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Star Mage Saga #3
Wildfire and Steel
Dark magic meets galactic warfare. Carina Lin has found her long-lost mage kindred, but her joy is tempered with pain. One of her half-siblings is a dark mage who is planning to lead a powerful clan to galactic domination. Only mages can prevent the horrors that are about to unfold, but Carina faces an impossible should she protect her family or defeat her evil half-brother? Her decision leads her to discover secrets about mages she never imagined. Wildfire and Steel is book three in the dark, exciting space fantasy series, Star Mage Saga.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
234 pages, Paperback
Published December 27, 2019
About the author
J.J. Green
110 books399 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
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 11, 2019
Book 3 of the Star Mage Saga, Wildfire and Steel continues the dark theme that emerges from the relationships and motivations of the characters. With Castiel gone rogue as a Dark Mage and Carina attempting to care for her other siblings whilst harbouring a desire to go into battle as per her mercenary training, there’s a lot of scope here for conflict.
It’s great to see the entrance of Mage culture as Carina finds a wider community with which to belong. However, it’s not long before any dreams of halcyon days are ruined by the ongoing war that Carina and her siblings have driven closer.
Wildfire and Steel is another of JJ Green’s triumphs of character development. The chapters involving Castiel in particular show a real understanding of dark motives, a desire for power, and the almost petulant ‘tantrums’ of the Dark Mage as his plans don’t unfold quite as he intended. Carina’s siblings are also developing nicely and becoming more defined as characters.
The pace of the storyline is perfect (for me). There’s a great balance between action and reflection, resulting in my really caring about the outcomes. In many ways, even though there’s a strong focus on Dark Mage Castiel, this book is a little less dark than the previous two. That said, it’s still faintly uncomfortable reading, but that’s the pull of it. I can’t wait to see what happens to this unique family next and am looking forward to book 4.
It’s great to see the entrance of Mage culture as Carina finds a wider community with which to belong. However, it’s not long before any dreams of halcyon days are ruined by the ongoing war that Carina and her siblings have driven closer.
Wildfire and Steel is another of JJ Green’s triumphs of character development. The chapters involving Castiel in particular show a real understanding of dark motives, a desire for power, and the almost petulant ‘tantrums’ of the Dark Mage as his plans don’t unfold quite as he intended. Carina’s siblings are also developing nicely and becoming more defined as characters.
The pace of the storyline is perfect (for me). There’s a great balance between action and reflection, resulting in my really caring about the outcomes. In many ways, even though there’s a strong focus on Dark Mage Castiel, this book is a little less dark than the previous two. That said, it’s still faintly uncomfortable reading, but that’s the pull of it. I can’t wait to see what happens to this unique family next and am looking forward to book 4.
February 15, 2024
3.5 stars.
You definitely need to read these books in order. Readers who've read the previous book Dark Mage Rises would understand who Castiel is and how Carina and her half-siblings ended up where they are.
I'm glad to see Castiel getting a taste of what it was like for his mother under the cruel control of his father. He should have realised that the Dirksens were just as bad as the Sherrerrs after they kidnapped and tortured his 6yo brother Darius.
We learned more about the origins of the Mages and its secret society in this book and why Darius is a different type of Mage than the rest of them. Again, another action-packed installment with the story arc progressing gradually. It's strange to think that Carina and Bryce are really only 18 when they seem so much older. I'm not sure I would have been able to corral a bunch of kids at that age.
You definitely need to read these books in order. Readers who've read the previous book Dark Mage Rises would understand who Castiel is and how Carina and her half-siblings ended up where they are.
I'm glad to see Castiel getting a taste of what it was like for his mother under the cruel control of his father. He should have realised that the Dirksens were just as bad as the Sherrerrs after they kidnapped and tortured his 6yo brother Darius.
We learned more about the origins of the Mages and its secret society in this book and why Darius is a different type of Mage than the rest of them. Again, another action-packed installment with the story arc progressing gradually. It's strange to think that Carina and Bryce are really only 18 when they seem so much older. I'm not sure I would have been able to corral a bunch of kids at that age.
March 21, 2020
The story continues.
Carina and the kids and Bryce are struggling to survive without being noticed. Then they need to escape the town when it's bombed by the Scherrers and so they Transport back to near the spaceport. They steal a craft - but the fuel gauge isn't working. Fortunately a group of mages rescue them and take them to a mage festival
Meantime Castiel is helping the Dirksens by using his mage power against the Scherrerrs. He experiences some of the fame that he wants but in his search for more recognition, he finds that he loses his position.
It is a story of good guys and bad guys.
I love the way Darius's mage powers are developing. He is learning to do things for himself. Parthenia is wavering between helping and fighting Carina - trying to develop her own role in the group. Oriana is being a spoilt brat and Nahla is starting to be her own self.
There's enough space, magic and relationship to suit everybody.
Carina and the kids and Bryce are struggling to survive without being noticed. Then they need to escape the town when it's bombed by the Scherrers and so they Transport back to near the spaceport. They steal a craft - but the fuel gauge isn't working. Fortunately a group of mages rescue them and take them to a mage festival
Meantime Castiel is helping the Dirksens by using his mage power against the Scherrerrs. He experiences some of the fame that he wants but in his search for more recognition, he finds that he loses his position.
It is a story of good guys and bad guys.
I love the way Darius's mage powers are developing. He is learning to do things for himself. Parthenia is wavering between helping and fighting Carina - trying to develop her own role in the group. Oriana is being a spoilt brat and Nahla is starting to be her own self.
There's enough space, magic and relationship to suit everybody.
April 10, 2019
I'm a recent fan of JJ Greenspace and so far my only disappointment is in not finding her sooner.
Wildfire and Steel is only my second story in the Star Mage saga. Having only read the prequel Star Mage Exhile, I can say this third installment can be read as a stand-alone story with only a few questions unanswered.
This opera features Carina, a strong female forced to grow up quickly and become a warrior to survive. Now she's trying to keep what's left of her family safe from those that want to use them. The character and world development is great.
I enjoyed every minute of this book and look forward to finding out how the children and Carina grow into their lives and strengths.
I'm giving five stars as this book kept me engaged even though I hadn't read the first two installments.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wildfire and Steel is only my second story in the Star Mage saga. Having only read the prequel Star Mage Exhile, I can say this third installment can be read as a stand-alone story with only a few questions unanswered.
This opera features Carina, a strong female forced to grow up quickly and become a warrior to survive. Now she's trying to keep what's left of her family safe from those that want to use them. The character and world development is great.
I enjoyed every minute of this book and look forward to finding out how the children and Carina grow into their lives and strengths.
I'm giving five stars as this book kept me engaged even though I hadn't read the first two installments.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2019
Fantasy meets sci-fi in this rocking series about mages in space. In this third volume Carina is fighting to keep her family safe and all together, while her evil half-brother Castiel is hunting them across space. Castiel is about to learn he is not as important as he thinks he is. This story continues a well crafted story about clan rivalries, power and domination over those who may be weaker or susceptible in some way. It is set in the far future, far from Earth, but is in some ways quite barbaric in nature. Mages are hunted and persecuted, while everyday folk struggle just to get by. The author has crafted a deeply human story about love , family and the everyday fight to survive.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am providing an honest and unbiased review.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am providing an honest and unbiased review.
January 23, 2020
In this third book in the Star Mage series by J J Green the search and hunt for the missing mage escapees grows and expands to other planets where the lives of all mage are threatened with extinction. There are still very harsh and negative feelings of betrayal among members of the family as siblings fight against one another. Some for survival, and others wanting power and prestige and glory. It is still a story about one family struggling to stay together throughout every obstacle put in their way. This is a rather late voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Booksprout.
April 10, 2019
In the third book in the Star Mage Saga, Carina Lin has found her family after searching for years for others like her. She soon learns there are many challenges yet to come in keeping her half-siblings out of the hands of the Sherrerrs. Carina has experienced so much loss and pain in her life but she’ll never give up. She’ll use her abilities as a mage to fight her evil half-brother, who has plans for galactic domination, and will not stop until her family is safe.
April 10, 2019
Fleeing capture by the clans, Carina and her family find refuge with an unexpected group.
The author continues to thrill her readers with an adventure packed tale. The protagonist doesn't know what's best for her family but as she surges forward in an attempt to evade the pursuing clans they find new CASTs to aid their flight. If you enjoy following young adults as they encounter life's difficulties, this series is great. Recommended. This is my voluntary review of a free ARC.
The author continues to thrill her readers with an adventure packed tale. The protagonist doesn't know what's best for her family but as she surges forward in an attempt to evade the pursuing clans they find new CASTs to aid their flight. If you enjoy following young adults as they encounter life's difficulties, this series is great. Recommended. This is my voluntary review of a free ARC.
January 10, 2020
J.J. Green is back with a new installment of her perfect dark space sci-fi/fantasy mashup, the Star Mage Saga, and -wow- Wildfire and Steel (Book 3) Is utterly fantastic. Carina Lin may indeed be facing an impossible dilemma in having to choose between protecting her family or defeat her evil half-brother’s push for galactic domination, but we readers sure get a grand treat following along as she desks with this. What a fantastic, and perfectly told, story. Totally recommended.
April 14, 2019
Action, Adventure, and Magic with some serious twists! Mages on the run. The action starts on the first page and does not stop! Once you get into this book, it is very hard to put down! Well written with believable characters. I cannot wait for the next book!
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.
April 27, 2019
Wildfire and Steel I another terrific addition to this series.4.6 stars
This episode keeps your heart racing as the children continue fighting for their freedom. The characters come through so clearly; it is a pleasure watching them grow up and bond with their siblings.
I wish this story could go on forever. Don't miss this exciting series!
This episode keeps your heart racing as the children continue fighting for their freedom. The characters come through so clearly; it is a pleasure watching them grow up and bond with their siblings.
I wish this story could go on forever. Don't miss this exciting series!
May 28, 2020
Another excellent addition to the series! The characters, especially Carina, show complexity and growth. The story is captivating, as usual, and there were good plot twists to make it even more intriguing. I was a bit surprised with how things progressed with Castiel, which makes me wonder what he will do in the next book. I look forward to discovering what will happen to Carina and her family!
April 3, 2019
Exciting and imaginative
This is another excellent book in the series. The children have come a long way and I have developed an empathy for the main characters. I certainly hope that there will be more books to follow. I have enjoyed the series. I read this on kindle unlimited.
This is another excellent book in the series. The children have come a long way and I have developed an empathy for the main characters. I certainly hope that there will be more books to follow. I have enjoyed the series. I read this on kindle unlimited.
June 5, 2020
Family sticks together
Carina and her brothers and sisters escaped the proverbial frying pan into the fire. They learn they aren’t the last mages and that the Dirksen’s war followed them through the stars.
Carina and her brothers and sisters escaped the proverbial frying pan into the fire. They learn they aren’t the last mages and that the Dirksen’s war followed them through the stars.
June 20, 2020
This episode keeps your heart racing as the children continue fighting for their freedom. The characters come through so clearly; it is a pleasure watching them grow up and bond with their siblings.
I wish this story could go on forever. Don't miss this exciting series!
I wish this story could go on forever. Don't miss this exciting series!
December 19, 2022
good continuation to the story. I like this series, even though it's nothing special, for some reason, the characters just seem to be interesting enough that I want to know what's happening. I'll be reading more in this series.
April 13, 2019
What a fantastic story in this third book. I couldn’t stop reading and everyone will love it for sure.
June 20, 2019
Very disappointing and did not live up to the previous books.
Nothing about the title applied to Carina who I thought had really regressed.
Nothing about the title applied to Carina who I thought had really regressed.
April 6, 2020
Great story
I have read the previous books in this series and have been pleasantly surprised at the consistent high level of the characters and a great story line I love it
I have read the previous books in this series and have been pleasantly surprised at the consistent high level of the characters and a great story line I love it
March 12, 2025
Top Notch Science Fiction!
April 6, 2025
3.5 stars
December 11, 2024
This is the 3rd in the Saga that I have read and enjoyed the continued definition of the characters. A simple view of good vs bad makes this an enjoyable SciFi read. I'll be reading the rest of the Saga volumns.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews