What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dragon Mage #4
Magic Man Charlie
Like poop on your shoe, bad luck had a knack for sticking Charlie wherever he went. And it sure did stink.
Wormholes to a distant galaxy? Done it. Alien slavery? Yup. Forced gladiatorial combat? That too. Space pirate and eventual rebel leader? Check. Rising to the pinnacle of power as Dragon King? Uh-huh.
Charlie, it seemed, had seen and survived it all, and at long last it looked like he’d finally earned himself a little peace and quiet. That is until a whole new threat reared its ugly head. Now, not only were those he held dear at risk, but the entire planet, and possibly even the whole damn solar system.
Yet again, Charlie was in the right place at the wrong time, finding himself forced to evolve into something new. Something more. But this time, on this tech-driven world, the space engineer from the past thought he might finally have the advantage.
But then again…
Wormholes to a distant galaxy? Done it. Alien slavery? Yup. Forced gladiatorial combat? That too. Space pirate and eventual rebel leader? Check. Rising to the pinnacle of power as Dragon King? Uh-huh.
Charlie, it seemed, had seen and survived it all, and at long last it looked like he’d finally earned himself a little peace and quiet. That is until a whole new threat reared its ugly head. Now, not only were those he held dear at risk, but the entire planet, and possibly even the whole damn solar system.
Yet again, Charlie was in the right place at the wrong time, finding himself forced to evolve into something new. Something more. But this time, on this tech-driven world, the space engineer from the past thought he might finally have the advantage.
But then again…
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2019
313 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Scott Baron
55 books291 followersScott Baron is an American author with a penchant for oddball stories with O. Henry-esque twists.
Born in Hollywood, Baron credits growing up in Los Angeles with skewing his humor towards the offbeat and absurd. He studied abroad in Italy during his college years, returning to Los Angeles to work in the film industry as an on-set medic. In addition to writing shorts and novels, Baron is also a screenwriter of both feature and television scripts.
Born in Hollywood, Baron credits growing up in Los Angeles with skewing his humor towards the offbeat and absurd. He studied abroad in Italy during his college years, returning to Los Angeles to work in the film industry as an on-set medic. In addition to writing shorts and novels, Baron is also a screenwriter of both feature and television scripts.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 13, 2019
I really don't want to say too much about what happens in this book, as the readers really need to experience it for themselves. It is a great read.
The author seems to know exactly how to push his readers' buttons and sends positive signals, particularly when it comes to working with others to become a team, treating people as you would want to be treated yourself, and especially when it comes to... love. In fact, as the team grow closer to each other after going through hell, I was so emotional. My heart was in my mouth with anxiety and worry for them. Then, it was bursting with love and pride like these people were friends of mine.
The plot is a joy, the characters are strong and realistic, the action is so good that you feel you are right there with them because the writing is clear and concise. And the ending! I look forward to devouring the rest of the series.
I chose to voluntarily read and honestly review this book. All opinions are my own.
The author seems to know exactly how to push his readers' buttons and sends positive signals, particularly when it comes to working with others to become a team, treating people as you would want to be treated yourself, and especially when it comes to... love. In fact, as the team grow closer to each other after going through hell, I was so emotional. My heart was in my mouth with anxiety and worry for them. Then, it was bursting with love and pride like these people were friends of mine.
The plot is a joy, the characters are strong and realistic, the action is so good that you feel you are right there with them because the writing is clear and concise. And the ending! I look forward to devouring the rest of the series.
I chose to voluntarily read and honestly review this book. All opinions are my own.
February 26, 2021
I volunteered for an ARC of the series in exchange for an honest review.
This continues to be one of my favorite series. You couldn't ask for better heroes than Bawb and Charlie.
This one opens with our hapless heroes trying adapt to a world far different than what they've experienced before. Until stealthy Invaders try to invade and subjugate Earth. Again.
For me this was a good continuation of Charlie's story and it's crossover story. Putting everyone right where they need to be for book 5.
I've loved this author's way of telling a story for a long time. His series read like you're binge watching your favorite tv show. There's old friends and new ones, twists your weren't expecting. It's summer reading at it's finest!
This continues to be one of my favorite series. You couldn't ask for better heroes than Bawb and Charlie.
This one opens with our hapless heroes trying adapt to a world far different than what they've experienced before. Until stealthy Invaders try to invade and subjugate Earth. Again.
For me this was a good continuation of Charlie's story and it's crossover story. Putting everyone right where they need to be for book 5.
I've loved this author's way of telling a story for a long time. His series read like you're binge watching your favorite tv show. There's old friends and new ones, twists your weren't expecting. It's summer reading at it's finest!
June 11, 2019
Again, fabulously written! The story was captivating and kept me wanting to read more. I was surprised that Daisy did not have more of a role, but was pleased with the addition of Ripley. The main villain is still not certain, but, I'm sure it will be revealed in book 5.
June 17, 2020
This book kept me up all night!
I’ve now read the first four books in the Dragon Mage series and can’t wait to read the rest. I hope Scott Baron never runs out of ideas. I’m so encouraged by his vision of the resilience, bravery, and innate goodness of Earthmen. He embraces the Gene Roddenberry vision that sees the similarities between all denizens of the galaxies. Regardless of how a being may look or live, Scott finds commonalities that make it possible for people from different worlds to work together and become friends and family. Long may Charlie, Leila, Zara, Bawb, Hunze, and Rivka live and grow into their challenges as a family. Thanks, Scott Baron, you tell a heck of a story.
I’ve now read the first four books in the Dragon Mage series and can’t wait to read the rest. I hope Scott Baron never runs out of ideas. I’m so encouraged by his vision of the resilience, bravery, and innate goodness of Earthmen. He embraces the Gene Roddenberry vision that sees the similarities between all denizens of the galaxies. Regardless of how a being may look or live, Scott finds commonalities that make it possible for people from different worlds to work together and become friends and family. Long may Charlie, Leila, Zara, Bawb, Hunze, and Rivka live and grow into their challenges as a family. Thanks, Scott Baron, you tell a heck of a story.
May 26, 2020
The universe seems to want to keep Charlie on his toes. First he is thrown into a different solar system where he is made a slave, he is then thrown back to his solar system but not centuries before his time, after a last minute gamble he think he is finally back on Earth and what he thinks is his time. That is until he see the 4 armed and 4 eyed alien walking along with a human and an AI controlled cyborg. Given enough time Charlie would be able to adapt to his surroundings but after only a short period of time the ship he flew all those years ago and left stranded in a different solar system appears out of no where. Then the weird stuff starts happening, and once again Charlie and his friends, new and old must fight for their lives and now for the lives of everyone on Earth.
December 27, 2019
My least favorite of the series so far. For some reason, this one just lacked the spark of excitement I got from reading the previous books.
April 14, 2020
Applauses all around and a big thank you to both Scott Baron and Gary Bennett for bringing another Dragon Mage series audiobook to the Audible listeners. I recently listened to “Magic Man Charlie” and I can say that our main character has come quite a long way from his previous bad luck experiences. However, this is not saying he is immune to such events in this book as you will soon hear. Magic Man Charlie is the fourth audiobook in this wonderful adventure series consisting of Charlie and his band of counterparts. Nearly all of the previous audiobook’s characters return for more fun, more adventure, more mayhem, and more mystery. We are greeted with dragons, ghouls, aliens, and everything feel super-sized this time around. If you have not already picked up this series of audiobooks, it is a great time to start as there are nearly 40 hours of audio across all available titles; at the time of this review. For those who have completed all four audiobooks, note the author has nine total audiobooks listed along with their titles on Audible; we can only hope more Charlie will be released soon.
Why have I stuck with the Dragon Mage series up to this point? That is a great question. For me, Scott Baron does a wonderful job of telling a story. Many author’s works I have previously reviewed write in a way that simply giving the listener information, a data dump if you may. Yet, Mr. Baron is a true master of storytelling. I could picture him around a campfire with people hanging on his every word. He quickly brings you into his tales with vivid scenes and complex characters all paced in a way that the story flows and makes sense. Writing either comes easy to the author or he spends a large amount of time ensuring things are well thought out and planned beforehand. Add to that a wonderful narrator who is able to bring these characters and their story to life and you have a very interesting and wonderful series of audiobooks that is an exceptional blending of science fiction and fantasy.
Turning to this specific audiobook, the author does a wonderful job of proving some background details for those who may have listened a while ago to the previous books. I always like a prologue or some other way of reminding me about major events that may impact the story I’m listening to, like a TV show recap, and this book delivers. We are presented with quite a different world and some newer characters as the book opens, but do not worry as things seem very familiar. This newness does add some extra mystery to the story going forward. In each of the books there was often a focus on either magic or technology (depending on the world the characters were in). However, this book shows that even on Earth, magic is not something one wants to play with because it is quite dangerous.
The banter and interaction between the characters is very much the same as we have seen in the other book from the series. There is plenty of zings, disses, and pokes going around directed at one another, which is all in good fun and gives a level of humor to the story. Again, I like that the author is able to weave in some emotional elements allowing the listener to better understand the consequences of actions taken by the characters. Such actions not only impact our main group of characters, but in some cases the entire world as well. The characters quickly realize the need to join all their special abilities in an attempt to overcome this new ominous foe. We see the importance of family and friends coming together to overcome adversity. As I listened, this book in the series felt more like a Dr. Who episode with the level of surprise, suspense, and even a bit of horror thrown in for good measure. As with Dr. Who, many times old enemies return in an attempt to finish their job, and for Charlie he understands little of his new nemesis’ powers. Could this be his strongest foe yet?
The audiobook’s narration by Gary Bennett was solid and professional. I have quickly come to recognize Charlie’s voice with his. I hope Mr. Bennett sticks with the whole series as I would find it hard to hear a different Charlie from the voice I have come to enjoy. There were a few very slight audio plugs where it appears some additional information was added afterwards, but these were few and far between. The rest of the audio was clean and clear of any audio artifacts such as swallows, page turns, or other background noises. The narrator does a wonderful job of telling the story and not simply reading the word on the page. Both the solid story writing and storytelling make the series what it has grown to become.
For parents and/or younger readers, the audiobook contains a fair amount of vulgar language. Additionally, there is some light romance included but nothing that would me considered mature. If you have already enjoyed the first few books in the series, there is no change making this audiobook more or less mature.
In summary, need I say much more than you should listen to this audiobook because it continues the adventures of Charlie? The book has all aspects of a great story while being rather unique in its blending of science fiction with fantasy. The narration is what I have come to expect from Mr. Bennett, a smooth voice with plenty of inflection. I would say if you want to get into a new series and do not want to be disappointed, pick up Magic Man Charlie and the other three in the series and enjoy.
Why have I stuck with the Dragon Mage series up to this point? That is a great question. For me, Scott Baron does a wonderful job of telling a story. Many author’s works I have previously reviewed write in a way that simply giving the listener information, a data dump if you may. Yet, Mr. Baron is a true master of storytelling. I could picture him around a campfire with people hanging on his every word. He quickly brings you into his tales with vivid scenes and complex characters all paced in a way that the story flows and makes sense. Writing either comes easy to the author or he spends a large amount of time ensuring things are well thought out and planned beforehand. Add to that a wonderful narrator who is able to bring these characters and their story to life and you have a very interesting and wonderful series of audiobooks that is an exceptional blending of science fiction and fantasy.
Turning to this specific audiobook, the author does a wonderful job of proving some background details for those who may have listened a while ago to the previous books. I always like a prologue or some other way of reminding me about major events that may impact the story I’m listening to, like a TV show recap, and this book delivers. We are presented with quite a different world and some newer characters as the book opens, but do not worry as things seem very familiar. This newness does add some extra mystery to the story going forward. In each of the books there was often a focus on either magic or technology (depending on the world the characters were in). However, this book shows that even on Earth, magic is not something one wants to play with because it is quite dangerous.
The banter and interaction between the characters is very much the same as we have seen in the other book from the series. There is plenty of zings, disses, and pokes going around directed at one another, which is all in good fun and gives a level of humor to the story. Again, I like that the author is able to weave in some emotional elements allowing the listener to better understand the consequences of actions taken by the characters. Such actions not only impact our main group of characters, but in some cases the entire world as well. The characters quickly realize the need to join all their special abilities in an attempt to overcome this new ominous foe. We see the importance of family and friends coming together to overcome adversity. As I listened, this book in the series felt more like a Dr. Who episode with the level of surprise, suspense, and even a bit of horror thrown in for good measure. As with Dr. Who, many times old enemies return in an attempt to finish their job, and for Charlie he understands little of his new nemesis’ powers. Could this be his strongest foe yet?
The audiobook’s narration by Gary Bennett was solid and professional. I have quickly come to recognize Charlie’s voice with his. I hope Mr. Bennett sticks with the whole series as I would find it hard to hear a different Charlie from the voice I have come to enjoy. There were a few very slight audio plugs where it appears some additional information was added afterwards, but these were few and far between. The rest of the audio was clean and clear of any audio artifacts such as swallows, page turns, or other background noises. The narrator does a wonderful job of telling the story and not simply reading the word on the page. Both the solid story writing and storytelling make the series what it has grown to become.
For parents and/or younger readers, the audiobook contains a fair amount of vulgar language. Additionally, there is some light romance included but nothing that would me considered mature. If you have already enjoyed the first few books in the series, there is no change making this audiobook more or less mature.
In summary, need I say much more than you should listen to this audiobook because it continues the adventures of Charlie? The book has all aspects of a great story while being rather unique in its blending of science fiction with fantasy. The narration is what I have come to expect from Mr. Bennett, a smooth voice with plenty of inflection. I would say if you want to get into a new series and do not want to be disappointed, pick up Magic Man Charlie and the other three in the series and enjoy.
Read
June 13, 2019I cannot say enough good about this series of books. We find Charlie now thousands of yrs into his own future. The Asbru, the spaceship that initially got him and his friend Rika into trouble suddenly shows up in Earths atmosphere. Where it somehow lands itself. When someone goes to investigate they inadvertently set off a booby trap which freezes every one on Earth except for Charlies small band and a few AI's and Cyborgs. Later in tracing down the mystery of what is going on Charlie lands himself in deep water. That is as much as I will say of the story. This author has the ability to capture your attention and make you want to know each character better and follow their continuing story. If you have not yet checked out the earlier books in the series you won't regret doing so! While you are at it check out his other books too. This one of my new favorites!
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.
October 1, 2020
Author Scott Baron sure knows how to hold your interest, and he has done it again. Charlie, Leila, Bawb, Hunze and Ara have jumped forward in time, but they still are not where Charlie originally came from. Now they are a few thousand years beyond Charlie's time, and the Earth has changed. Earth was previously invaded and most of mankind died in the ensuing war. Now there is a species of alien living mixed in with the remaining humans. There are cyborgs who have a fleshy exterior over a metal core and there are also AI's who actually run the show. There's even a base on the dark side of the moon run by an AI who manages the humans there. Of course, there is a threatened invasion from Leila and Bawb's galaxy, unseen due to shimmer cloaks on both the ships and the invaders. Fixing this mess is quite a feat. You will need to read this book to understand, and I think you will enjoy it.
June 29, 2020
Disappointing
The first book was pretty good overall. The second not so much. But by this book the series has gotten patently ridiculous. The author claims he is a screenwriter and this series is a great example of why I don’t watch tv or go to the movies anymore. It doesn’t help that his native Californian liberalism offends my sensibilities, but that’s a conservative’s opinion alone.
The first book was pretty good overall. The second not so much. But by this book the series has gotten patently ridiculous. The author claims he is a screenwriter and this series is a great example of why I don’t watch tv or go to the movies anymore. It doesn’t help that his native Californian liberalism offends my sensibilities, but that’s a conservative’s opinion alone.
June 20, 2019
On My Goodness!!
Is 'unputdownable' a word? It took me a couple of long days and nights to complete this one. Bob is increasingly adorable, Charlie is a lot more serious in this one, Lealie and Riki are joined by new characters to fight this threat to earth. The technology is awesome. I missed Baloo though.
Is 'unputdownable' a word? It took me a couple of long days and nights to complete this one. Bob is increasingly adorable, Charlie is a lot more serious in this one, Lealie and Riki are joined by new characters to fight this threat to earth. The technology is awesome. I missed Baloo though.
June 22, 2019
I have read all in the series and they have all been so good. This book is the most awesome yet. I love this series and can not put the book down until I am done! Wonderful characters and a great story! I highly recommend this whole series!
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.
July 19, 2019
Not bad, but I didn't enjoy this as much as the first three books. I think the premise has become a bit out there. The "future" they are in now is not as cool as the primitive past or the alien worlds written about in his earlier escapades. The mystery aspect isn't my favorite part of a fantasy or science fiction story. Still love the dragon, though.
February 9, 2020
Magic and tech
When Charlies original ship crash lands back on earth from the other galaxy there appears to be some nasty surprises onboard. Read more to find out what happens to the massively powerful Dragon, the Assassin and the gladiator
When Charlies original ship crash lands back on earth from the other galaxy there appears to be some nasty surprises onboard. Read more to find out what happens to the massively powerful Dragon, the Assassin and the gladiator
October 20, 2020
An amazing story again and a huge, huge setup: a whole planet under a spell. This causes logic breaks which weren't fixed as far as I see. But I like Charlie and his friends so that doesn't matter much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2021
Love the whole series which I've now read. Easy to read and the mixture of fantasy and science is great. The characters are easy to like and hate and the story flows though the series, making this an easy to read but very enjoyable story.
April 27, 2021
So, you are saying you have been seeing space vampires riding giant flying red dragons, again?
So, take two Tylenol and call me in the morning. Next thing you know he will be seeing witches and flying monkeys!
So, take two Tylenol and call me in the morning. Next thing you know he will be seeing witches and flying monkeys!
May 18, 2021
Entertaining and satisfying read!
Each book in the series gets better than the previous book! Dragons, magic, war and romance! What more can a Sci-Fi reader ask for? Perhaps more stories!?
Each book in the series gets better than the previous book! Dragons, magic, war and romance! What more can a Sci-Fi reader ask for? Perhaps more stories!?
June 13, 2021
Return of the Asbru
The unexpected return of the Asbru to future Earth is a mystery for the survivors of the original crew as they had crashed in a very distant star system hundreds of years ago. I love how this all plays out.
The unexpected return of the Asbru to future Earth is a mystery for the survivors of the original crew as they had crashed in a very distant star system hundreds of years ago. I love how this all plays out.
July 19, 2022
book four
Personally this book bored me to tears. It’s a giant cat and mouse game as invisible invaders must be tracked down and stopped before they can bring an invasion fleet through to earth.
Personally this book bored me to tears. It’s a giant cat and mouse game as invisible invaders must be tracked down and stopped before they can bring an invasion fleet through to earth.
September 28, 2022
okay
Simple, straightforward, and very predictable, but fun enough to continue, if just barely. The self-contradictory nature and growing illogic of the story may change future reviews. If food, it’d be fast food.
Simple, straightforward, and very predictable, but fun enough to continue, if just barely. The self-contradictory nature and growing illogic of the story may change future reviews. If food, it’d be fast food.
June 16, 2019
Best of Science and Magic
This story of a engineer who ends up in a magic based galaxy. Then he bonds with a dragon. Then ends up in Earths past and future. Great story
This story of a engineer who ends up in a magic based galaxy. Then he bonds with a dragon. Then ends up in Earths past and future. Great story
December 23, 2019
The series is interesting still
This one was about the same level of entertainment as the third book was. I thought the ending was clever.
This one was about the same level of entertainment as the third book was. I thought the ending was clever.
April 10, 2020
Good book, looking forward to the next in the series.
April 13, 2020
I can never get enough of this series. This book (book 4) had me constantly contorting my face in smiles and frowns and other face expressions and enjoying the story from beginning to end.
October 23, 2020
An interesting crossover of two different series from the same author continues his reliable high standard.
October 21, 2021
Another awesome book in the series
This is an amazing series that keeps you engaged and wanting more... A page turner that you cant stop reading
This is an amazing series that keeps you engaged and wanting more... A page turner that you cant stop reading
February 22, 2022
Fun adventure
Captivating action, engaging plot. Relatable characters even the AIs. Had guys that make you fine and complex plans than leave the reader wondering
Captivating action, engaging plot. Relatable characters even the AIs. Had guys that make you fine and complex plans than leave the reader wondering
September 19, 2022
Excellent series
I love the tie in with Daisy’s Run. This is a great read and I highly recommend this for Sci-Fi fans and Fantasy fans alike.
I love the tie in with Daisy’s Run. This is a great read and I highly recommend this for Sci-Fi fans and Fantasy fans alike.
October 2, 2022
The story keeps developing and stays interesting
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews