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Starship’s Mage #17
The Lies Arcana
The might of Mars has failed
A world is lost to the enemy
To oppose the coming night
Mars cannot stand alone
Inhabited by humans and aliens together, the star system of Chimera was a symbol of peace between humanity and the non-humans called Reezh. But now, that system has been conquered by the remnants of their old empire and its imperialist church.
The Protectorate of Mars will rebuild their fleets, but alone, it will take years for them to be able to retake Chimera, let alone challenge the heart of their enemy.
But the war is far from over. To Ambassador Connor O’Hannagain, deeply entangled with Chimera’s fate, weakness means they need new allies.
With a powerful Navy escort, he sets off into the deep void to find the other side of the civil war that broke the Reezh empire.
Even if he finds the enemy of his enemy, Connor must convince them to stand with Mars. And when faces the dark secrets of a shattered empire, Connor must decide if he even can ally with those who must sacrifice innocents to fuel the warships he needs…
A world is lost to the enemy
To oppose the coming night
Mars cannot stand alone
Inhabited by humans and aliens together, the star system of Chimera was a symbol of peace between humanity and the non-humans called Reezh. But now, that system has been conquered by the remnants of their old empire and its imperialist church.
The Protectorate of Mars will rebuild their fleets, but alone, it will take years for them to be able to retake Chimera, let alone challenge the heart of their enemy.
But the war is far from over. To Ambassador Connor O’Hannagain, deeply entangled with Chimera’s fate, weakness means they need new allies.
With a powerful Navy escort, he sets off into the deep void to find the other side of the civil war that broke the Reezh empire.
Even if he finds the enemy of his enemy, Connor must convince them to stand with Mars. And when faces the dark secrets of a shattered empire, Connor must decide if he even can ally with those who must sacrifice innocents to fuel the warships he needs…
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2025
378 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
116 books1,748 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 9, 2025
Please stop writing about the three-way marriage and how lucky the guy feels. It's so cringe. And unnecessary. And the relationship is so perfect that it's more of a fantasy than mages teleporting starships around the galaxy. Ugh.
Everything else is fine.
Everything else is fine.
July 27, 2025
Another great instalment in the series.
As a fixed fan of this series (and the author’s other works), I was able to skim about 25% of this book. Seventeen books in, he’s still explaining lore from the beginning of the series, and there is a ponderous amount. Between that and various discussion on tonnage of spaceships and its importance, I was able to zip through the repeat parts and the hard Sci-fi I don’t find particularly appealing.
The new parts were juicy and interesting. I didn’t find Connor O’Hannagain to be as compelling as other main characters in the series, but he did his part to forward this plot to the ultimate story, if it’s true that 18 is to the the last. Not sure how they’ll wrap up everything, so perhaps there will be more.
As always with Stewart, the action is tightly-paced, significant to the story and edge-of-your-seat. In this outing, a chance to bring one of the enemy’s “prime” planets over to the side of the Mars Protectorate is dependent upon the manoeuvring of a few key players, each of whom get their own POV chapters. The horrors of revisiting a forced mage cyborg-integration program into the battlecruisers is at stake.
A significant part of the story deals with mages and how they fit into the militaristic society, particularly the difference between those who are called to service, those born to it, and those who had no choice in making the ultimate sacrifice.
Fans of military Sci-fi and fantasy Sci-fi will love this book series.
As a fixed fan of this series (and the author’s other works), I was able to skim about 25% of this book. Seventeen books in, he’s still explaining lore from the beginning of the series, and there is a ponderous amount. Between that and various discussion on tonnage of spaceships and its importance, I was able to zip through the repeat parts and the hard Sci-fi I don’t find particularly appealing.
The new parts were juicy and interesting. I didn’t find Connor O’Hannagain to be as compelling as other main characters in the series, but he did his part to forward this plot to the ultimate story, if it’s true that 18 is to the the last. Not sure how they’ll wrap up everything, so perhaps there will be more.
As always with Stewart, the action is tightly-paced, significant to the story and edge-of-your-seat. In this outing, a chance to bring one of the enemy’s “prime” planets over to the side of the Mars Protectorate is dependent upon the manoeuvring of a few key players, each of whom get their own POV chapters. The horrors of revisiting a forced mage cyborg-integration program into the battlecruisers is at stake.
A significant part of the story deals with mages and how they fit into the militaristic society, particularly the difference between those who are called to service, those born to it, and those who had no choice in making the ultimate sacrifice.
Fans of military Sci-fi and fantasy Sci-fi will love this book series.
July 26, 2025
As captivating as ever
The history of humanity's magic just adds to what is a great series even without that intriguing story arc.
This is one of the best sci-fi series I've ever read.
The history of humanity's magic just adds to what is a great series even without that intriguing story arc.
This is one of the best sci-fi series I've ever read.
August 6, 2025
Great read.
I think I miss Roslyn's story but enjoyed this as much in many ways. These are always a great read.
Lots more to come obviously.
I think I miss Roslyn's story but enjoyed this as much in many ways. These are always a great read.
Lots more to come obviously.
July 29, 2025
Didn’t knock me out, but I get why it needed to be the way it was. Definitely setting up and diving deeper into certain things. It just featured characters I’m not as invested in and really left out some of my faves. Still fun. I always loving returning to my post in the RMN 🫡.
August 10, 2025
Thank you Pateron and Glynn Stewart for the Advance reader copy. Okay readers you are in for a ride Conner finds an ally but getting the yes involves Kelly former bodyguard of Montgomery bodyguard now intelligence for Mars and protectorate spouses and adventure that they will not forget. the refugees from Chimera are doing well. We have to wait for book 18 to catch up with Chimera and inhabitants.
July 25, 2025
A new primary character: Ambassador Connor O’Hannagain
Earlier in the Starship’s Mage series, we saw a shift in the primary character from mage Damien Montgomery to Navy officer Roslyn Chambers. This latest novel, “The Lies Arcana,” appears to be the beginning of another such transition, with Ambassador Connor O’Hannagain as the central character. Much of the story is told from his perspective. Nevertheless, it’s still an excellent example of extraordinary people doing extraordinary things, as this entire series has been.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, although at times it was a bit difficult to keep up with all the new character names and Reezh phrases/proper nouns.
I expect anyone who likes the previous novels in the series will also like this one. Recommended. I give it 5/5 stars.
Earlier in the Starship’s Mage series, we saw a shift in the primary character from mage Damien Montgomery to Navy officer Roslyn Chambers. This latest novel, “The Lies Arcana,” appears to be the beginning of another such transition, with Ambassador Connor O’Hannagain as the central character. Much of the story is told from his perspective. Nevertheless, it’s still an excellent example of extraordinary people doing extraordinary things, as this entire series has been.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, although at times it was a bit difficult to keep up with all the new character names and Reezh phrases/proper nouns.
I expect anyone who likes the previous novels in the series will also like this one. Recommended. I give it 5/5 stars.
July 28, 2025
This book is a totally reasonable new addition to the series.
I think however the reason the book fails to grab me in the same way the others did is the increasing shift away from what made the initial book so fascinating.
In short, the original and Damien's arc generally was about his intense understanding on how magic worked. Since then we have moved to a regular mage and now to a non-mage, and whilst I don't dislike this viewpoint I prefered it when it was its own spin off series - Honestly thats a bit what this felt like to me, more a continuation of the Red Falcon series than the actual starship mage one.
Not to put to fine a point on it, but the book literally does not follow a Starship's Mage, and i think thats quite the shame.
I think however the reason the book fails to grab me in the same way the others did is the increasing shift away from what made the initial book so fascinating.
In short, the original and Damien's arc generally was about his intense understanding on how magic worked. Since then we have moved to a regular mage and now to a non-mage, and whilst I don't dislike this viewpoint I prefered it when it was its own spin off series - Honestly thats a bit what this felt like to me, more a continuation of the Red Falcon series than the actual starship mage one.
Not to put to fine a point on it, but the book literally does not follow a Starship's Mage, and i think thats quite the shame.
August 1, 2025
Excellent, as always.
One point though, that a Canadian writer might not know. The Alamo was defended by slavers. Not the common soldiers of course; they just followed orders, and probably were the same as every other Texan. But the ones in charge, like David Bowie, either owned slaves or were fighting against Mexico because Mexico had just abolished slavery. I do realize that is not the only reason they fought the Mexicans; they wanted their own land, etc. But nevertheless the main leaders were slavers, or slave traders (David Bowie). NOT nice people.
So, it is ironic that one of the main ships in the fleet that is owned by people who were slaves and freed themselves from its tyranny, is named after the Alamo.
One point though, that a Canadian writer might not know. The Alamo was defended by slavers. Not the common soldiers of course; they just followed orders, and probably were the same as every other Texan. But the ones in charge, like David Bowie, either owned slaves or were fighting against Mexico because Mexico had just abolished slavery. I do realize that is not the only reason they fought the Mexicans; they wanted their own land, etc. But nevertheless the main leaders were slavers, or slave traders (David Bowie). NOT nice people.
So, it is ironic that one of the main ships in the fleet that is owned by people who were slaves and freed themselves from its tyranny, is named after the Alamo.
July 25, 2025
After Chimera's Fall (ebook) by the ultra-religious Reezh, it was important to send a mission to the nearest Reezh. Ambassador Connor O’Hannagain,leads an expedition of The Royal Martian Navy ships to the Reezh Prime World of Ordin seeking possible allies against Reezh that, ages ago, had burned settled worlds. Unfortunately they find a system in religious civil war over The Lies Arcana (paper from Faolan's Pen Publishing Inc). Only a miracle that involves crashlanding a stealth ship and fighting multiple navies much larger than the Martian armada. Glynn Stewart has the 17th exciting addition to his fun Starship's Mage series. This is a must for fans of the series.
October 31, 2025
Good continuation
Connor, ambassador for Mars, heads to the Primes to find one that might be a ally to fight against the enemy at Chimera. A massive fight is already underway as the original leaders fight against rebels hoping to preserve the Lie that underlies the religion of the Nine - that there are only Mages by Blood, no Mages by Right. This is a fight that Mars will only come down on one side of - there are Mages by Right and you don't kill them and harvest their brains for ship controls! Great action, fewer ships lost than normal, great resolution of many crises. The series has to be read in order.
Connor, ambassador for Mars, heads to the Primes to find one that might be a ally to fight against the enemy at Chimera. A massive fight is already underway as the original leaders fight against rebels hoping to preserve the Lie that underlies the religion of the Nine - that there are only Mages by Blood, no Mages by Right. This is a fight that Mars will only come down on one side of - there are Mages by Right and you don't kill them and harvest their brains for ship controls! Great action, fewer ships lost than normal, great resolution of many crises. The series has to be read in order.
July 24, 2025
Outstanding and well worth the wait. The plot flowed with precision, as the small fleet departed in support of Ambassador O’Hannagain’s mission to find allies, in the hopeful lead up in the planning for the relief of Chimera.
Glynn Stewart wove a complex tale of civil war, betrayal and diverse players bent on undermining the stability of a potential friendly planet.
I enjoyed this very much, so much going on and delivered by an accomplished writer of this collection and others, well done Glynn.
Glynn Stewart wove a complex tale of civil war, betrayal and diverse players bent on undermining the stability of a potential friendly planet.
I enjoyed this very much, so much going on and delivered by an accomplished writer of this collection and others, well done Glynn.
August 7, 2025
A nice refreshing book that focuses more on side characters than Rosyln. In fact Rosyln isn't in this book at all. The story is mostly focused on Mike Kelzin and the ambassador Connor as they try to navigate getting the Ordin system on their side.
The book had a nice flow overall and everything connected together well. It definitely had its focus more on information gathering and diplomacy which I felt was different from all the books so far. Overall nothing exciting or shocking happened in this book. It plays out how you would expect.
The book had a nice flow overall and everything connected together well. It definitely had its focus more on information gathering and diplomacy which I felt was different from all the books so far. Overall nothing exciting or shocking happened in this book. It plays out how you would expect.
August 24, 2025
Garbage
There has been a steady decline in quality for Starship's Mage.
This novel is an exercise in Calvinist plot with zero character development.
You surrender your A ticket, keep hands and feet inside the car, and Then experience a linear and inevitable narrative best described as a "shitshow."
"Boring" can't even start to describe the depths of mediocrity that SM has descended to. It' time for Stewart to retire this series and let the dream die.
There has been a steady decline in quality for Starship's Mage.
This novel is an exercise in Calvinist plot with zero character development.
You surrender your A ticket, keep hands and feet inside the car, and Then experience a linear and inevitable narrative best described as a "shitshow."
"Boring" can't even start to describe the depths of mediocrity that SM has descended to. It' time for Stewart to retire this series and let the dream die.
July 25, 2025
Lies Arcana follows Chimera's Fall with Connor, MISS and a portion of the fleet to find allies.
Good addition to the series with its plot twists, space battles and general narrative.
Connor is definitely the center of this book and he handled it well.
Eager for the next book!
Good addition to the series with its plot twists, space battles and general narrative.
Connor is definitely the center of this book and he handled it well.
Eager for the next book!
July 27, 2025
Riveting
One of the very best series I have ever read and enjoyed.
Glynn Stewart is a master wordsmith and (as always) I very much look forward to being notified that the next book in the series is ready to read.
One of the very best series I have ever read and enjoyed.
Glynn Stewart is a master wordsmith and (as always) I very much look forward to being notified that the next book in the series is ready to read.
August 13, 2025
It was good but the character depth wasn't as deep as previous main protagonists. Nobody was in god-mode which is nice but it felt like some characters were just along for the ride versus adding to the story in a meaningful way. Still a good book and very much worth the read!
August 26, 2025
It's ok but way too much....
I enjoyed this series when it began but this book was 80% board meetings. I felt like I was reading a report from the office with a tiny bit of intrigue thrown in. Can't say I'm looking forward to the next book.
I enjoyed this series when it began but this book was 80% board meetings. I felt like I was reading a report from the office with a tiny bit of intrigue thrown in. Can't say I'm looking forward to the next book.
September 14, 2025
This is a good one in this serries.
3.8 4.5 for the whole series for an average. This one is would say a 5 star entertainment wise. And let's be honest. If you made it to this book, your committed anyways.
3.8 4.5 for the whole series for an average. This one is would say a 5 star entertainment wise. And let's be honest. If you made it to this book, your committed anyways.
December 25, 2025
Another good book in the series
This was another good book in the series. The plot continues from the previous ones with the same ability to hook the reader and draw them in. Looking forward to continuing the series.
This was another good book in the series. The plot continues from the previous ones with the same ability to hook the reader and draw them in. Looking forward to continuing the series.
July 26, 2025
Another great book in the series. The author continues to widen the story arc, this one centers on the Protectorate attempting to find allies and ending up seeing a civil war with their potential allies. The small fleet sent by the Protectorate finds information about the start of the mages on Mars. A very enjoyable read and there looks to be lots more to come before this can wrap up properly.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. As you can see above, I enjoyed it and I recommend it
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. As you can see above, I enjoyed it and I recommend it
July 27, 2025
Excellent !
Best pacing, plot, and character development of any series I have read in the past ten years! On par with the best modern Sci-fi writers!
Best pacing, plot, and character development of any series I have read in the past ten years! On par with the best modern Sci-fi writers!
August 1, 2025
It's been a while but well worth the wait; it's exciting action packed and much new information that explains many quandaries!
August 1, 2025
Outstanding!
So much information. No spoilers. Shew. The space fights are epic. I’d like more Damien. Good study in universal wants and needs physically and emotionally.
So much information. No spoilers. Shew. The space fights are epic. I’d like more Damien. Good study in universal wants and needs physically and emotionally.
August 2, 2025
Diplomatic even during combat
The story ramps up has age old mystery of humanity’s magic a re e answered both through dialog and space opera war only Stewart can envision.
The story ramps up has age old mystery of humanity’s magic a re e answered both through dialog and space opera war only Stewart can envision.
August 5, 2025
Captivating from start to finish.
Loved the new installment of this series. The only problem is that the next book won't be out for a few months!! Keep 'em coming Glynn!
Loved the new installment of this series. The only problem is that the next book won't be out for a few months!! Keep 'em coming Glynn!
September 9, 2025
Not as good as previous stories
I found myself skipping over sections that were not interesting. I enjoyed many of the earlier works but last couple are running out of steam.
I found myself skipping over sections that were not interesting. I enjoyed many of the earlier works but last couple are running out of steam.
November 4, 2025
Top Notch Science Fiction!
December 22, 2025
what a sleigh ride!
I need to replenish my sleep deficit! So many nights of lost sleep, well worth it! Can hardly wait for the next book
I need to replenish my sleep deficit! So many nights of lost sleep, well worth it! Can hardly wait for the next book
July 10, 2025
Someone said that diplomacy is war by other means, and that seems to the case in a civil war. I really sympathize with Conner O'Hannagain - the job as ambassador to non-human governments is challenging enough (which is understating things drastically). Being dropped into the middle of a civil war and trying to make peace - I am sure that there are easier ways to commit suicide. I really appreciate the kind of characters the author creates - people with this degree of sense of personal responsibility and big picture points of view are few and far between. It really is too bad that there are none whom I find notable in contemporary national politics today - we really need them.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews