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Alien Arcana (Starship's Mage) Paperback – January 4, 2019
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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.
- Print length331 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJanuary 4, 2019
- Dimensions6 x 0.83 x 9 inches
- ISBN-101988035619
- ISBN-13978-1988035611
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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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...
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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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Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars 6,693
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4.6 out of 5 stars 2,445
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4.4 out of 5 stars 2,680
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4.5 out of 5 stars 3,953
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4.4 out of 5 stars 4,638
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Price | $13.30$13.30 | $13.99$13.99 | $12.61$12.61 | $15.94$15.94 | $13.99$13.99 |
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
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Glynn Stewart
- Publication date : January 4, 2019
- Language : English
- Print length : 331 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1988035619
- ISBN-13 : 978-1988035611
- Item Weight : 1.07 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.83 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,803,556 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3,393 in Galactic Empire Science Fiction
- #3,609 in Space Operas
- #4,100 in Space Fleet Science Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
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 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
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star5 star66%29%5%0%0%66%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star4 star66%29%5%0%0%29%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star3 star66%29%5%0%0%5%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star2 star66%29%5%0%0%0%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star1 star66%29%5%0%0%0%
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this science fiction book to be a great continuation of the series, filled with action and mysteries that leave them asking questions. The writing style is well-executed with reasonable grammar, and customers appreciate the character development and world-building elements. The book maintains a fast pace throughout, making it an enjoyable read.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, finding it interesting and a great continuation of the series, with one customer noting that the dramatic final book did not disappoint.
"Solid storyline and characters are awesome. Great book and it flew. Really enjoyed the plots and twisted paths the author took." 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
"...It's a fun book and series, can't wait for the next one!" Read more
"...The stories are fun and fast paced. The characters keep growing. Great series." Read more
Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as well-written with reasonable grammar and a page-turner.
"...Well written and so engaging I'm excited to see how it continues and look forward to staying up way to late to read!" 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
"This is a fast-paced and generally well-written novel from a series that is also fast-paced and generally well-written...." Read more
"...than some of the earlier books, Good read, competently done with reasonable grammar, spelling, and ebooking...." Read more
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
Customers find the book enjoyable and fun to read, with one mentioning they couldn't stop reading it.
"...A great read." Read more
"Better than some of the earlier books, Good read, competently done with reasonable grammar, spelling, and ebooking...." Read more
"...If you liked the earlier Starship's Mage books, this is a fine and wonderful next story...." Read more
"found it a good read" Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning the well-tormented hero and another noting the engaging protagonist.
"Interesting story and great character. There does seem to be a small problem with editing though." Read more
"...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
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
Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as fast-paced.
"This is a fast-paced and generally well-written novel from a series that is also fast-paced and generally well-written...." Read more
"...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
"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
"Alien Arcana, like the first 3 in the series is a fast moving and well written story...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2016I 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2016Before 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024Damien 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024This book was a very good read. I will definitely read the next book in the series. I enjoyed reading this book
- Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2024What 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
- Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2016Glynn 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2016I 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2023Four 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!
Top reviews from other countries
- Darron GeorgalliReviewed in Australia on December 26, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome series
Great series, that is easy to read, captivating and with incredible characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series
-
Drake_EuReviewed in Germany on October 14, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Alternative zu dieser unfairen 1 Stern Rezension
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!
-
AriochReviewed in France on December 3, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Bonne histoire qui renforce le fil rouge
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.
- Grant Peter Britton SwireReviewed in Canada on September 24, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Dear lord, every book is an insane series of ...
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.
- AlexReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 16, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Another good book in a good series
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)