Obviously by the seventh book in I am pretty invested in this story. The author has done a fantastic job on most of his books, so I can forgive him for screwing up on his pacing in this one. After going from small scale actions in earlier books and gradually building up the size of the protagonist's engagements, it felt odd to return to the small scale for a big chunk of this one. That was part of the problem, to my mind.
::::SPOILER ALERT AHEAD:::
Damien spent so much of the book focused on his small scale spying that it felt like we were tossed off the scale buildup of the previous books and back into Book 2. The author probably should have cut the spy stuff down, but I understand how hard it is to maintain the big engine suspense he has been building up for the last two books. However, all those pages spent on the minutiae of Damien's spying meant that when we finally reached the big, climatic engagement there wasn't room for much to happen. It didn't even make much sense - the Republic has been built up as this massive threat and suddenly the murder of a few thousand and the beating heart of the Republic just rolls over with its tail between its legs? Really? And the epic climax fizzles like flat soda upon the big reveal... it feels like the author was just ready for the book to be over. There were massive political and military problems left over after the big reveal, but they just got brushed over or ignored.
But don't worry, there is some even greater threat on the horizon, one in which the self-appointed guides of humanity think humanity will be better able to face politically fractured, without its strongest mage (in a world where the king can't ever leave his home system lest someone use Olympus Mons to destroy Sol), and with a large chunk of the fleet having been destroyed in a civil war.
There is guiding the plot so it makes for a good story, and then there is shamelessly driving it where you want it to go without regard for logic or sense. The author has strayed into the latter.
Now, don't get me wrong. This is still a good book, this is still one of the best sci fi/fantasy/space operas I have ever read, but there is no denying that this book's plot and pacing is not up to the standards the author has previously set. I still can't wait for the next book in the series - though if the author kills off the King for no good reason (you know, the guy who is literally stuck in place on Mars), I will not be happy. Also, the King should be telling Damien to get busy making the next generation of Rune Wrights before he gets himself into another insanely dangerous situation. Like seriously, why is Desmond not all over getting second line of Rune Wrights started ASAP??
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From the Publisher
Starship’s Mage Universe
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.
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.
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 (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.
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.
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
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Interstellar Mage
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Raven's Peace
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The Terran Privateer
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Space Carrier Avalon
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| 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 Feature...
- Honorbound characters aiming to do the right thing
- Diverse, realistic casts
- Complex villains
- Unique high concepts
- Optimistic views of the future
About the author
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