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The Dragon Mage #5
Star Fighter Charlie
A magic wielding astronaut fighting off an alien invasion with his dragon friend? Charlie thought they might actually pull it off... that is, if Lady Luck decided to play nice for a change. Unfortunately, knowing his fortunes, the odds of that were slim to none.
Could a magic wielding astronaut fight off an alien invasion with just his vampire assassin and space dragon friends? Amazingly, Charlie thought they might actually pull it off... that is if Lady Luck decided to play nice for a change. Unfortunately, knowing his fortunes, the odds of that were slim to none.
The aliens were coming, that much was certain. What they could do to stop them, however, remained up in the air. Having joined forces with the mighty AIs overseeing the planet and its defenses, at least their toys had been upgraded accordingly. The magic users now had big guns. But against a magical enemy they couldn’t see coming?
All the weapons in the system would not be of any use. They were screwed. That is, unless they could somehow harness their own magic. That, or perhaps bring to bear something entirely new, spawned not in a distant galaxy, but rather in their own realm.
Could a magic wielding astronaut fight off an alien invasion with just his vampire assassin and space dragon friends? Amazingly, Charlie thought they might actually pull it off... that is if Lady Luck decided to play nice for a change. Unfortunately, knowing his fortunes, the odds of that were slim to none.
The aliens were coming, that much was certain. What they could do to stop them, however, remained up in the air. Having joined forces with the mighty AIs overseeing the planet and its defenses, at least their toys had been upgraded accordingly. The magic users now had big guns. But against a magical enemy they couldn’t see coming?
All the weapons in the system would not be of any use. They were screwed. That is, unless they could somehow harness their own magic. That, or perhaps bring to bear something entirely new, spawned not in a distant galaxy, but rather in their own realm.
Audiobook
Published April 24, 2020
255 people are currently reading
140 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.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 2, 2019
How is it possible? This series is still fresh!
Not only fresh, but more exciting, more and more growth from the main characters, and interesting new characters thrown into the soup. I can't believe how long I can hold my breath, almost through entire chapters. Highly recommended!!
Not only fresh, but more exciting, more and more growth from the main characters, and interesting new characters thrown into the soup. I can't believe how long I can hold my breath, almost through entire chapters. Highly recommended!!
July 4, 2019
I volunteered for an ARC of the series in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 5 into the series with at least 2 more to go. And it was so satisfying and perfect! It was everything i wanted it to be.
Book 4 sets up the problem of tech and magic, book 5 starts working out those kinks. How it's solved makes perfect sense, i couldn't be happier!
You also see the women in the group coming into their own. In some ways come full circle and accepted themselves.
And there's the return of my personal favorites the talking toaster gets me every time!
I loved this one - i cannot wait for book 6
This is book 5 into the series with at least 2 more to go. And it was so satisfying and perfect! It was everything i wanted it to be.
Book 4 sets up the problem of tech and magic, book 5 starts working out those kinks. How it's solved makes perfect sense, i couldn't be happier!
You also see the women in the group coming into their own. In some ways come full circle and accepted themselves.
And there's the return of my personal favorites the talking toaster gets me every time!
I loved this one - i cannot wait for book 6
July 15, 2019
This was such an easy book to devour. You'll be turning the pages at speed, trust me! If you've been following this series since the very beginning, you'll have been waiting patiently for each book to be released so you can find out what adventures Charlie gets up to this time. Trouble always seems to find him, but Charlie and his associates are more than a match for them.
I love these characters. They seem to balance each other's skills like ying and yang. I won't say too much as I don't want to spoil the book for you, however there is a new tribe introduced whom I adored. I love spiritual stuff and this was right up my alley. One of the characters gets a very unexpected gift as a result of helping them. They certainly won't regret it in the future.
The author touches on every emotion I have. I swear he does it in each book. The action was fantastic, and the storyline and characterisations are just 'The Dog's'. These people (who have grown to be our friends) are in danger and they have to use everything in their arsenal. And I mean EVERYTHING. This is an absolutely riveting tale of good and bad, rich and poor, greed and love.
I chose this book from a larger selection, then voluntarily read and honestly reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
I love these characters. They seem to balance each other's skills like ying and yang. I won't say too much as I don't want to spoil the book for you, however there is a new tribe introduced whom I adored. I love spiritual stuff and this was right up my alley. One of the characters gets a very unexpected gift as a result of helping them. They certainly won't regret it in the future.
The author touches on every emotion I have. I swear he does it in each book. The action was fantastic, and the storyline and characterisations are just 'The Dog's'. These people (who have grown to be our friends) are in danger and they have to use everything in their arsenal. And I mean EVERYTHING. This is an absolutely riveting tale of good and bad, rich and poor, greed and love.
I chose this book from a larger selection, then voluntarily read and honestly reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
July 26, 2019
I love love love this series of "The Dragon Mage" books. Starting with "Bad Luck Charlie" I have been captivated and the author continues to keep me engaged. Once you start reading just one of these, if you have not already read what came before you will want to! Do yourself a favor and go back and start with this authors "Clockwork Chimera" series read all of them and move forward through this series as the author eventually ties the two series together. I promise you it is worth the time if you are a fan of this genre and if you aren't a fan already you might become one with this set of books. They can be read alone but are way more enjoyable read in order. In this one we find Charlie fighting more invaders from a different universe, and let me tell you these TSlavers are crafty and give Charlie and company a run for the money. Anxiously awaiting the next in the series. This is one I don't want to end.
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.
May 26, 2020
Earth is safe, all of the invading forces were killed or captured and the portal was sent into the sun where it could not be used. This does not stop the shimmer ships that made it across right when the portal opening from doing their job. Their job of course is to quell all resistance they find in the solar system to pave the way for the rest of the force they assume will be following them. Charlie and his friends must use all of the knowledge they learned fighting their last battle to overcome their new foes. In a battle that crosses many solar systems and involves numerous intelligent lives of all types Charlie and his friends work to keep to save the lives of everyone on Earth and even to try and save some of those that are attacking them.
May 22, 2020
This book was so incredible. I was on the edge of my seat and visibly showing facial emotions (As my wife was pointing them out to me from video taken while I was listening). I love it and cannot wait to dive into the next.
August 12, 2020
Charlie
Book 5 is just as exciting as the last 4. Good read.
This is a good series of magic, technology and other worlds
Book 5 is just as exciting as the last 4. Good read.
This is a good series of magic, technology and other worlds
May 30, 2020
Still going strong!
"Really great story. A mix of swords, magic, dragons, science fiction and fantasy. As well as interesting people multiple worlds. Author has done a fantastic job!"
Ok our author pulled out the stops we have multiple battles planet based as well as space battles. New races, New magic as well. Definitely worth reading.
"Really great story. A mix of swords, magic, dragons, science fiction and fantasy. As well as interesting people multiple worlds. Author has done a fantastic job!"
Ok our author pulled out the stops we have multiple battles planet based as well as space battles. New races, New magic as well. Definitely worth reading.
May 19, 2020
What a pleasure it has been to continue with the wonderfully written “Dragon Mage” series by Scott Baron. This audiobook review covers the fifth audiobook in the series, and I can only say that Charlie’s adventures get even more complex and vast as things progress. In “Star Fighter Charlie”, Baron has done an exceptional job of taking a science fiction and fantasy-based series and blending together both technology and magic where one begins to believe them to be equally important. And, in this book, it becomes evident that the master of both of these powerful skills will become the victor; it is the only way to succeed and survive. As with the previous audiobooks, Gary Bennett does a magnificent job with the narration and I can say that I’m happy he has continued to be the voice and personality of Charlie and the multitude of others. If you enjoy great story telling and superb narration, I highly recommend you give this series and listen, you would not want to upset a dragon now, would you?
As with the other audiobook in the series, this one amps up the adrenalin quickly by placing the listener in the heat of battle with heavy action. Although the author includes some decent prologue information early in the book, be aware that one should listen to this series in order or you will not fully comprehend all that has taken place. There are multiple characters and alien races which could get confusing if you have no prior knowledge of previous events. The book does a wonderful job of including various AI (Artificial Intelligence) system along with some very unique alien races. What could a smart toaster do to assist Charlie? You might be surprised when you listen to this story.
Let me say that this book felt vaster and more galactic in scale because many of the characters take numerous jumps to various systems in route to their final destination where they come across many newer and different inhabitants. While a number of others remain back on Earth and the nearby moon base trying to keep things in check. The story forks in to two different parties, those traveling and those not. However, I liked that both groups had important roles to play impacting the outcome of not only themselves but the others as well. It was fun to travel to distant worlds and see new things in one chapter and then be brought back to Earth to see what is going on there.
The other audiobooks in the series were a bit more humorous and light-hearted. Here, we begin to see a darker side to the story. There is a taking of sides including rebels, loyalists, and even some aspects of terrorism woven into the story. We even see the different forces implement FUD (Fear, uncertainty, and doubt) as a part of the campaign to win this ever-increasing fight. Charlie knows that he will fail if he is unable to win over one of the alien species to assist in his goal. What I found interesting was the ever-increasing use of magic and technology from Charlie. In earlier audiobooks from the series, Charlie was all about the importance of technology and in later audiobooks we see him hone his magical stills. Yet, in this book we see him putting both these skills to use, and you will begin to see why it is necessary. Here is what I enjoy most about Scott Baron’s writing, he makes this blending seem effortless and believable.
Like with other audiobooks in this series, there are the regular band of characters which have been with Charlie from the beginning along with some newer races or characters introduced along the way. Another thing I like about the author’s writing is his ability to build close relationships between characters which do not feel forced or planned. We also see how important each individual character is to the story and their required skill for success. Not only do we have the regular banter between these characters, but there are some more serious and emotional moments as well. Charlie and his friends learn the importance of sacrifice and how the many are more valuable than the one. Even though Charlie is the main character, he understands the significance of using all who are willing to fight this new foe, and this even means leveraging a different race willing to be at his side. I do not want to give away too much, but if you are also a fan of Scott Baron’s “The Clockwork Chimera” series, you will start to see a tie-in with Daisy’s timeline and story; what a wonderful surprise.
The audiobook’s narration by Gary Bennett was solid and professionally produced as all of the series has been thus far. The audio itself was clean of any artifacts such as background noise. However, I did notice a few slight audio plugs/edits, but it was not something that took away from the story. It amazes me that Mr. Bennett is able to maintain the many character’s voices over the series, and I would not have Charlie sound any different than he does. I’m always excited to have a narrator stick with a series, so thank you for this.
For parents and younger listeners, please note there is a fair amount of vulgar language in this series. There are also a few crud jokes and light sexual references mixed in. Nothing that is overly inserted into the story line, but it is there. This book in the series does have a few more subjects that may not be appropriate for very young readers (war, terrorism, etc.) but nothing that is not found in many other works of science fiction.
In summary, I found the tie in with Mr. Baron’s other series fun and welcoming. The story is still interesting and felt much larger than previous ones due to the amount of space travel and flashbacks to events on Earth. The narration was outstanding with only a few slight places where edits were necessary. It is a great series and one that I would recommend to people who like a blending of tech and magic in their stories. Well worth jumping in the series if any of this sounds interesting.
As with the other audiobook in the series, this one amps up the adrenalin quickly by placing the listener in the heat of battle with heavy action. Although the author includes some decent prologue information early in the book, be aware that one should listen to this series in order or you will not fully comprehend all that has taken place. There are multiple characters and alien races which could get confusing if you have no prior knowledge of previous events. The book does a wonderful job of including various AI (Artificial Intelligence) system along with some very unique alien races. What could a smart toaster do to assist Charlie? You might be surprised when you listen to this story.
Let me say that this book felt vaster and more galactic in scale because many of the characters take numerous jumps to various systems in route to their final destination where they come across many newer and different inhabitants. While a number of others remain back on Earth and the nearby moon base trying to keep things in check. The story forks in to two different parties, those traveling and those not. However, I liked that both groups had important roles to play impacting the outcome of not only themselves but the others as well. It was fun to travel to distant worlds and see new things in one chapter and then be brought back to Earth to see what is going on there.
The other audiobooks in the series were a bit more humorous and light-hearted. Here, we begin to see a darker side to the story. There is a taking of sides including rebels, loyalists, and even some aspects of terrorism woven into the story. We even see the different forces implement FUD (Fear, uncertainty, and doubt) as a part of the campaign to win this ever-increasing fight. Charlie knows that he will fail if he is unable to win over one of the alien species to assist in his goal. What I found interesting was the ever-increasing use of magic and technology from Charlie. In earlier audiobooks from the series, Charlie was all about the importance of technology and in later audiobooks we see him hone his magical stills. Yet, in this book we see him putting both these skills to use, and you will begin to see why it is necessary. Here is what I enjoy most about Scott Baron’s writing, he makes this blending seem effortless and believable.
Like with other audiobooks in this series, there are the regular band of characters which have been with Charlie from the beginning along with some newer races or characters introduced along the way. Another thing I like about the author’s writing is his ability to build close relationships between characters which do not feel forced or planned. We also see how important each individual character is to the story and their required skill for success. Not only do we have the regular banter between these characters, but there are some more serious and emotional moments as well. Charlie and his friends learn the importance of sacrifice and how the many are more valuable than the one. Even though Charlie is the main character, he understands the significance of using all who are willing to fight this new foe, and this even means leveraging a different race willing to be at his side. I do not want to give away too much, but if you are also a fan of Scott Baron’s “The Clockwork Chimera” series, you will start to see a tie-in with Daisy’s timeline and story; what a wonderful surprise.
The audiobook’s narration by Gary Bennett was solid and professionally produced as all of the series has been thus far. The audio itself was clean of any artifacts such as background noise. However, I did notice a few slight audio plugs/edits, but it was not something that took away from the story. It amazes me that Mr. Bennett is able to maintain the many character’s voices over the series, and I would not have Charlie sound any different than he does. I’m always excited to have a narrator stick with a series, so thank you for this.
For parents and younger listeners, please note there is a fair amount of vulgar language in this series. There are also a few crud jokes and light sexual references mixed in. Nothing that is overly inserted into the story line, but it is there. This book in the series does have a few more subjects that may not be appropriate for very young readers (war, terrorism, etc.) but nothing that is not found in many other works of science fiction.
In summary, I found the tie in with Mr. Baron’s other series fun and welcoming. The story is still interesting and felt much larger than previous ones due to the amount of space travel and flashbacks to events on Earth. The narration was outstanding with only a few slight places where edits were necessary. It is a great series and one that I would recommend to people who like a blending of tech and magic in their stories. Well worth jumping in the series if any of this sounds interesting.
May 8, 2020
Action-Filled Sci-Fi With Heart
Star Fighter Charlie is the fifth book in the Dragon Mage series from Scott Baron and Baron isn’t holding any punches. In this one we’re treated to a couple different alien races, a planet hopping chase throughout the solar system, unbelievable selflessness, and so much more.
The “human” elements of all the characters (including the non-human ones) are what really make these stories. The connections that Charlie has made, the connections that his crew and friends have made with each other, the acts of selflessness, the kindness, the love. Those are some of the major reasons that these stories work so well. I won’t ruin one of the major plot points in this book, but it brought a tear to my eye. It was unexpected and honestly awesome.
Star Fighter Charlie was another book full of scenes out of an action-packed Science Fiction movie… with a dragon of course. I realize as I sit here trying to describe the book and talk more about it that it’s really hard to do that without spoiling most of the points in it. I’ll either spoil books 1-4 or the major points that Baron has in this one.
Just know, that if you’re this far in – the series isn’t getting stale yet. Baron is able to write in a way that keeps dragging me in deeper instead of pushing me away. I don’t know how many books are currently written, I do know that I have book six in my audible queue (review coming super soon). But, I definitely want to know what is going to happen to Charlie, but not just Charlie – his friends too. They all mean something to me now and I hope that all of them are able to solve the worlds problems and get home safely. Wherever home ends up being.
I also need to point out Gary Bennett’s narration. He’s been a steady player since this series was first brought to audio – and he’s able to bring each character to life. He performs without going overboard. There is no unneeded drama. It fits with the series and the storytelling inside of it so well that it’s hard to imagine another narrator doing the series.
Star Fighter Charlie is the fifth book in the Dragon Mage series from Scott Baron and Baron isn’t holding any punches. In this one we’re treated to a couple different alien races, a planet hopping chase throughout the solar system, unbelievable selflessness, and so much more.
The “human” elements of all the characters (including the non-human ones) are what really make these stories. The connections that Charlie has made, the connections that his crew and friends have made with each other, the acts of selflessness, the kindness, the love. Those are some of the major reasons that these stories work so well. I won’t ruin one of the major plot points in this book, but it brought a tear to my eye. It was unexpected and honestly awesome.
Star Fighter Charlie was another book full of scenes out of an action-packed Science Fiction movie… with a dragon of course. I realize as I sit here trying to describe the book and talk more about it that it’s really hard to do that without spoiling most of the points in it. I’ll either spoil books 1-4 or the major points that Baron has in this one.
Just know, that if you’re this far in – the series isn’t getting stale yet. Baron is able to write in a way that keeps dragging me in deeper instead of pushing me away. I don’t know how many books are currently written, I do know that I have book six in my audible queue (review coming super soon). But, I definitely want to know what is going to happen to Charlie, but not just Charlie – his friends too. They all mean something to me now and I hope that all of them are able to solve the worlds problems and get home safely. Wherever home ends up being.
I also need to point out Gary Bennett’s narration. He’s been a steady player since this series was first brought to audio – and he’s able to bring each character to life. He performs without going overboard. There is no unneeded drama. It fits with the series and the storytelling inside of it so well that it’s hard to imagine another narrator doing the series.
July 22, 2019
I have come to believe that Charlie is a magnet for trouble. It seems to follow him wherever he goes. On the plus side, he manages to save the day in the end. This book was a quick read, full of excitement. Once I started reading, I just couldn't put it down. I just had to know what happened next. New worlds, new people, new magic. Each character has grown immensely, and through all the excitement, they continue to grow and "improve". I look forward to seeing what role Daisy, Freya, and the others will play in the next book.
March 24, 2024
After a slow start involving another shimmer cloaked attack, this book finally began to build interest for me as Charlie and company left our solar system and began a much more interesting adventure in a far away system. By the time I reached the 30% mark in the book, I found myself reluctant to put it down. So I didn't, and I spent the rest of the day reading an excellent story with a very satisfying ending.
August 5, 2019
I love this series and I have read all of them up to now. I enjoy the characters and the trouble that keeps coming around! This book is no exception and is fast-paced action with the most compelling story yet! I can hardly wait for the next book and I hope that there are lots of stories left!
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.
May 24, 2021
Another wonderful story!
Each story in the series build upon the previous stories building to a climax eagerly awaited by the reader! And this one is no exception! Dragons, alien worlds, slavers , all with a dash of romance, combat, and of course, magic - good and bad - thrown in! You are going to enjoy reading this story!
Each story in the series build upon the previous stories building to a climax eagerly awaited by the reader! And this one is no exception! Dragons, alien worlds, slavers , all with a dash of romance, combat, and of course, magic - good and bad - thrown in! You are going to enjoy reading this story!
November 29, 2022
Another excellent sequel...
A.lot of new stuff, some of it technical, some of it magical and a great many new or stronger magic users! The story seemed the lag occasionally but it quickly flipped a switched and soared forward! Now, thinking this was the final tale, it seems there is another. Lucky me!!!
A.lot of new stuff, some of it technical, some of it magical and a great many new or stronger magic users! The story seemed the lag occasionally but it quickly flipped a switched and soared forward! Now, thinking this was the final tale, it seems there is another. Lucky me!!!
January 2, 2025
Another fun read as Charlie and friends continue their metamorphosis
As with the other tales of Charlie this story is rapid paced with plenty of twists and turns. The different underpinning of the two galaxies one of magic and the other of science and technology create interesting ways of combating each other as they war against the aggressor. I look forward to the next book
As with the other tales of Charlie this story is rapid paced with plenty of twists and turns. The different underpinning of the two galaxies one of magic and the other of science and technology create interesting ways of combating each other as they war against the aggressor. I look forward to the next book
June 4, 2025
Great set of stories this series. Particularly like the AI elevated from being a toaster. If that isn't a direct reference to Talkie Toaster in Red Dwarf then I'll be shocked. All the best books have at least 1 sassy AI (see Craig Alanson's Expeditionary Force) and this book has quite a few some if whom are quite not what you'd expect.
Brilliant love it
Brilliant love it
March 14, 2022
really liking this series. fresh take on magic and space.
Can’t wait for more. Really enjoying this series. An engineer turned slave turned pirate turned gladiator turned mage? What’s not to like
Can’t wait for more. Really enjoying this series. An engineer turned slave turned pirate turned gladiator turned mage? What’s not to like
June 23, 2023
4.5 there was a section that was painfully long to get through. Otherwise, still enjoying the progression fantasy. Hopefully they'll get to explore and explain some of their new capabilities before adding on more
September 28, 2019
Okay
I really enjoyed this series but I think it’s lost it’s shine to me as there’s too many POV for me to continue to get into this story.
I really enjoyed this series but I think it’s lost it’s shine to me as there’s too many POV for me to continue to get into this story.
November 17, 2019
Great read worth your time
A great mixture of sci-fi and fantasy. It will be interesting to see where Charlie's powers take him as the story progresses. Will not disappoint.
A great mixture of sci-fi and fantasy. It will be interesting to see where Charlie's powers take him as the story progresses. Will not disappoint.
July 25, 2020
Good book. I'm certainly interested on where things will go next.
June 20, 2021
Unexpected powers
When faced with new attacks from their past foes, Charlie and gang must find new ways to combat them. This leads to newfound magic for several of this gang.
When faced with new attacks from their past foes, Charlie and gang must find new ways to combat them. This leads to newfound magic for several of this gang.
July 2, 2021
Another great episode of the Charlie saga.
September 29, 2022
same same
The expected from this author. A fun, but simple, childish, predictable, self-contradictory and illogical tale. If food, it’d be cheap fast food.
The expected from this author. A fun, but simple, childish, predictable, self-contradictory and illogical tale. If food, it’d be cheap fast food.
October 26, 2022
fun edition
The story was fun and fast moving. It was a good edition to the series. I would recommend this series
The story was fun and fast moving. It was a good edition to the series. I would recommend this series
November 8, 2022
A good read
I thought this book was an extremely good read and I enjoy it very much indeed. I highly recommend it and the rest of the series, so far.
I thought this book was an extremely good read and I enjoy it very much indeed. I highly recommend it and the rest of the series, so far.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews