. The party's chaos is a backdrop to Joey's growing sense that he—and those around him—are being drawn into something much larger and more dangerous than student life.
Calculus, Fire, and Fate
In class, Joey and Oscar's papers spontaneously combust during a calculus quiz, drawing the attention of Mary Blackthorne, now posing as a substitute lecturer. The incident is dismissed by others, but Joey and Oscar know it's real. Their shared experience deepens their connection and curiosity. The supernatural is no longer deniable; it's personal. Mary's presence is both reassuring and intimidating, and her interest in them is unsettling. The boundaries between the mundane and the magical are dissolving, and Joey realizes he can't ignore what's happening to him.
Missing Student, Unanswered Questions
Police visit Joey about Bruce Longley, a student who vanished after the party. The investigation is routine on the surface, but hints at a pattern of violence and missing persons. Joey's memories of the night are hazy, but he recalls Bruce's interactions and the presence of other mysterious figures. The sense of danger is growing, and Joey feels implicated in events he barely understands. An email summons him to a "supplementary class" with Mary Blackthorne, signaling that his involvement in the supernatural is no longer optional.
Summoned to the Substation
Joey and Oscar are led to Mary's hidden home, the Old Substation, where the ordinary rules of reality seem suspended. The building is filled with arcane books and artifacts, and Mary's demeanor is both stern and enigmatic. She questions them about their experiences and abilities, probing for signs of magical potential. The atmosphere is tense, charged with the promise of revelation and the threat of danger. Joey and Oscar are initiated into a world where magic is real, but perilous, and where their own lives are now inextricably linked to forces beyond their control.
The Truth About Magic
Mary demonstrates real magic, shattering Joey and Oscar's skepticism. She explains the Cascade—the flow of magic through all things—and the responsibilities of those who can wield it. Magic is not a game; it's a force that shapes reality, and those who use it are both gifted and cursed. Joey's psychomantic abilities (mind-reading, sensitivity) are rare and dangerous, making him a beacon for supernatural predators. Oscar's defensive magic is strong, but both have much to learn. Mary offers to train them, warning that the world is full of threats—demons, elementals, and worse—and that ignorance is no protection.
Training Under Fire
Mary's training is relentless, pushing Joey and Oscar to their limits. They learn to conjure shields, wield fire, and sense magical threats, but progress is uneven. Oscar excels, while Joey struggles with control and confidence. The lessons are not just about power, but survival; Mary insists that discipline and practice are essential. The threat of real enemies—demons, witch hunters, and other supernatural beings—looms over every session. The cost of failure is not just embarrassment, but death. The boys' friendship deepens under pressure, but secrets and exhaustion strain their bonds with Bree and each other.
Nightmares and New Abilities
Joey's night terrors are revealed to be attacks by malestial beings—demons and spirits drawn to his open mind. Mary teaches him to shield his thoughts, but warns that his sensitivity is both a gift and a curse. The lessons are harrowing, but Joey's determination grows. He learns to channel magic more effectively, but the psychological toll is heavy. The supernatural world is not just dangerous; it's predatory, and Joey is a target. The realization that most people with his abilities don't survive childhood is sobering, and Joey resolves to master his powers, whatever the cost.
Hidden Dangers, Hidden Talents
The trio's investigations lead them to encounters with vampires, elves, and other denizens of the Old World. Each group has its own agendas and secrets, and trust is hard-won. Mary's role as Custodian of Sydney is revealed—she is the city's magical protector, but her authority is contested. The city is a haven for supernatural refugees, but tensions are rising. The disappearance of Bruce and others is part of a larger pattern, and the threat of witch hunters and demonic summoners grows. Joey, Oscar, and Bree are drawn deeper into a web of intrigue, forced to navigate alliances and betrayals.
Relentless Lessons, Growing Lies
Joey's training intensifies, but so does the strain on his relationships. Bree feels excluded and hurt by Joey's secrecy, while Oscar struggles with guilt and fear. The trio's bond is tested by the demands of magic, the dangers they face, and the lies they tell to protect each other. Mary's insistence on secrecy is both necessary and painful. The cost of involvement in the Old World is isolation and mistrust, but the alternative—ignorance and vulnerability—is worse. The trio must decide what they're willing to risk for each other and for the city.
Gathering Allies and Enemies
Mary, Joey, and Oscar seek information from magicians, vampires, and elves, each with their own motives. The city's supernatural community is fractious, and old wounds run deep. The disappearance of key figures—Bruce, Viktoria, a dryad princess—signals a coordinated threat. The trio uncovers evidence of a demonic summoner, aided by a dreyrugr (shapeshifting bear-monster) and a network of thralls (possessed humans). The stakes escalate as it becomes clear that the city's safety—and their own lives—depend on unraveling the conspiracy before it's too late.
The First Real Battle
Joey, Oscar, and Stefan (the vampire) are ambushed by thralls, nearly killed, and forced to use all their training to survive. Joey's raw power manifests explosively, but at great personal cost—his arm is badly injured, and he's left physically and emotionally drained. The battle reveals the true danger of the demonic threat, and the vulnerability of even the most powerful allies. The trio's victory is pyrrhic; they survive, but at a heavy price. The reality of the war they're fighting becomes undeniable, and the need for unity and resolve is clearer than ever.
Vampires, Wars, and Warnings
The group learns about the history of the Old World—wars with witch hunters, alliances between wizards and vampires, and the fragile peace that now exists. Mary's past as a warrior and leader is revealed, as is the precariousness of her position as Custodian. The vampires, led by Penni and Stefan, are powerful but divided, and their support is uncertain. The threat of the Venerati Sanctus (witch hunters) is ever-present, and the city's supernatural community is on edge. The group must navigate a landscape of shifting loyalties and hidden agendas, where every ally could be a future enemy.
Demons in the Shadows
The group confronts the reality of demonic possession—thralls are not just enemies, but victims, often homeless or marginalized people. The moral cost of fighting demons is high, and the line between saving and killing is blurred. Joey is forced to make a terrible bargain with a demon, Wiljara, to save Bree's life, binding himself to a future sacrifice. The price of victory is personal, and the consequences of every choice are lasting. The group's resolve is tested, and the true nature of heroism—sacrifice, compassion, and the willingness to bear unbearable burdens—is revealed.
Hospital, Police, and Revelations
The group recovers in the hospital, grappling with injuries, guilt, and the fallout of their actions. Police allies Hertz and Devapriya become more deeply involved, blurring the line between the mundane and magical worlds. The cost of secrecy is high, but the need for cooperation is greater. The group learns that the demonic threat is escalating, with more powerful entities being summoned and more lives at risk. The urgency of their mission is clear, and the need for unity—among themselves and with their allies—is paramount.
The Cost of Secrets
Joey is forced to confront the consequences of his choices—his deal with Wiljara, the lies he's told Bree, and the responsibilities of power. Mary reveals her own secrets and the weight of her role as Custodian. The group must decide what kind of leaders they want to be, and what they're willing to sacrifice for the greater good. The cost of magic is not just physical, but moral and emotional. The path forward is uncertain, but the group is united by a shared sense of purpose and a commitment to each other.
Recovery, Regret, and Resolve
The group recovers from their injuries, both physical and emotional. Bree forgives Joey and Oscar, and the trio's bond is renewed. They resolve to be honest with each other and to face the dangers ahead together. The city is still threatened, but the group is stronger for their trials. They are no longer just students or apprentices; they are warriors, leaders, and protectors. The future is uncertain, but they are ready to face it—together.
Elves, Queens, and Clues
The group seeks help from the elves, led by Queen Alehtta and her knight Brandr. The elves are wary but agree to share information. The group learns that the demonic threat is targeting not just humans, but key figures in the Old World. The pattern of abductions points to a larger, more sinister plan. The group's investigation leads them to a troll under a bridge, who provides cryptic clues about the enemy's movements. The need for cooperation among the city's supernatural factions is clearer than ever.
Breaking and Entering
The group breaks into a suspected hideout, using magic and cunning to bypass security. Inside, they find evidence of the demonic summoner's activities—ritual circles, hell whips, and signs of recent captivity. The enemy is always one step ahead, and the group is forced to confront the reality that they are being watched and manipulated. The stakes are raised as the group realizes that the summoner's plan is nearing completion, and that time is running out to stop a catastrophe.
Mastering Magic, Facing Fears
Joey and Oscar's magical abilities continue to develop, but so do the dangers they face. The group is ambushed by thralls and a golem, barely escaping with their lives. The cost of magic is high—Joey's arm is permanently scarred, and the psychological toll is mounting. The group's resolve is tested, but they refuse to give up. They are no longer just reacting to threats; they are taking the fight to the enemy, determined to protect their city and each other.
The Trap is Sprung
The group is lured into a trap by the demonic summoner, revealed to be Professor Silbermann (Silver Fox), aided by the dreyrugr Rachel. Oscar and Alehtta are captured, and the group is forced to split up. Joey is betrayed by Rachel, who reveals her true nature and her own tragic motivations. The enemy's plan is revealed: to use Oscar as a vessel for the archdemon Astaroth, unleashing an army of demons on the city. The group must race against time to rescue their friends and stop the summoning.
Funeral, Farewells, and Betrayal
Bruce Longley's funeral is a moment of reflection and grief for the group. The city's supernatural community is shaken, and trust is in short supply. The group uncovers evidence of betrayal within the vampire ranks—Clémence, driven by fear and ambition, has orchestrated much of the chaos. The true cost of the conflict is revealed—not just in lives lost, but in the erosion of trust and the threat of civil war within the Old World. The group must confront the reality that the greatest threats often come from within.
The Final Confrontation
The group storms the enemy's lair, battling thralls, golems, and the dreyrugr. Joey faces Astaroth, the archdemon, in a battle of wills and magic. The cost is high—Joey is nearly killed, and the group is pushed to their limits. Bree, aided by Wiljara, helps turn the tide. The captives are freed, and the demon is banished, but not before offering Joey a terrible bargain. The group's victory is hard-won, and the city is saved—for now. The true mastermind, Clémence, is exposed and brought to justice, but the scars of the conflict remain.
Aftermath and New Beginnings
The group recovers from their ordeal, physically and emotionally. Mary affirms Joey as her apprentice and eventual successor, recognizing his unique blend of power, compassion, and ruthlessness. The city's supernatural community is shaken but united, and the threat of demonic invasion is averted—for now. Joey, Oscar, and Bree move in together, forging a new family and a new sense of purpose. The cost of magic is high, but the rewards—friendship, love, and the chance to make a difference—are worth it. The story ends with hope, but also with the knowledge that the battle is never truly over.
Characters
Joey Finch
Joey is a first-year engineering student whose life is upended by the discovery of magic and the supernatural. Plagued by night terrors and a sense of otherness, he is both vulnerable and resilient. His psychomantic abilities make him a target for demons but also a rare asset. Joey's journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to wield magic, confronts his fears, and grows into a leader. His relationships—with Bree, Oscar, and Mary—are central to his development, grounding him in humanity even as he's drawn into the Old World's conflicts. Joey's compassion, loyalty, and willingness to sacrifice for others define his arc, as does his struggle with the moral costs of power.
Bree Haddad
Bree is Joey's childhood friend, a force of nature whose humor and strength mask deep vulnerabilities. Her Lebanese Catholic upbringing and rebellious spirit make her both a protector and a risk-taker. Bree's journey is marked by her transformation into a demonbound—possessed by Wiljara to save her life—forcing her to confront her own mortality and the limits of trust. Her loyalty to Joey and Oscar is unwavering, and her willingness to forgive and fight for her friends is a source of strength for the group. Bree's arc explores themes of agency, sacrifice, and the power of chosen family.
Oscar Lee
Oscar is a reserved, whip-smart student with a traumatic past—his mother was killed by a supernatural creature. His natural aptitude for magic, especially defensive spells, makes him a quick study and a vital ally. Oscar's journey is one of overcoming fear and isolation, finding belonging with Joey and Bree, and stepping into his own power. His loyalty and humility balance Joey's impulsiveness and Bree's bravado. Oscar's arc is about finding courage, embracing vulnerability, and learning that strength comes from connection as much as from skill.
Mary Blackthorne
Mary is the enigmatic, formidable Custodian of Sydney's Old World. Her Aboriginal heritage, traumatic past, and immense magical power make her both a guardian and a figure of fear. Mary's training is grueling, her expectations high, but her care for her apprentices is genuine. She is haunted by past losses and the burden of leadership, often forced to make ruthless decisions for the greater good. Mary's arc is about legacy, the cost of power, and the challenge of preparing the next generation to face dangers she knows all too well.
Stefan Dragos
Stefan is a member of Sydney's leading vampire family, torn between loyalty to his kin and a desire for peace. His charisma and humor mask a deep weariness and a history of violence. Stefan's relationship with Mary is complex—partnership, rivalry, and mutual respect. He is both a guide to the Old World's politics and a reminder of its dangers. Stefan's arc explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the possibility of change.
Penni Dragos
Penni is the head of the Dragos family, embodying the strength and ruthlessness of vampire politics. His ambition to become Custodian drives much of the city's tension, and his willingness to use any means necessary—including betrayal—makes him a formidable adversary. Penni's arc is about the dangers of unchecked power, the costs of ambition, and the challenge of leadership in a fractured community.
Alehtta
Alehtta leads Sydney's hidden elf community, balancing compassion for her people with the need for secrecy and survival. Her empathy and wisdom make her a valuable ally, but her reluctance to intervene until directly threatened highlights the divisions within the Old World. Alehtta's arc is about loss, adaptation, and the struggle to protect one's people in a hostile world.
Sir Brandr
Brandr is Alehtta's chief bodyguard, fiercely protective and slow to trust outsiders. His martial prowess and experience with supernatural threats make him a key ally, but his skepticism of Mary and the wizards reflects the deep-seated mistrust among the Old World's factions. Brandr's arc is about loyalty, grief, and the challenge of forging alliances in times of crisis.
Rachel / The Dreyrugr
Rachel is a dreyrugr—a shapeshifting bear-monster—whose madness and violence are both curse and survival mechanism. Her alliance with the demonic summoner is driven by a desperate search for belonging and family. Rachel's interactions with Joey are marked by ambiguity—attraction, betrayal, and a shared sense of being outsiders. Her arc is about the costs of power, the pain of isolation, and the possibility of redemption.
Professor Jakob Silbermann (Silver Fox)
Silver Fox is a brilliant but disillusioned physics professor whose ambition and envy make him susceptible to demonic manipulation. His partnership with Rachel and the summoning of Astaroth are driven by a desire for recognition and a belief in the greater good, but his actions unleash chaos and suffering. Silver Fox's arc is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, the seduction of power, and the ease with which good intentions can lead to evil.
Plot Devices
The Cascade and Magical Sensitivity
The Cascade is the flow of magic through all things, a metaphor for both power and vulnerability. Joey's psychomantic sensitivity makes him a beacon for supernatural threats, driving much of the plot's danger and urgency. The rules of magic—its costs, its dangers, its potential for both creation and destruction—are central to the story's structure. Training sequences, magical duels, and the consequences of overreaching (Joey's injured arm, Bree's possession) reinforce the theme that power is never free. The narrative structure alternates between action, training, and investigation, using foreshadowing (nightmares, missing persons) and escalating stakes to build tension. The interplay of secrecy and revelation—who knows what, who can be trusted—drives character development and plot twists, culminating in the exposure of the true mastermind and the group's acceptance of their roles as protectors.
Analysis
The Stolen Wizard is a vibrant, fast-paced blend of urban fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age drama. At its heart, it's about the collision of the ordinary and the extraordinary—how young people, thrust into a world of magic and monsters, must grow up fast, make impossible choices, and bear the weight of responsibility. The novel explores the costs of power—physical, emotional, and moral—and the ways in which trauma, ambition, and the desire for belonging can both save and destroy. The story is deeply rooted in its Sydney setting, using the city's multiculturalism and hidden histories as a backdrop for supernatural conflict. The lessons are clear: power is never free, leadership demands sacrifice, and true strength comes from connection, compassion, and the willingness to face the darkness—both within and without. The book's humor, heart, and relentless energy make it a compelling read, while its nuanced characters and moral complexity invite reflection on what it means to be a hero in a world that is always stranger, and more dangerous, than it seems.
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