What do you think?
Rate this book
Star Mage Saga #2
Dark Mage Rises
A mage clan torn apart…
Evil deeds avenged…
Dark magic awakened…
Carina Lin escaped from captivity and freed her mage brothers and sisters, but she is quickly caught again. Her captors are the last people she wants to meet—the Dirksens. Carina defied this proud, vindictive clan when she rescued her kidnapped brother.
She must escape and find her siblings before the Dirksens realize who and what she is.
Meanwhile, a galactic war rages. Dark magic is stirring and about to join in the conflict. Carina is one of the few who can prevent the triumph of evil, if she chooses.
When the dark mage rises, who shall stand in his way?
Dark Mage Rises is book two in the dark, exciting space fantasy, Star Mage Saga.
Sign up for a free copy of the Star Mage Saga prequel, Star Mage Exile, at J.J. Green's reader group: https://jjgreenauthor.com/free-books/
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2018
96 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Green
108 books394 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 15, 2018
I liked that her family was back together at the end. But answer me this: why doesnt this chick carry more than one flask?
When i go hiking i carry more than one water bottle. So if she goes into battle, why doesnt she heap herself in flasks of elixir? They aint got big pockets in space? Just asking. Mass produce that shit and carry a gallon with you.
A suggestion: an intergalactic camelbak. Youre telling me they gots spaceships but cant figure out liquid portability devices? Or fucking lighters? Like, that should be priority uno, dude. Hidden ingredient sleeves.
When i go hiking i carry more than one water bottle. So if she goes into battle, why doesnt she heap herself in flasks of elixir? They aint got big pockets in space? Just asking. Mass produce that shit and carry a gallon with you.
A suggestion: an intergalactic camelbak. Youre telling me they gots spaceships but cant figure out liquid portability devices? Or fucking lighters? Like, that should be priority uno, dude. Hidden ingredient sleeves.
July 27, 2018
Book 2 of the Star Mage Saga is set on the planet where Carina transported herself and her siblings at the end of Book 1. Sadly, the children have not all arrived in the same location, providing a great opportunity for us, as readers, to learn more about the individual family members. J.J. Green’s character development is excellent as always.
From beginning to end, Dark Mage Rises presents the family with one challenge after another. Admittedly, it sometimes feels like the solutions are just slightly too convenient and the timings are more than normal luck. However, with all the difficult situations that arise, it’s hard to begrudge Carina a few breaks.
There are no explicit triggers in this book, which may make it an easier read for those who struggled with Book 1. It’s still dark, very dark though. This is a world of clans battling for dominance in the galaxy, people with few morals, and most out to exploit those who have something to offer. I found a lot of depressing echoes of the world we live in today but that may just be my socialist tendencies showing!
Of course, a Dark Mage is rising. With this discovery comes a real sense of dread and an anticipation of what’s to come. It leaves me both excited and apprehensive for the next book in this exciting, uncomfortable series.
Once again, a piece of excellent storytelling from an author who has found a place for herself – a niche where science fiction becomes an exciting backdrop for the characters rather than the other way around.
No hesitation at all to recommend this book, and the series so far. I did sigh a little at some of the ‘convenient’ good fortunes, but I’m still a Carina fan and I look forward to finding out what happens next.
From beginning to end, Dark Mage Rises presents the family with one challenge after another. Admittedly, it sometimes feels like the solutions are just slightly too convenient and the timings are more than normal luck. However, with all the difficult situations that arise, it’s hard to begrudge Carina a few breaks.
There are no explicit triggers in this book, which may make it an easier read for those who struggled with Book 1. It’s still dark, very dark though. This is a world of clans battling for dominance in the galaxy, people with few morals, and most out to exploit those who have something to offer. I found a lot of depressing echoes of the world we live in today but that may just be my socialist tendencies showing!
Of course, a Dark Mage is rising. With this discovery comes a real sense of dread and an anticipation of what’s to come. It leaves me both excited and apprehensive for the next book in this exciting, uncomfortable series.
Once again, a piece of excellent storytelling from an author who has found a place for herself – a niche where science fiction becomes an exciting backdrop for the characters rather than the other way around.
No hesitation at all to recommend this book, and the series so far. I did sigh a little at some of the ‘convenient’ good fortunes, but I’m still a Carina fan and I look forward to finding out what happens next.
July 19, 2018
J.J. Green’s Star Mage Saga is wonderfully complex with its chaotic galactic war, battling clans, intrigues snd betrayals, rising evil and forlorn hopes. I loved the series first book, Daughter of Discord, and now in its second book, Dark Mage Rises, Carina Lin is totally back in the thick of things. She’s a fantastic lead character, however,so it’s no surprise that it’s total reading pleasure following along as she trades everything on in a wonderfully plotted and written tale. 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 the next book in this series.
December 5, 2018
What's old is new again with Stephan's oldest son attaining the power that most of his siblings already possess. He's arrogant, self-absorbed plus narcissistic to boot. And he has an agenda! Exactly like some criminally-minded people here on Earth. As dark and disheartening as a large part of this book was, I still enjoyed it. Carina's prospective endgame to reunite her with her brothers & sisters was well plotted and she - well, you'll just have to read the book to check it out. If you haven't read its predecessors then do yourself a favour and start with #0.5 "Star Mage Exile." I am looking forward to the next installment [hint-hint: all I want for Christmas?].
One question - and it's probably a translator or editor's typo - but who is "Cariad?" The name appears two or three times and is easy to read around. Just thought I'd ask though.
One question - and it's probably a translator or editor's typo - but who is "Cariad?" The name appears two or three times and is easy to read around. Just thought I'd ask though.
February 13, 2024
3.5 stars.
Imagine saving yourself from your captors only to land in the hands of their archenemies, who are just as keen to enslave and use you for your Mage powers. That's exactly what happened here after Carina got her half-siblings away from their cruel and controlling father.
In this book, Carina is separated from her siblings and the story is split between two parallel threads. In one, we have Carina trying to escape from her new captives and working to find her lost siblings. In the other, we have half-sibling Parthenia trying to survive in the wilderness with their youngest brother Darius whilst at the same time trying to locate the other siblings.
Of course, something else is happening to warrant the title of this particular installment. It's another action-packed book and I'm looking forward to seeing what's going to happen next.
Imagine saving yourself from your captors only to land in the hands of their archenemies, who are just as keen to enslave and use you for your Mage powers. That's exactly what happened here after Carina got her half-siblings away from their cruel and controlling father.
In this book, Carina is separated from her siblings and the story is split between two parallel threads. In one, we have Carina trying to escape from her new captives and working to find her lost siblings. In the other, we have half-sibling Parthenia trying to survive in the wilderness with their youngest brother Darius whilst at the same time trying to locate the other siblings.
Of course, something else is happening to warrant the title of this particular installment. It's another action-packed book and I'm looking forward to seeing what's going to happen next.
June 15, 2024
This book picks up hot on the heels of its predecessor dramatically with the newly found family newly lost and dispersed and our heroine in the clutches of the gang on the other side of the galactic turf war. There are good characters and layer plot lines. You will find yourself more than once wistfully imagining future books and pondering with anticipating where this is all headed.
There are still plenty of dark aspects to the story and some characters. Just as love for family is an important element - the violent flip side also raises its head although more in the vibe and menace and not as explicitly as in the earlier book (but I felt repulsed on more than one occasion). A great 2nd installment bring on book 3.
There are still plenty of dark aspects to the story and some characters. Just as love for family is an important element - the violent flip side also raises its head although more in the vibe and menace and not as explicitly as in the earlier book (but I felt repulsed on more than one occasion). A great 2nd installment bring on book 3.
April 14, 2019
I was captivated by the first book in this series, and this one does not disappoint either. It was, like the others, hard to put down - the action just pulls you along and you really get involved with the characters and their fates. The writing is very smooth - no funny jumps in time or badly constructed sentences - and there is a wide range of vocabulary, which I love! I have read all three books and can't wait for the next - but in the meantime J.J. Green has another great series which I've started (Building New Canaan). She has lots of imagination for good plots and worlds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2019
This second book in the Star Mage Saga series by JJ Green continued the magical sci-fi fantasy theme by once again putting the characters through more trials and misadventures as the family tries to stay together and out of the clutches of the Sherrers and the Dirksens, both of whom want the mages' powers for their gain. Once again, there is greed and betrayal, but there is also a developing feeling of family coming together. Looking forward to reading the third book in this series. This is a voluntary review of this book Starship Green.
March 20, 2020
As with book 1, the story is written as two trails that merge and then continue as one trail.
At the end of book 1, the siblings and Bryce are transported to a planet in a number of groups and Carina is captured by the Dirksens (the enemy of the Sherrerrs). Carina needs to escape from the Dirksens. The siblings need to find each other while avoiding the notice of the locals.
The book is a lot calmer than book 1 although Castiel is doing his best to be a replica of his father.
Nobody deserves to win the war.
At the end of book 1, the siblings and Bryce are transported to a planet in a number of groups and Carina is captured by the Dirksens (the enemy of the Sherrerrs). Carina needs to escape from the Dirksens. The siblings need to find each other while avoiding the notice of the locals.
The book is a lot calmer than book 1 although Castiel is doing his best to be a replica of his father.
Nobody deserves to win the war.
June 20, 2020
I enjoyed this story almost as much as the first book - again, it was so engrossing that I read it all in one sitting.
The story is similar but in a very different setting, but instead of the bad guy dying at the end, a new, much more threatening bad guy appears!
Not as many unexpected twists in this story as the marvelous first one, but it still was unpredictable.
I’m looking forward to the next book and a considerably different kind of story, since now the gang’s all here!
The story is similar but in a very different setting, but instead of the bad guy dying at the end, a new, much more threatening bad guy appears!
Not as many unexpected twists in this story as the marvelous first one, but it still was unpredictable.
I’m looking forward to the next book and a considerably different kind of story, since now the gang’s all here!
April 21, 2019
Dark Mage Rises is another hit!
This series is so exciting you can't miss a page! The characters are so real I wish could step into the pages or else transport most of them here. Considering the oldest sister hardly knows the rest of the kids, they are mostly a very loving family. Okay I have to get to the next in the series, just take my word and get started on the series!!
This series is so exciting you can't miss a page! The characters are so real I wish could step into the pages or else transport most of them here. Considering the oldest sister hardly knows the rest of the kids, they are mostly a very loving family. Okay I have to get to the next in the series, just take my word and get started on the series!!
May 19, 2020
Just as captivating as the first novel, but a bit easier to read as there were less disturbing scenes (although I suspect that might change in the next book, as Castiel seems like he will be worse than his father). Dark Mage Rises has a complex plot full of twists and turns, lots of action, and intriguing characters. I highly recommend it and am eager to read the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2018
Like the story it’s just very slow
The heroine is always getting captured and not accomplishing much of anything.
Love the characters, but the plot is moving extremely slow and the heroine is not making much if any progress towards her goals
The heroine is always getting captured and not accomplishing much of anything.
Love the characters, but the plot is moving extremely slow and the heroine is not making much if any progress towards her goals
April 21, 2019
hope that book 2.5 or 3 wont be too far off
this wasn't a bad setup for a long story arc although something tells me theres a reason why all those people poor the stuff on the ground instead of drinking it ….
this wasn't a bad setup for a long story arc although something tells me theres a reason why all those people poor the stuff on the ground instead of drinking it ….
February 13, 2022
Great Adventure
Another great book by an awesome author. The storyline was full of action and adventure that kept me glued to the pages. I liked all the characters, finding them easy to identify with. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
Another great book by an awesome author. The storyline was full of action and adventure that kept me glued to the pages. I liked all the characters, finding them easy to identify with. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
July 15, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Carina is getting better with her powers. And so is her little brother. But her evil step brother is another story!
October 4, 2018
Enjoying
April 15, 2019
What an amazing story. Carina gets freed and manages to do the same for her siblings. Fast paced, full of action.
January 1, 2020
Not my typical. Very interesting story.
October 18, 2022
Fantastic read for the character interplay and action. Generated the imagination for picturing the various places the characters found themselves. Many areas pn earth maych them.
December 16, 2022
Good story, easy to slide right back into the story, and fully intend to read the next one. Good stuff, (of course, the mech battle shave nothing to do with that). :)
February 12, 2024
Nice story with a few plot holes.
March 10, 2025
Top Notch Science Fiction!
March 28, 2020
The Dark Mage Rises is the second book in the Star Mage Saga series by JJ Green. The character and world development keeps developing. The cliff-hangers at the end of each chapter keep you reading far past your bedtime.
Thousands of years into the future, those that are different will still be persecuted.
This opera features a strong female forced to grow up quickly and become a warrior to survive. Using the last of her elixer to spark her mage powers, Carina manages to Transport her siblings to temporary safely, but scattered across the planet. Without more elixer for herself, Carina is captured. Now, her only desire is to escape, find her siblings and keep them out of the clutches of those that would misuse and abuse them for their mage abilities.
I would have given five stars. But there were some glaring proofing errors.
Thousands of years into the future, those that are different will still be persecuted.
This opera features a strong female forced to grow up quickly and become a warrior to survive. Using the last of her elixer to spark her mage powers, Carina manages to Transport her siblings to temporary safely, but scattered across the planet. Without more elixer for herself, Carina is captured. Now, her only desire is to escape, find her siblings and keep them out of the clutches of those that would misuse and abuse them for their mage abilities.
I would have given five stars. But there were some glaring proofing errors.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews