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Starship’s Mage #18
Shadow of Mars: Starship's Mage, Book 18
The fleets of Mars have been forced into retreat—but the shadow of their power remains!
Mage-Captain Roslyn Chambers is trapped behind enemy lines on the allied world the Royal Martian Navy failed to save from the alien Reezh. Her official mission is to wait because her Mage-Queen has given her Chimera will be free.
But as atrocity and oppression mount on the occupied world, the same drive that led her to become a starship captain turns her against her. The innocent cry out, and Roslyn finds she must answer.
To honor her oaths, Roslyn Chambers will become a deserter. A symbol. A leader.
But against impossible odds, how far can she go before her fight makes things worse for the very people she is trying to save?
Mage-Captain Roslyn Chambers is trapped behind enemy lines on the allied world the Royal Martian Navy failed to save from the alien Reezh. Her official mission is to wait because her Mage-Queen has given her Chimera will be free.
But as atrocity and oppression mount on the occupied world, the same drive that led her to become a starship captain turns her against her. The innocent cry out, and Roslyn finds she must answer.
To honor her oaths, Roslyn Chambers will become a deserter. A symbol. A leader.
But against impossible odds, how far can she go before her fight makes things worse for the very people she is trying to save?
Audible Audio
First published January 22, 2026
299 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
116 books1,751 followersGlynn 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 12, 2026
This one had the juice. Roslyn Chambers, marry me.
February 18, 2026
A terrific departure from the usual format, and every it as action-packed!
What a treat! This is the first time I’ve experienced one of Stewart’s books where calculating tonnage and ship’s battle readiness hasn’t been part of the picture. Instead, we’re treated to watching a mage learn how to use her magic in ways that haven‘t been seen since the first book when we starting following Damian Montgomery. That book is the reason I’m still here reading nearly 20 books later.
Chimera is a planet that has been recaptured by the enemy. Mage-Captain Roslyn Chambers is stranded on the planet, away from her ship and crew. She’s dug in, with instructions to keep her head down until Mars can build more ships, then come back and save them.
Except, no one has planned for the extreme brutality of the takeover, for the uncontained and unnecessary displays of power. The group of Royal Navy people still on the planet live in fear of making any moves, least the retaliations be even worse for the Chimera’s citizens.
One particular planned mass execution is enough to make Roslyn defy her orders and potentially lose her command in the Royal Martian Navy. She stops the enemy commander and shows him why he should be leery of provoking her. Surprisingly, she has help on the ground, and .. a guerrilla resistance is born.
The book gets into the planning and execution of a variety of sabotage, meeting cell members, and preventing several mass extinction events. Loved the new characters.
I may be erroneously reading between the lines, but it seemed the author was enjoying himself immensely as he got to flex, using Roslyn’s considerable magic.
What a treat! This is the first time I’ve experienced one of Stewart’s books where calculating tonnage and ship’s battle readiness hasn’t been part of the picture. Instead, we’re treated to watching a mage learn how to use her magic in ways that haven‘t been seen since the first book when we starting following Damian Montgomery. That book is the reason I’m still here reading nearly 20 books later.
Chimera is a planet that has been recaptured by the enemy. Mage-Captain Roslyn Chambers is stranded on the planet, away from her ship and crew. She’s dug in, with instructions to keep her head down until Mars can build more ships, then come back and save them.
Except, no one has planned for the extreme brutality of the takeover, for the uncontained and unnecessary displays of power. The group of Royal Navy people still on the planet live in fear of making any moves, least the retaliations be even worse for the Chimera’s citizens.
One particular planned mass execution is enough to make Roslyn defy her orders and potentially lose her command in the Royal Martian Navy. She stops the enemy commander and shows him why he should be leery of provoking her. Surprisingly, she has help on the ground, and .. a guerrilla resistance is born.
The book gets into the planning and execution of a variety of sabotage, meeting cell members, and preventing several mass extinction events. Loved the new characters.
I may be erroneously reading between the lines, but it seemed the author was enjoying himself immensely as he got to flex, using Roslyn’s considerable magic.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got the book 2 weeks early, and am very thankful for that
I do not like the direction the Starship Mage’s general story took since the last some parts, its not bad per se, but I feel like its a reset, even if its not an obvious one.
I absolutely ‘blindly’ love the first 12 books, also the side stories icl Red Falcon…, but since then too many deaths, and that I feel is a too often used method to increase the tension per ‘danger’, instead of finding something matching the vibe of the start / origins of the story, also too much cruelty.
Its another thing if a story has those aspect from the very beginning, but so it feels too much like a break of the mold to lengthen the story in a way.
In addition the end of this book is in a way a repeat of something that happened to her early on, not happy about that neither.
Really difficult to word without giving away spoilers
I still support the author, will wait for the last part of that ‘story-arc’ to decide of I’ll stay on or hop off the support as I do it solely for this book series
I do not like the direction the Starship Mage’s general story took since the last some parts, its not bad per se, but I feel like its a reset, even if its not an obvious one.
I absolutely ‘blindly’ love the first 12 books, also the side stories icl Red Falcon…, but since then too many deaths, and that I feel is a too often used method to increase the tension per ‘danger’, instead of finding something matching the vibe of the start / origins of the story, also too much cruelty.
Its another thing if a story has those aspect from the very beginning, but so it feels too much like a break of the mold to lengthen the story in a way.
In addition the end of this book is in a way a repeat of something that happened to her early on, not happy about that neither.
Really difficult to word without giving away spoilers
I still support the author, will wait for the last part of that ‘story-arc’ to decide of I’ll stay on or hop off the support as I do it solely for this book series
January 22, 2026
My heartfelt thanks to Glynn Stewart for this well constructed addition to the StarShip’s Mage saga. Roslyn Chambers makes a bold move to support a push against the invaders that could be really productive or cause the Reezh to act brutally against the Planet, a catch 22 call.
The plot develops carefully and decisively as Roslyn builds alliances with groups fighting against the occupation forces. Friendships are forged with a mixed group of players, created by this talented writer, as they face this dangerous adversary who has demonstrated the will to destroy whole worlds to achieve their domination, one way or the other.
The ebb and flow builds towards a series of engagements, lives are saved but friends are lost, inevitable in what could be seen as an up-hill struggle.
The narrative and plot keeps the pages turning as this exciting story unfolds. I am left looking forward very much to the next episode of this story.
The plot develops carefully and decisively as Roslyn builds alliances with groups fighting against the occupation forces. Friendships are forged with a mixed group of players, created by this talented writer, as they face this dangerous adversary who has demonstrated the will to destroy whole worlds to achieve their domination, one way or the other.
The ebb and flow builds towards a series of engagements, lives are saved but friends are lost, inevitable in what could be seen as an up-hill struggle.
The narrative and plot keeps the pages turning as this exciting story unfolds. I am left looking forward very much to the next episode of this story.
February 11, 2026
This is the worst book in the series to date by far. It is so incredibly boring I considered dropping it several times but sunk cost fallacy has me in a vice grip.
In this book you will read Rosyln bemoan her sex life significantly with a ridiculous number of references to her boobs. Why the author decided this book was the time to do this I have no idea but you will read about that more times than in the entire series.
The plot is generally boring. Roslyn is confined to a planet that she constantly hopes her enemies don't just torch. The beginning 20% of the book is just her in a bunker watching. She then finally leaves but it doesn't really get much better until the very end.
The side characters are forgettable at best and just really exist as a foil for Rosyln. Overall terrible book in general.
In this book you will read Rosyln bemoan her sex life significantly with a ridiculous number of references to her boobs. Why the author decided this book was the time to do this I have no idea but you will read about that more times than in the entire series.
The plot is generally boring. Roslyn is confined to a planet that she constantly hopes her enemies don't just torch. The beginning 20% of the book is just her in a bunker watching. She then finally leaves but it doesn't really get much better until the very end.
The side characters are forgettable at best and just really exist as a foil for Rosyln. Overall terrible book in general.
February 1, 2026
4 stars.
Accidentally left on Chimera after the invasion, Roslyn was supposed to stay hidden with the Mars ground force left behind until the Navy can come back to retake the planet. However, when the invaders publicly beheaded the surrendered head of Chimera in front of cameras and innocents executed in response to any resistance, Roslyn decided she had to break away and become part of the resistance movement.
I wasn't too sure at the start of the book but have to admit that I kept listening until quite late into the night as the action dialed up. It was an exciting finale but did leave us with a cliffhanger that I hope will be resolved in the next book.
Accidentally left on Chimera after the invasion, Roslyn was supposed to stay hidden with the Mars ground force left behind until the Navy can come back to retake the planet. However, when the invaders publicly beheaded the surrendered head of Chimera in front of cameras and innocents executed in response to any resistance, Roslyn decided she had to break away and become part of the resistance movement.
I wasn't too sure at the start of the book but have to admit that I kept listening until quite late into the night as the action dialed up. It was an exciting finale but did leave us with a cliffhanger that I hope will be resolved in the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed the book. The story is centred on Roslyn and give us more detail on her abilities as a Mage. We are introduced to new characters on both sides of the conflict. To say the book ended on a cliffhanger is an understatement and I hope the next book won’t take too long to come out. For the story line, the additional details on Roslyn’s abilities and the new characters I gave it 5 stars.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 5, 2026
I thoroughly love the entire series, even with the transition of main characters from Damien to Roslyn. However, I absolutely hate that we now have to wait until July for the next installment. The earlier books in the series did not end with a cliffhanger. Now, not so much.
That frustration will not keep me from highly recommending this book or the entire series to any prospective reader. Worth the time!
That frustration will not keep me from highly recommending this book or the entire series to any prospective reader. Worth the time!
March 1, 2026
Resistance against a conqueror has been redefined recently, but the fight against the Nazis in France is a worthy tale to copy. Glynn Stewart adds in Mage-Captain Roslyn Chambers who can teleport and throw fire. She is the Shadow of Mars (ebook fromFaolan's Pen Publishing Inc.) protecting civilians on Chimera from the religious fanatical Reezh. As usual this eighteenth addition to the series is exciting and fun. I look forward to the next book.
Read
March 23, 2026A return to the Glynn Stewart fell I in love with
I have not enjoyed the last few entries in this amazing series, but I keep reading them , hoping for the original character development and pacing that first captured me. *THIS* book validated my continued reading. The willingness and recognition of the individual *needing* to make the hard choices is here in spades. Thank you, GS!
I have not enjoyed the last few entries in this amazing series, but I keep reading them , hoping for the original character development and pacing that first captured me. *THIS* book validated my continued reading. The willingness and recognition of the individual *needing* to make the hard choices is here in spades. Thank you, GS!
January 23, 2026
Good addition to the series that really should be read in order.
Roslyn Chambers has grown a lot!
She knows her duty to the Navy and to the Queen.
While these separate oaths should be aligned the circumstances on Chimera show they
are not --- which takes priority for Roslyn?
The right one as it turns out.
Well paced between narrative and action.
Already looking forward for book 19!
Roslyn Chambers has grown a lot!
She knows her duty to the Navy and to the Queen.
While these separate oaths should be aligned the circumstances on Chimera show they
are not --- which takes priority for Roslyn?
The right one as it turns out.
Well paced between narrative and action.
Already looking forward for book 19!
January 27, 2026
Rosalyn is a straight monster
How Glynn finds ways to come up with these characters we care about like it's easy, is beyond me. The action is INSANE! Rosalyn Chambers is a bad somebody, and she ain't here to play second fiddle. Just as good as we expect from our boy. Hellacious read.💪🏾😤
How Glynn finds ways to come up with these characters we care about like it's easy, is beyond me. The action is INSANE! Rosalyn Chambers is a bad somebody, and she ain't here to play second fiddle. Just as good as we expect from our boy. Hellacious read.💪🏾😤
March 19, 2026
Yes, I enjoyed this 18th visit to the Starship Mage universe. I did struggle a little in the first part of the book to get my head around the plot again, but by the end, I was wanting more of the story! I enjoy the magic system and premise of these books, and do look forward to the next installment.
January 25, 2026
Its glynn stewart spy fiction, which is never as good as glynn stewart naval military sci-fi. Characters make crazy military ops that doesnt made sense, enemies competence and personality change every chapter, character just appear suddenly. But its tense and enaging reads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2026
Mind Blowing by numbers.
Masterfully envisaged, properly and skilfully peopled. Excellent pace, totally enthralled. Heroin 'par excellence' and a supporting cast of cyborg enhanced and gifted favourites from within the series.
Masterfully envisaged, properly and skilfully peopled. Excellent pace, totally enthralled. Heroin 'par excellence' and a supporting cast of cyborg enhanced and gifted favourites from within the series.
January 29, 2026
Wow! And $#*@, I have to wait until July!
Wow, great book! Best in a while. I mean they’re all good, but wow this one was one of my favorites so far. I’m just mad I have to wait until July!
Wow, great book! Best in a while. I mean they’re all good, but wow this one was one of my favorites so far. I’m just mad I have to wait until July!
February 2, 2026
Those aliens get the real mage experience
Had some good remembrance of book 2 in the series when the original protagonist had to has lead a group of rebels retake there planet. Lay not has MI has book 2 this book was more French resistance ww2 style.
Had some good remembrance of book 2 in the series when the original protagonist had to has lead a group of rebels retake there planet. Lay not has MI has book 2 this book was more French resistance ww2 style.
February 5, 2026
Not his best and not so light as earlier books that were more positive. And ending with a clifhanger also cost a star. It has not been the same positive reading as most of the first books were. The serie has gotten a lot darker than before and not so fun to read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Glynn Stewart for the Advanced readers copy. Chambers rocks this book and goes beyond Montgomery with what she does here and book 19 can not come soon enough.
January 28, 2026
Wow! Amazing Story!
While I am slightly confused in pronoun use in places, the story is really good! Can’t wait for July to get here!
While I am slightly confused in pronoun use in places, the story is really good! Can’t wait for July to get here!
January 30, 2026
Another great adventure Rosalyn gets her self in big trouble gets out and back into bigger trouble. Yea what's new. Great action and fun.
January 31, 2026
A good read but......
I'm missing the older characters, like Damon Montgomery and his team. I feel like the last few books should have been an independent series.
I'm missing the older characters, like Damon Montgomery and his team. I feel like the last few books should have been an independent series.
February 6, 2026
I loved the book and enjoyed being back with Roslyn Chambers but I this was my first try at a Glynn Stewart audiobook and I was not a fan of the voices used. Just seemed too mechanical.
February 14, 2026
nice
Good one
Enjoyed
Looking forward to the next in the series
asap
Keep up the good work
Cool to read
Good one
Enjoyed
Looking forward to the next in the series
asap
Keep up the good work
Cool to read
February 18, 2026
Top Notch Science Fiction!
February 18, 2026
Poor Rosalyn. Why? Why?
March 2, 2026
Cliffhanger!
Aaaahhhh!!!!!!
Roslyn Chambers is wonderful, again, but we have to wait until July to see how wonderful she is.
I'm hooked.
Aaaahhhh!!!!!!
Roslyn Chambers is wonderful, again, but we have to wait until July to see how wonderful she is.
I'm hooked.
March 6, 2026
I liked that this installment was "on planet" vs multitudes of space battles with endless explanations of missile launches and strikes.
March 21, 2026
Devoured!
From action to action, the pace was great, but alas, that meant I read it in less than a day.
From action to action, the pace was great, but alas, that meant I read it in less than a day.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What does a mage do when a planet is being oppressed? Resist, of course. The Maquis of France would have been proud to work with Roslyn Chambers in protecting Garuda's population. I am impressed by just how much she was able to accomplish in her haphazard stand, and I have to wonder what she will be able to do in the next book. This book is really good; the next promises to be better.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews