Da se razumemo, Hand of Mars je daleko ambiciozniji roman, kompleksnije radnje i kompleksnijih tema. Donekle je savršena eskapistička zabava za harkor (tm) oldskul gika, ali je kakvoća pisanja i karakterizacije za zvezdicu niža nego u prvom delu. To rekavši, ne kažem da ovaj roman nije zabavan - u nekoj meri jeste. Njegov Demijan Montgomeri očito je kopija Majlsa Vorkosigana - ili makar hibrid Majlsa i Honor Harington, uz poneku kapljicu Bučerovog Drezdena - ali daleko je Stjuart od višestruke dobitnice Hugoa i Nebula. U nastavku svog serijala 'Mag zvezdanog broda', Glin Stjuart pokušava da bude Lois Mekmaster Bižol, ali mu ne polazi za rukom. I'm looking forward to the next installment. For me, there was nothing unforgivable or that I couldn't overlook and carry on enjoying the story. I'm not sure if this book is being professionally edited but I found some basic typos. There are still some grammatical errors and sentences that are clunky. On finishing I checked to find out if there is a future book (there is!). I thought it was a progression for Damien, in a different direction that what we had previously experienced. Then the situation changes dramatically and he has to step up and be the Master. Damien is putting theory into practice and learning how to be a speaker for the King. Effectively, this is his on the job training. He's meant to be under the guidance of Hand Steally whom we met in the previous book. We open with Damien being sent out in to the field for the first time as an Envoy of the King. Having finished the book, I think the review is incredibly harsh. I was wary of this book due to the (now) top Amazon review.

Hand of Mars by Glynn Stewart