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The Dragon Mage #6
Portal Thief Charlie
Charlie had a constant companion everywhere he went. Unfortunately, its name was trouble.
Space portals to another galaxy were just the beginning of the worries piled high on Charlie's plate. Not only was he facing a hostile band of alien mercenaries, hell-bent on capturing his home and enslaving his people, but now, it seemed, there was something more afoot.
With his homeworld, solar system, and even the entire galaxy at risk, Charlie and the great AI minds of Earth had to make a decision. Would they wait for the alien aggressors to make their next move, or would they step up and take the fight to them? Whatever the decision, Charlie knew he and his friends would be in for the fight of their lives. And against an anemy more powerful than any they'd ever imagined.
Space portals to another galaxy were just the beginning of the worries piled high on Charlie's plate. Not only was he facing a hostile band of alien mercenaries, hell-bent on capturing his home and enslaving his people, but now, it seemed, there was something more afoot.
With his homeworld, solar system, and even the entire galaxy at risk, Charlie and the great AI minds of Earth had to make a decision. Would they wait for the alien aggressors to make their next move, or would they step up and take the fight to them? Whatever the decision, Charlie knew he and his friends would be in for the fight of their lives. And against an anemy more powerful than any they'd ever imagined.
Audiobook
Published April 28, 2020
158 people are currently reading
132 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 11, 2019
I can't believe that this is number six in the Charlie series. What that guy has gone through since book one is absolutely amazing. Having said that, I think the positives may have gained over the negatives. Maybe... perhaps... sort of... Okay, I'm an optimist, give me a break.
This particular adventure is SO good. This is alien aggressors versus everything we know about ourselves, Earth and the solar system. I can't tell you too much about it. However, if you can think of the worst thing to ever happen to a fleet of ships in space, plus things that won't go as they should, and then add the second worst thing, that's a LOT of things that can (and perhaps, do) go wrong.
Needless to say, there are new beings to meet and places to go. Bawb gets in Shakespearean mode. Well that's what I call it, anyway. There's a number of Scott Baron TwistyTwists® here, which I adore, and what an ending! I love these characters, and I get dragged through every emotion in my body whilst reading. I feel like I've been mauled by a tiger one minute and cuddled by a very large - but so soft - happy kitten the next.
Whatever the characters do, and wherever they go, I'll be there. Hanging. On. Every. Word. Excellent!
I chose this book from a larger selection, which I then voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own.
This particular adventure is SO good. This is alien aggressors versus everything we know about ourselves, Earth and the solar system. I can't tell you too much about it. However, if you can think of the worst thing to ever happen to a fleet of ships in space, plus things that won't go as they should, and then add the second worst thing, that's a LOT of things that can (and perhaps, do) go wrong.
Needless to say, there are new beings to meet and places to go. Bawb gets in Shakespearean mode. Well that's what I call it, anyway. There's a number of Scott Baron TwistyTwists® here, which I adore, and what an ending! I love these characters, and I get dragged through every emotion in my body whilst reading. I feel like I've been mauled by a tiger one minute and cuddled by a very large - but so soft - happy kitten the next.
Whatever the characters do, and wherever they go, I'll be there. Hanging. On. Every. Word. Excellent!
I chose this book from a larger selection, which I then voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own.
August 19, 2019
As I have been from the start I was so into reading about Charlie, Ar, Bawb and all the rest that I didn't want to put this book down. Right in the middle of reading this one I managed to give myself a concussion and was so irritated that I had to put it down for a bit. As soon as I could I picked it right back up! I say this every time but I highly recommend that you start out reading the first in the series and follow it through. Even better yet if you have not yet read the authors Clockwork Chimera series start there first! Scott Baron quickly made his way to the top of my list of favorite authors. If I thought producers and directors wouldn't mess them up with all the changes they would make I would say I'd love to see these translated to screen. Either way in a movie or series except that I don't think a 2 hour movie could do each book justice! If you love sci-fi / fantasy ficition you will love these and if you are not sure try them I think these books will make you a fan!
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.
August 15, 2019
I volunteered for an ARC of the series in exchange for an honest review.
Book six opens with Charlie and the great minds of Earth facing this dilemma- wait for the alien aggressors to make their next move OR should Charlie and the gang step up and take the fight to the enemy? Everything should be fine unless Murphy makes and appearance!
Book six was right where i wanted to be. I had some questions answered, new questions to ask. They were reunited with some of my favorite old friends and made some new friends.
It's sort of a like if i picked my dream team for the final battle i want Charlie and Bawb....and some of the characters from this one.
And I want one more donut with Navoon!
Dragon mage as a series is like binge watching your favorite TV show and it's spin off show. And it's perfect.
Book six opens with Charlie and the great minds of Earth facing this dilemma- wait for the alien aggressors to make their next move OR should Charlie and the gang step up and take the fight to the enemy? Everything should be fine unless Murphy makes and appearance!
Book six was right where i wanted to be. I had some questions answered, new questions to ask. They were reunited with some of my favorite old friends and made some new friends.
It's sort of a like if i picked my dream team for the final battle i want Charlie and Bawb....and some of the characters from this one.
And I want one more donut with Navoon!
Dragon mage as a series is like binge watching your favorite TV show and it's spin off show. And it's perfect.
August 15, 2019
I absolutely love this series and each book keeps getting better and better. This is an awesome story and I am always looking forward to more. My favorite characters are in this book and I am hooked on this 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.
May 14, 2020
I Couldn’t Put It Down
You think going into a book that’s six books into a series that there won’t be any more surprises. But then, you’ve never read the Dragon Mage series. Scott Baron was not only able to surprise me with everything that happened in Portal Thief Charlie, but he also threw in some (slight spoiler) cross-book characters. Even if you’d told me “oh Baron is going to add in someone from another book into this story” I couldn’t have come up with a way to make that work. But, not only did he make it work – it works really well.
Portal Thief Charlie was one of those books that I’m comfortable with but then took me from being comfy in my chair to the edge of it really quick. Baron threw in a bunch of action and certain parts of the book that I didn’t know if the crew was going to make it out from. He added in different story lines for different characters – each one of them interesting and to their strengths and weaknesses.
The mixed up jumps and the explanation of it (along with trying to get out of the confusion) was also insanely interesting and different for this series. Almost everything I thought I knew went out the window and each character was challenged in a new and interesting way. Charlie is here, but his roll isn’t the forefront in this story – letting some of the other characters use their strengths to move the story along. That’s not to say that this isn’t a Charlie book – it sure is, it was just Charlie and his crew instead of just Charlie or Charlie and the “dragon”.
Overall, the combination of Baron and Bennett strikes again. This one was perfect and absolutely flew by. I think it took me less than two days to start and finish this one. I couldn’t put it down.
I think there are nine books total, and I’m trying to figure out exactly how this story is going to end, but I can’t figure the full arc out yet. Hopefully books 7 and 8 have some more hints for me. But knowing Baron – I’ll be guessing until the bitter end.
You think going into a book that’s six books into a series that there won’t be any more surprises. But then, you’ve never read the Dragon Mage series. Scott Baron was not only able to surprise me with everything that happened in Portal Thief Charlie, but he also threw in some (slight spoiler) cross-book characters. Even if you’d told me “oh Baron is going to add in someone from another book into this story” I couldn’t have come up with a way to make that work. But, not only did he make it work – it works really well.
Portal Thief Charlie was one of those books that I’m comfortable with but then took me from being comfy in my chair to the edge of it really quick. Baron threw in a bunch of action and certain parts of the book that I didn’t know if the crew was going to make it out from. He added in different story lines for different characters – each one of them interesting and to their strengths and weaknesses.
The mixed up jumps and the explanation of it (along with trying to get out of the confusion) was also insanely interesting and different for this series. Almost everything I thought I knew went out the window and each character was challenged in a new and interesting way. Charlie is here, but his roll isn’t the forefront in this story – letting some of the other characters use their strengths to move the story along. That’s not to say that this isn’t a Charlie book – it sure is, it was just Charlie and his crew instead of just Charlie or Charlie and the “dragon”.
Overall, the combination of Baron and Bennett strikes again. This one was perfect and absolutely flew by. I think it took me less than two days to start and finish this one. I couldn’t put it down.
I think there are nine books total, and I’m trying to figure out exactly how this story is going to end, but I can’t figure the full arc out yet. Hopefully books 7 and 8 have some more hints for me. But knowing Baron – I’ll be guessing until the bitter end.
May 26, 2020
This just keeps getting better and better. I love everything about this book and series. I will be looking forward to the next book on audible and hope it comes soon.
May 19, 2020
“Portal Thief Charlie” is the sixth book in the “Dragon Mage” series written by Scott Baron and the audiobook edition, on Audible, is nicely narrated by Gary Bennett. The series continues to expand on not only upon events and villains, but a number of new locations and some old ones as well. Mr. Baron has a knack for combining technology and magic into a concise science fiction saga where everyone is rooting for Charlie. I’m not sure I have listened to another story containing a dragon that can warp travel in space, and that is only one thing that sets this story apart. There are ships with cloaking technology and others who’s drives are powered by magical energy. In this story we continue to see how important combining and utilizing these two very unalike paired systems is for success. Although the story is somewhat brighter and fun, we begin to see that such light-heartedness may be a façade of a darker tale coming. Here we are given even more insight into another science fiction series by Mr. Baron as we see some crossover with “The Clockwork Chimera” series and Daisy’s adventures. Both are great series that are well worth the coveted audible credit.
The audiobook opens where the previous (book 5) left off. However, we quickly begin to see the plans of both parties are more far reaching than simply taking over or saving the Earth and its inhabitants. Instead we see there is a much larger plan that has the potential to enslave all within the galaxy as well. Charlie and his mixed band of helpers (AI, humans and friendly aliens) are left wondering if they should sit back and wait for the battle to come to them, or would it be better to be on the offensive and take the fight to the aggressors. Knowing that their choices have consequences, we see the team thinks it best to turn things around and fight. To do this, they will have to focus their attention on the portal they previously paced in the Sun for protection and transportation.
The author, like with his other books, provides the listener with a decent amount of prologue information when the book opens giving us necessary details. These segments often help me remember what had previously happened and gets me right into the good stuff. This is much like the “previously on…” from TV shows and I’m happy the author provides it. The book is very focused upon the mixing of both technology and magic, especially based on the worlds the characters find themselves. Charlie continues to grow in his magical power along with a much deeper connection to his dragon friend. We also see more depth to Bob and Hunza’s (sp?) relationship in this book. All of the characters, including the dragon, grow in power and capabilities. Yet, I still like that they are not overpowered as many of them are vulnerable to various weaknesses. To add additional complexity to the series, we are introduced to the capability of limited time travel which allows us to glimpse some of Daisy’s world from the other series as well. I can say that Charlie’s luck over the series has change, but how much longer can his good luck hold out?
Even with the book having a bit of a darker overtone from the previous ones, as Charlie and his team face more trials, there is still quite an amount of humor and banter that helps relieve the tension. Throwing in aspects of humor even on the side of the AI systems made me laugh out loud many times. Humans being referred to as “meat people” got the point across and gives the listener a different perspective from the AI side of the story. There are still struggles and events that need to be overcome such as the irregularity of the portal allowing our characters to return home. We are also shown that previous decisions and events that crossed Charlie’s path come back to haunt and save him in this book. Like with the previous books, this one is immense in its scale and scope. There are plenty of jumps, time travel, and action to keep the story moving and engaging.
With some of the event coming back around to the first book, I found that a larger portion of this book did not focus as much on Charlie as it did on others. This is not a bad thing, as I enjoyed learning more about the others and what makes them tick. I found the inclusion of a riddle to be fun and kept me wondering for many chapters. My only complaint, and it is not a big one, is when the author calls other stars which are in other solar systems Suns. The Sun is the name we have given to the star in the middle of our solar system, but other worlds would not refer to them as such.
Once again, Mr. Bennett has provided an exceptional job of producing the audiobook’s narration. As I have stated before, it is a great thing when the same narrator sticks with a series keeping our idea of this world consistent. His voice is one that I could listen to for hours, which I have though this series so far. The audio is clean and clear of any blatant artifacts. If you have listened to any of the other books in the series, you know what to expect from this narrator.
For parents and younger readers, this series continues to sprinkle in vulgar language along with some more mature subject matter that may not be appropriate for younger listeners. If such make you uncomfortable than I would not recommend this series. If you have already listened to books one though five, there is nothing different with respect to age appropriateness with this one.
In summary, the story felt bigger and the focus during much of it was on the many other characters that have becomes a part of this band of heroes. I liked learning more about those that have the same goals as Charlie and even the importance of relationships. Having the tie-in with the other series was also a welcomed addition. In this audiobook we continue to see the characters grow and struggle in various ways. Again, if you are a fan of either science fiction or fantasy, I think you will really enjoy this series overall.
The audiobook opens where the previous (book 5) left off. However, we quickly begin to see the plans of both parties are more far reaching than simply taking over or saving the Earth and its inhabitants. Instead we see there is a much larger plan that has the potential to enslave all within the galaxy as well. Charlie and his mixed band of helpers (AI, humans and friendly aliens) are left wondering if they should sit back and wait for the battle to come to them, or would it be better to be on the offensive and take the fight to the aggressors. Knowing that their choices have consequences, we see the team thinks it best to turn things around and fight. To do this, they will have to focus their attention on the portal they previously paced in the Sun for protection and transportation.
The author, like with his other books, provides the listener with a decent amount of prologue information when the book opens giving us necessary details. These segments often help me remember what had previously happened and gets me right into the good stuff. This is much like the “previously on…” from TV shows and I’m happy the author provides it. The book is very focused upon the mixing of both technology and magic, especially based on the worlds the characters find themselves. Charlie continues to grow in his magical power along with a much deeper connection to his dragon friend. We also see more depth to Bob and Hunza’s (sp?) relationship in this book. All of the characters, including the dragon, grow in power and capabilities. Yet, I still like that they are not overpowered as many of them are vulnerable to various weaknesses. To add additional complexity to the series, we are introduced to the capability of limited time travel which allows us to glimpse some of Daisy’s world from the other series as well. I can say that Charlie’s luck over the series has change, but how much longer can his good luck hold out?
Even with the book having a bit of a darker overtone from the previous ones, as Charlie and his team face more trials, there is still quite an amount of humor and banter that helps relieve the tension. Throwing in aspects of humor even on the side of the AI systems made me laugh out loud many times. Humans being referred to as “meat people” got the point across and gives the listener a different perspective from the AI side of the story. There are still struggles and events that need to be overcome such as the irregularity of the portal allowing our characters to return home. We are also shown that previous decisions and events that crossed Charlie’s path come back to haunt and save him in this book. Like with the previous books, this one is immense in its scale and scope. There are plenty of jumps, time travel, and action to keep the story moving and engaging.
With some of the event coming back around to the first book, I found that a larger portion of this book did not focus as much on Charlie as it did on others. This is not a bad thing, as I enjoyed learning more about the others and what makes them tick. I found the inclusion of a riddle to be fun and kept me wondering for many chapters. My only complaint, and it is not a big one, is when the author calls other stars which are in other solar systems Suns. The Sun is the name we have given to the star in the middle of our solar system, but other worlds would not refer to them as such.
Once again, Mr. Bennett has provided an exceptional job of producing the audiobook’s narration. As I have stated before, it is a great thing when the same narrator sticks with a series keeping our idea of this world consistent. His voice is one that I could listen to for hours, which I have though this series so far. The audio is clean and clear of any blatant artifacts. If you have listened to any of the other books in the series, you know what to expect from this narrator.
For parents and younger readers, this series continues to sprinkle in vulgar language along with some more mature subject matter that may not be appropriate for younger listeners. If such make you uncomfortable than I would not recommend this series. If you have already listened to books one though five, there is nothing different with respect to age appropriateness with this one.
In summary, the story felt bigger and the focus during much of it was on the many other characters that have becomes a part of this band of heroes. I liked learning more about those that have the same goals as Charlie and even the importance of relationships. Having the tie-in with the other series was also a welcomed addition. In this audiobook we continue to see the characters grow and struggle in various ways. Again, if you are a fan of either science fiction or fantasy, I think you will really enjoy this series overall.
August 30, 2019
Once again, an exciting read. How can one man have so much bad luck? Poor guy. I really hope he has some better luck in the next book. I also hope to read more about Daisy and Freya. There's got to be more!! I'm always excited to learn about new characters. And coming across some old ones is always appreciated as well! Fantastically done!
May 26, 2020
Honestly I was starting to find these books repetitive. Scott Baron has done a decent job and introducing new aliens, and challenges for Charlie to overcome but the who the what and the why were almost always answered seemingly before the books begins. This book finally bring backs some mystery. We meet new characters while others stay hidden behind a mask of secrecy and even even when their identity is revealed it poses more questions. If you enjoyed the first book of the series and missed the sense of discovering new knowledge this book is a nice return to that. Come join Charlie as he brings the fight to...well we don't know who.
May 27, 2022
Parts are irritating.
Story is good but characters are too goody goody, constantly apologizing for an imagined slight. It detracts from the otherwise good series. The more of the series I read the more irritating it becomes.
Story is good but characters are too goody goody, constantly apologizing for an imagined slight. It detracts from the otherwise good series. The more of the series I read the more irritating it becomes.
August 31, 2020
i'll stop here.
June 3, 2021
Still a stimulating read!
Each book in this series gets better than the one before it! The mixing in of the author's other book series makes for a widely varied plot!
Each book in this series gets better than the one before it! The mixing in of the author's other book series makes for a widely varied plot!
July 1, 2021
Lost in space
I loved how this supposed intelligent gathering mission went astray leaving the entire force dispersing to different unknown systems, leaving them all lost in space.
I loved how this supposed intelligent gathering mission went astray leaving the entire force dispersing to different unknown systems, leaving them all lost in space.
March 20, 2022
Another good reed of combining sci-fi with fantasy
Another good breed of c combining🙂 sci-fi with fantasy. What built long but things do tied together lift hanging for more
Another good breed of c combining🙂 sci-fi with fantasy. What built long but things do tied together lift hanging for more
September 26, 2022
Charlie agrees to help pull the Portal from the Sun so he can go into Bobs Galaxy to contain Malaila from controlling the Magical Galaxy
September 30, 2022
okay
Something of a yawn of a story. Mildly fun, and as expected of the author, simple, predictable, childlike, etc. If food, it’d be fast food.
Something of a yawn of a story. Mildly fun, and as expected of the author, simple, predictable, childlike, etc. If food, it’d be fast food.
June 25, 2023
Best of the trio, but scattered. Not sure how I feel about the tie in to the other series. Still more unexplained power ups that aren't explained.
September 13, 2019
Yay, more Charlie and the gang!
I love getting a new book on the heels of the one I just finished, but - I'd rather the author take one more pass at editing. I'm willing to go along with unlikely plot points, but I think it's a bit embarrassing when they are glaring.
Having said that, whew, I loved this continuation of the story. Broad strokes - the story continues to be rock em sock em! Daisy makes a VERY interesting appearance (hope that's not a spoiler). Hunze is amazing, but I can't help but worry about her, she's so nice and still pretty naive. Charlie, Ara, and Bawb are the absolute coolest, now joined by Rika, Jo, and his Big Brother (another spoiler) - look out mystery baddie (who I'm pretty sure I've guessed). We shall see, onward and upward.
I love getting a new book on the heels of the one I just finished, but - I'd rather the author take one more pass at editing. I'm willing to go along with unlikely plot points, but I think it's a bit embarrassing when they are glaring.
Having said that, whew, I loved this continuation of the story. Broad strokes - the story continues to be rock em sock em! Daisy makes a VERY interesting appearance (hope that's not a spoiler). Hunze is amazing, but I can't help but worry about her, she's so nice and still pretty naive. Charlie, Ara, and Bawb are the absolute coolest, now joined by Rika, Jo, and his Big Brother (another spoiler) - look out mystery baddie (who I'm pretty sure I've guessed). We shall see, onward and upward.
September 11, 2019
Some good stuff but!
It was enjoyable following Charlie and the gang but.
I do not like the repeats from previous books. I'm not sure why authors feel the need to fill in bits of previous books except maybe someone that picked up book later in series. I however find it irritating. I have quit reading series that over abuse this as if they are filing in words to stretch it out for another book.
However I like the characters and story line. So I just preordered the next book.
It was enjoyable following Charlie and the gang but.
I do not like the repeats from previous books. I'm not sure why authors feel the need to fill in bits of previous books except maybe someone that picked up book later in series. I however find it irritating. I have quit reading series that over abuse this as if they are filing in words to stretch it out for another book.
However I like the characters and story line. So I just preordered the next book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews