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Star Mage Saga #1
Star Mage Quest
Carina Lin is a slum brat turned space mercenary. With a twist. She’s also a mage, and she’s about to risk everything.
Her merc band, the Black Dogs, is assigned a suicide mission. A young boy has been kidnapped by one of the galactic sector’s most powerful clans, and the Dogs’ task is to rescue him.
Carina faces an impossible decision. To save the boy she must Cast, but if her powers are revealed she will be tortured and enslaved.
When she makes her choice and throws the dice, the fallout is beyond her imagination.
Star Mage Quest is book one in the dark, exciting science fantasy, Star Mage Saga. The series is complete.
Her merc band, the Black Dogs, is assigned a suicide mission. A young boy has been kidnapped by one of the galactic sector’s most powerful clans, and the Dogs’ task is to rescue him.
Carina faces an impossible decision. To save the boy she must Cast, but if her powers are revealed she will be tortured and enslaved.
When she makes her choice and throws the dice, the fallout is beyond her imagination.
Star Mage Quest is book one in the dark, exciting science fantasy, Star Mage Saga. The series is complete.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2018
507 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Green
105 books391 followersJ.J. Green is a British-Australian science fiction author with a lifelong love of distant landscapes, intriguing cultures and fascinating places. She was born within the sound of the bells of Mary-le-Bow church in Cheapside, London, making her a bona fide Cockney, and she lived in Australia, Laos and Taiwan before returning to the UK to settle down in Cambridge.
Green’s novels weave science-based speculation with richly personal stories. Her works explore themes of environmental degradation, political conflict, mythical resonance, human resilience, and the ethics of technology and expansion. Her characters—often strong women—navigate future worlds grounded in both scientific plausibility and mythic imagination.
Sign up to J.J. Green's reader group at jjgreenauthor.com
Green’s novels weave science-based speculation with richly personal stories. Her works explore themes of environmental degradation, political conflict, mythical resonance, human resilience, and the ethics of technology and expansion. Her characters—often strong women—navigate future worlds grounded in both scientific plausibility and mythic imagination.
Sign up to J.J. Green's reader group at jjgreenauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 9, 2022
So having read the prequel story I was really looking forward to reading this, and I wasn’t disappointed. This was a really intricate and well crafted novel, full of twists and turns. It isn’t deep and meaningful, but it is fun, well written and more than good enough to make me want to carry on reading the series.
Carina is a mage, who after following a certain ritual can perform certain paranormal / magical acts. Orphaned at an early age, she was brought up by her grandmother who taught her how to be a mage, but also told her of her heritage as a mage.
After her grandmother is murdered Carina finds herself on the street, and learns how to be tough which stands her in good stead when in later life she becomes a mercenary in a galaxy of two strong but warring families.
One of her adventures sees her and her co mercenaries rescuing a young child that was aware of Mage properties. This makes Carina think she could be on the track of other mages, and even close family.
Various adventures see her discovering she does have more family, but her happy reunion is thwarted by a member of one of the warring families who has discovered what mages are and is using them to help him become more powerful.
During a major space battle between the families, Carina attempts to rescue a group of mages who have been held prisoner , however all does not go to plan….
And on to the next book
Carina is a mage, who after following a certain ritual can perform certain paranormal / magical acts. Orphaned at an early age, she was brought up by her grandmother who taught her how to be a mage, but also told her of her heritage as a mage.
After her grandmother is murdered Carina finds herself on the street, and learns how to be tough which stands her in good stead when in later life she becomes a mercenary in a galaxy of two strong but warring families.
One of her adventures sees her and her co mercenaries rescuing a young child that was aware of Mage properties. This makes Carina think she could be on the track of other mages, and even close family.
Various adventures see her discovering she does have more family, but her happy reunion is thwarted by a member of one of the warring families who has discovered what mages are and is using them to help him become more powerful.
During a major space battle between the families, Carina attempts to rescue a group of mages who have been held prisoner , however all does not go to plan….
And on to the next book
April 16, 2025
Such a grim book, with so much child abuse, and torture. Well plotted but not for me. I had to skim from the middle to the end.
April 15, 2019
Carina is trying to find others like her. Figures there must be other Mages out there. Don’t miss out. Fabulous story.
Want to read
February 4, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/4/2020)! 🎁
April 21, 2018
TOTO WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE!!!
Wow! Oh man, this is a tough one. Ok guys, I'm jumping in feet first. I could tell you all about whats happening in this tale. I could say its exciting and a little bit on the hard side. I could say that the dark side shows through quite a bit. I could tell you how the main character strives to save those in need. I could say alot. But come on guys you read the blurb. You've heard what other readers are saying. You know the score. But because I'm me, I'll be running this show. Just kidding, there's no show. If you're looking for a steady paced, easy to follow, smooth flowing read that captures your attention and holds it till the last word. Congratulations my friends you've found it. JJ draws us into her imagination with a force thats seldom seen. In a world where you can't trust anyone, with your back against the wall and life as you know it crumbling at your feet. Yep, right here. The main character is a strong and compassionate individual. The characters and scenes were intriguing and complex. Graphic detailed descriptions were realistic and believable. Twists, turns and unpredictable surprises that kept me captivated and on the edge of my seat. JJ did a remarkable job bringing this read together effortlessly. Incredible job JJ and thanks for sharing.
Wow! Oh man, this is a tough one. Ok guys, I'm jumping in feet first. I could tell you all about whats happening in this tale. I could say its exciting and a little bit on the hard side. I could say that the dark side shows through quite a bit. I could tell you how the main character strives to save those in need. I could say alot. But come on guys you read the blurb. You've heard what other readers are saying. You know the score. But because I'm me, I'll be running this show. Just kidding, there's no show. If you're looking for a steady paced, easy to follow, smooth flowing read that captures your attention and holds it till the last word. Congratulations my friends you've found it. JJ draws us into her imagination with a force thats seldom seen. In a world where you can't trust anyone, with your back against the wall and life as you know it crumbling at your feet. Yep, right here. The main character is a strong and compassionate individual. The characters and scenes were intriguing and complex. Graphic detailed descriptions were realistic and believable. Twists, turns and unpredictable surprises that kept me captivated and on the edge of my seat. JJ did a remarkable job bringing this read together effortlessly. Incredible job JJ and thanks for sharing.
April 17, 2018
Daughter of Discord is certainly darker than my usual sci-fi/fantasy fare. It takes some of the (arguably perhaps?) worst elements of humanity and blends them with a new, fictional, world. Personally, I don’t have a problem with the dark and unpleasant aspects of reality invading my fiction. However, if you’re looking for pure escapism then perhaps it’s not for you.
Whilst it may strike up debate around ‘should you write about it, or shouldn’t you?’, Daughter of Discord is a story and not just gratuitous horrors. It lacks the sensationalist depth of detail that would make the tougher scenes unbearable. That’s not to say that the detail is lacking everywhere. The characters are wonderfully complex with realistically confused and turbulent emotions. I was certainly drawn in to Carina’s world and her troubled personality. She has serious trust issues that prevent her easily accepting help from others. Her feelings of past betrayal also make her very extreme in her emotional reactions and this is a large part of what makes the book so compelling.
The world being created in this series is certainly not a warm and fuzzy one. It’s gritty to the point of distressing although the pace of the storyline carries you through the darkest elements without allowing time to get too upset about them. Yet if you’re the type of person who does get emotionally invested in characters then it’s a bumpy ride!
With a realistic emotional side to the book and also a compelling fantasy storyline, I think Daughter of Discord has appeal for readers of gritty fantasy and lovers of human interest and psychology alike. For me, a sometimes shocking but overwhelmingly enjoyable read.
Whilst it may strike up debate around ‘should you write about it, or shouldn’t you?’, Daughter of Discord is a story and not just gratuitous horrors. It lacks the sensationalist depth of detail that would make the tougher scenes unbearable. That’s not to say that the detail is lacking everywhere. The characters are wonderfully complex with realistically confused and turbulent emotions. I was certainly drawn in to Carina’s world and her troubled personality. She has serious trust issues that prevent her easily accepting help from others. Her feelings of past betrayal also make her very extreme in her emotional reactions and this is a large part of what makes the book so compelling.
The world being created in this series is certainly not a warm and fuzzy one. It’s gritty to the point of distressing although the pace of the storyline carries you through the darkest elements without allowing time to get too upset about them. Yet if you’re the type of person who does get emotionally invested in characters then it’s a bumpy ride!
With a realistic emotional side to the book and also a compelling fantasy storyline, I think Daughter of Discord has appeal for readers of gritty fantasy and lovers of human interest and psychology alike. For me, a sometimes shocking but overwhelmingly enjoyable read.
September 30, 2024
Terrific magic concept
JJ Green is a new-to-me author whose books will start to take on a significantly larger bit of my terabyte bookshelf. Love finding a new favourite!
I think it may take a female author to write a male villain so terrifyingly vile. This was a deep reach into the fears of a woman, especially one with children - every stone flipped to see what might crawl out from the dark. The guy played out like an over-the-top Bond villain, if that’s possible to imagine. The scenes where he was on the page were electrifying. Well written, Ms. Green.
The characters were all developed and fully thought through. Their motivations were explained with exposition, action and surroundings.
Action was always driving the story; some ‘next thing’ moved the story forward smoothly. There were frantic bits, in the middle of an action sequence.
World-building and setting were fully fleshed out. The story … the plot … that was what kept me reading into the small hours.
Take warnings seriously if you’re easily triggered; physical, emotional and psychological abuse run rampant in this book. Horrific death is a constant threat.
Off to find the next books because, as gorge-rising as that stuff is … this was a great book!
JJ Green is a new-to-me author whose books will start to take on a significantly larger bit of my terabyte bookshelf. Love finding a new favourite!
I think it may take a female author to write a male villain so terrifyingly vile. This was a deep reach into the fears of a woman, especially one with children - every stone flipped to see what might crawl out from the dark. The guy played out like an over-the-top Bond villain, if that’s possible to imagine. The scenes where he was on the page were electrifying. Well written, Ms. Green.
The characters were all developed and fully thought through. Their motivations were explained with exposition, action and surroundings.
Action was always driving the story; some ‘next thing’ moved the story forward smoothly. There were frantic bits, in the middle of an action sequence.
World-building and setting were fully fleshed out. The story … the plot … that was what kept me reading into the small hours.
Take warnings seriously if you’re easily triggered; physical, emotional and psychological abuse run rampant in this book. Horrific death is a constant threat.
Off to find the next books because, as gorge-rising as that stuff is … this was a great book!
February 12, 2024
3.75 stars.
This is actually a combination of the Prequel Star Mage Exile and Book #1 Daughter of Discord. Our female protagonist 18 yo Carina was orphaned at a young age and was taken in by a mercenary captain for training. In the prequel we see her using her Mage powers to save a young child but in the process her captain was killed and she vowed to leave the mercenary life.
In Book #1, she found out what actually happened to her parents and why her grandmother had told her to hide her Mage skills from everybody. Overall, I did find the book quite entertaining, with lots of action and personal angst. There is also a lot of world building and development of the story arc. However, the book does end with a cliff-hanger and I don't think it's meant to be read as a stand-alone.
I listened to the audiobook but I didn't know the author also did the narration. I think she did a reasonable job, maybe a bit slow though as I listened at 1x4 and still thought it could be faster. :)
This is actually a combination of the Prequel Star Mage Exile and Book #1 Daughter of Discord. Our female protagonist 18 yo Carina was orphaned at a young age and was taken in by a mercenary captain for training. In the prequel we see her using her Mage powers to save a young child but in the process her captain was killed and she vowed to leave the mercenary life.
In Book #1, she found out what actually happened to her parents and why her grandmother had told her to hide her Mage skills from everybody. Overall, I did find the book quite entertaining, with lots of action and personal angst. There is also a lot of world building and development of the story arc. However, the book does end with a cliff-hanger and I don't think it's meant to be read as a stand-alone.
I listened to the audiobook but I didn't know the author also did the narration. I think she did a reasonable job, maybe a bit slow though as I listened at 1x4 and still thought it could be faster. :)
November 30, 2018
I guessed going in that I would love this book. Having read the prequel novella about Carina's life as a "merc," I was ready to learn more. It was some lesson, that's for sure. The new friends she makes plus the dynamics of the extended family she discovers are definitely weird - as well as stupendously gritty. A villainous, controlling freak maintaining his hold over anyone & everyone by any means possible; and unthinkable. I suppose we've all encountered people like that in our lives although maybe not to the extremes that this guy is willing to go to. Carina's solution to this dilemma is well thought out and, even after some hiccups and a little tragedy, something like successful. With a bit of a cliffhanger ending, which should lead perfectly into the next installment, I would highly recommend this book to any fan of no-holds-barred sci-fi. Go for it!
May 5, 2019
Carina Lin thinks she is all alone; her parents and grandmother gone. Now her Merc unit disbanded.
This is the turbulent saga of an orphan who survived the mean streets after her grandmother died. Her parents were already missing or dead. At 16 she faked her age and joined a mercenary troop which had rescued a kidnapped child from a clan who was torturing him for information about his rival clan. This forced her unit to disband rather than get involved in the clan warfare.
The author has penned a rousing tale; the characters are well defined and interesting. The action is practically non-stop and the ending, while completing the current adventure, leaves the reader in almost breathless anticipation waiting for the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the turbulent saga of an orphan who survived the mean streets after her grandmother died. Her parents were already missing or dead. At 16 she faked her age and joined a mercenary troop which had rescued a kidnapped child from a clan who was torturing him for information about his rival clan. This forced her unit to disband rather than get involved in the clan warfare.
The author has penned a rousing tale; the characters are well defined and interesting. The action is practically non-stop and the ending, while completing the current adventure, leaves the reader in almost breathless anticipation waiting for the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2025
Carina Lin is recruited into a mercenary band, the Black Dogs at an early age. Her parents disappeared leaving her with her grandmother who teaches her but dies when Carina is 10. She is also a mage trying to find others like herself but it is a group that tries to keep their abilities secret so she uses them sparingly. She is also trying to find others like herself Sent on a suicide mission she helps them survive. Just before they're disbanded they are given another suicide mission to rescue a kidnapped child. She rescues the boy with the help of others and turns the boy over to a guard who takes him to his family. His father is a sadistic rapist and murderer who has held a mage and the off spring he has forced on her captive. It is an exciting read that was hard to put down as Carina does her utmost to help people.
July 19, 2018
I love J.J. Green’s novels so it’s no surprise that I was delighted to get my hands on Daughter of Discord, the first book of her Star Mage Saga series. This book is, quite simply, extremely imaginative and superbly written. It is just the “dark, exciting space fantasy” promised, and had had just what I wanted including a great plot. I frankly adore Carina and love watching her take on all comers. The rest of the cast of characters is pretty amazing as well. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to book 2.
April 16, 2019
After leaving life as a mercenary in order to find others like her, mage Carina Lin comes to the realization that she’s never going to find other mages and that she should move on. That’s when life takes a turn and she gets involved in the war between two rival clans, and finally finds what she’s been seeking. This was a pretty dark space adventure, with a truly evil villain that delighted in controlling by torture, threats, and anything else that allowed him to show his dominance over those weaker. Characters were put in hopeless situations where there seemed to be no way out and it became a bit depressing, but ultimately love and good won out and evil was defeated. The story ended on a cliffhanger, so now I have to find to what happened to Carina and those she was trying to rescue.
April 12, 2018
When JJ Green said this story was a dark space fantasy she was very accurate. There is much that is dark and cruel, with certain characters abusing and using others to aid their lusts. And yet there is beauty and love in there too. A mother’s love for her children, siblings for each other, and fledgling friendships. Carina finds her strength and so much more. She is a beautiful main character who finds it hard to reach out to others yet will help those in need. And of course there is space travel and battles. A dark space fantasy that will pluck at your heartstrings over and over. I cried more than once and can’t wait for the sequel. July seems such a long way away.
April 13, 2019
After reading J.J. Green's freebie prequel Star Mage Exile, I was captivated and started with Daughter of Discord, the first in the series. I found it to be exciting, with good characters you follow eagerly. How the mages operate is also different than other books I've read. I'm not sure I would call this series "dark" - it didn't keep me awake at night like some dark detective novels - but it's not a "cozy"; there are military actions and mistreatment of people, but not in gut-wrenching detail. If you have read Elizabeth Moon's Vatta series you will definitely enjoy this series.
July 8, 2019
This first book in the Star Mage series by J J Green can be a very dark and disturbing read as well as a great magical fantasy sci-fi tale. The characters are definitely put through some vicious, disturbing, and disquieting tortures and trials. The sci-fi action adventure portion of the story is both physical as well as psychological and magical as spells are cast during several battles. I am looking forward to the next book in this adventure. This is a voluntary review of this book from Instafreebie/Prolific Works.
January 9, 2021
An interesting blend of Sci-fi and fantasy.
The story is a dark one, set in the type of high tech era where people can casually travel between stars, yet the most primitive, vile traits that you would hope are rarities still are commonplace.
Without giving spoilers, Carina is a combat mercenary who has a talent for magic she keeps secret. Then her life changes & she finds out what horrors await to people like her who's secrets are revealed.
The story is engaging with well fleshed out character development, and fast paced enough for keep the reader interested.
The story is a dark one, set in the type of high tech era where people can casually travel between stars, yet the most primitive, vile traits that you would hope are rarities still are commonplace.
Without giving spoilers, Carina is a combat mercenary who has a talent for magic she keeps secret. Then her life changes & she finds out what horrors await to people like her who's secrets are revealed.
The story is engaging with well fleshed out character development, and fast paced enough for keep the reader interested.
November 6, 2024
fails at tech and magic
Nice characters, but the story arc has glaring holes. Every likable character will be torture in front of you by the end. Has no real conclusion. It opens with a 20th level spell for third level caster. You can’t speak to enemies wearing a breather mask. You don’t pay for high-tech surgery with coins, and a system ruler with control electronic banking systems and shipping of supplies with no need for door-to-door thugs. Who leaves a shuttle control during a dog fight?
Nice characters, but the story arc has glaring holes. Every likable character will be torture in front of you by the end. Has no real conclusion. It opens with a 20th level spell for third level caster. You can’t speak to enemies wearing a breather mask. You don’t pay for high-tech surgery with coins, and a system ruler with control electronic banking systems and shipping of supplies with no need for door-to-door thugs. Who leaves a shuttle control during a dog fight?
May 16, 2019
Very dark and grim novel. I would give this book 4 stars for good pace and interesting world but the characters were not anyone you would want to spend time with. Lots of cruelty and violence in the scenes. Little space or other worlds developed except by name, no descriptions. Family of mages who are kept captive and used in war, mother being raped to produce more. Not a nice book but well written.
March 19, 2020
What a story!
Carina wants to find others like her - mages - and manages to find her mother, stepfather and half-siblings. Her stepfather is abusive both physically and mentally.
It is a strong story of family and (a few) friends. Carina needs to be strong to protect those that she is learning to care about.
Be warned: the inter-family behaviour is stressful but the total story is well worth that stress.
Now to read the next in the series.
Carina wants to find others like her - mages - and manages to find her mother, stepfather and half-siblings. Her stepfather is abusive both physically and mentally.
It is a strong story of family and (a few) friends. Carina needs to be strong to protect those that she is learning to care about.
Be warned: the inter-family behaviour is stressful but the total story is well worth that stress.
Now to read the next in the series.
March 28, 2020
This is a very well-written sci-fi novel with complex characters who must live through extremely difficult experiences. It can be a bit hard to read at times as there are some very dark moments, but you will of course immediately loathe the despicable villain and want to find out if they manage to thwart him. There are plot twists and lots of action, so you are engaged the whole time. I look forward to reading the sequel!
April 29, 2020
I won this book in a competition run by the author so I didnt have to pay for it.
A pretty dark fantasy about what happens to people with unusual gifts who are in a small minority and get exploited.
A darker book than I am used to with some stuff I wouldnt want my kids reading when they were younger.
Anyhow, well written and with a good flow and it kept me up reading until late at night to finish (although to be fair I was on holiday).
A pretty dark fantasy about what happens to people with unusual gifts who are in a small minority and get exploited.
A darker book than I am used to with some stuff I wouldnt want my kids reading when they were younger.
Anyhow, well written and with a good flow and it kept me up reading until late at night to finish (although to be fair I was on holiday).
June 3, 2023
Fun main character
The dark parts luckily don’t last too long, and even better were as limited as they were, as much more and I would have given up. As it was it made it nice when he got what he deserved, and the rest headed off. So I recommend this book, but it would have been nice if the dark parts were a bit less. Ie less spelled out and more led to the imagination on how bad it was, but hopefully the future books will make up for it.
The dark parts luckily don’t last too long, and even better were as limited as they were, as much more and I would have given up. As it was it made it nice when he got what he deserved, and the rest headed off. So I recommend this book, but it would have been nice if the dark parts were a bit less. Ie less spelled out and more led to the imagination on how bad it was, but hopefully the future books will make up for it.
April 18, 2019
Daughter of Discord is both light and dark!
I just sunk right into the Star Mage Saga and couldn't get out of its grip. Some of the dark parts made me cry and wish I could "fix" everything, but it is unusual that something so different could feel so real. J.J. green is awesome and I love this series. Don't miss it!
I just sunk right into the Star Mage Saga and couldn't get out of its grip. Some of the dark parts made me cry and wish I could "fix" everything, but it is unusual that something so different could feel so real. J.J. green is awesome and I love this series. Don't miss it!
December 1, 2019
I for one did not enjoy reading this book. It took me a long time to finish. There was a warning in the beginning that the book was dark and indeed it was. Otherwise, the storyline was good and that was the only thing that allowed me to finish reading the book. I do not plan on reading the follow-on books.
May 31, 2024
Very good book
This book wasn't quite what I expected. Haven't seen too much blending of sci-fi and magic before, outside of Shadowrun.
I feel there was good character-building going on. The world building could use a little work, but overall, I felt that this was a solid read. Solid enough for me to buy the 2nd book.
This book wasn't quite what I expected. Haven't seen too much blending of sci-fi and magic before, outside of Shadowrun.
I feel there was good character-building going on. The world building could use a little work, but overall, I felt that this was a solid read. Solid enough for me to buy the 2nd book.
October 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. Like her earlier "Shadows of the Void" the protagonist is a strong capable woman. This book is a meld of science fiction and fantasy. It is a fun read with well drawn sympathetic main characters. The villain is so evil it is creepy just to read certain passages. She has left a lot of room for more in the series while still wrapping up this story.
March 8, 2025
An awesome book!
This book kept me captivated! Catrina was a young woman that grew up with her grandmother but her grandmother died when she was only 7. She knew her father was dead and thought her mother was also. Only to find that her mother was kept captive by a sadist who raped her and had 6 kids with her.
This book kept me captivated! Catrina was a young woman that grew up with her grandmother but her grandmother died when she was only 7. She knew her father was dead and thought her mother was also. Only to find that her mother was kept captive by a sadist who raped her and had 6 kids with her.
October 24, 2025
definitely so suck you in to the end sort of book
And the brutal nature of it is that it is a cliffhanger so time to get the other books now. Great story, lots of unpleasant things mixed in with the pure joy of hope in survival. Many fallen but will they all survive together in the end.
And the brutal nature of it is that it is a cliffhanger so time to get the other books now. Great story, lots of unpleasant things mixed in with the pure joy of hope in survival. Many fallen but will they all survive together in the end.
May 1, 2018
Bad
Mixing magic and space effectively is tough. This does not do either well.
Character motivations and actions are not consistent. Some of the writing is quite evocative, but the main character does not read true.
Mixing magic and space effectively is tough. This does not do either well.
Character motivations and actions are not consistent. Some of the writing is quite evocative, but the main character does not read true.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews