Hand of Mars

Starship's Mage, Book 2

By: Glynn Stewart

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Three years ago, as ship's mage of the starship Blue Jay, Damien Montgomery was pursued to the edge of human space by both the agents and enemies of the mage-king of Mars before being brought in from the cold. Now, trained in new skills by the mage-king himself, Damien has been sent to the planet Ardennes alongside Alaura Stealey, hand of the king. A rebel movement there has destroyed cities fighting a governor seemingly lost to corruption. But not all on Ardennes is as it seems. As allies become enemies and an entire world comes apart in chaos around him, Damien will find both his skills and integrity tested to the utter limit.

©2015 Glynn Stewart (P)2015 Tantor

Solid story and good naration

Solid story and good narration. A little scattered at times and a little shorter than it could be, but it does not repeat itself as much as the first book,

Still a good book

The first book was alot more vivid, but this one was still very good. It felt like it could have elaborated a bit more on certain bits, but overall a good book.

Excellent

This story was even more compelling than the first. It is clear the author is hitting his stride. He could perhaps have used a French language editor for the French potions (and the narrator could perhaps have double checked some of the prononciation) but overall this was enjoyable.

Great story

This was a great follow up to the previous title, my one and only complaint would be the lack of emotion by the reader, although with some characters like the Mage King, it works well.

Good story but lacking overall

The first book in the series , Starship Mage was fantastic, the authors second expedition into the universe he has created was lacking.

The overall depth of this novel is fantastic but falls short of the previous book.

A more focused narrative if you will, Damien's story feels more condensed and forced with no real character development or plot development That was employed in the first novel.

Great 2nd book

loved the first book and this one also didn't disappoint. Truly a great book, anyone looking this is a book series for you.

Great start

This is a great start to series if you know going into it that there is going to be a lot of information dumps however artfully it is done. It's to be expected with a new series and especially with the genre chosen here. I never write reviews but I felt I needed to with this one to let potential buyers know that once you wade through the the world building stage it's a great listen and will consume your life. Just hang in there and it will be worth it. Narrator choice seems odd at first but grows on you. All in all make it 2 hours in and your hooked.

good

its goooood listen too it in two seasons and almost couldn't put it away after

Fun and enjoyable ride.

I really have enjoyed this series so far. Although this book was predictable most of the way through, the attention to detail in the worlds that have been created and the story telling make it a fun and enjoyable ride.

The story just gets better.

In this sophomore addition to the series, Glynn Stewart follows Damien as he sets of in the company of one of the Hands of Mars as a royal messenger. The mission should have been a relatively simple matter, but it rapidly deteriorates once they arrive at their destination.

What follows is a roller coaster ride as the two become embroiled in the dangerous politics that exist on the planet. Once it starts, there is no stopping as the danger and tension grow to an ultimate world shaking battle. Through it all Damien is challenged at every turn, not just by events, but also by his own conscience. Is he worthy of becoming a Hand to the King of Mars?

As always, Jeffrey Kafer demonstrates why is one of the premier narrators of audiobooks in the world.

I have already purchased the third and fourth books in the series, and I can't wait to listen to the next book as soon as I am finished writing this review.

Listeners who enjoyed this series owe it to themselves to check out Nathan Lowell's series of books chronicling the "golden age of the Solar Clipper." They are all superb.