A dark shadow awakens on the edge of known space. Long lost and long forgotten, an alien foe rises, One that would power its return by enslaving humanity!
During her pursuit of the human traitors known as Nemesis, Mage-Captain Roslyn Chambers ventured deep into alien stars. She destroyed her enemy at the final moment, but saw firsthand the might of the alien empire Nemesis called the Reejit.
The lost world Chimera has hidden between human and alien space for generations. Roslyn must protect the planet from this waking threat, but both the human and alien colonists see her as a harbinger of nightmare. Roslyn may have the full faith of the Mage-Queen of Mars, but political interference quickly undercuts Roslyn’s diplomatic power and the chain of command. She is replaced as Ambassador by Connor O’Hannagain, a man loyal to the Protectorate, but not its Queen or credos.
Chimera’s fate will decide that of a hundred worlds. Can Roslyn save Chimera, make an ally of O’Hannagain, and serve her Queen? She’ll need to draw on every trick she knows as an officer, a Mage, and a protégé of Damien Montgomery—or fail to uphold every oath she has sworn!
Glynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
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 Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
I finally realized that I really shouldn't be thinking of these as exactly books so much as episodes in an ongoing story. With that in mind this one suffers a tiny bit from middle-book/mid-season filler syndrome but somehow that didn't make it any less fun. The focus is a bit spread out- building up the Mage Queen and her boyfriend into more fully fledged characters and in her case a real PoV in the series, introducing some new characters entirely and so on. Insofar as I have any complaint at all, it's that Chimera didn't actually get any more fleshed out. The title of the next book makes it clear it's going to be the third book in a row focused on that planet and it's still honestly a bit of a blank slate.
First 83% of the book is focused on politics, with the rest mostly action. The pacing could be better, more time spent on characters, but I did not expect much in those terms and thus wasn't disappointed.
Roslyn and her team have their work cut out for them, following the atrocities, carried out by Nemesis, when they paid a visit to the planet. Trust must be forged if she is to achieve the aims the Mage Queen placed upon her.
Back home, the Queen comes under fire from members of the Parliament, who were not happy with the lack of consultation. Joint meetings with leading Political members, sees the appointment of an Ambassador, Connor O’Hannagan, to replace Roslyn, cutting her Diplomatic power and placing her under the Command of an Admiral, who will be leading a squadron of ships to Chimera.
Disappointed, but determined to provide as much support as possible to the inhabitants of the home planet, with the time she has left, Roslyn offers to carry out a patrol of nearby systems, to try and ascertain any potential level of support for their cause. While the information gathered was useful, her ship was detected.
I enjoyed the build-up and the resulting clash. Well structured and kept me up nights. Out numbered and out gunned, our Author,Glynn Stewart, lead us valiantly into battle with the unknown……. Not everyone is coming home........
This book picked up nicely, especially after the doldrums I was suffering from the 14th book.
This time, the author has attempted to correct some of the rapid and over-powered advancement given Roslyn by installing a somewhat supercilious battle group commander in her chain of command whose treats her as if she were a fledgling graduate.
He’s not incompetent, but the friction between the two serves to set a backdrop for the military action, as does Roslyn’s tentative friendship with the new ambassador.
The battle scenes are spectacular, as they always are in a Stewart novel.
I have only one complaint about this series. At 15 books deep, the author shouldn’t have to reiterate all the points he does. Roslyn’s three stars of valour are mentioned countless times, and there are other instances that I find a tad tired and even irksome. I don’t suppose that’s going away, so I’ll live with it. Yet, I, hope he reads these things and takes note of how often he repeats information we’ve soaked up more than ten books ago.
An attempt at a political books at best. There is very little politics actually happening in this book and there is little to no actual action. Mostly it's just people sitting around saying stuff then the next day they do scouting or something. The politics are bare bones at best and since everyone is this series is a good hearted person who does their best and is patriotic, well not much conflict can happen.
Overall I look forward to the end of the series, which I can only hope is a few books away.
This book also mentions the mage families and their political power. Do we meet them? No. Do they do anything? No. So why 14 books in are we still mentioning these families when they have literally done nothing. They serve no purpose. Just my small rant on that fact of the books.
I can't wait another six months for "Chimera's Fall". This new arc really rekindled my interest in the series. Great action in the end of the novel, some interesting characters. The Dual Republics are interesting and a rare example of Consociationalism in science fiction, and I would have appreciated a bit more insight into the everyman experience of living in such a state. The new human character is an interesting addition but I think he is transparently a future love interest for Chambers. Overall, I am back on the horse about the series and I think it is criminal that the author is not pumping them out even faster, especially given how this one ends.
The planet Chimera meets the Protectorate of Mars and their past masters. Interesting mix of characters, motives and outcomes. Roslyn is still in the thick of the action, but you get to see more of a mature Kiera, Mage Queen of Mars. Introduction of Connor, a tough as nails arbitrator from the Protectorate, who becomes the Chimeran ambassador, gives a new look at risks and rewards in p!antary politics, but also gives a well earned slap at democratic weaknesses. Naval action is impressive, but numbers and losses involved are staggering. Amazing series.
Ambassador for Mars is a book I missed first time through the reading of this series. Important not to do that. There's some seriously significant events that occur in this book that explain nicely why the next two books weren't making a lot of sense in places. Now, I'm looking forward to the next released book in this series, and if you've been following this series, it's likely you are waiting too. add Shadow of Mars to your to read list, and let's read it in January when it comes out.
I have waited patiently for this new book to come.out. Each book in the series stands on its own but I personally recommend reading them in order to fully enjoy this series in its fullest. The universe created is complex as it's beautiful with the interaction between worlds and the various alien races unique. The whole way the character interactions bring things to life. If you're a star trek/wars fan than this series will definitely delight you.
I dropped all my other books on release day to start this one and I couldn’t put it down. My biggest complaint is that I have to wait until Jan 2025 for the next book!
I enjoyed the new characters introduced. Connor is interesting. I enjoyed the insight into the enemy. I enjoyed seeing Kay “break”. Roslyn is, of course, a favorite.
I didn’t as much enjoy the politics with Kiera, but understand the beed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ambassador For Mars (ebook fromFaolan's Pen Publishing Inc) . The Thorn under Mage-Captain Roslyn Chambers is the youngest captain in the new fleet, and the new Admiral doubts her ability despite her medals of honor and her softening the leadership of Chimera before the new fleet arrived. Of course there’s a fun space battle and a potential war in the future. This is a must for fans of the Starship's Mage series but has too much background for new readers. Excellent series.
Fans of Roslyn Chambers character will thoroughly enjoy this story
Roslyn Chambers doubters get taught a lesson in doubting her. Those who doubt her and disrespect her pay the ultimate price. This has action and knowledge gathering and an ambassador to Chimera. yes Damien makes an appearance and Keira Alexander learns more about ruling the Protectorate. More of Roslyn mentors show up. read and listen to this book.
Good addition to series. Best to read this series in order to get the full effect.
Moved the needle for good reads.
Continues following the aftermath of Nemesis and Chimera. New Ambassador is sent, along with a fleet, to aid Chambers. Alternating with insight into Kiera POV was well done.
Lots of actions, political intrigue and character development.
Ambassador for Mars is the 15th excellent book in the Starship’s Mage series that has come very far from its humble beginnings. The level of world building and complexity that Glynn has crafted in this series is second to none and a masterful example for other authors in the genre. I can’t wait for the next book and for any others Glynn have coming.
Stewart has a talent for depicting realistic (as much as possible) space conflict, explaining just enough but not handholding the reader through an interstellar adventure. Truly excited to continue this series as I have since the first of the Starship’s Mage series
The events that fans wait for since book 4 has began has the Protectorate war against there hidden creators has started now how many will die millions or billions.
The MC focus has changed from the 1st 4 books in this great series; but the quality of the story telling and characterization remain among the highest. The authors best series and in total as compelling and brilliant as Webbers Herington novels. Keep em coming Glynn.
Got to be one of the best series I have read. Too many of the multi volume series run out of steam after book 3 or 4. Mr Stewart has managed to keep it fresh and exciting.
This was another good book in the series. The main character grows while dealing with the situation after chasing the terrorists that stole a ship in the last book.
Absolutely brilliant as usual. A thrilling addition to the series. Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action. Human and aliens strive to survive against a theocracy. I look forward to the next one.
At about the 60% point I found that I could not put this book down. Sadly, that was on my lunch break. No, not sad that I did in fact have to put it down. Sad that I didn't get any work done until after dinner. Sorry, boss.
Like the writing but it feels like he's pushing the original storyline by switching to new characters, when the earlier ones were probably better. Trouble is of course that the original setup was so strong it's probably pretty hard to beat it. Wouldn't object to more Barry though 🤫