What do you think?
Rate this book
Starship's Mage: Red Falcon #2
Mage-Provocateur
Vengeance hunts them.
Rebellion seeks them.
Loyalty commands them.
The shadows will fear them.
Captain David Rice and Mage Maria Soprano have made their choice, signing up with the Martian Interstellar Security Agency and converting Red Falcon into a covert operations ship for the Protectorate.
Their new duties drag them back into the very underworld they once strove to escape, intentionally provoking the Azure Legacy into a renewed conflict. They find unexpected allies with secret agents from Legatus’s rebellion against Mars as they seek to stop Mikhail Azure’s Blue Star Syndicate from being reborn.
The Azure Legacy wants revenge. Legatus wants blood. David and Maria are bound by the overriding duty of all officers of the Mage-King’s Protectorate:
Protect the innocent.
Rebellion seeks them.
Loyalty commands them.
The shadows will fear them.
Captain David Rice and Mage Maria Soprano have made their choice, signing up with the Martian Interstellar Security Agency and converting Red Falcon into a covert operations ship for the Protectorate.
Their new duties drag them back into the very underworld they once strove to escape, intentionally provoking the Azure Legacy into a renewed conflict. They find unexpected allies with secret agents from Legatus’s rebellion against Mars as they seek to stop Mikhail Azure’s Blue Star Syndicate from being reborn.
The Azure Legacy wants revenge. Legatus wants blood. David and Maria are bound by the overriding duty of all officers of the Mage-King’s Protectorate:
Protect the innocent.
310 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2018
560 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
115 books1,747 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 17, 2018
Not enough stories!
Hey, Mr. STEWART: I know it takes x amount of time to write your stories but...you might need to give up sleeping so you can write more. I liked this David Rice story, especially his vulnerability and how he and his believable and likable crew dealt with it but i also want the next changeling story and what happens next for the city in the sky people and the oath ones. Your books are so readable and very visual and the characters are real people i care about so please.....more stories.
Hey, Mr. STEWART: I know it takes x amount of time to write your stories but...you might need to give up sleeping so you can write more. I liked this David Rice story, especially his vulnerability and how he and his believable and likable crew dealt with it but i also want the next changeling story and what happens next for the city in the sky people and the oath ones. Your books are so readable and very visual and the characters are real people i care about so please.....more stories.
June 21, 2018
I like this series a lot. I'm looking forward to the next.
I realized I was dragging my feet towards the end because I didn't want it to be over. I think I'm going to dig into the author's other offerings, too.
I realized I was dragging my feet towards the end because I didn't want it to be over. I think I'm going to dig into the author's other offerings, too.
December 11, 2023
What Big Guns You Have
Mage-Provocateur dispenses with the pretense of interstellar commerce as Captain Rice fully embraces his role as a Q-Ship of the Martian Navy. Rice’s merchant credentials keep his foes off-balance and his successes leave wartime commanders envious. Like its predecessor, this novel is an excuse to visit planets mentioned in the main series. While anecdotes of export goods tend to be dry but realistic — consider Ethiopian coffee — this sequel escalates the tension with civil unrest, intrigue and plenty of combat.
The last novel suffered from the protagonist repeatedly wishing he could go back to a simple merchant life. That was never a narrative option. Rice’s clarified motivations provide superior footings for the series. Unfortunately, the author replaced one type of emotional wrangling with Kelly Lamonte and her three-way relationship. These segments were very cringe, whether it’s the handling of the social dynamic, the therapy sessions that are philosophical circlejerks or the not-so-subtle release of sexual tension. It’s all the more unfortunate as their page count meant less Maria Soprano, the badass combat mage who is as clever as she is powerful.
Tying everything together is Rice’s renewed conflict with the Azure Legacy criminal empire. Due to the speed of travel and communication restrictions, every planetary destination has its unique kinetic challenges. While exciting, they all tend to blur together. The Azure Legacy is too faceless an antagonist to keep the reader’s attention, and one recalls minor characters such as Legatus spies instead. Mage-Provocateur ends up being a series of great scenes tied together by mediocre intent and held back by weak character moments.
Recommended.
Mage-Provocateur dispenses with the pretense of interstellar commerce as Captain Rice fully embraces his role as a Q-Ship of the Martian Navy. Rice’s merchant credentials keep his foes off-balance and his successes leave wartime commanders envious. Like its predecessor, this novel is an excuse to visit planets mentioned in the main series. While anecdotes of export goods tend to be dry but realistic — consider Ethiopian coffee — this sequel escalates the tension with civil unrest, intrigue and plenty of combat.
The last novel suffered from the protagonist repeatedly wishing he could go back to a simple merchant life. That was never a narrative option. Rice’s clarified motivations provide superior footings for the series. Unfortunately, the author replaced one type of emotional wrangling with Kelly Lamonte and her three-way relationship. These segments were very cringe, whether it’s the handling of the social dynamic, the therapy sessions that are philosophical circlejerks or the not-so-subtle release of sexual tension. It’s all the more unfortunate as their page count meant less Maria Soprano, the badass combat mage who is as clever as she is powerful.
Tying everything together is Rice’s renewed conflict with the Azure Legacy criminal empire. Due to the speed of travel and communication restrictions, every planetary destination has its unique kinetic challenges. While exciting, they all tend to blur together. The Azure Legacy is too faceless an antagonist to keep the reader’s attention, and one recalls minor characters such as Legatus spies instead. Mage-Provocateur ends up being a series of great scenes tied together by mediocre intent and held back by weak character moments.
Recommended.
November 4, 2021
MAGE-PROVOCATEUR is the sequel to INTERSTELLAR MAGE and a spin-off from the STARSHIP'S MAGE books. Captain David Rice is still being hunted by the Azure Legacy (the remains of the Blue Star Syndicate) and they have offered a staggering bounty to anyone who can bring him in, dead or alive for torture then execution. However, the damage our plucky heroes have inflicted is immense and its possible the syndicate may fold before the Red Falcon's crew. I love this more down-to-Earth perspective of the Starship's Mage universe and the incorporation of spy themes. Solid book.
March 25, 2018
Nostalga
Its nostalgic to see Hand Stealey in the background. The foundation of this side series is the characters ehich actually also brought back nostalga for when i first discovered the Starship Mage series.
Glynn Stewart has brought his touch to these characters and once again i can't put the kindle down. I keep telling myself I'll stop after the next page...no the one after haha.
If you haven't entered this unoverse of stories yet i think this series and the original Stsrship Mage series aee worth your time and money!
Its nostalgic to see Hand Stealey in the background. The foundation of this side series is the characters ehich actually also brought back nostalga for when i first discovered the Starship Mage series.
Glynn Stewart has brought his touch to these characters and once again i can't put the kindle down. I keep telling myself I'll stop after the next page...no the one after haha.
If you haven't entered this unoverse of stories yet i think this series and the original Stsrship Mage series aee worth your time and money!
March 28, 2018
Just can't stay out of trouble
Wow, what an amazing fill in the gaps piece of work. Yet, it is all its own amazing story. The plot is solid and character growth is a pleasure to follow. I especially like seeing what happens with some of the interesting people who were left behind in the Hand's story. This is another one of those works you buy not borrow. It's a fun reread too.
Wow, what an amazing fill in the gaps piece of work. Yet, it is all its own amazing story. The plot is solid and character growth is a pleasure to follow. I especially like seeing what happens with some of the interesting people who were left behind in the Hand's story. This is another one of those works you buy not borrow. It's a fun reread too.
March 29, 2018
Excellent space opera! Stewart is a master, never a dull paragraph. Bravo!
The character development is superb. The mix of Tec and magic is new and intriguing. Love the story. More please!
The character development is superb. The mix of Tec and magic is new and intriguing. Love the story. More please!
March 26, 2018
Another Exciting Installment
The Starships Mage universe is so much fun to read. This book is no exception. I also enjoyed the little homage to another of my favorite space science fiction authors. ;) I look forward to reading about the Red Falcon's next assignment.
The Starships Mage universe is so much fun to read. This book is no exception. I also enjoyed the little homage to another of my favorite space science fiction authors. ;) I look forward to reading about the Red Falcon's next assignment.
April 23, 2018
Again, pretty good, but Stewart is starting to run into the issue of repetitiveness here that he started having issues with in his Starship's Mage main series. There's always the group going onto a space station, getting ambushed and having to get back to the ship, always the missile barrage vs missile barrage ship battles. I had thought he'd fixed his issues with the later books in that series, only to see it crop up again here. With such a rich fantasy and sci-fi world he's created, it doesn't seem like this should happen.
Still, for all that, I mostly enjoyed the book and just hope he can bring the variety to this series he like he did for Starship's Mage.
Still, for all that, I mostly enjoyed the book and just hope he can bring the variety to this series he like he did for Starship's Mage.
March 18, 2018
You can never go wrong with Glynn Stewart's Starship's Mage series -Series one or Red Falcon spin off. It's a great sequel to a very interesting new series, I'm glad that the focus is on the entire crew of the Red Falcon. We've read a bit of them in the main series and finally got to know them better in the first book. The 2nd book is so much better, I really enjoy the character development.
This is a very welcome addition to the long wait till Unarcana Wars series starts in Dec'2018.
This is a very welcome addition to the long wait till Unarcana Wars series starts in Dec'2018.
March 20, 2018
Good read!
I've enjoyed this series so far and would have given it five stars as a stand alone. As good as it is I just don't enjoy it as much as the original Starship mage books. Definitely worth reading though!
I've enjoyed this series so far and would have given it five stars as a stand alone. As good as it is I just don't enjoy it as much as the original Starship mage books. Definitely worth reading though!
March 21, 2018
Fantastic continuation
Brilliant continuation to the series. Fits in well with the other books. Good addition to the series. Looking forwards to the next book!
Brilliant continuation to the series. Fits in well with the other books. Good addition to the series. Looking forwards to the next book!
March 18, 2018
An exciting addition to the starship mage universe and well worth reading. I do suggest you start with book one of the Starship Mage and don't stop until you get caught up to this new series about the Red Falcon crew. Will we get another book featuring Damien Montgomery? Can't wait for the next book.
March 16, 2018
Superior space opera science fiction. Lots of battles, secret negotiators and subterfuge. Excellent addition to the series. An author to read and enjoy
March 28, 2018
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say, after reading this book, Mage Soprano is right – David Rice IS a magnet for trouble. But it makes for enjoyable reading.
This book is the second instalment in the Red Falcon series. I will admit to starting it with a minute or two of being disoriented, before I turned to the page explaining Peregrine and Jenna Campbell being a Captain. And then the story started.
I thought the character development arc of Kelly LaMonte in this story was well done. I liked that she was given the opportunity for advancement and loved how she developed within that position. I hope that future books continue to feature and further her character development.
This was a solid story that I enjoyed. It concludes the story arc relating to Blue Star Syndicate, however it leaves us with a whole new direction with regards to future adventures and a solid crew. I’m looking forward to future Red Falcon adventures.
I have to say, after reading this book, Mage Soprano is right – David Rice IS a magnet for trouble. But it makes for enjoyable reading.
This book is the second instalment in the Red Falcon series. I will admit to starting it with a minute or two of being disoriented, before I turned to the page explaining Peregrine and Jenna Campbell being a Captain. And then the story started.
I thought the character development arc of Kelly LaMonte in this story was well done. I liked that she was given the opportunity for advancement and loved how she developed within that position. I hope that future books continue to feature and further her character development.
This was a solid story that I enjoyed. It concludes the story arc relating to Blue Star Syndicate, however it leaves us with a whole new direction with regards to future adventures and a solid crew. I’m looking forward to future Red Falcon adventures.
August 29, 2024
Jaw-dropping action scenes!
It’s hard to say whether these stories are about the Ship’s Mage onboard the Red Falcon, its captain, or the executive officer, as all three have pivotal roles. From reading the Starship’s Mage series, I know that the XO goes on to more fabulous things, so even when she’s in heart-pounding circumstances, I know she’s going to be okay.
Less certain is the outcome of the captain and mage, who keep finding themselves in sticky situations that are nail-biting for me. I have to hand it to Stewart here - he writes some of the most believable space ship action that I ever read.
For those of you who are fans of Star Wars, remember your first encounter in that darkened room with the Empire? Remember the Death Star? Yea, Glynn Stewart is Star Wars all over again for me. Every single book. Edge of my seat.
It’s hard to say whether these stories are about the Ship’s Mage onboard the Red Falcon, its captain, or the executive officer, as all three have pivotal roles. From reading the Starship’s Mage series, I know that the XO goes on to more fabulous things, so even when she’s in heart-pounding circumstances, I know she’s going to be okay.
Less certain is the outcome of the captain and mage, who keep finding themselves in sticky situations that are nail-biting for me. I have to hand it to Stewart here - he writes some of the most believable space ship action that I ever read.
For those of you who are fans of Star Wars, remember your first encounter in that darkened room with the Empire? Remember the Death Star? Yea, Glynn Stewart is Star Wars all over again for me. Every single book. Edge of my seat.
May 31, 2018
This is hard for me to say, as I loved the Starship Mage series so much, but if I had to describe this book in a single word, it would be boring.
David Rice and his crew are still trying to beat the Azure Legacy. Mostly buy negotiating about cargo for their immensely expensive vessel or willingly walking into traps to lament the loss of crew members in the aftermath. Interspersed are interactions between the incredibly bland characters. Only at the very end did some of Rice's original coolness emerge.
I was actually struggling to finish this book. At first, I was glad that contrary to the last ship’s mage books, these would be on a smaller scale. Damien got to a point where he practically defended entire planets with his powers. But somehow the author lost his touch.
David Rice and his crew are still trying to beat the Azure Legacy. Mostly buy negotiating about cargo for their immensely expensive vessel or willingly walking into traps to lament the loss of crew members in the aftermath. Interspersed are interactions between the incredibly bland characters. Only at the very end did some of Rice's original coolness emerge.
I was actually struggling to finish this book. At first, I was glad that contrary to the last ship’s mage books, these would be on a smaller scale. Damien got to a point where he practically defended entire planets with his powers. But somehow the author lost his touch.
March 27, 2018
Great addition to this great universe. This novel, like the first in this side series occurs between first and second book of the main series. I like these characters and the way some of the events complement the main storyline. It's also nice to have Hand Stealey appear again. I'm looking forward to more from this series and this universe, hoping there will be some reunion down the line between Montgomery and his old crew.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2018
Very good
The story continues to make sense to me and the characters are consistent. There is one three party sexual relationship that isn't well written and those three characters may be the least well developed characters. They're mentioned at the most inconvenient times and doesn't add to the tension for me.
The universe written is pretty solidly described and it holds up well, so far. The story involved some nice action scenes. I'm looking forward to the next volume.
The story continues to make sense to me and the characters are consistent. There is one three party sexual relationship that isn't well written and those three characters may be the least well developed characters. They're mentioned at the most inconvenient times and doesn't add to the tension for me.
The universe written is pretty solidly described and it holds up well, so far. The story involved some nice action scenes. I'm looking forward to the next volume.
April 2, 2018
Excellent read
I enjoyed this one more than the first, which I had to read again before starting the second book. Looking forward to the next one now.
I am,however, getting somewhat annoyed at the main protagonists attitude. He is made to sound like a whiner. Please, toughen him up in the next book.
I really like the mages. Can we have more? Maybe a boarding team of mages and marines to assault a pirate ship. That would be kool.
I enjoyed this one more than the first, which I had to read again before starting the second book. Looking forward to the next one now.
I am,however, getting somewhat annoyed at the main protagonists attitude. He is made to sound like a whiner. Please, toughen him up in the next book.
I really like the mages. Can we have more? Maybe a boarding team of mages and marines to assault a pirate ship. That would be kool.
June 6, 2022
Fast paced adventure
This novel builds on the first entry of the series but far surpasses it. Without having to introduce new characters the story is allowed to flow, to bend, and eventually to resolve into a space battle that has enough surprises that even long time SF readers will be caught off guard. Some twists were contrived, but I took that to be the author’s way of fixing some otherwise thorny details. In all it was a rollicking good time.
This novel builds on the first entry of the series but far surpasses it. Without having to introduce new characters the story is allowed to flow, to bend, and eventually to resolve into a space battle that has enough surprises that even long time SF readers will be caught off guard. Some twists were contrived, but I took that to be the author’s way of fixing some otherwise thorny details. In all it was a rollicking good time.
September 13, 2022
Just keeps getting better!
I got so sucked into the Starship’s Mage series that I got to book 8 before I circled back around to the Red Falcon books. Love the added depth to the entire universe and the backstories of great characters like Capt. David Rice, Kelly LaMonte, Mage Maria Soprano & Ivan Skavar. The entire crew of Red Falcon add so much depth to the series. Can’t wait to read what comes next.
I got so sucked into the Starship’s Mage series that I got to book 8 before I circled back around to the Red Falcon books. Love the added depth to the entire universe and the backstories of great characters like Capt. David Rice, Kelly LaMonte, Mage Maria Soprano & Ivan Skavar. The entire crew of Red Falcon add so much depth to the series. Can’t wait to read what comes next.
May 20, 2018
Science, Fiction, Space, and Spies.
I eagerly await book 3 because I believe you need mad villains to lose to resourceful heroes. The magic that doubles for the science blends well. Real life characters battle on land and in space as would any modern navy. Their capabilities rest with a use of a Mage, but the author writes us into a place where it is easy to believe.
I eagerly await book 3 because I believe you need mad villains to lose to resourceful heroes. The magic that doubles for the science blends well. Real life characters battle on land and in space as would any modern navy. Their capabilities rest with a use of a Mage, but the author writes us into a place where it is easy to believe.
April 20, 2021
Quite good, as this author usually is.
Discovered Glynn Stewart not to long ago and based upon reviews decided to give his “Star Ship Mage” series a go.
Good decision. His inclusion of “magic” initially made me hesitant but then I remembered I was reading Science Fiction and Space Opera - so what was the problem?
Thoroughly enjoy this author and his style.
Discovered Glynn Stewart not to long ago and based upon reviews decided to give his “Star Ship Mage” series a go.
Good decision. His inclusion of “magic” initially made me hesitant but then I remembered I was reading Science Fiction and Space Opera - so what was the problem?
Thoroughly enjoy this author and his style.
June 14, 2018
Fun quick read
I enjoyed this one. The crew of the Red Falcon is an enjoyable bunch. Lots of action. Not a lot of plot twists. It’s all pretty straight forward. But still a fun read as the bad guys get their butts kicked!
I enjoyed this one. The crew of the Red Falcon is an enjoyable bunch. Lots of action. Not a lot of plot twists. It’s all pretty straight forward. But still a fun read as the bad guys get their butts kicked!
February 8, 2019
I really love the Starship's Mage universe, and the Red Falcon series is a great addition to it! The writing, dialog, action, storyline and characters are awesome! I highly recommend checking this series out!
September 19, 2018
Could not put the book down
The interplay between the characters in the subject matter is excellent the storylines are intriguing and easy to follow all the characters come to life is living breathing individuals cannot wait to read the next book.
The interplay between the characters in the subject matter is excellent the storylines are intriguing and easy to follow all the characters come to life is living breathing individuals cannot wait to read the next book.
November 17, 2019
The adventures keep coming for the Red Falcon
The plot of this book ties into the main series very well.but you do not need to have read the main series to understand what is going on.
The plot of this book ties into the main series very well.but you do not need to have read the main series to understand what is going on.
August 1, 2020
Exciting and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Recommended to anyone who enjoys sci-fi, even if a bit far out.
Exciting and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Recommended for anyone who enjoys sci-fi, even if a bit far out.
Exciting and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Recommended for anyone who enjoys sci-fi, even if a bit far out.
March 16, 2021
Excellent
Fast paced, action packed read with a good blend of humour and appropriately serious moments. Also contains some fun “easter eggs” for readers of other good space opera series.
Fast paced, action packed read with a good blend of humour and appropriately serious moments. Also contains some fun “easter eggs” for readers of other good space opera series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews