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Mageworlds #2
Starpilot's Grave
Mageworlds Book Two: Blockaded, restricted, and forgotten--the Mageworlds would never threaten the Republic again. A broken and drifting ship, it's long-dead captain still strapped in the command seat: that's what free-spacers call a starpilot's grave. When one of these derelict craft appears in the Net, the artificial barrier zone separating the Republic from the Mageworlds, the discovery is no accident. It's a sign, a warning that the Mageworlds have not forgotten the Republic--and the Magelords make long plans. But the Magelords weren't planning on Beka Rosselin-Metadi. Beka has unfinished business to take care of, and his name is Ebenra D'Caer: the man who arranged her mother's murder. D'Caer is safe--he thinks--hidden among the Mages on the far side of the Net. Flying under a false name and false colors, Beka penetrates the Magezone and finds more than anyone expected: the Magelords have discovered a fatal weakness in the Republic's defenses, and are poised to wreak their vengeance on the hated enemy. The Mages are too strong. They must prevail. Unless one woman in one ship can do the impossible.
At the publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management software (DRM) applied.
At the publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management software (DRM) applied.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 1993
12 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Debra Doyle
95 books80 followersaka Nicholas Adams (with James D. Macdonald), Martin Delrio, Robyn Tallis (with James D. Macdonald)
Debra Doyle has a doctorate in English literature. Together, she and James Macdonald have written numerous sf/f books. They live in Colebrook, New Hampshire.
Series:
* Mageworlds
* Circle of Magic
* Bad Blood
Series contributed to:
* Tom Swift IV
* Robert Silverberg's Time Tours
* Daniel M Pinkwater's Melvinge of the Megaverse
* Gene Roddenberry's Earth: Final Conflict
Debra Doyle has a doctorate in English literature. Together, she and James Macdonald have written numerous sf/f books. They live in Colebrook, New Hampshire.
Series:
* Mageworlds
* Circle of Magic
* Bad Blood
Series contributed to:
* Tom Swift IV
* Robert Silverberg's Time Tours
* Daniel M Pinkwater's Melvinge of the Megaverse
* Gene Roddenberry's Earth: Final Conflict
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 2, 2021
A decent enough middle entry to the series. But a big hats-off to the portrayal of the Space Force, which is the most refreshingly down-to-earth depiction of a military force I’ve seen in many years: no jingoism, no romanticized oo-rah, just full of normal people trying to do their jobs as competently as possible. Not sure why you’re being rushed somewhere with only vague orders? Shrug, happens all the time, let’s just focus on what needs doing. Drew the short straw and have to go inspect a mystery spacecraft that might explode at any moment? Meh, it’s what I’m paid to do, let’s just get it done. I wonder when the pendulum swung so far in the other direction.
March 26, 2014
Continuing the story from Book I, The Price of the Stars, Beka Rosselin-Metadi is searching for the man who arranged her mother's murder. And she is gathering information about the MageWorlds intention.
There is more adventures, battles and much intrigue in this second book. One addition is the addition of 'mystical' aspects. The 'sorcery' of the Mages is pitted against the 'mental powers' of the Galcen Republic's Adepts Guild.
There are also flashbacks as the authros plant hints and puzzles which will be resolved in Book III>
One gripping scene occurs when a group of Galcen Force members discover a derelict , floating ship. It is a Mage ship--but not from the war thirty years ago. It is incredibly old. Who set adrift near the Net that protects the Galcen Republic--and why? And Llannat Hyfid--who is with the group--is also a member of the Adept's Guild. And she finds a message written in the control room of this incredibly ancient ship: "Adept of the forest world: Find the Domina, tell her what thou hast seen." At first Llannat disregards that--the Domina was murdered on the Senate floor. then she realizes that her old ally fromm Book I, Beka, was now Domina of Lost Entibor.
Then, the plan becomes clear. The inner and outer Nets (electronic devies and patrolling ships that seperate the Galcen Republic from the Mageworlds) go down and Mage warships starting pouring through. The second Mage War has begun.....
An excellent sequel to the first book, exsciting and fast paced. The characters from the first book, aided by a few new additions, give a good accoun of themselves in this volume. Again, recommended for science fiction fans but highly recommended if adventure SF is the type you crave.
There is more adventures, battles and much intrigue in this second book. One addition is the addition of 'mystical' aspects. The 'sorcery' of the Mages is pitted against the 'mental powers' of the Galcen Republic's Adepts Guild.
There are also flashbacks as the authros plant hints and puzzles which will be resolved in Book III>
One gripping scene occurs when a group of Galcen Force members discover a derelict , floating ship. It is a Mage ship--but not from the war thirty years ago. It is incredibly old. Who set adrift near the Net that protects the Galcen Republic--and why? And Llannat Hyfid--who is with the group--is also a member of the Adept's Guild. And she finds a message written in the control room of this incredibly ancient ship: "Adept of the forest world: Find the Domina, tell her what thou hast seen." At first Llannat disregards that--the Domina was murdered on the Senate floor. then she realizes that her old ally fromm Book I, Beka, was now Domina of Lost Entibor.
Then, the plan becomes clear. The inner and outer Nets (electronic devies and patrolling ships that seperate the Galcen Republic from the Mageworlds) go down and Mage warships starting pouring through. The second Mage War has begun.....
An excellent sequel to the first book, exsciting and fast paced. The characters from the first book, aided by a few new additions, give a good accoun of themselves in this volume. Again, recommended for science fiction fans but highly recommended if adventure SF is the type you crave.
August 26, 2015
This is the second book in this series and like the prequel and the 1st book I loved this one too. This series is reminiscence of the Star Wars books and movies. There is magic mixed with technology. The Adepts are the good guys and the Mages are the bad guys. The spaceships have Hyperdrive and The Warhammer, a free merchant ship, is one of the fastest in space. Also the Warhammer's owner and Captain, Beka Rosseelin-Metadi, is the last Domina of Lost Entibor. All similarities aside these books are not Star Wars clones, no pun intended :). This book and this series are a great read. Space Opera at it's finest. I highly recommend this book and series.
March 15, 2015
#2 in one of my favorite Space Opera series. I think this book is the strongest because of where all the characters are in their development.
October 26, 2021
4.5 Stars!
A satisfying second part in the series.
By the way, I'm beginning to believe this series is best described as "If Star Wars was rated R." And that alone has me jumping for joy on having discovered this series.
For starters, call me crazy but I doubt you'll see a prostitute being a main character in Star Wars and visiting whore houses along the way any time soon.
But anyways... I described the first book as reminiscent of SW, and yet carving its own unique place in the genre. Well, the second book certainly keeps carving that place with even more unique notches.
For one thing we have the main attraction of this book, the Magelords. Though we saw some of them and got hints of their traits in the first book, this book expands their nature and history like a supernova. Here is where we see how the Mages were a threat to the galaxy and how they shall become a threat once again.
And yet... they're not simply "the bad guys". Not at all. This is significant because you can safely say that about the Sith and the Empire, for instance. But this is yet another aspect that though similar, ends up diverging and standing out from SW. The Magelords are a people with deep nuances, people who have been defeated and isolated from the rest of the universe, and they have finally enacted their plan to break free and reclaim their place in space. So they're far from simply "evil". They wield dark powers and ancient dark practices, yes, but they're human, and we meet a couple of characters with complex pasts that justify their actions.
The Magelords and their counterparts, the Adepts, are in many ways more powerful than Jedi and Sith in SW. This is a good thing, but only in proper measure, since going a step too far would simply make them space wizards. But their powers are well defined and it's a joy to see them displayed in battle and otherwise.
So we finally get to see the forewarned threat of the Mages and how several sides of the galaxy deal with them, including their counterparts, the order of the Adepts. The book takes great time to establish the power dynamics of the different powers of the galaxy through the actions of the main characters, who are still a joy to see in action. This process does seem slow through most of it, since there's a lot of military protocol, and a lot of transporting from A to B. But by the end everything is set up for some interesting twists that truly pay off.
So while it feels like a middle point in the story with the purpose of setting up a bigger stage, it's still an entertaining read thanks to well executed characters and fascinating worldbuilding. Though it's rare for me to say... well, I'm anxiously looking forward to the third book in the series!
A satisfying second part in the series.
By the way, I'm beginning to believe this series is best described as "If Star Wars was rated R." And that alone has me jumping for joy on having discovered this series.
For starters, call me crazy but I doubt you'll see a prostitute being a main character in Star Wars and visiting whore houses along the way any time soon.
But anyways... I described the first book as reminiscent of SW, and yet carving its own unique place in the genre. Well, the second book certainly keeps carving that place with even more unique notches.
For one thing we have the main attraction of this book, the Magelords. Though we saw some of them and got hints of their traits in the first book, this book expands their nature and history like a supernova. Here is where we see how the Mages were a threat to the galaxy and how they shall become a threat once again.
And yet... they're not simply "the bad guys". Not at all. This is significant because you can safely say that about the Sith and the Empire, for instance. But this is yet another aspect that though similar, ends up diverging and standing out from SW. The Magelords are a people with deep nuances, people who have been defeated and isolated from the rest of the universe, and they have finally enacted their plan to break free and reclaim their place in space. So they're far from simply "evil". They wield dark powers and ancient dark practices, yes, but they're human, and we meet a couple of characters with complex pasts that justify their actions.
The Magelords and their counterparts, the Adepts, are in many ways more powerful than Jedi and Sith in SW. This is a good thing, but only in proper measure, since going a step too far would simply make them space wizards. But their powers are well defined and it's a joy to see them displayed in battle and otherwise.
So we finally get to see the forewarned threat of the Mages and how several sides of the galaxy deal with them, including their counterparts, the order of the Adepts. The book takes great time to establish the power dynamics of the different powers of the galaxy through the actions of the main characters, who are still a joy to see in action. This process does seem slow through most of it, since there's a lot of military protocol, and a lot of transporting from A to B. But by the end everything is set up for some interesting twists that truly pay off.
So while it feels like a middle point in the story with the purpose of setting up a bigger stage, it's still an entertaining read thanks to well executed characters and fascinating worldbuilding. Though it's rare for me to say... well, I'm anxiously looking forward to the third book in the series!
September 28, 2019
7.5 Did read this and part #3 on Hawaii trip (at least to my recollection). However, did believe I didn't finish it. Hence, reread in Sept 2019. Like the story lines and am interested how they conclude. Brewing conflict between two types of magic. Magelords will attack star galaxy but limited strength hence need to beat galaxy in smaller pieces. Long term attempt to bring stability a peace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2018
A well written second novel
This was a well written second novel. The events unfold in a much faster pace than the first book. They are thought provoking and leave the reader wanting to read the next book.
This was a well written second novel. The events unfold in a much faster pace than the first book. They are thought provoking and leave the reader wanting to read the next book.
March 15, 2020
1st half was kind of boring, then got better with good ending. I will read the next in series.
October 23, 2020
Reading this book made me remember why I loved the first book in the series so much. I'm excited for the third.
September 29, 2013
There was about a month and a half gap between when I finished book 1 and started reading this book. During that time I gradually forgot how much I'd enjoyed the first book and let myself be fooled by the cover of book two into thinking this would be just an alright book, so I didn't pick it up with much enthusiasm. However, it didn't take long for me to remember just how enjoyable the last book was and that this book was just as good.
We have a few new POV characters added to the mix in this book, while all of the original POV characters are back as well. The plot becomes delightfully more complicated as we follow everyone through the beginning of the second Mage Wars. There was some time in the middle when I had a little trouble staying immersed in the story, but toward the end everything really picked up. Beka and Owen especially took some steps in their lives that will be interesting to follow in the next book. I'm especially eager to see where Llannat's storyline goes, as she's become the most interesting character for me over the two book so far.
There were a few times where it almost seemed like characters just coincidentally managed to wind up in the right place at the right time, but in each case there actually was a good reason for them to be where they were, which made the story more enjoyable. There were a few characters who's actions made me question, not so much what side they're on, as what their goals are. I look forward to learning what they were up to in the next book.
We have a few new POV characters added to the mix in this book, while all of the original POV characters are back as well. The plot becomes delightfully more complicated as we follow everyone through the beginning of the second Mage Wars. There was some time in the middle when I had a little trouble staying immersed in the story, but toward the end everything really picked up. Beka and Owen especially took some steps in their lives that will be interesting to follow in the next book. I'm especially eager to see where Llannat's storyline goes, as she's become the most interesting character for me over the two book so far.
There were a few times where it almost seemed like characters just coincidentally managed to wind up in the right place at the right time, but in each case there actually was a good reason for them to be where they were, which made the story more enjoyable. There were a few characters who's actions made me question, not so much what side they're on, as what their goals are. I look forward to learning what they were up to in the next book.
April 14, 2014
The sequel to The Price of the Stars continues the pulpy thrills of a galaxy one stop removed from Star Wars. Decades after being broken and humiliated, the Mageworlds are planning a conquering comeback -- but they reckoned without the Rosselin-Metadi clan. Adept Owen discovers the reawakening remnants of Mage power; Medic Ari stumbles into mutiny and betrayal within the Space Force; Captain Beka goes undercover to find evidence of the Mages' new military power. Yet all that information may come to nothing if the three siblings -- obstructed by friends, foes, and fate -- are unable to alert the rest of the universe.
March 15, 2016
Decent middle volume of a decent space opera. Definitely going on to the finish, though maybe not beyond that.
One irritating thingie: The narrative pov switches nearly every other page (sometimes every other paragraph) among four or more threads. I guess all the rapid cuts are intended to crank up the suspense, but for me it was just annoying--particularly as, in the Kindle version, at least, there is no space or other visual sign of the changes of venue.
One irritating thingie: The narrative pov switches nearly every other page (sometimes every other paragraph) among four or more threads. I guess all the rapid cuts are intended to crank up the suspense, but for me it was just annoying--particularly as, in the Kindle version, at least, there is no space or other visual sign of the changes of venue.
September 21, 2015
The second book in the Mageworlds series picks up pretty nearly where the last one left off. And I find that I still enjoy the characters in this novel just as much as I did in the other. While I occasionally want to hear more about this or that character, the pov swapping is generally handled very nicely, and it's a tight read.
April 29, 2012
This is one of the best series I've read ever. Ranks right up there with Lee and Miller's Liaden series. I have re-read them until my paperbacks have fallen apart, and just found them to download on my e-reader.
November 14, 2012
Excellent. Fast paced and very exciting. All the characters we knew and loved from the first book are back and in it up to their ears, with new faces added to the mix.
Still not the biggest fan of Beka, but Jessan, Ari, Owen, Llanat, et. al. make up for it.
Still not the biggest fan of Beka, but Jessan, Ari, Owen, Llanat, et. al. make up for it.
July 26, 2013
This one passes my Iwannakeepreading test. I agree with Dunc and everyone else who have surmised that the series started as SW fanfic; but it goes in interesting and unexpected places while still being swashbuckling space opera. Can't wait to see what will happen next. . .
December 29, 2021
I pretty much glommed all the first three Mageworld books in a single session, so I'll have to point you towards my thoughts on the first book, which really covered the trilogy as a whole.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
September 2, 2014
A great follow-up to the first one. These books remind me of a shallower Weber, which is no bad thing. Don't get me wrong, there's depth here, and more than just "fly shoot kill", but it's not chapters and chapters of political maneuvering.
February 7, 2010
Reads fast, which is good, because it's half of a two-book epic. Can be characterized as "Star Wars for grown ups". Very forgiving of readers who don't want to read the military parts word for word.
November 6, 2011
The stakes are raised for everyone involved in this second installment of the Mageworlds series. I'm really happy I took this ride. On to book three!
December 30, 2020
Another good space opera adventure
November 26, 2015
I liked this one a lot better than the previous one, I think partly because the plot centered less on revenge and more on to on saving the world.
March 14, 2016
This is when I said okay...I don't like Adepts I like Mages. But it was in my mind : )
April 17, 2008
Sinfully delicious! I can't wait for more!
April 29, 2017
Would have been a 4 but the story can jump from world to world between paragraphs which can be confusing. Multiple pov scattered around and no logical flow between why the author jumps to them.
July 29, 2018
Pure space opera. Book 2 of 3.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews