New on Amazon: Unwell
$5.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Glynn Stewart
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Alien Arcana (Starship's Mage) Kindle Edition

by Glynn Stewart (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 4,202 ratings
An alien ruin
A murdered archeologist
An ancient secret—and a conspiracy that will kill to keep it!

When a scientist is murdered after finding signs of alien magic in an archeological dig, Mage Damien Montgomery, Hand of the Mage-King of Mars, is sent to investigate both the murder and the alien runes.

His investigation is interrupted when a mysterious ship attacks the ruins with weapons only available to the Martian Navy. Despite saving the dig site, Montgomery is left with more questions than answers.

His investigations reveal questions about the origin of his magic and his nation—and lead him back to the one place that should be safe: the court of the Mage-King of Mars.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    313 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    September 14, 2016
  4. File size
    1.5 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

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
Buying Options
Buying Options
Buying Options
Buying Options
Buying Options
Customer Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars 6,682
4.6 out of 5 stars 2,434
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,664
4.5 out of 5 stars 3,928
4.4 out of 5 stars 4,598
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 ‏ : ‎ B01LZT4FXJ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Faolan's Pen Publishing Inc.
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 14, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 313 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 4,202 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Glynn Stewart

Glynn Stewart

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
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
4,202 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers enjoy this science fiction novel for its interesting plot filled with action and mysteries that leave them asking questions. The book features great character development and seamlessly blends magic with world-building, while maintaining a fast pace. Customers find it well-written and an enjoyable read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

108 customers mention "Storyline"105 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, describing it as interesting and fun, with one customer noting how well the author pulls readers into the narrative.

"...role and as a result we get to know them and their history quite a bit better. Overall this book is a quality addition to the series...." Read more

"...Similar to the previous books in the series there is a lot of action and conflict and a now seasoned Montgomery faces some desperate characters and..." Read more

"...I will definitely read the next book in the series. I enjoyed reading this book" Read more

"What a great book. It was a real page turner, a roller coaster that just when you thought you knew where you were, came screaming down on you...." Read more

29 customers mention "Writing style"27 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as well-written with reasonable grammar and a page-turner.

"...I was very glad that the author has originality when it comes to secondary character progression...." Read more

"...The author has an engaging writing style and makes you feel as if you are right in the middle of the action...." Read more

"This book was a very good read. I will definitely read the next book in the series. I enjoyed reading this book" Read more

"What a great book. It was a real page turner, a roller coaster that just when you thought you knew where you were, came screaming down on you...." Read more

24 customers mention "Intrigue"20 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the book's intrigue, finding it filled with action and mysteries that leave them asking questions. One customer notes that the plot development is more subtle, while another mentions how the story unfolds across the entire universe.

"...This book takes some strange twists and sets the stage for a contentious next installment in the series." Read more

"Four books in and the mysteries are STILL piling up! I CANNOT WAIT for the grand reveal. The why. It’s getting so intense! Epic series!" Read more

"At first great action-suspense, and a fascinating secret. Almost immediately there are a couple of troubling plot holes...." Read more

"The action takes place across the entire universe where highly evolved military ships are savaged by deadly futuristic weapons trying to eliminate..." Read more

23 customers mention "Readability"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and fun to read, with one mentioning they couldn't stop reading it.

"...If you liked the earlier Starship's Mage books, this is a fine and wonderful next story...." Read more

"...This entire series has been a positive experience for me that I want to support the author, in the hope that he will contuse to write...." Read more

"...A great read." Read more

"...It's a fun book and series, can't wait for the next one!" Read more

20 customers mention "Character development"20 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning the well-tormented hero and another noting the engaging protagonist.

"...I should have trusted the author. We also get to meet new characters and they get to play a significant role and as a result we get to know them..." Read more

"...The story line continues in a logical manner with a fleshing out of our hero's power and character...." Read more

"...An very interesting plot, the main character is a great complex character...." Read more

"...keeps the suspense and thrills coming, I catch myself sympathizing with the main character and hoping he gets through all his troubles, which to me..." Read more

7 customers mention "Magic content"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's magic content, with one customer noting how it seamlessly blends with technology, while others praise its world-building elements.

"...does push a lot of my 'I like this' buttons - I like the mixture of magic and tech, it's not something you see very often...." Read more

"Once again, Mr. Stewart displays a good imagination and ability to project current technologies into what they might be in the future...." Read more

"Book four of the series continues the deep world-building with exploration of secrets that have been kept since the founding of the Protectorate,..." Read more

"Great series of books. Lots of different genre blended together: space, magic, detective, action, little romance, etc. Great character development...." Read more

7 customers mention "Pacing"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as fast-paced.

"...POSSIBLE SPOILERS *** I found this book to be fast paced and gripping. I virtually ignored the world to read this book in one sitting...." Read more

"This is a fast-paced and generally well-written novel from a series that is also fast-paced and generally well-written...." Read more

"Good SF novel. Plot is not very complicated and relatively fast paced. Difficult to put the book down. Was a very good holiday read...." Read more

"Love the pace and clear writing. The settings are great. The stories are fun and fast paced. The characters keep growing. Great series." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Tam B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling Conspiracy
    Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

    *** POSSIBLE SPOILERS ***

    I found this book to be fast paced and gripping. I virtually ignored the world to read this book in one sitting. The story was interesting and complex and kept me glued to the page.

    My first thoughts on finishing this book, aside from "wow", was "No!" which I can't elaborate on without spoiling the ending. The other was "exactly how short is Damien?".

    I have since read the book again and whilst my feelings about the ending remain the same, Damien's height didn't seem as commented upon when reading the book in spaced sections. (Although I would like to remark to the author that we're four books in to the series and by now we know that Damien isn't the tallest of men.)

    The writing and story are both of a quality standard and the characters have developed as time and experience has impacted on them. It was nice to see more of the Royal family and see Damien interact with all of them. Until this book we had mostly avoided politics associated with Damien's position and not really seen other Hands. This book gave us something of a glimpse of the politics and also the diversity in attitude between the Hands.

    I was very glad that the author has originality when it comes to secondary character progression. I was very worried early on that the "cop movie" stereotype was going to come in to play and was dreading it. I should have trusted the author. We also get to meet new characters and they get to play a significant role and as a result we get to know them and their history quite a bit better.

    Overall this book is a quality addition to the series. I am hoping the next book continues to follow some of the storylines set out in this one and taking us further in discovery.

    I have already purchased a copy of this book as whilst I really enjoy getting to read the book early, I want to support the author because I really want more books. I'm now eagerly awaiting further books in this series and others by the author.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Michael Gallagher
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Continuation of the Series, Ready for More
    Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Before you read this one, please note it is the fourth book in a series: you need to have read the first three books or this one won’t make much sense to you. Similar to the previous books in the series there is a lot of action and conflict and a now seasoned Montgomery faces some desperate characters and situations. The author has an engaging writing style and makes you feel as if you are right in the middle of the action. Once again you’re left wanting a little more once you finish the book, which is both good and frustrating.

    I hit the wrong button and purchased this for $4.99 vs. using my Kindle Unlimited borrow: oops for me, but I received more than $4.99 in entertainment value out of this one. If you enjoyed the first three books in the series I’d recommend you giving this one a try, and I’m ready for a continuation of the series.
    Helpful
     Report
  • C. Anderson
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Best SciFy Series!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Damien is coming into his own and growing into his role as a Hand of Mars. This book takes some strange twists and sets the stage for a contentious next installment in the series.
    Helpful
     Report
  • George
    5.0 out of 5 stars I liked this book
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book was a very good read. I will definitely read the next book in the series. I enjoyed reading this book
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jenny
    5.0 out of 5 stars what a roller coaster
    Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    What a great book. It was a real page turner, a roller coaster that just when you thought you knew where you were, came screaming down on you. Excellent book, excellent series. Very glad I found this author
    Helpful
     Report
  • Scott Raun
    4.0 out of 5 stars A fine and wonderful next story in the series.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Glynn continues the adventures of Damien Montgomery - and Damien gets in his usual 'over-my-head' trouble. If you liked the earlier Starship's Mage books, this is a fine and wonderful next story. The description on the book's page is accurate, I cannot think of anything more to say about the story that wouldn't have spoilers.

    I'm hoping for a #5 in the series, and I'm hoping for it SOON!

    This series does push a lot of my 'I like this' buttons - I like the mixture of magic and tech, it's not something you see very often.

    I received a free electronic copy in exchange for an unbiased review. I just went and bought a copy to support Glynn.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Matthew Barry
    5.0 out of 5 stars So good that I purchased the book, despite getting a free advanced copy, just to support this author
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I decided to buy this book even though I received a free Advanced Readers Copy, to support the author. This entire series has been a positive experience for me that I want to support the author, in the hope that he will contuse to write. I especially hope there will be more books in this series, or an offshoot using the same universe he created for the 'Starship Mage' series.

    The author has a gift of storytelling that grabs you and immerses you in another world you can relate to and imagine being in. The author's books are well crafted with excellent writing skills. I highly recommend the 'Starship Mage' series, including 'Alien Arcana' (Starship Mage Book 4). I suggest reading the series in the correct order, as each book continues the process of world-building and character development.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kimberly Johnson
    5.0 out of 5 stars oh man
    Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Four books in and the mysteries are STILL piling up! I CANNOT WAIT for the grand reveal. The why. It’s getting so intense! Epic series!
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Darron Georgalli
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome series
    Reviewed in Australia on December 26, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Great series, that is easy to read, captivating and with incredible characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series
    Report
  • Drake_Eu
    5.0 out of 5 stars Alternative zu dieser unfairen 1 Stern Rezension
    Reviewed in Germany on October 14, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Ich verfasse normalerweise keine Rezensionen, aber nachdem ich diese 1 Stern Bewertung gesehen habe musste ich ausnahmsweise doch was schreiben!
    Das Buch ist typisch für diesen Autor, liest sich flüssig und ist gut geschrieben, die Welt ist detailliert ausgearbeitet und ich habe keine Logikfehler gesehen, einziger Unterschied zu den vorhergehenden Werken ist, dass die Geschichte in einem Cliffhanger endet.
    Ich könnte jetzt den Buchinhalt noch ein bisschen beschreiben, aber das lasse ich und empfehle Euch einfach das Buch zu lesen! Wenn Ihr noch kein Buch aus dieser Reihe gelesen habt, dann solltet Ihr mit dem ersten Band beginnen.
    Viel Spaß!
    Report
  • Arioch
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bonne histoire qui renforce le fil rouge
    Reviewed in France on December 3, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Avec "Voice of Mars", l'auteur avait commencé à vraiment mettre en place des fils rouges.

    Avec "Alien Arcana", il continue le travail et ajoute des détails à son univers, et des détails importants. Une très bonne suite qui semble indiquer qu'il sait où il va.
    Report
  • Grant Peter Britton Swire
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dear lord, every book is an insane series of ...
    Reviewed in Canada on September 24, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Dear lord, every book is an insane series of events that would normally take a television season to cover. Read the books damnit, you will thank me later.
    Report
  • Alex
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another good book in a good series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 16, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Alien Arcana is the fourth instalment of Damien Montgomery’s story and I have to say I really enjoyed reading it. I think the writing delivers a good balance between the pace and depth of the story which keeps me interested in the characters and caring about what happens to them. I have enjoyed all three of the previous books and the Starship's Mage has become one of my favourite series. This is another good slice of Damien’s story and I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
    Note: I received a free electronic copy in exchange for an unbiased review (but liked it enough to buy a copy anyway)
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report