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Mountain of Mars (Starship's Mage Book 8) Kindle Edition

4.6 out of 5 stars 3,779 ratings

The Mage-King of Mars is dead
Chaos rocks Olympus Mons
A new monarch must rise – but she does not stand alone!


As the celebration of the victory at Legatus cools, a shuttle accident claims the lives of the Mage-King of Mars and his heir. The Crown and the Mountain fall to the Mage-King’s daughter, sixteen-year-old Kiera Alexander. She recalls Damien Montgomery, her father’s First Hand, to stand as her Lord Regent.

The pair are unprepared to govern but are thrust into the heart of Protectorate politics as the Mage-King had left behind everything from an unfinished war to an incomplete new Constitution.

Even as they get a handle on the list Kiera’s father left them, Damien is grimly certain of one thing: when it comes to the deaths of Kings, he doesn’t believe in
accidents.
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From the Publisher

starship's mage magic science fantasy space opera sci-fi military

Starship’s Mage Universe

blend science fiction and science fantasy jn chaney

Science Meets Magic in this Unique Magic System

In the science fantasy Universe of Starship’s Mage, humanity never cracked the lightspeed barrier with technology. The only tool allowing humans to spread to the stars is the magic of the elite Jump Magi who now transport ships between the stars.

action litrpg gamelit magic science

How the Legend Started

Starship’s Mage was originally released as a serialized space fantasy adventure in the style of the pulp magazines of old. The novella-length episodes were compiled in book 1, and popular demand led to a series of full-length space opera novels.

honor-bound characters

Let the Galactic-Scale Mysteries Take You Away

Explore the Protectorate of Humanity, overseen by the roving warrior judges of the Mage-King of Mars—as their worlds crack at the seams!

Starship's Mage Series

starship's mage damien mage king of mars

Starship’s Mage (Books 1-5)

Start the journey with Damien Montgomery. Damien begins as a novice Jump Mage in a galaxy where his abilities put him at risk—and take him to a place beyond his wildest expectations.

mountain of mars alien conspiracy

UnArcana Rebellion (Books 6-9)

Roslyn Chambers and Damien Montgomery both serve the Protectorate as tensions with the Republic of Faith and Reason hit a breaking point. And underneath lies the framework of a greater conspiracy.

rise the ranks marine mage commander

Mage-Officer of Mars (Books 10-13)

The adventure continues with Mage Roslyn Chambers as she hunts conspiracies and averts disaster in the aftermath of a devastating war. But the people who stoked the fires of war are still out there...

Starship's Mage
Interstellar Mage
Raven's Peace
The Terran Privateer
Space Carrier Avalon
Customer Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars 6,681
4.6 out of 5 stars 2,433
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,662
4.5 out of 5 stars 3,925
4.4 out of 5 stars 4,597
Price $4.99 $3.99 $3.99 $4.99 $4.99
Series Starship's Mage Starship's Mage Universe: Red Falcon Peacekeepers of Sol Duchy of Terra Castle Federation
Complete Series? Ongoing Completed Trilogy Ongoing Completed 9 Book Series Complete 6 Book Series (Universe Ongoing)
Genre Science Fantasy Science Fantasy Military Space Opera Military Space Opera Military Space Opera
Political & Diplomatic Intrigue
Honor & Duty
Space Battles
Marines or Ground Combat no data
Starfighters no data no data no data
Transhumanism Elements no data no data no data
All Glynn Stewart stories include... space opera science fiction

All Glynn Stewart Stories Feature...

  • Honorbound characters aiming to do the right thing
  • Diverse, realistic casts
  • Complex villains
  • Unique high concepts
  • Optimistic views of the future

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for the Starship's Mage Series

"An entertaining space opera. Damien isn't your usual hero, with bulletproof abs and square chin. He is short and of slight build, but his ethics set him apart. Damien does his absolute best to do what's right and save people in his care, even if he has to stand up to Mage-king of Mars himself. I own this series and I very much enjoyed it."

- Ilona Andrews, #1 NYT Bestselling Author

"This series has everything! Action, character, heart, and mystery woven masterfully together in Stewart's fascinating universe where science and magic stand on equal footing. I love it!"

- Jason M. Hough, NYT Bestselling Author of Zero World

"What seems like an implausible mix of SF and fantasy at first somehow combines into a thoroughly engaging space opera read that manages to be fun while keeping the tension level high. I'm ready for the next."

- Cat Rambo, Former President of SFWA

About the Author

Glynn Stewart is the author of Starship's Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible-but only because of magic. His other works include science fiction series Duchy of Terra, Castle Federation and Vigilante, as well as the urban fantasy series ONSET and Changeling Blood.

Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Kitchener, Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B085DHFP8V
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Faolan's Pen Publishing (March 17, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 17, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 353 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 3,779 ratings

About the author

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Glynn Stewart
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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Glynn Stewart is the author of Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic. His other works include science fiction series Peacekeepers of Sol, Scattered Stars, and Castle Federation, as well as the urban fantasy series ONSET and Changeling Blood.

Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Alberta with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
3,779 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be one of the best in the series, with a totally engrossing story that expands the plot for a new direction. They appreciate the character development, with one customer noting how the author draws characters you care about, and the storytelling that astounds readers with insight. The writing quality receives positive feedback, and one customer describes it as a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

47 customers mention "Enjoyment"47 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful and enjoyable read, particularly noting it as one of the best in the series.

"Man what a great book. I both saw that coming, and yet somehow, also didn’t. Still trying till work out that contradiction...." Read more

"It is rare for a series to remain fresh and engaging. This is one of the rare ones. This is a great blend of science and magic...." Read more

"...I did read the story in one sitting (again) as it hooked my interest and kept me engrossed in the storytelling till the very end of the book...." Read more

"...you with extra time or distance on your hand then this is a great time buy a new book that you will want to binge read all weak...." Read more

39 customers mention "Intrigue"39 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the intrigue of the book, describing it as a totally engrossing story that expands the plot for a new direction, with one customer noting its blend of magic, science, politics, and drama.

"...This is one of the rare ones. This is a great blend of science and magic. A continuation of good characterization." Read more

"...Was it really an accident? The mystery is unraveled skillfully, without telegraphing the answer too early, while still making sense at the end...." Read more

"...I did read the story in one sitting (again) as it hooked my interest and kept me engrossed in the storytelling till the very end of the book...." Read more

"...Another intense and thrilling chapter in the Starships Mage series." Read more

38 customers mention "Storyline"38 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, describing it as a great addition to the series that keeps getting better, with one customer noting its unexpected twists.

"...I think that’s what makes this such a great series, strong interesting, likeable, & unlikeable, well written characters...." Read more

"...This book is a satisfying addition to the series, but is very clearly not the end of the series. We have more fun to look forward to, soon I hope...." Read more

"...It is a great series!" Read more

"Series started out great, but it moved away from the main character...." Read more

20 customers mention "Character development"18 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting the author's ability to draw characters you care about and another mentioning the right mix of support for supporting characters.

"...I love the characters involved...." Read more

"...story flowed along more naturally with just the right mix of support for the supporting characters...." Read more

"...the top of his game here, layering action, intrigue, conspiracies, characters, bureaucratic gamesmanship, and combat with his intriguing mix of..." Read more

"...Mr. Stewart is very good at drawing characters you care about, even peripheral characters, and he takes full advantage here...." Read more

13 customers mention "Storytelling"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling in the book, finding it well-crafted and insightful, with one customer noting its excellent world-building.

"...I think that’s what makes this such a great series, strong interesting, likeable, & unlikeable, well written characters...." Read more

"...This is a great blend of science and magic. A continuation of good characterization." Read more

"...get a better look at the Royal Family of Mars in an even closer, more personal way, while really getting an understanding of the awesome power of..." Read more

"...that, to a life-long science fiction reader, is totally engaging and plausible...." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer specifically noting the well-developed characters.

"...a great series, strong interesting, likeable, & unlikeable, well written characters...." Read more

"...That said, I think this one is readable without them if for some reason you want to start here...." Read more

"...hard to find such interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in..." Read more

"...Great writing, great reading." Read more

4 customers mention "Rollercoaster ride"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the rollercoaster ride of the book, with one describing it as a fine adventure from start to finish.

"This book was a ROLLER coaster from start to finish in this book the protectorate has lost their king and his heir to treachery the mountain is in..." Read more

"...How he succedes is fun and makes for a fine adventure." Read more

"This book as with the others in the series was a great rolling coaster ride. It tied up some loose ends and gave us some more mystery’s...." Read more

"Rollercoaster of a book!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2020
    Man what a great book. I both saw that coming, and yet somehow, also didn’t. Still trying till work out that contradiction.

    This was a great addition to what is easily one of my favourite series. I love the characters involved. I think that’s what makes this such a great series, strong interesting, likeable, & unlikeable, well written characters.

    If you loved the other books I. The series then you need to read this one, urgently. Plot from previous books start to come to a head, so awesome.

    If your somehow new to the series do yourself a favour, go back and read the first 7 books, you won’t regret it.

    Can’t wait to see what comes next.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2020
    It is rare for a series to remain fresh and engaging. This is one of the rare ones. This is a great blend of science and magic. A continuation of good characterization.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2020
    Full disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes.

    I'm a long-time fan of Mr. Stewart's work, and especially of the stories about Damien. This book is well into an established series, so you may want to track down the earlier stories before reading this one. That said, I think this one is readable without them if for some reason you want to start here.
    This book is a satisfying addition to the series, but is very clearly not the end of the series. We have more fun to look forward to, soon I hope. Over the course of the series, we've watched Damien grow from a young man fresh out of school and desperate to find a job to, thanks to a combination of a nearly unique inborn talent and his own ethical strength and courage to a position of great power within the Kingdom. Because it's very clear that this isn't merely yet another "chosen one" storyline. If he didn't have the ethics to go with his power, he wouldn't have been welcomed into the royal household.
    The difficulty at this point in the series is, of course, what do you do with a character who has world-shattering power, to give him a challenge? That answer, of course, is human problems. We've seen him handle personal loss, with injuries that probably won't ever completely heal. And now we see him handle grief, with the loss of his friend and mentor, and responsibility for another person, which is very different from responsibility for the public as a group. And politics – how do you negotiate the power vacuum that follows the loss of a king?
    Politics aside, much of this book is occupied with trying to understand what happened to the King. Was it really an accident? The mystery is unraveled skillfully, without telegraphing the answer too early, while still making sense at the end. There was at least one point in reading where I was certain the answer was going to be something entirely different.
    I also enjoyed the glimpses we catch of Kiera the new Mage Queen. I look forward to seeing more of her, as she grows into her adult role. I suspect she will be as much of a trial to her security and to Damien, as he is to his security team.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2020
    My favorite of Stewart's characters is back, and the danger is darker, and deeper, and the duty harder. And frankly, that's when Damien Montgomery, First Hand of the Mage King of Mars is at his best.

    I'll admit, I spent a good 10 minutes sitting there stunned after the first chapter, and I thought I was prepared for it. I wasn't.

    This is exactly the continuation I was waiting for, and so MANY long-planted seeds are finally flowering.
    We finally get a better look at the Royal Family of Mars in an even closer, more personal way, while really getting an understanding of the awesome power of the Mountain of Mars.

    Sidenote: Kudos *again* to Stewart for treating Des' relationships with both genders as normal, and only worthy of note in who he's dated.
    Actually, I think this book might be the first time I've read the word 'gay' in one of Stewart's books, and again, it was treated like it's just a normal thing. (it's not a *focus* of the book by ANY means. I just love the way he handles all relationships like they're all of equal value.)
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2020
    A great story again in the life of one of my favorite story characters. In my opinion, this book the story flowed along more naturally with just the right mix of support for the supporting characters. I did read the story in one sitting (again) as it hooked my interest and kept me engrossed in the storytelling till the very end of the book.

    DISCLAIMER I am an ARC reader & I read more than I watch the tv. 8-)
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2020
    A series i'd recommend, doubt will ever re-read it though.

    If you liked the previous books will probably like this one as well. Stewart did a good job transitioning the MC to a new level while keeping the feel about the same which is a skill a lot of writers cannot pull off well.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
    Damien and Kiera have had their lives upended by the unexpected deaths of her father, the Mage King of Mars, and her brother Des. Kiera is now the Mage Queen of Mars and Damien is her Lord Protector. They must grieve for the loss of her family while dealing with all the power players of the Protectorate and investigating a long term conspiracy which led to her family's murder. Another intense and thrilling chapter in the Starships Mage series.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2020
    Honestly ... this is book 8 you are probably reading this review to psych yourself up to read this. Stop procrastinating on reading a book you will probably love! I don't want to spoil anything for you, so just get this and enjoy it. Like so many of Glynn Stewart's books this is a great read that might even make you a slightly better person.
    If COVID has you with extra time or distance on your hand then this is a great time buy a new book that you will want to binge read all weak.
    If this is your first introduction to the Starships Mage series then go get the original and start from there. It is a great series!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • ECK & co
    5.0 out of 5 stars Top
    Reviewed in France on April 25, 2020
    I enjoyed reading the starship's mage serie so far, and can't wait reading more of it. After 46 days home, reading is a welcome holiday.
  • ReDeath
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good! But…
    Reviewed in Spain on April 9, 2025
    Man, this series of books has been great but how the author deals with the villains is super frustrating, to the point of being ridiculous that it has been repeating the same thing again and again: the villains and antagonists just get oof-ed too easily or too fast, and makes all the book feel a bit more frustrating. I’ll keep reading but it’s sadly too recurring. :(
  • Thomas Hohenberger
    4.0 out of 5 stars Alles i.O.
    Reviewed in Germany on September 19, 2021
    Alles i.O.
    Report
  • George Savery
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome story
    Reviewed in Australia on June 13, 2023
    Loved the battles fantastic story lots of great characters. And rech magic was an engrossing read couldn't put the book down till it was finished fully hooked
  • gaeilicgal
    5.0 out of 5 stars What can I say, I love these books.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 8, 2020
    Look, there is no point in beating around the bush: I love these books. A space opera with epic space battles, just the right amount of techo babble, politics, giant conspiracies and military elements. The protagonist is powerful but when you think he might be heading towards OP, he gets his power clipped or knocked down. Moreover, Damian is the opposite of the usual male hero. He is short, regular looking and humble. The action, plot and character development are in the driving seat while Damian is no monk but neither is he falling all over himself for a two dimensional love interest. Instead his love interest is driven, responsible and a power in her own right. As in real life, both characters have to make hard choice to make their relationship secondary to the needs of others and the problems of real life. Yes, Damian sometimes takes on solving problems by himself but he usually explains why and does make use of an expansive support network so he isn't a stand alone hero, but a cog in a machine. An important one, but still just a cog. The loyalty, kinship and patriotism are characteristics which are often overlooked or falsely aggrandized in both fiction and real life but here feel remarkably genuine. An excellent addition to the series and I look forward to more.

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