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Glynn Stewart
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Hand of Mars (Starship's Mage) Kindle Edition

by Glynn Stewart (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 4,720 ratings
A loyal world torn apart by corruption
The Protectorate’s shield cracked by treason
Their only hope: a rogue mage turned royal envoy

Three years ago, as Ship’s Mage of the starship Blue Jay, Damien Montgomery was pursued to the edge of human space by both the agents and enemies of the Mage-King of Mars — before being brought in from the cold.

Now, trained in new skills by the Mage-King himself, Damien has been sent to the planet Ardennes alongside Alaura Stealey, Hand of the King. A rebel movement there has destroyed cities fighting a Governor seemingly lost to corruption.

But not all on Ardennes is as it seems. As allies become enemies and an entire world comes apart in chaos around him, Damien will find both his skills and integrity tested to the utter limit.
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  1. Print length
    279 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    September 24, 2015
  4. File size
    1.4 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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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
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Customer Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars 6,680
4.6 out of 5 stars 2,429
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,649
4.5 out of 5 stars 3,917
4.4 out of 5 stars 4,580
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 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Starfighters ✓ ✓
Transhumanism Elements ✓ ✓
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 ‏ : ‎ B015TOOIAY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Faolan's Pen Publishing Inc. (September 24, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 24, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 279 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 4,720 ratings

About the author

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Glynn Stewart

Glynn Stewart

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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
4,720 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot engaging, with one review noting it features one action-packed twist after another. Moreover, they appreciate the well-developed characters, particularly the likeable hero, and consider it a great follow-up to the first book. Additionally, the writing style receives positive feedback for being brilliantly written, and customers enjoy the great alternate take on space travel. However, the pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it fast-paced while others disagree.

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124 customers mention "Plot"118 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as a great part of the saga with entertaining twists and storytelling at its finest.

"...This one is even better. Lots of action. Damien is an unlikely hero but a hero nonetheless. Some sorrow, some joy in this one...." Read more

"...mage, then becoming a rogue mage he is now one of the most powerful mages around and an ambassador of the Mage-King of Mars sent to investigate foul..." Read more

"This is a classic to me. SCI FI and fantasy in one amazing book. I loved the story of the rise of the lead character and the development of his magic..." Read more

"Good character development, and captivating story. There are a few places that are harder to see what is happening. Good book, and good read." Read more

97 customers mention "Readability"97 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and fun to read, describing it as a great series that improves with each installment.

"First book in the series was a treat to read. This one is even better. Lots of action. Damien is an unlikely hero but a hero nonetheless...." Read more

"...I quite liked the book...." Read more

"...There are a few places that are harder to see what is happening. Good book, and good read." Read more

"I have good news and bad news. Good news is this book is just as awesome as book one, and sometimes that doesn’t happen...." Read more

52 customers mention "Character development"46 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, particularly the likeable hero and decent villains, with one customer noting how the author skillfully places the protagonist in various situations.

"...Lots of action. Damien is an unlikely hero but a hero nonetheless. Some sorrow, some joy in this one. Looking forward to #3. Highly recommend." Read more

"Good character development, and captivating story. There are a few places that are harder to see what is happening. Good book, and good read." Read more

"...We can care about the characters and about the situations they must work through...." Read more

"...I also really appreciated the inclusion of Catholic characters who were respectable, and Damien's quoting prayers that were applicable...." Read more

44 customers mention "Series quality"39 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy this book as part of the series, finding it better than the first book and serving as an excellent follow-up to the previous installment.

"Great read an improvement over the first...." Read more

"...whilst there were elements of the Omnibus I preferred, this is a good sequel, that leaves you wanting more...." Read more

"Excellent second novel in the series packed with action and memorable characters. Well plotted, paced and written. Can't wait to read the next!" Read more

"Part 1 was good, part 2 is better...." Read more

24 customers mention "Writing style"24 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, describing it as brilliantly and solidly written.

"...science is, I will obviously not say scientifically credible, but well done in a way that it really becomes a cool story...." Read more

"...I never finished reading the series. Just finished reading book 2. Well written and with lots of action. Thanks for the memories!" Read more

"...really appreciated the inclusion of Catholic characters who were respectable, and Damien's quoting prayers that were applicable...." Read more

"...I thought it was solidly written. The editing was good. I didn't not catch any glaring spelling or grammar issues. The story is good...." Read more

14 customers mention "Engrossedness"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engrossing, keeping them interested as it builds up, with one customer particularly noting the captivating growth of the main character Damien.

"...The story is good. Pretty fast paced and keeps you interested...." Read more

"Fast paced and riveting with good character development. Plenty of Syfy tech without being overwhelming. Looking forward to continuing the series." Read more

"Really like the whole concept. Devoured first book. Second book is 3 years later? Huh? Barely any “magic” concept exploration...." Read more

"Still good editing and quality control. It kept my attention throughout the book. I'm looking forward to the next one in the Series." Read more

8 customers mention "Space travel"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the space travel aspects of the book, describing it as a great alternate take on space travel and space opera.

"...stories by Terry Prachett, but Stewart's stories have the element of space travel (ooh! Sci-fi!)...." Read more

"An integueing world and blending of space travel with magic. I enjoyed the boot well enough to purchase the next two in the series." Read more

"...Good story with outstanding characters. A great adventure in space, with a different take on the standard plot...." Read more

"Just the kind of space-opera I love...." Read more

9 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it fast-paced while others disagree.

"...The story is good. Pretty fast paced and keeps you interested...." Read more

"...needs to be a little better attention paid to editing, the lapses are pace dampeners but that's no reason not to enjoy the trip I certainly did and..." Read more

"Fast paced and riveting with good character development. Plenty of Syfy tech without being overwhelming. Looking forward to continuing the series." Read more

"A thoroughly good read fast paced and full of action a vast improvement to the first book in the series...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Addy Heffernan
    5.0 out of 5 stars great series
    Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    First book in the series was a treat to read. This one is even better. Lots of action. Damien is an unlikely hero but a hero nonetheless. Some sorrow, some joy in this one. Looking forward to #3. Highly recommend.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Another good sci-fi/fantasy book in the series.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I am quite happy that I finally started to read this series despite being hesitant about it as I wrote in my review of the first book in the series.

    Damien’s career as a mage has indeed been spectacular and from humble beginnings as a somewhat rejected mage, then becoming a rogue mage he is now one of the most powerful mages around and an ambassador of the Mage-King of Mars sent to investigate foul play on the planet of Ardennes.

    This book goes down a different path compared to the previous one. Where the previous one was more being on the run trying to escape both criminal thugs and the Mage-Kings agents chasing him this one throws him into an investigation of foul play threatening the stability of the Ardennes region. This time, he is the envoy of the King any chasing to be done is done by Montgomery.

    I quite liked the book. Even though there is lot of duplicity, politics and treachery, things which I generally do not like, it is made up for by the main protagonist whom I really like. Montgomery has gone from an insecure new Mage to a real ass kicker. The action is cool and Montgomery taking down the unsuspecting bad guys is a joy to read.

    Overall the book is well written with a solid story. Of course the entire fantasy/magic aspect of the story stretches the science fiction credibility but I still liked it. The blend of magic and science is, I will obviously not say scientifically credible, but well done in a way that it really becomes a cool story.

    This series stays on my to-read shelf for sure.
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  • C. Anderson
    5.0 out of 5 stars It's a great series!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is a classic to me. SCI FI and fantasy in one amazing book. I loved the story of the rise of the lead character and the development of his magic. I wish there was more explanation about the workings of these starships.
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  • Kelly Olson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Good character development, and captivating story. There are a few places that are harder to see what is happening. Good book, and good read.
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  • Kimberly Johnson
    5.0 out of 5 stars well
    Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I have good news and bad news. Good news is this book is just as awesome as book one, and sometimes that doesn’t happen. Also I now have 11 books I can work my way through. Bad news is it’s an ongoing series so once I get to the end in probably a week to week and a half I will have to wait ever so impatiently for the next release. Bad news is I’ve already finished two books and that’s two less that I get to read as I’ve read them already. Epic series.
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  • DeJ
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Story
    Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I was actually thinking of titling this as A Good Read but decided, nah! Too obvious.
    Confession made, I will now say that I have enjoyed the two books I've read in this series (typos and a couple of grammar issues aside).
    Basically, the underlying story is pretty typical of the genre: Damien Montgomery is a "Mage by Right", meaning he doesn't come from one of the "Mage by Birth" aristocratic families. This means he doesn't get picked for the more lucrative positions as a ship's mage, the people whose magical abilities actually allows humanity to travel the galaxy. Turns out, this is a good thing. The freighter that does hire him takes him to places and puts him in situations that stretch his self-perceived abilities and eventually bring him to the attention of the mage-king of Mars. And that's just the first book.
    This second book, transports us three years later. Damien has now trained to become an envoy for said mage-king. His first assignment is to accompany a Hand (kind of a circuit judge/jury/punisher). Their job is to remove (unviolently) a corrupt governor of one of the Protectorate planets. I know, it gets confusing.
    Suffice to say, all does not go as planned. Damien becomes The Hand and, though he is more sure of his abilities, he, again, must stretch himself not only with his magic, but with learning the darker elements of his new and unexpected office.
    I'm not a fan of magical stories, unless it's Peter S. Beagle's Unicorns (& other stories) or Discworld stories by Terry Prachett, but Stewart's stories have the element of space travel (ooh! Sci-fi!). We can care about the characters and about the situations they must work through. Stewart also doesn't spend time with the self-inflated egos of fighter pilots or try to measure his "worth" in terms of the size of the weapons he writes into his books. Though there are battles and military actions, Stewart's Starship's Mage series is more about a civilization on a galactic scale.
    I plan on reading the next on this series and invite you to come along on what I hope will be an entertaining adventure.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I think I bought this series around 6 years ago. I was an RCDD with a clearance overseeing of Telcom services in America and Europe. ( wife not happy tell I got to Germany!! ) I flew her into a city outside of Ramstein. I was working at Ramstein AFB and we took a train to Paris! it was Christmas and beautiful. Every French person I met was kind and spoke English. My 2 years of French in high school did not help me. I never finished reading the series. Just finished reading book 2. Well written and with lots of action. Thanks for the memories!
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  • John F Vermillion
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Series
    Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Glynn is a new author to me. His Mage series was recommended to me by the Kindle App. I have read the first two of this series in the past 48 hours. I am hooked, magic is not usually my interest, but this merging of science fiction and fantasy really clicked with me. Damien Montgomery the main character was breathed into life with Glynn's writing. The scenes are action-packed and leave me flipping pages as fast as I can read them. I also really appreciated the inclusion of Catholic characters who were respectable, and Damien's quoting prayers that were applicable. I never see this, and it was a welcome surprise.

    I have added him to my new favorites list and look forward to reading all his work. Thank you for a new source of entertainment.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Paul Ogilvie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice suspense
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on July 13, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The book has nice suspense that continues from the 1st book. A theme line develops that will extend to the other books, like an episode from a series. It is "medium hard" SF with space battles with gigaton ships and a person (a Mage, the Hand of Mars) unraveling plots against the King of Mars. A simple story worth reading to pass time.
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  • Merle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Spannende Science-Fiction
    Reviewed in Germany on April 11, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    In der Fortsetzung der SF-Geschichte um den einzigartigen Magier Daniel Montgomery, soll er nach dreijähriger Ausbildung beim Magierkönig vom Mars sein Handwerk als zukünftige Hand bei der erfahrenen Alaura Stealey lernen. Zusammen sollen sie auf dem Planeten Ardennes einer Rebellion nachgehen, bei der eine ganze Stadt dem Erdboden gleichgemacht wurde. Nachdem der korrupte Gouverneur des Planeten die Gefahr für sich selber erkannt hat, lässt er die missliebigen Eindringlinge beseitigen.
    Wie bereits im ersten Band ist die Geschichte gut und unterhält hervorragend. Viel Action und viel Handlung. Sehr gut.
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  • MNV
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant SF story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 7, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is the second book in the series and it’s just as good as the first. Damien Montgomery is sent as an envoy to the planet Ardennes as an assistant to Alaura Steatley, the Hand who he met in the first story. However, things don’t go according to plan.
    Well worth reading.
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  • Lord rascal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loving the series
    Reviewed in India on March 27, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the change in pace this series brought me. I was reading sci-fi one after the other.. and now I had something similar but different at the same time to read.

    The combination of magic and sci-fi had really made this series interesting for me. This series from the two books that I have read till now is political action fantasy sci-fi and fast paced at that.

    Two days two books done.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of my best reads in years.
    Reviewed in Canada on October 16, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Well, there's a couple of days I'll never get back. Sleep missed, work, if not ignored, perhaps not paid as much attention as it should have been. What a great book. I could not put it down. I really love the originality of the starship mage concept. Really great. The characters are varied and engaging, the villains feel real and varied, and the story pulls you in. It gives you a peak into the decisions, pressures responsibilities of a person who would seem to have it all. It's got some nice twists, and great action. I can't wait to see what Damien has to deal with next.

    The series is somewhat reminiscent of L.M. Bujold's later Miles Vorkosigan novels.

    May the series live long and prosper!
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