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The Dragon Mage #9
Checkmate Charlie
With two galaxies on the line, the heat was on, but Charlie rode with dragons, and he wasn't one to shy away from the fire, even if it meant getting a little burned.
The final book in the Dragon Mage series.
The final book in the Dragon Mage series.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2019
101 people are currently reading
122 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 10, 2019
I knew the time was coming when the Charlie series would end. I just hoped it would not come so soon. I imagined Charlie and Co off on all kinds of adventures. The possibilities are endless with two universes? to explore and figure out how to combine tech/tech and magic/tech in and, and and... But alas with this one it is done. As always I was not disappointed. If you have not yet read any of Scott Barons books, run do not walk to the nearest buy me now button and start with the beginning. Read them all. For me he is a different style than any I have read before all I can say is that Anne McCaffery was my top scifi fantasy author and Scott is right up there with her now. I see these books in living color in my head up on the screen. Each book would need to be multiple parts as one two hour movie couldn't do them justice! I never give plot away I just tell you I love them. I highly recommend them. I cannot wait to see what the next book is coming from this author even if I get to see Charlie no more! I must now take to my bed in mourning for a while as I say goodbye Charlie, Ara, Bawb, Leila, Hunze and all of the rest....
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.
November 23, 2019
I volunteered for an ARC of the series in exchange for an honest review.
Book 9 opens with us on the precipice of battle. Armies taking position and just like in chess you should always protect your queen and never underestimate the power she has.
This series has been perfect for me, characters near and dear to my heart, a space Odyssey, epic battle and space vampires there's nothing more i could ask for!
I've been reading Scott's stories for the last few years - I love them and continue to go back and re-read them in between other things. (Go find his short stories - best laid plans of nice and men). His style reminds me of two other authors i love ( O.Henry and Edgar Rice Burroughs) meshed together with the funniest bits of snark thrown in.
I've lost track of how many times I've woken someone up because I was laughing so hard or gone back to re-read a line and cracked up all over again.
Book 9 opens with us on the precipice of battle. Armies taking position and just like in chess you should always protect your queen and never underestimate the power she has.
This series has been perfect for me, characters near and dear to my heart, a space Odyssey, epic battle and space vampires there's nothing more i could ask for!
I've been reading Scott's stories for the last few years - I love them and continue to go back and re-read them in between other things. (Go find his short stories - best laid plans of nice and men). His style reminds me of two other authors i love ( O.Henry and Edgar Rice Burroughs) meshed together with the funniest bits of snark thrown in.
I've lost track of how many times I've woken someone up because I was laughing so hard or gone back to re-read a line and cracked up all over again.
November 17, 2019
I am GUTTED that this is the final book in the series. But what a fantastic tale to end with! If you're looking for action, you'll find bucketfuls of it between these pages. Wonderful.
As you would expect from Scott Baron - well, if you've read this far you undoubtedly know his 'style' by now - the strength, quality, and delicateness (when it is required), of the writing is excellent. The characters feel like our close friends. The uncertainty and torture inflicted on me via the storyline shows on every single one of my bitten fingernails. Joking? Not!
I think I might have said many times that I loved this series, well, this is the Royal Icing on the cake. It has everything you could ask for in a finale, none of which I'm going to elaborate on as you need to experience every word for yourself. There are some lovely surprises and lots of loose end tying. It is undoubtedly the author's best series (so far), but I'm excited to see what Mr Baron will come up with next. Whatever it is, I'll be along for the ride.
Goodbye, Charlie and friends. It's been absolutely brilliant knowing you and enjoying your adventures.
I chose this book from a selection, which I then voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own.
As you would expect from Scott Baron - well, if you've read this far you undoubtedly know his 'style' by now - the strength, quality, and delicateness (when it is required), of the writing is excellent. The characters feel like our close friends. The uncertainty and torture inflicted on me via the storyline shows on every single one of my bitten fingernails. Joking? Not!
I think I might have said many times that I loved this series, well, this is the Royal Icing on the cake. It has everything you could ask for in a finale, none of which I'm going to elaborate on as you need to experience every word for yourself. There are some lovely surprises and lots of loose end tying. It is undoubtedly the author's best series (so far), but I'm excited to see what Mr Baron will come up with next. Whatever it is, I'll be along for the ride.
Goodbye, Charlie and friends. It's been absolutely brilliant knowing you and enjoying your adventures.
I chose this book from a selection, which I then voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own.
December 8, 2019
It was a very sad day indeed - the day I finished reading this book. Because it is the end of the series and since I am so hooked on this series, I will miss these characters who I have grown to love. However, the series is ended magnificently and I feel satisfied with the total story. I still will miss this series but I can always reread, right? Excellent writing - there is no better! Action-packed story and a great imagination from this author. I hope to read a new book soon by this author.
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.
December 8, 2019
The end of a beloved series is always a bittersweet moment, but this has been a worthy journey. Checkmate Charlie and the rest of the entire series stand firmly on my read-again list due to the brilliant characters, twisty turny plots, creative and entertaining details, amusing commentary, etc. Trust, betrayal, friendship, sacrifice, courage, survival, hope, and love were some of the underlying themes in this grand finale. I can’t wait to see what Scott Baron dreams up next.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
November 29, 2019
Bring on the Dragon Corps
Another fantastic instalment. I can only hope this isn't going to be the last we hear of Bawb, Charlie and the girls.
Another fantastic instalment. I can only hope this isn't going to be the last we hear of Bawb, Charlie and the girls.
May 25, 2020
Excellent!
Fun, fast moving, real page turners. The ending of each book made me want to get the next one.
I intend to look for more Scott Baron books.
Fun, fast moving, real page turners. The ending of each book made me want to get the next one.
I intend to look for more Scott Baron books.
February 5, 2020
A great read
A satisfying end to a major chapter of Charlie and his friends. I sincerely hope for more adventures one day!
A satisfying end to a major chapter of Charlie and his friends. I sincerely hope for more adventures one day!
February 19, 2020
Damn good read
With the battles raging around the two galaxies how will the group of friends win their war against the Visla from the magic galaxy?
Loved this series and hope there might be a spin off.
With the battles raging around the two galaxies how will the group of friends win their war against the Visla from the magic galaxy?
Loved this series and hope there might be a spin off.
January 17, 2020
This series is a must read. Sci-fi meets magic and epic battles.
This entire series is impossible to put down and this book is no exception. The characters come to life as the story jumps off the page. I will re-read this series and anything by Scott Baron.
This entire series is impossible to put down and this book is no exception. The characters come to life as the story jumps off the page. I will re-read this series and anything by Scott Baron.
September 9, 2020
How does one bring to a close a long-running series of nine audiobooks which follow the humble beginnings of a brilliant, unconfident, and immature spaceship engineer? Yet, in this series we get the honor of seeing him grow and become even something he could never imagine. From takeoff to level flight, the Dragon Mage series of books have entertained the listener with vast and distant worlds, unique creatures, and an expertly blending of both technology and magic. We have seen tight friendships formed, the morning of lost comrades and even the growth of a great adversary. Here in the final, landing phase, installment of the series, we are given the final title called “Checkmate Charlie”. If you have been following Charlie for any period of time, picking up this audiobook is not even a question. If you have not yet started the series, I would ask why not? The time spent and the effort given to a new series such as this is well worth it. Both in Audible credits and entertainment value. Both Scott Baron and Garry Bennett have made the entire journey a pleasure, and I can honestly say that I’m sad to see it end. If you are one who like science fiction with a blending of fantasy, you cannot go wrong with this series. My only complaint is that this is the last we will see many of the wonderful characters in some time - if at all. Charlie (and Scott/Gary) thank you for the journey you took me on.
What a great conclusion to the series and it was wonderful to see most of the team here in the end pulling to overcome their foe. Along with way, Charlie and his team intersect with another crew, from another series of Mr. Baron’s, consisting of Daisy and her rag-tag band of AI and alien counterparts. Both of these groups, along with many others, band together in a final stand and crescendo against one of the most powerful and misleading opponents Charlie has ever faced. Even with his growing magical abilities and his knowledge of technology, this fight will require everyone’s focus and abilities. Yet, as fate would have it, one or more of the required characters seems to have gone off the rails and may be more a detriment then help to their cause. Include the discovery of a new and unique civilization of aliens along the way and this adds the cherry on top of the sundae.
I found the author’s use of technology to penetrate the worlds which are mainly focused on magic interesting while this seems to work in reverse as well. I also like that there were a few flashbacks to items and characters from some of the earliest books in the series. After spending this much time with the group, it was almost like having a reunion. It brought back many memories which was a great experience. The team would focus their attention on the special waters. However, like with Newton’s law, this special water had both a negative and positive effect based on who it landed upon. One may hope they would injure their opponent yet using it may do just the opposite. To complicate things even more, one would not know for sure until placed in the situation where the waters needed to be used. So, for me, the tension and way in which Charlie would succeed was most of the journey. There never was a question if he would, but more on how he would accomplish it.
Both sides of the battle are at their peak performance and as with the Olympics, one slight misstep and all will be lost. As things come to a head, winning requires a blending of technology and magic if the team even hopes to have a chance. The fight also requires both parties to pull out the art of war manual as they are required to also include deception, diversions, and disinformation. We even see the power and tight bonds of Charlie’s side as many have to sacrifice their own desires for the greater good of the whole. For a few of the characters, this was not easy. I also wanted to say that I liked the author’s use of metaphors and similes as this helps the listener to better paint the picture as they go through the audiobook. It was a great book and a fine conclusion in the series.
The Audiobook’s narration by Gary Bennett is spot on and was solid all the way thought the series. Sure, there were a few audio plugs here or there, but overall the series narration was exceptionally well done. The recordings were professionally produced, and the characters wonderfully brought to life in his voice. It was a pleasure having Gary Bennett as the narrator from start to finish. I can only imagine what these two have planned to come up in a future series; maybe?
For parents and younger readers, this book (like the others) contains a fair amount of vulgar language. There is some crude and mature humor used by a few of the characters as well. If you have made it thought the previous eight books without issues, this one is no different.
In summary, this book and series is a great piece of science fiction that will remain with you afterwards. The places and characters are memorable, the characters complex, and the situation filled with tension. The wonderful blending of technology and fantasy was always something I found enjoyable as the series progressed. The narration was strong and consistent across the many audiobooks in the series. I will say it again, I do not think you can go wrong picking up this series. I enjoyed it very much.
What a great conclusion to the series and it was wonderful to see most of the team here in the end pulling to overcome their foe. Along with way, Charlie and his team intersect with another crew, from another series of Mr. Baron’s, consisting of Daisy and her rag-tag band of AI and alien counterparts. Both of these groups, along with many others, band together in a final stand and crescendo against one of the most powerful and misleading opponents Charlie has ever faced. Even with his growing magical abilities and his knowledge of technology, this fight will require everyone’s focus and abilities. Yet, as fate would have it, one or more of the required characters seems to have gone off the rails and may be more a detriment then help to their cause. Include the discovery of a new and unique civilization of aliens along the way and this adds the cherry on top of the sundae.
I found the author’s use of technology to penetrate the worlds which are mainly focused on magic interesting while this seems to work in reverse as well. I also like that there were a few flashbacks to items and characters from some of the earliest books in the series. After spending this much time with the group, it was almost like having a reunion. It brought back many memories which was a great experience. The team would focus their attention on the special waters. However, like with Newton’s law, this special water had both a negative and positive effect based on who it landed upon. One may hope they would injure their opponent yet using it may do just the opposite. To complicate things even more, one would not know for sure until placed in the situation where the waters needed to be used. So, for me, the tension and way in which Charlie would succeed was most of the journey. There never was a question if he would, but more on how he would accomplish it.
Both sides of the battle are at their peak performance and as with the Olympics, one slight misstep and all will be lost. As things come to a head, winning requires a blending of technology and magic if the team even hopes to have a chance. The fight also requires both parties to pull out the art of war manual as they are required to also include deception, diversions, and disinformation. We even see the power and tight bonds of Charlie’s side as many have to sacrifice their own desires for the greater good of the whole. For a few of the characters, this was not easy. I also wanted to say that I liked the author’s use of metaphors and similes as this helps the listener to better paint the picture as they go through the audiobook. It was a great book and a fine conclusion in the series.
The Audiobook’s narration by Gary Bennett is spot on and was solid all the way thought the series. Sure, there were a few audio plugs here or there, but overall the series narration was exceptionally well done. The recordings were professionally produced, and the characters wonderfully brought to life in his voice. It was a pleasure having Gary Bennett as the narrator from start to finish. I can only imagine what these two have planned to come up in a future series; maybe?
For parents and younger readers, this book (like the others) contains a fair amount of vulgar language. There is some crude and mature humor used by a few of the characters as well. If you have made it thought the previous eight books without issues, this one is no different.
In summary, this book and series is a great piece of science fiction that will remain with you afterwards. The places and characters are memorable, the characters complex, and the situation filled with tension. The wonderful blending of technology and fantasy was always something I found enjoyable as the series progressed. The narration was strong and consistent across the many audiobooks in the series. I will say it again, I do not think you can go wrong picking up this series. I enjoyed it very much.
September 5, 2020
::Standing Ovation::
I didn’t want to write this review – because writing the review admits that this series is over. I don’t want to say goodbye to Charlie and the magical characters that have been in the nine different books. I don’t want to, but Baron did a darn good job writing a story that I’ll remember.
Saying goodbye is hard, but saying goodbye after 9 books with these characters was going to take a lot of delicate and intricate writing. Fortunately, Scott Baron was able to do both. He didn’t write a slow book or even a one-major scene book. He was able to wrap up a lot of different story-lines while also keeping the action and adventure up like the other stories.
I went into Checkmate Charlie worried that he was going to forget someone or leave some story unfinished or some rock unturned – leaving me feeling incomplete. He did not. I am so satisfied with the ending and this entire book. Bravo Baron, Bravo.
The entire series was brought to wonderful life by Gary Bennett who has lent his voice to Charlie and his crew of (among MANY other things,) space pirates throughout the entire series and has done a magnificent job. He IS Charlie, but he was so much more. He allowed these stories to come alive even more than Baron wrote them. He really gave the dragon wings (sorry, I had to add a pun in) and I’m glad that I was able to listen to all nine of these stories on audio in such a short time. Recording, editing, and proofing audiobooks isn’t an easy job. Doing a bunch of them in the same universe in the time that these have come out deserves a standing ovation.
Overall, I’m sad it’s over, but I’m happy I was along for the ride. This is the 2nd time I’ve had to say goodbye to some characters and the first for Charlie and the others. I’ll miss them, but I’ll also remember the stories well.
I didn’t want to write this review – because writing the review admits that this series is over. I don’t want to say goodbye to Charlie and the magical characters that have been in the nine different books. I don’t want to, but Baron did a darn good job writing a story that I’ll remember.
Saying goodbye is hard, but saying goodbye after 9 books with these characters was going to take a lot of delicate and intricate writing. Fortunately, Scott Baron was able to do both. He didn’t write a slow book or even a one-major scene book. He was able to wrap up a lot of different story-lines while also keeping the action and adventure up like the other stories.
I went into Checkmate Charlie worried that he was going to forget someone or leave some story unfinished or some rock unturned – leaving me feeling incomplete. He did not. I am so satisfied with the ending and this entire book. Bravo Baron, Bravo.
The entire series was brought to wonderful life by Gary Bennett who has lent his voice to Charlie and his crew of (among MANY other things,) space pirates throughout the entire series and has done a magnificent job. He IS Charlie, but he was so much more. He allowed these stories to come alive even more than Baron wrote them. He really gave the dragon wings (sorry, I had to add a pun in) and I’m glad that I was able to listen to all nine of these stories on audio in such a short time. Recording, editing, and proofing audiobooks isn’t an easy job. Doing a bunch of them in the same universe in the time that these have come out deserves a standing ovation.
Overall, I’m sad it’s over, but I’m happy I was along for the ride. This is the 2nd time I’ve had to say goodbye to some characters and the first for Charlie and the others. I’ll miss them, but I’ll also remember the stories well.
June 22, 2021
Fantastic series end!
The end of the series does not disappoint! There still is war in space and on Earth. Tech based weapons against magic spells! Space ships controlled by artificial intelligence interfacing with brilliant Earth based super AI's! And not the least of the story's surprises, the final ending is a great climax! Enjoy!
The end of the series does not disappoint! There still is war in space and on Earth. Tech based weapons against magic spells! Space ships controlled by artificial intelligence interfacing with brilliant Earth based super AI's! And not the least of the story's surprises, the final ending is a great climax! Enjoy!
July 2, 2023
I have too largely agree with the other reviews in that this series peaked around book 3. the characters are overall likable, but damn are the tropes in these books strong. with a morbid curiosity I am going to start the last three books. I can only expect that the same antagonist comes back to haunt them.
June 24, 2020
Fun Read
The series is a fun read and provides a different spin to the typical sci fi story. i would recommend reading this book if you looking for something different. The combo of sci fi and adventure fantasy made the book worth reading.
The series is a fun read and provides a different spin to the typical sci fi story. i would recommend reading this book if you looking for something different. The combo of sci fi and adventure fantasy made the book worth reading.
August 17, 2020
I can't ever get over how much I love these books. Checkmate Charlie was suck an awesome book. I hope there is a new series after this that will take epic adventures like the Dragon mage series and Clockwork Chimera series did. I loved this book.
January 5, 2021
Absolutely loved this series. The mixture of fantasy and science is great as are the characters. The evil and the good are clearly defined and both loveable and hated in equal measure. I read the whole series non stop. It's easy to read; keeping me awake into the middle of the night.
January 29, 2021
Dragon Mage series
Do you love drama, fighting, friendship, and love stories? Pirates, dragons, and vampires???? This is a series for you. All the goodness of friends and lovers mixed with other worlds, lots of drama. A super good series. Sorry to see it end .
Do you love drama, fighting, friendship, and love stories? Pirates, dragons, and vampires???? This is a series for you. All the goodness of friends and lovers mixed with other worlds, lots of drama. A super good series. Sorry to see it end .
February 9, 2021
Great read!
Wonderful series that I thoroughly enjoyed from book 1 all the way through the final book, Checkmate Charlie. Good character and plot development. I wish there were more books in the series.
Wonderful series that I thoroughly enjoyed from book 1 all the way through the final book, Checkmate Charlie. Good character and plot development. I wish there were more books in the series.
December 8, 2019
Good finish
Truly liked the series. The only thing I would have liked to seen more of was Charlie utilizing his powers. To see what he was capable of would have been nice.
Truly liked the series. The only thing I would have liked to seen more of was Charlie utilizing his powers. To see what he was capable of would have been nice.
April 6, 2020
A perfect ending to the series!
October 28, 2020
Wow!
I loved all these books! I loved how the stories never got boring! Thank you so much! Can’t wait to read more of your books!
I loved all these books! I loved how the stories never got boring! Thank you so much! Can’t wait to read more of your books!
March 7, 2021
Good story and a good addition to the series
August 8, 2021
Triumph
Charlie and his friends are fighting in both galaxies in the final triumphant battle against the Visla Dominus, aka Malalia Maktan.
Charlie and his friends are fighting in both galaxies in the final triumphant battle against the Visla Dominus, aka Malalia Maktan.
September 10, 2022
the dragon mage book 9
Good book that tied all the characters together in the end. I like the way the action was. The character development was fun to read.
Good book that tied all the characters together in the end. I like the way the action was. The character development was fun to read.
October 3, 2022
okay
As expected, yada yada… somewhat redundant and dragged out in parts, but still worth reading if you’ve nothing better. If food, it’d be fast food.
As expected, yada yada… somewhat redundant and dragged out in parts, but still worth reading if you’ve nothing better. If food, it’d be fast food.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews