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Starship’s Mage #13
Nemesis of Mars
A failed attempt on the Mage-Queen
An old friend from the gutter
An enemy that should be dead...
When a kidnapping attempt on the Mage-Queen of Mars is thwarted by luck, leaving thousands dead in its wake, Prince-Chancellor Damien Montgomery returns to field operations one more time. The evidence leads to one place: Tau Ceti.
In Tau Ceti, Mage-Commander Roslyn Chambers finds herself without a posting as her teaching tour ends. Before she can take any kind of vacation, an old friend from her pre-Navy days shows up claiming to have information about the attempt on the Queen.
Montgomery is the Mage-Queen's adoptive father and right hand man. Chambers is one of her few true friends. Neither will let the blood of innocents go unpunished.
Neither believes the traitors called Nemesis are dead - but finding them may cost more than either of them can pay!
An old friend from the gutter
An enemy that should be dead...
When a kidnapping attempt on the Mage-Queen of Mars is thwarted by luck, leaving thousands dead in its wake, Prince-Chancellor Damien Montgomery returns to field operations one more time. The evidence leads to one place: Tau Ceti.
In Tau Ceti, Mage-Commander Roslyn Chambers finds herself without a posting as her teaching tour ends. Before she can take any kind of vacation, an old friend from her pre-Navy days shows up claiming to have information about the attempt on the Queen.
Montgomery is the Mage-Queen's adoptive father and right hand man. Chambers is one of her few true friends. Neither will let the blood of innocents go unpunished.
Neither believes the traitors called Nemesis are dead - but finding them may cost more than either of them can pay!
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2023
392 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
115 books1,749 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 64 reviews
February 9, 2023
Wonderful edition to the derirsr
I really enjoyed that Damien had a larger role in this story. Time had passed and he's now Prince-Chancellor. I am only surprised that in the years that passed more was not able to be done for his hands/arms. The Rejeet are now becoming the focus of the storyline. This was a great read with some nice humor. Recommend it.
I really enjoyed that Damien had a larger role in this story. Time had passed and he's now Prince-Chancellor. I am only surprised that in the years that passed more was not able to be done for his hands/arms. The Rejeet are now becoming the focus of the storyline. This was a great read with some nice humor. Recommend it.
March 23, 2023
Great sequel
The continuation of my favorite Glenn Stewart series. I love seeing the return of Damien Montgomery. As much as I like Rosalyn, he's always going to be the star of the series. After thirteen books you know what you're going to get.
The continuation of my favorite Glenn Stewart series. I love seeing the return of Damien Montgomery. As much as I like Rosalyn, he's always going to be the star of the series. After thirteen books you know what you're going to get.
April 14, 2023
2024! I'll have to wait until 2024 for the next book? Okay, I'm not sure if these authors realize they aren't allowed to have a life outside of writing books.
Beyond the Eyes of Mars is an exciting and action-packed instalment in the Starship's Mage series that follows the adventures of mage Damien Montgomery and his protege Rosyln Chambers. From how this one ended it seems there are a lot more books to go with new enemies hidden in the deep recesses of space.
Beyond the Eyes of Mars is an exciting and action-packed instalment in the Starship's Mage series that follows the adventures of mage Damien Montgomery and his protege Rosyln Chambers. From how this one ended it seems there are a lot more books to go with new enemies hidden in the deep recesses of space.
February 9, 2023
The plot thickens
If you’re this far into the series you should already know what to expect - great action, an interstellar plot of intrigue and betrayal, and heroes rising to the occasion. Highly recommended - I lose myself in each new book as they come out.
If you’re this far into the series you should already know what to expect - great action, an interstellar plot of intrigue and betrayal, and heroes rising to the occasion. Highly recommended - I lose myself in each new book as they come out.
February 10, 2023
In space only a mage can hear you scream
The story was started messy in how events where connected but see Damien and Roselyn fighting the Mountains enemies once more was just the right amount of later action to cover for it.
The story was started messy in how events where connected but see Damien and Roselyn fighting the Mountains enemies once more was just the right amount of later action to cover for it.
February 8, 2023
Nemesis of Mars
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Starship’s Mage series.
This book does not disappoint. It will be interesting to read book 14 when it comes out next year. To see the story goes.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Starship’s Mage series.
This book does not disappoint. It will be interesting to read book 14 when it comes out next year. To see the story goes.
February 9, 2023
Great read
An absolutely stunning continuation of one of my favourite series. And a welcome return for one of my favourite characters in it.
An absolutely stunning continuation of one of my favourite series. And a welcome return for one of my favourite characters in it.
February 10, 2023
Best of the series in a while
Great story. Glad to see Damien getting some action. He's been sidelined too long.
Looking forward to the next one.
Great story. Glad to see Damien getting some action. He's been sidelined too long.
Looking forward to the next one.
February 7, 2023
The drama continues
Again Glynn has brought us along with his brand of action and personality based science magic. It will be a long wait for the next episode.
Again Glynn has brought us along with his brand of action and personality based science magic. It will be a long wait for the next episode.
May 31, 2023
4.5 stars. Plenty of story and action, but little in terms of character progression.
January 29, 2023
I love it. Read it in one go. No time to sleep. It’s the 13th book, so a few things are redundant for me. But they did not stop me from being thoroughly swept up by the pace of the book and the many twists that kept me riveted. Glynn is in my top 3 of writers and most likely still climbing to higher levels. The only thing I hate in what I’ve been reading is that the next book isn’t due for one more year!
Please try to shorten the year, maybe use some magic?
Please try to shorten the year, maybe use some magic?
February 20, 2023
Damien back in action
Another high-intensity installment in the Starships Mage universe. We see our very own Damian Montgomery take to the field again in pursuit of, well, the title of the book.
Keep your snacks and drinks ready because you may forget to eat or sleep while reading this!
Another high-intensity installment in the Starships Mage universe. We see our very own Damian Montgomery take to the field again in pursuit of, well, the title of the book.
Keep your snacks and drinks ready because you may forget to eat or sleep while reading this!
February 23, 2023
Damien Montgomery Returns
Nemesis of Mars is properly the sequel of Mountain of Mars, as Damien Montgomery finally returns to star as the lead character. It picks up all the subplots that had quietly baked for four novels, mixes them up, and delivers an explosive mix of action and conspiracy that the Hand of the Mage-King is uniquely situated to solve. If you had any doubts that the success of this series was in large due to Damien's personality and attitude, this novel should put them to rest.
Despite my gushing praise, this novel also gives me grief, because after Beyond the Eyes of Mars, I resolved to stop comparing Roslyn Chambers novels to those led by Damien Montgomery. I felt it did her a disservice and the series had transitioned away from Warrior Judges to Space Ships. Sadly, this novel is about a Hand going to war, and like a messy breakup, this reminder will mean I'll likely miss Damien in the Roslyn-centric sequels.
Roslyn herself lampshades that she's playing second fiddle to Damien. It's not her fault, but this novel dramatically highlights how much better Starship's Mage is while Damien is around. When someone of his sheer power is around, the story rises to match. The action is fierce, our heroes are constantly reacting, the enemies are brilliant to the point that they're nearing Xanatos Gambit tropes, and the body count is sky-high. It's everything that has made Starship's Mage great.
Highly Recommended.
Nemesis of Mars is properly the sequel of Mountain of Mars, as Damien Montgomery finally returns to star as the lead character. It picks up all the subplots that had quietly baked for four novels, mixes them up, and delivers an explosive mix of action and conspiracy that the Hand of the Mage-King is uniquely situated to solve. If you had any doubts that the success of this series was in large due to Damien's personality and attitude, this novel should put them to rest.
Despite my gushing praise, this novel also gives me grief, because after Beyond the Eyes of Mars, I resolved to stop comparing Roslyn Chambers novels to those led by Damien Montgomery. I felt it did her a disservice and the series had transitioned away from Warrior Judges to Space Ships. Sadly, this novel is about a Hand going to war, and like a messy breakup, this reminder will mean I'll likely miss Damien in the Roslyn-centric sequels.
Roslyn herself lampshades that she's playing second fiddle to Damien. It's not her fault, but this novel dramatically highlights how much better Starship's Mage is while Damien is around. When someone of his sheer power is around, the story rises to match. The action is fierce, our heroes are constantly reacting, the enemies are brilliant to the point that they're nearing Xanatos Gambit tropes, and the body count is sky-high. It's everything that has made Starship's Mage great.
Highly Recommended.
February 10, 2023
Great as usual if unconvincing motivations
The following contains spoilers, but honestly you might be better off reading the mentioned Nemesis motivations only stated at the end of the book and avoid that frustration omission yourself:
The storytelling is as fantastic as usual, and seeing Damien in the field again was an unexpected treat. But. The constant nagging of disbelief about why Nemesis is doing what it's doing is always there. Only briefly acknowledged in a mumbled comment at the end of the book, the whole 'Nemesis doesn't trust Mars to get ready for the Reejit' line was completely unchallenged throughout the 300+ pages. Logically, this makes absolutely zero sense, as the connected Nemesis leadership must be aware of Mars' effort in beefing up the military, and even worse: incursions into Reejit space risked disastrous consequences from premature attention from the aliens. Only at the very end do we learn that of their motivations in controlling contact to ensure a war because fears that Mars would collaborate with the aliens (which is obviously bs, but whatever). The point is, someone, literally anyone at some point in the story should have said "why are they even doing this, it doesn't add up". Oh well, maybe book 14 will have less myopic characters.
The following contains spoilers, but honestly you might be better off reading the mentioned Nemesis motivations only stated at the end of the book and avoid that frustration omission yourself:
The storytelling is as fantastic as usual, and seeing Damien in the field again was an unexpected treat. But. The constant nagging of disbelief about why Nemesis is doing what it's doing is always there. Only briefly acknowledged in a mumbled comment at the end of the book, the whole 'Nemesis doesn't trust Mars to get ready for the Reejit' line was completely unchallenged throughout the 300+ pages. Logically, this makes absolutely zero sense, as the connected Nemesis leadership must be aware of Mars' effort in beefing up the military, and even worse: incursions into Reejit space risked disastrous consequences from premature attention from the aliens. Only at the very end do we learn that of their motivations in controlling contact to ensure a war because fears that Mars would collaborate with the aliens (which is obviously bs, but whatever). The point is, someone, literally anyone at some point in the story should have said "why are they even doing this, it doesn't add up". Oh well, maybe book 14 will have less myopic characters.
April 16, 2023
As ever, another great book in the Starship's Mage series. My main issue is that several years have passed and Damien Montgomery has not recovered at all is seems from the burns he received while jumping the Council Space Station away from danger. At the time (Judgment of Mars Boook 5) it states that his 'glove habit is going to have another purpose for a while' and that 'it might be possible ... to restore [his] runes'. Further Dr Nguyen specifically states that he should 'give us six months to a year, and [he'll] probably be able to use a computer or fire a guna again'. Finally, he states that '[he] believes [Damien] could safely restore [his] interface runes and likely the projector rune'.
In essence, it has been at least a decade and he still can't do anything... Surely it is time that he regain functionality apart from the occaional twitch/ ache???? It is a major oversight, particularly, when its mentioned in every book how his arms are still completely useless, yet they were clearly meant to heal. Glynn Stewart manages to keep his timelines and character arcs completely accurate except for this one huge oversight - it has become staedily more annoying as the years progress and this issue is left unresolved. I hope in the next books it will be.
In essence, it has been at least a decade and he still can't do anything... Surely it is time that he regain functionality apart from the occaional twitch/ ache???? It is a major oversight, particularly, when its mentioned in every book how his arms are still completely useless, yet they were clearly meant to heal. Glynn Stewart manages to keep his timelines and character arcs completely accurate except for this one huge oversight - it has become staedily more annoying as the years progress and this issue is left unresolved. I hope in the next books it will be.
February 12, 2023
A prelude
I think the series was going in a direction the author is trying to change now, with a next book smaller in scale following a single ship.
But I don't like the idea of the series going further away from Montgomery. He is the best character the one the series was born with and the one I got most attached to. If he is under a desk now either make the desk interesting or take him away from it.
We get a bit of that in this book, but it never clicks for me. It doesn't feel like a Montgomery story it feels like Roslyn's story with Montgomery setting her up and propping her.
Nice, but you miss the old glory days.
I think the series was going in a direction the author is trying to change now, with a next book smaller in scale following a single ship.
But I don't like the idea of the series going further away from Montgomery. He is the best character the one the series was born with and the one I got most attached to. If he is under a desk now either make the desk interesting or take him away from it.
We get a bit of that in this book, but it never clicks for me. It doesn't feel like a Montgomery story it feels like Roslyn's story with Montgomery setting her up and propping her.
Nice, but you miss the old glory days.
February 12, 2023
So this was a day one buy for me and it represents a return to form for the author in terms of quality of writing after the previous books were a bit all over the place. It is helped by the return of Damien Montgomery, who is a much better character than Roslyn Chambers. I will point out that the latter is also improved compared to past outings. We also get some real advancement in the overarching storyline, but I find that, after all the cloak and dagger of the previous books and the apparent immensity of the conspiracy against our heroes, the book ultimately made the villains disappointingly limited. I guess it was inevitable and, in the end, the author appears to have shortchanged the Republic as a villainous faction and written them off too quickly only to pursue a "secret society" type of opposition that turns out to be simplistic and unsatisfactory after the expectations created in Book 4. He could have run with them both, I think.
My only real complaint is the way in which the author referred to events (BIG EVENTS) that I did not remember from previous books, and then I learn at the end that they will be explained in a novella to be released in autumn 2023. This is the worst possible move. Not only do you confuse me on purpose, but you also rob the novella of any tension or stakes specifically because we already know how the thing turns out, love subplot and all. This is a retarded move on the part of an author who relies on faithful readers since he is no Frank Herbert. The likelihood of anyone not already a fan of Starship Mage picking up the novella is very low, so to spoil it completely in the previous book, which chronologically takes place after it, is mind boggling. This could have easily been fixed by placing the novella after Nemesis of Mars and adjusting the storyline.
My only real complaint is the way in which the author referred to events (BIG EVENTS) that I did not remember from previous books, and then I learn at the end that they will be explained in a novella to be released in autumn 2023. This is the worst possible move. Not only do you confuse me on purpose, but you also rob the novella of any tension or stakes specifically because we already know how the thing turns out, love subplot and all. This is a retarded move on the part of an author who relies on faithful readers since he is no Frank Herbert. The likelihood of anyone not already a fan of Starship Mage picking up the novella is very low, so to spoil it completely in the previous book, which chronologically takes place after it, is mind boggling. This could have easily been fixed by placing the novella after Nemesis of Mars and adjusting the storyline.
February 12, 2023
Another Great Roslyn Chambers Story
With a huge bonus of Damien Montgomery!
I really, REALLY enjoyed this book. Lucky number 13? Glynn did a great job of balancing between Roslyn and Damien's POVs, giving me enough of both of my favorite characters.
The plot was fresh but still made sense with all the prior plot lines. There is enough left to untangle for (I hope) many more books, without it feeling like the whole overarching plot is drawn out (it takes time to end a centuries old secret society after all). Some develoments with Roslyn are exciting, and it's nice to see Damien in the field again.
I also love that this is not a romance based series, even though there is some (and it doesn't feel forced). It's just a truly great sci-fi mystery and action series! I love it and am already ready for the next.
I am a "proofreader" for Glynn so I do get a copy of the book ahead of time, but frankly that just makes me super lucky because I'm a huge fan of this series (and was BEFORE being a typo hunter)!
With a huge bonus of Damien Montgomery!
I really, REALLY enjoyed this book. Lucky number 13? Glynn did a great job of balancing between Roslyn and Damien's POVs, giving me enough of both of my favorite characters.
The plot was fresh but still made sense with all the prior plot lines. There is enough left to untangle for (I hope) many more books, without it feeling like the whole overarching plot is drawn out (it takes time to end a centuries old secret society after all). Some develoments with Roslyn are exciting, and it's nice to see Damien in the field again.
I also love that this is not a romance based series, even though there is some (and it doesn't feel forced). It's just a truly great sci-fi mystery and action series! I love it and am already ready for the next.
I am a "proofreader" for Glynn so I do get a copy of the book ahead of time, but frankly that just makes me super lucky because I'm a huge fan of this series (and was BEFORE being a typo hunter)!
February 9, 2023
As always, an excellent entry into the starship mage of mars series. Love these books, and always look forward to the next one. (sadly, not until next year). If you're a scifi fan, you really should add this book to your to read shelf. Actually, if you haven't already, you should add the entire series to your want to read shelf. There's some fantasy here too, (what with the magic and such), but the series is primarily scifi, the magic only comes into play when jumping starships, or during battles, otherwise, it's pretty much all space ships, stations, star systems, planets, and a whole lot of tech which is what makes the stories so interesting.
Always happy to see more in this series, the author does an excellent job of telling an amazing story.
Always happy to see more in this series, the author does an excellent job of telling an amazing story.
February 7, 2023
The thirteenth tale set in a future where mages teleport starships to get around the lightspeed barrier, finds Prince-Chancellor Damien Montgomery back in the field to find the Nemesis of Mars (ebook from Faolan's Pen Publishing) who had attempted kidnapping the Queen of Mars. It helps that Mage-Commander Roslyn Chambers has an old acquaintance with information to trade. The bad guys have a mind controlling gas that turns loyal soldiers into enemies, and traitors working with them. Glynn Stewart tells one of the most exciting books in the series so far. Fun.
April 17, 2023
I keep on forgetting how good this series is.
Onc eI start the newest iteration of the saga I can't stop until it is finished.
My once disappointment is the non-resolution to Damien's crippled hands/forearms.
With the technology/nanites/magic available I would have thought that this would have been repaired by no. Given the fact the a rune-wright can see the magical currents, I would have thought that Damien would have repaired the damage himself or that his body would have done so given, that it is a decade or so since the initial trauma occurred.
Onc eI start the newest iteration of the saga I can't stop until it is finished.
My once disappointment is the non-resolution to Damien's crippled hands/forearms.
With the technology/nanites/magic available I would have thought that this would have been repaired by no. Given the fact the a rune-wright can see the magical currents, I would have thought that Damien would have repaired the damage himself or that his body would have done so given, that it is a decade or so since the initial trauma occurred.
April 21, 2024
I love How easy these are to read. I love the characters. I love Montgomery. I love Roslyn. I love Romanov.
I don’t love the places and divergences this series is making. I hate the Orpheus storyline. I don’t think the Nemesis plan to get them ready to fight fits with this current track. I hate that Montgomery’s hands still haven’t healed. I hate the amount of suspension of disbelief I have to do to still buy in to the series. The sheer amount of traitors is just getting ridiculous.
And yet, I can’t stop reading them. And I’ve already downloaded the next one.
I don’t love the places and divergences this series is making. I hate the Orpheus storyline. I don’t think the Nemesis plan to get them ready to fight fits with this current track. I hate that Montgomery’s hands still haven’t healed. I hate the amount of suspension of disbelief I have to do to still buy in to the series. The sheer amount of traitors is just getting ridiculous.
And yet, I can’t stop reading them. And I’ve already downloaded the next one.
January 31, 2023
I’m a big fan of both the author, Glynn Stewart, and this series. This is book 13 in the series and it feels just as fresh and interesting as the others. Damien Montgomery is back as a main character along with Roslyn Chambers. I was very glad to see both of them together. There are plot twists you don’t see coming and keeps you reading. The book moves at a very good pace. This is another very good book by the author.
September 24, 2024
Prepare to want to drink a lot of coffee as you read …
Each time I return to the Protectorate of Mars, it’s like stepping onto a starship bridge and finding the crew waiting for me. Waiting to go adventuring,
This time our trip into the black holds an adventure for both Damian and Roslyn as she finally gets a ship of her own. One that’s sure to bring her many more adventures as she settles into her new rank.
I am fully onboard for that.
Each time I return to the Protectorate of Mars, it’s like stepping onto a starship bridge and finding the crew waiting for me. Waiting to go adventuring,
This time our trip into the black holds an adventure for both Damian and Roslyn as she finally gets a ship of her own. One that’s sure to bring her many more adventures as she settles into her new rank.
I am fully onboard for that.
February 8, 2023
Good addition to the series.
It was good to have Damien back in field so to speak.
Damien and Roslyn working together to investigate the attempted kidnapping of their
friend, the Mage-Queen. Bad guys beware - these two are formidable alone and a whole
different level when combined!
Lots of actions and excitement.
It was good to have Damien back in field so to speak.
Damien and Roslyn working together to investigate the attempted kidnapping of their
friend, the Mage-Queen. Bad guys beware - these two are formidable alone and a whole
different level when combined!
Lots of actions and excitement.
February 12, 2023
Just plain solid.
When you truly enjoy returning to a series this far along, you should oughtta leave a review, not just a rating. Still looking forward to more and finding a new volume release makes me smile. I never have to check earlier volumes or wish for a recap. I remember the storyline from the beginning and the characters are actually memorable. Well done.
When you truly enjoy returning to a series this far along, you should oughtta leave a review, not just a rating. Still looking forward to more and finding a new volume release makes me smile. I never have to check earlier volumes or wish for a recap. I remember the storyline from the beginning and the characters are actually memorable. Well done.
February 17, 2023
I stayed up til 3 am to finish...
Hard to put down. Fast story but with a really good mix of character and world building. Wish the next book would be out faster but as a writer myself I understand good crafting. Thank you for great story, a very good edit, and a deeply fun world to read.
Hard to put down. Fast story but with a really good mix of character and world building. Wish the next book would be out faster but as a writer myself I understand good crafting. Thank you for great story, a very good edit, and a deeply fun world to read.
March 4, 2023
Great read...
I really enjoyed this next installment of the Starship's Mage Series. Looks like it's gonna be quite a long break between this book and the next book coming out. But I will keep an eye out for when it's out. I love all the main characters in these books and their interactions with each other.
I really enjoyed this next installment of the Starship's Mage Series. Looks like it's gonna be quite a long break between this book and the next book coming out. But I will keep an eye out for when it's out. I love all the main characters in these books and their interactions with each other.
March 7, 2023
Great next piece of the saga
Love the series and this one all of the elements of great space opera books. I envision a damn good chase scene followed by a chance encounter with the mysterious Reejit and some fireworks there. One can hope. Write fast, Glynn. I’m not getting any younger. And I’d like to see the end of the story before I’m eighty.
Love the series and this one all of the elements of great space opera books. I envision a damn good chase scene followed by a chance encounter with the mysterious Reejit and some fireworks there. One can hope. Write fast, Glynn. I’m not getting any younger. And I’d like to see the end of the story before I’m eighty.
April 17, 2023
Another run through insanity
You need a big heart, an insane mind, and big enough brass ones that you don't need a camp stool to run a galactic empire.
Or you need people to backfill that list.
Stewart delivers again on a story complex and nuanced. My only regret is starting it late on an evening and foolishly thinking I would get adequate sleep.
You need a big heart, an insane mind, and big enough brass ones that you don't need a camp stool to run a galactic empire.
Or you need people to backfill that list.
Stewart delivers again on a story complex and nuanced. My only regret is starting it late on an evening and foolishly thinking I would get adequate sleep.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews