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Starship’s Mage #12
Beyond the Eyes of Mars
Beyond the borders of the Protectorate
Beyond the eyes of the Royal Martian Navy
Beyond the reach of the Mage-Queen
Innocents cry out for help—and Mars will answer!
When the Royal Martian Navy moved against reports of piracy in the Fringe Systems, the last thing Mage-Commander Roslyn Chambers expected was to find was a malignant remnant of the defeated Republic of Faith and Reason.
Now the Royal Martian Navy knows their enemy and their Mage-Queen has charged them to bring the First Legion, conquerors of the hidden colonies beyond the Fringe, to justice. The Legion knows the RMN’s tricks, though, and has cleverly concealed their tracks.
As Chambers and the spy Kelly Lamonte sweep distant stars for the trail of their enemies, the fleets of Mars gather behind them—but the fate of millions may lie in the hands of a woman none of them have ever met.
A woman the Republic already killed.
Beyond the eyes of the Royal Martian Navy
Beyond the reach of the Mage-Queen
Innocents cry out for help—and Mars will answer!
When the Royal Martian Navy moved against reports of piracy in the Fringe Systems, the last thing Mage-Commander Roslyn Chambers expected was to find was a malignant remnant of the defeated Republic of Faith and Reason.
Now the Royal Martian Navy knows their enemy and their Mage-Queen has charged them to bring the First Legion, conquerors of the hidden colonies beyond the Fringe, to justice. The Legion knows the RMN’s tricks, though, and has cleverly concealed their tracks.
As Chambers and the spy Kelly Lamonte sweep distant stars for the trail of their enemies, the fleets of Mars gather behind them—but the fate of millions may lie in the hands of a woman none of them have ever met.
A woman the Republic already killed.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2022
About the author
Glynn Stewart
101 books1,657 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 88 reviews
April 4, 2022
This was one of the best Starship's Mage books, it was pure space opera, but it held my attention from beginning to end. By halway I would have happily given 5 stars, but there was a point about three quarters of the way through I began to suspect the author was really going to annoy me with a bit of a 'cop out' with ‘Sharon Deveraux’ and take the easy way out.
After finishing the book and thinking about a quick review I was surprised at how annoyed I really was by the ending. I finally gave two, but I nearly gave just one star.
After finishing the book and thinking about a quick review I was surprised at how annoyed I really was by the ending. I finally gave two, but I nearly gave just one star.
March 31, 2022
The best one since Mountain of Mars. My main complaint is Glynn's persistent use of the word 'chuckle'.
April 2, 2022
Beyond the Eyes of Mars is the 12th novel of the fantastic STARSHIP'S MAGE series and one that I have pretty much binged every single time a book comes out, this one being no exception. They're light and breazy reads that I have no difficulty finishing in a single day. Here, we're following up on the breakaway factions leftover from the Unarcana World revolt.
The Legion is no threat to the Martian Protectorate but they've enslaved multiple colonies and are acting like the Empire after Return of the Jedi in the old Legends series. We also get the horrifying discovery that the disembodied brains the Legionaires use to power their jumpdrive are still conscious and quite unhappy at the prospect. They're also not happy about the Protectorate's policy of euthanizing them when they fall into "enemy" hands.
Lots of twists and turns and I'm already looking forward to the next book.
The Legion is no threat to the Martian Protectorate but they've enslaved multiple colonies and are acting like the Empire after Return of the Jedi in the old Legends series. We also get the horrifying discovery that the disembodied brains the Legionaires use to power their jumpdrive are still conscious and quite unhappy at the prospect. They're also not happy about the Protectorate's policy of euthanizing them when they fall into "enemy" hands.
Lots of twists and turns and I'm already looking forward to the next book.
February 22, 2023
Be careful what you wish for is a phrase I hear often, but rarely heed. I got what I wished for after the end of Mage-Commander. Rosyln Chambers continues her Horatio Hornblower-style naval career in Beyond the Eyes of Mars, and this time, the challenges come with a heavy cost. After three novels, Rosyln finally faces challenges that feel like they require the painful costs that Damien routinely paid.
While my main criticisms of this series are addressed, there's something still missing that doesn't capture the magic of the original novels. I think the First Legion is not a sufficiently challenging antagonist (by definition they are the leftovers of a greater, but defeated opponent), and we aren't given personal viewpoints for us to hate the remnants of the Republic. We've also already done this: Kelly Lamonte and Rosyln Chambers team up to track down an interstellar foe, and in broad strokes, it's basically the same plot as Mage-Commander.
I find it hard to rate this novel. On its own merits, it's better than the majority of books I read and should be an easy five stars. Yet relative to its predecessors, it's not the blow-out success of the early Starship's Mage stories. Ultimately, I can't consider this book nearly perfect given its similarity to Mage-Commander.
Still - highly recommended.
While my main criticisms of this series are addressed, there's something still missing that doesn't capture the magic of the original novels. I think the First Legion is not a sufficiently challenging antagonist (by definition they are the leftovers of a greater, but defeated opponent), and we aren't given personal viewpoints for us to hate the remnants of the Republic. We've also already done this: Kelly Lamonte and Rosyln Chambers team up to track down an interstellar foe, and in broad strokes, it's basically the same plot as Mage-Commander.
I find it hard to rate this novel. On its own merits, it's better than the majority of books I read and should be an easy five stars. Yet relative to its predecessors, it's not the blow-out success of the early Starship's Mage stories. Ultimately, I can't consider this book nearly perfect given its similarity to Mage-Commander.
Still - highly recommended.
March 22, 2022
The Eyes of Mars never stop hunting.
I literally read this book since 11:25PM on March 21, 2022 until 5:45 AM and I'm just... so angry with the Republic, the First Legion and heck, even Nemesis.
Of course, Glynn Stewart managed to complete another masterpiece of the Starship Mage serie.
Beyond the Eyes of Mars had new characters which actually threw me for a loop but interesting to say the least.
Chambers, Lamont and Jacob continues their hunt for the First Legion beyond the outer section of the Protectorate of Mars and were tasked to stop enslavement.. for the most part.
The As we all know, Damien Montgomery was a inspiration to many and yet, Roslyn Chambers and Kelly Lamont ends up being inspirations themselves in their own rights.
I honestly can't wait to see what will happen in the next installment and hopefully the Protectorate finally stop the horrible crimes toward the lost mage children who ends up being a part of the Promestean Drive.
I literally read this book since 11:25PM on March 21, 2022 until 5:45 AM and I'm just... so angry with the Republic, the First Legion and heck, even Nemesis.
Of course, Glynn Stewart managed to complete another masterpiece of the Starship Mage serie.
Beyond the Eyes of Mars had new characters which actually threw me for a loop but interesting to say the least.
Chambers, Lamont and Jacob continues their hunt for the First Legion beyond the outer section of the Protectorate of Mars and were tasked to stop enslavement.. for the most part.
The As we all know, Damien Montgomery was a inspiration to many and yet, Roslyn Chambers and Kelly Lamont ends up being inspirations themselves in their own rights.
I honestly can't wait to see what will happen in the next installment and hopefully the Protectorate finally stop the horrible crimes toward the lost mage children who ends up being a part of the Promestean Drive.
March 28, 2022
A very well done space opera!
This is the 12th book and the series still continues to hold my attention: excellent characters and character development, really good plot and fine action scenes. There are enough mysteries to solve and battles ahead for at least another three books…. I can hardly wait!
This is the 12th book and the series still continues to hold my attention: excellent characters and character development, really good plot and fine action scenes. There are enough mysteries to solve and battles ahead for at least another three books…. I can hardly wait!
April 25, 2022
still enjoying this series. Looking forward to the next one.
March 31, 2022
Some good bits amid a lot of chaff
Some good ideas but an overall rushed and unsatisfying execution. A surprisingly large chunk of the book is repetition- either re-explaining things that have been already explained several times over the series or repeating the same descriptions within the same book (e.g. who someone is or what they look like). This nonsense easily takes up two thirds of the book.
Beyond that my major gripe is the same one as in the few previous books- there is the setup for a solid revelation and character conflict but the execution is rushed and very lacklustre. Discover that you've been unknowingly killing prisoners of war? Oopsie. Ally with the people who violently conquered your home and enslaved you? Yeah, ok. Work with the people who made use of horrible medical experiments carried out on you? Whatever. All of these newly introduced characters feel so flat and emotionless.
Some good ideas but an overall rushed and unsatisfying execution. A surprisingly large chunk of the book is repetition- either re-explaining things that have been already explained several times over the series or repeating the same descriptions within the same book (e.g. who someone is or what they look like). This nonsense easily takes up two thirds of the book.
Beyond that my major gripe is the same one as in the few previous books- there is the setup for a solid revelation and character conflict but the execution is rushed and very lacklustre. Discover that you've been unknowingly killing prisoners of war? Oopsie. Ally with the people who violently conquered your home and enslaved you? Yeah, ok. Work with the people who made use of horrible medical experiments carried out on you? Whatever. All of these newly introduced characters feel so flat and emotionless.
Read
July 6, 2022Don't remember. I think I didn't hate it, but I wish Damien were still the main character.
I also wish the aliens would invade already, or start doing what they're going to do. This series feels stuck in molasses. I once loved it.
I also wish the aliens would invade already, or start doing what they're going to do. This series feels stuck in molasses. I once loved it.
May 20, 2022
Just make her a HAND already
I’ll be completely honest this entire boook was completely unnecessary for the series and killing off the first Promethan was low.
I’ll be completely honest this entire boook was completely unnecessary for the series and killing off the first Promethan was low.
March 22, 2022
I’ll do my best not to have any major spoilers. This is the twelfth book in the Starship’s Mage series and it continues to provide me with enjoyable reading.
I enjoy the universe the author continues to build and especially the characters. This book again focuses on Roslyn Chambers and Kelly Lamonte (there are other major characters, however these two lead the way). This story has two main arc’s. The first being the Martian Navy dealing with a force that is conquering far flung colonies. The second is about the Prometheus Drives that were discovered in A Darker Magic.
I enjoyed the book and where the story went and gave it 5 stars.
I enjoy the universe the author continues to build and especially the characters. This book again focuses on Roslyn Chambers and Kelly Lamonte (there are other major characters, however these two lead the way). This story has two main arc’s. The first being the Martian Navy dealing with a force that is conquering far flung colonies. The second is about the Prometheus Drives that were discovered in A Darker Magic.
I enjoyed the book and where the story went and gave it 5 stars.
March 23, 2022
Still Going Strong
And with a lot of promise for more!
We see a lot more of Kelly in this book. And of course, Roslyn. I really enjoy all the character growth in this book. Glynn never lets us down there, but in particular, I felt Kelly's story line was refreshing.
I have to say, I did not enjoy the abrupt ending, since we have to WAIT for the next book...lol! I want more!
I received an advance reader's copy of this book in exchange for probably giving a free and unbiased review...they don't even REQUIRE it from me. But I genuinely love Glynn's writing and every single one of his series. Thanks Glynn! Least I can do is tell everyone what I think.
And with a lot of promise for more!
We see a lot more of Kelly in this book. And of course, Roslyn. I really enjoy all the character growth in this book. Glynn never lets us down there, but in particular, I felt Kelly's story line was refreshing.
I have to say, I did not enjoy the abrupt ending, since we have to WAIT for the next book...lol! I want more!
I received an advance reader's copy of this book in exchange for probably giving a free and unbiased review...they don't even REQUIRE it from me. But I genuinely love Glynn's writing and every single one of his series. Thanks Glynn! Least I can do is tell everyone what I think.
March 25, 2022
This series is a great story, and each book just makes it that much more interesting. I always cheer when a new book in the series comes out, because that means there's more to read in one of my favorite series, and this book is of course no exception. Knocked this one out in a couple of days, (would have been faster, but life gets in the way you know). Loved the story, love the overall story arc, and still anxiously awaiting more books in the series. Don't know where it's going, but loving the stories anyway.
If you're a scifi fan, and even if you're just a fantasy fan, you need to add this entire series to your to read list.
If you're a scifi fan, and even if you're just a fantasy fan, you need to add this entire series to your to read list.
May 27, 2022
I read the first 12 books of this series back-to-back over the course of a month. They are not distinct stories in my memory, so I've reviewing them as a group. I liked the start of the series quite a lot, but by book 12, it's gotten rather predictable. There are even pet phrases that repeat multiple times in each book. "What is her Majesty's protectorate if we do not protect?" for example. There's also some Marines cheerleading that feels forced to me, and a moral high ground perspective that goes unchallenged by human nature and gray areas. Eventually, the books became entirely predictable. It was well written enough to keep me entertained, but not interesting enough to get great ratings from me.
October 14, 2023
3.5 stars.
Another Roslyn & Kelly team up looking for The Legion's hideouts. In a way, a bit of a repeat of Mage-Commander but with some surprising discoveries and revelations.
Personally, I would have loved to see the character Sharon Deveraux developed further, as well as the head engineer Evelia Dresdner on Roslyn's ship. I found both of these characters very interesting.
But with the discoveries and revelations, I think I like where the author seems to be taking the series.
Another Roslyn & Kelly team up looking for The Legion's hideouts. In a way, a bit of a repeat of Mage-Commander but with some surprising discoveries and revelations.
Personally, I would have loved to see the character Sharon Deveraux developed further, as well as the head engineer Evelia Dresdner on Roslyn's ship. I found both of these characters very interesting.
But with the discoveries and revelations, I think I like where the author seems to be taking the series.
July 29, 2024
Another terrific addition to the series
These books are formulaic, but I’m here for it. The characters, the plots, the military strategies .. they form a continuing story where the might of Mars is tested time and again.
Different situations require differing strategies, and Glynn Stewart is a strategic mastermind. I would not want to go up against him in a game of chess, much less a space battle.
He writes the story so well, it just pulls you in. You find yourself cheering or shedding a tear for people you’ve never met. When they renamed the new Mars Republic outpost Devereaux Station, my throat caught. It was touching in an unexpected way.
These books are formulaic, but I’m here for it. The characters, the plots, the military strategies .. they form a continuing story where the might of Mars is tested time and again.
Different situations require differing strategies, and Glynn Stewart is a strategic mastermind. I would not want to go up against him in a game of chess, much less a space battle.
He writes the story so well, it just pulls you in. You find yourself cheering or shedding a tear for people you’ve never met. When they renamed the new Mars Republic outpost Devereaux Station, my throat caught. It was touching in an unexpected way.
March 22, 2022
Another fun book in this continuing series. A little less emphasis on overpowering magic and some really good strategic and tactical stuff, and a very interesting POV right from the first page that I wasn't expecting. I won't spoil it, but that first POV has some major repercussions for the Protectorate of Mars. This book had a very tight focus on the area of concern, with no real developments from the rest of the Protectorate, so it'll be interesting next time to see what kind of changes are realized on Mars because of the events of this book.
Looking forward to the next one, as always!
Looking forward to the next one, as always!
April 25, 2022
Stands with the best of the genre.
The world building, the plotting, the story arcs are all fine work, but it is the indelible characters that make Mr. Stewart's books rise above the vast majority of authors. You'll note that I did not qualify that last statement in any way. He is a fine writer, no addenda or disclaimer needed. Do yourself the kindness of diving into his work. You will become acquainted with an extraordinary roster of people that live, and work and love and struggle through their lives in a fascinating milieu.
The world building, the plotting, the story arcs are all fine work, but it is the indelible characters that make Mr. Stewart's books rise above the vast majority of authors. You'll note that I did not qualify that last statement in any way. He is a fine writer, no addenda or disclaimer needed. Do yourself the kindness of diving into his work. You will become acquainted with an extraordinary roster of people that live, and work and love and struggle through their lives in a fascinating milieu.
October 1, 2024
Mage-Commander Roslyn Chambers is commanding a ship that is going against piracy that may be part of the former Republic of Faith and Reason. But she finds something she doesn't expect: a Prometheus brain that was thought to be dead, as has been thought to be the case of all Prometheus brains, has been awakened from her coma and has taken over her former masters' starship; and she has plans to help the people who are being trafficked through the Fringe worlds.
I found this book to be intriguing and highly enjoyable. I highly recommend this!
- Echo (they/it)
I found this book to be intriguing and highly enjoyable. I highly recommend this!
- Echo (they/it)
March 23, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great entry to the Starship's Mage series. There's no Damian in the story, but Roslyn Chambers is just as fascinating a character dealing with just as complex and difficult situations. The aftermath of the Unarcana War is dealt with and there are hints of more stories in the universe to come.
The moments with Mage Queen Keira Alexander are also wonderfully written.
This is a great entry to the Starship's Mage series. There's no Damian in the story, but Roslyn Chambers is just as fascinating a character dealing with just as complex and difficult situations. The aftermath of the Unarcana War is dealt with and there are hints of more stories in the universe to come.
The moments with Mage Queen Keira Alexander are also wonderfully written.
May 30, 2022
I read them all ... a very engaging and exciting series of books, laden with action.
Why consistently only 4 stars then?
The pace of the story telling kept getting interrupted by detailed reference to why Mars had to have Mages, The role and appearance of the simulcron, What Augments are ... lots stuff covered more than once in each of the earlier books
Then the stories were good enough to drag through the armour piercing properties of the combat rifle carried by the Martian Marines, again!
Why consistently only 4 stars then?
The pace of the story telling kept getting interrupted by detailed reference to why Mars had to have Mages, The role and appearance of the simulcron, What Augments are ... lots stuff covered more than once in each of the earlier books
Then the stories were good enough to drag through the armour piercing properties of the combat rifle carried by the Martian Marines, again!
March 29, 2022
The series that keeps on giving
If you’ve read the earlier books in this series by Glynn, you won’t be disappointed by this one.
If you haven’t, poor yourself a beer, or coffee, or tea, settle into your favourite chair, and get started. Excellent book, excellent series. Now I’ve got to wait until the next one, and I’m already annoyed it hasn’t been printed yet.
If you’ve read the earlier books in this series by Glynn, you won’t be disappointed by this one.
If you haven’t, poor yourself a beer, or coffee, or tea, settle into your favourite chair, and get started. Excellent book, excellent series. Now I’ve got to wait until the next one, and I’m already annoyed it hasn’t been printed yet.
April 1, 2022
Something old, something new.
An old idea in s I do first I believe in Anne McCafferees ship who sang. In essence a body of brain as part of the ship. In this case different enough to be possibly better than the original.
It was unexpected and as such an amazing read. Stewart continues to impress.
An old idea in s I do first I believe in Anne McCafferees ship who sang. In essence a body of brain as part of the ship. In this case different enough to be possibly better than the original.
It was unexpected and as such an amazing read. Stewart continues to impress.
April 5, 2022
From an old paratrooper, why you should read this.
The series here brings back memories of service and responsibility to the people we serve. Read it, feel the need to be more than mediocre, and enjoy. Robert A. Heinlein would approve, even though there are too many exclamation marks.
The series here brings back memories of service and responsibility to the people we serve. Read it, feel the need to be more than mediocre, and enjoy. Robert A. Heinlein would approve, even though there are too many exclamation marks.
April 9, 2022
Faithful
I'm pretty sure if you made it to book 12. Like me, you are already one of the faithful. If you just happen to run across this book definitely read the first book in the series and enjoy the ride. Fantastic storytelling great world building and and characters your heart will bleed for as they struggle their way through the world.
I'm pretty sure if you made it to book 12. Like me, you are already one of the faithful. If you just happen to run across this book definitely read the first book in the series and enjoy the ride. Fantastic storytelling great world building and and characters your heart will bleed for as they struggle their way through the world.
April 14, 2022
The story got much better towards the end. Still a favorite series of mine, but I am pretty sick of Chambers and LaMonte and would prefer a renewed focus on Montgomery. The aftermath of the Civil War lacks meaningful stakes and the stories themselves lack the detail of the initial books, especially the one set on Ardennes.
April 20, 2022
wow
Mr Stewart is a pleasure to read. His characters are believable and very human. His villains are just as believable and definitely give the protagonist a fight. I have laughed and cried reading many of his books and always eagerly await new ones. Keep writing sir. Maybe you will read one of mine if I ever finish one.
Mr Stewart is a pleasure to read. His characters are believable and very human. His villains are just as believable and definitely give the protagonist a fight. I have laughed and cried reading many of his books and always eagerly await new ones. Keep writing sir. Maybe you will read one of mine if I ever finish one.
May 23, 2022
Quick Read
This was a quick read and advances the plotline of the Mars section of the spaceship mages. I'm just surprised that it is almost 10 books in and the storyline that started around book 4 with the aliens and where the magic script came from has not been advanced. I think those would be a much more logical way to advance the series.
This was a quick read and advances the plotline of the Mars section of the spaceship mages. I'm just surprised that it is almost 10 books in and the storyline that started around book 4 with the aliens and where the magic script came from has not been advanced. I think those would be a much more logical way to advance the series.
July 31, 2022
good book
Glynn Stewart is an excellent and prolific writer! I’m truly amazed at his military and detailed mind. My only issue would be his overly detailed meetings and complex situations-which is true in each book. Though I enjoy the books, I do find that I do a lot of skimming over those sections.
Glynn Stewart is an excellent and prolific writer! I’m truly amazed at his military and detailed mind. My only issue would be his overly detailed meetings and complex situations-which is true in each book. Though I enjoy the books, I do find that I do a lot of skimming over those sections.
December 21, 2022
An excellent supprise
If you have read the series, you will not be disappointed.
If you have not, I strongly recommend you begin.
You can pick up this book as a stand alone, or return to the beginning to understand the depth 9f a wonderful universe filled with honor, loyalty, tragedy and Magic.
If you have read the series, you will not be disappointed.
If you have not, I strongly recommend you begin.
You can pick up this book as a stand alone, or return to the beginning to understand the depth 9f a wonderful universe filled with honor, loyalty, tragedy and Magic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews