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The Dragon Mage #8
Warp Speed Charlie
When your luck just plain sucks in not one galaxy, but two, most people would throw in the towel. But not Charlie. In fact, it almost seemed like he was a glutton for that sort of misery.
His friends were spread across two distant galaxies, separated by a heavily guarded magical portal and struggling to deal with a war now spilling over into both the technological realm as well as the magical one. And it was beginning to look like they’d reached their breaking point.
But Charlie wasn’t about to give up, nor would he give in. If it was war they wanted, it was war they’d get, and he would cross space, and even time, if need be, to protect those he cared for.
He would soon realize, however, that he was facing off against an adversary not only more powerful than any he’d ever battled, but one also possessing a diabolical plan worse than he’d ever imagined.
His friends were spread across two distant galaxies, separated by a heavily guarded magical portal and struggling to deal with a war now spilling over into both the technological realm as well as the magical one. And it was beginning to look like they’d reached their breaking point.
But Charlie wasn’t about to give up, nor would he give in. If it was war they wanted, it was war they’d get, and he would cross space, and even time, if need be, to protect those he cared for.
He would soon realize, however, that he was facing off against an adversary not only more powerful than any he’d ever battled, but one also possessing a diabolical plan worse than he’d ever imagined.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2019
105 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Scott Baron
55 books296 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 17, 2019
I love this series so much. I could actually leave this review as these mere six words as it totally encompasses how I feel.
Charlie and his friends entertain a lot of guests: old and new; wanted and unwanted; expected and unexpected. It's maybe just me, but I think there is a definite 'closeness' between all the characters here. More so even than the author's usual character-driven stories. There's almost a 'finality' feeling to it, knowing that this could well be their last chance to save all their species, way of life, and planets. And the ending? Jeezy peeps!
As usual - sorry - I'm not willing to spoil the experience and enjoyment by giving anything away, I'll just say that this is utterly fantastic. No ifs, buts, or maybes, just fantastic. If you've come to love Scott Baron's work, then you'll know what to expect - expect the unexpected - and he doesn't let us down.
I chose this book from a selection, then voluntarily read and honestly reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
Charlie and his friends entertain a lot of guests: old and new; wanted and unwanted; expected and unexpected. It's maybe just me, but I think there is a definite 'closeness' between all the characters here. More so even than the author's usual character-driven stories. There's almost a 'finality' feeling to it, knowing that this could well be their last chance to save all their species, way of life, and planets. And the ending? Jeezy peeps!
As usual - sorry - I'm not willing to spoil the experience and enjoyment by giving anything away, I'll just say that this is utterly fantastic. No ifs, buts, or maybes, just fantastic. If you've come to love Scott Baron's work, then you'll know what to expect - expect the unexpected - and he doesn't let us down.
I chose this book from a selection, then voluntarily read and honestly reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
November 4, 2019
I fell in love with this series right from the beginning. I said then that Scott Baron had already made his way right up to the top of my list of favorite authors right beside Anne McCaffery. I have devoured each book in this series including buying and reading those which were in the Clockwork Chimera series the characters of which he eventually melds into this series beautifully. You can certainly read this series without having read those. But they are so worth it so if you haven't yet get them too! As always things get heated fast and there is the perfect meld of fantasy and sci-fi. The characters continue to grow and get better with each new book. And leave you anxious to see what comes next. I love this series so much that I don't want it to end but yet I know that if it does that Scott Baron will come up with something else to keep me spellbound! I don't do spoilers but just know you can't go wrong with this series. Start at the beginning it is worth it.
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 21, 2019
I volunteered for an ARC of the series in exchange for an honest review.
I love love love this series. I would be happy if it continued on indefinitely. It has been a perfect binge read. It's like your favorite tv show in book form.
Book 8 is like a game of chess. Both sides moving their pieces into place getting ready for the big show down.
Almost all my favorite characters are in the thick of things and it's perfect. There were questions I've had since book 3 that were answered- way better than i could've hoped for! It's that ahha moment that's so brilliant. It gave me answers to questions i hadn't yet thought of. It was just so good.
I will always be in for seeing what's next for these characters
I love love love this series. I would be happy if it continued on indefinitely. It has been a perfect binge read. It's like your favorite tv show in book form.
Book 8 is like a game of chess. Both sides moving their pieces into place getting ready for the big show down.
Almost all my favorite characters are in the thick of things and it's perfect. There were questions I've had since book 3 that were answered- way better than i could've hoped for! It's that ahha moment that's so brilliant. It gave me answers to questions i hadn't yet thought of. It was just so good.
I will always be in for seeing what's next for these characters
October 27, 2019
As much as I have enjoyed this series, I really hope Charlie gets his happy ending soon! It's always one thing after another with him going wrong. I was super excited to see more involvement from Daisy, Sarah, and Freya. This Visla Dominus character deserves a visit from Murphy in the worst way. I have high hopes for Rika. Bring on the next book!!
November 10, 2019
I love this series so much! Every book in this series gets better! I love the writing and the storyline. I love the characters - I mean Charlie is really a wonderful character and he will do what it takes to help his friends. Start with the first book. You will not be sorry.
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 28, 2019
Another great adventure with Charlie and his friends
I really like the story line of this series. I am hoping that Scott will continue with it.
SIFI, magic and good ol swash buckling pirating. What more could you ask for?
I recommend this series.
I really like the story line of this series. I am hoping that Scott will continue with it.
SIFI, magic and good ol swash buckling pirating. What more could you ask for?
I recommend this series.
November 3, 2019
I loved this book and I love the series. Please keep em coming.
July 14, 2020
As we come to the second to last audiobook in this wonderful science fiction series, Charlie and his amazing adventures continue to impress and grow on me. I’m not sure if Scott Baron (author) had everything worked out from the start, but each of the books in the series has a great flow and consistency. “Warp Speed Charlie” is the eighth book in “The Dragon Mage” series available in audiobook format on Audible. The series has carried me across vast distances and allowed me to encounter some rather unique inhabitants and places along the way, I like the way Scott tells a story. While on this journey, it has been good to have the same narrator along with solid audio production performed by Gary Bennett. What has kept me coming back has been the detailed writing and exceptional narration. I do not recall mentioning in my previous reviews, but I have enjoyed the cover artwork quite a bit. The artwork often reveals something key to the story in the given audiobook, however you often do not fully understand its meaning until you finish listening. It is fun to look back and recall the stories through their artwork alone. I am excited to have taken the journey thus far, while I also do not look forward to the series soon concluding.
This audiobook in the series drops the reader right into the action as it resumed from the previous one. Charlie and his band of rebels continues to try to overthrow a very powerful vesla whose magic capabilities have vastly outgrown the others. Charlie understand that he will be unable to destroy a foe of this magnitude only by himself and his magical dragon. Even in this audiobook, we have his growing band of counterparts along with the assistance of Daisy (a second series by the author), her sister and her many AI/ship friends. I found the ability for the AIs to replicate (like giving birth) an added interest as the story progressed. The team realizes that this battle will not be an easy one, so there are many sessions that include planning and strategizing. Everyone knows that they would not be able to go on a full offensive attack and succeed. We see that to solve their problem, it will require combining both magic and technology; which the author has blended well over the many stories. Those who are not fully trained magic users must depend on stored magic in their metal bands. We also see the return of the council members along with some good backstory on their purpose.
The author continues to throw in pop culture references, often spoken by Charlie, such as from the movie “Top Gun”. I often enjoyed when Charlie would claim a well-known phrase as his own because the aliens would not know the quotes true source. We see less of this in later books. What I find most interesting is the additional backstory on a few of the characters (Wampus) and the strong relationships between a few of them. Bob and Hunza (sp?) were ones I liked learning more about along with the Grazenhunds. We begin to see the importance of the Balamar waters and that the power from it may be required to help defeat this power foe. The author lets us in on a secret type of fight club where people go to prove their power and claim prizes. On top of this there was a fair amount of technology used to assist Charlie and the team. For me, I found the tracking ammunition rounds a bit of fascinating tech. Place a GPS type of tracker into the rounds fired by a bullet and you will later be able to find the ship you were targeting.
Garry Bennett, as with all of the previous audiobooks in the series, did an exceptional job producing this audiobook. Again, his ability to keep track of all the many characters and personalities impresses me. He is able to keep the characters personalities across books which is quite remarkable. Some of this may be the writing, but I have to give credit to the narrator here. There were no noticeable audio issues (background noise, swallows, page turns, etc.) and only a few small plugs where the audio was patched. As with the other books, these issues are nothing that would prevent me from listening or becoming overly distracted. For me, Mr. Bennett will be the voice of Charlie for years to come.
For parents and younger listeners, the audiobook contains vulgar language, some graphic violence and other mature topics which may not be appropriate for younger listeners. The author could have released a child-friendly version and I bet it would take off in the schools.
In summary, as we are on the edge of this series being closed out, I would recommend listeners of science fiction give this series a try. There is a fair amount of action and adventure. The wonderful storytelling and narration have made this series what it has become to this point. The characters, although powerful, still have a feeling of being fragile. No one character seems like they will be able to pull of their ultimate goal. I know we will get the answers to these in the last and final book in the series which is soon to be released on Audible. I cannot wait.
This audiobook in the series drops the reader right into the action as it resumed from the previous one. Charlie and his band of rebels continues to try to overthrow a very powerful vesla whose magic capabilities have vastly outgrown the others. Charlie understand that he will be unable to destroy a foe of this magnitude only by himself and his magical dragon. Even in this audiobook, we have his growing band of counterparts along with the assistance of Daisy (a second series by the author), her sister and her many AI/ship friends. I found the ability for the AIs to replicate (like giving birth) an added interest as the story progressed. The team realizes that this battle will not be an easy one, so there are many sessions that include planning and strategizing. Everyone knows that they would not be able to go on a full offensive attack and succeed. We see that to solve their problem, it will require combining both magic and technology; which the author has blended well over the many stories. Those who are not fully trained magic users must depend on stored magic in their metal bands. We also see the return of the council members along with some good backstory on their purpose.
The author continues to throw in pop culture references, often spoken by Charlie, such as from the movie “Top Gun”. I often enjoyed when Charlie would claim a well-known phrase as his own because the aliens would not know the quotes true source. We see less of this in later books. What I find most interesting is the additional backstory on a few of the characters (Wampus) and the strong relationships between a few of them. Bob and Hunza (sp?) were ones I liked learning more about along with the Grazenhunds. We begin to see the importance of the Balamar waters and that the power from it may be required to help defeat this power foe. The author lets us in on a secret type of fight club where people go to prove their power and claim prizes. On top of this there was a fair amount of technology used to assist Charlie and the team. For me, I found the tracking ammunition rounds a bit of fascinating tech. Place a GPS type of tracker into the rounds fired by a bullet and you will later be able to find the ship you were targeting.
Garry Bennett, as with all of the previous audiobooks in the series, did an exceptional job producing this audiobook. Again, his ability to keep track of all the many characters and personalities impresses me. He is able to keep the characters personalities across books which is quite remarkable. Some of this may be the writing, but I have to give credit to the narrator here. There were no noticeable audio issues (background noise, swallows, page turns, etc.) and only a few small plugs where the audio was patched. As with the other books, these issues are nothing that would prevent me from listening or becoming overly distracted. For me, Mr. Bennett will be the voice of Charlie for years to come.
For parents and younger listeners, the audiobook contains vulgar language, some graphic violence and other mature topics which may not be appropriate for younger listeners. The author could have released a child-friendly version and I bet it would take off in the schools.
In summary, as we are on the edge of this series being closed out, I would recommend listeners of science fiction give this series a try. There is a fair amount of action and adventure. The wonderful storytelling and narration have made this series what it has become to this point. The characters, although powerful, still have a feeling of being fragile. No one character seems like they will be able to pull of their ultimate goal. I know we will get the answers to these in the last and final book in the series which is soon to be released on Audible. I cannot wait.
June 15, 2021
Great story with fascinating plot building!
The eighth book in the series and it STILL has an engaging story building towards a final book which will bring main plot and sub plots to an end.
The eighth book in the series and it STILL has an engaging story building towards a final book which will bring main plot and sub plots to an end.
June 27, 2020
I love it so much. I wish this series would continue on and on. There is so much to explore and so many directions. This book was so awesome.
October 15, 2020
Awesome Series
Loved this series! Definitely sad not to see another book. Hoping another one is in the works. Thank you again!
Loved this series! Definitely sad not to see another book. Hoping another one is in the works. Thank you again!
August 1, 2021
So much intrigue
Charlie and his friends are having so much trouble in both galaxies. However, they are getting closer to a solution against the powerful visla.
Charlie and his friends are having so much trouble in both galaxies. However, they are getting closer to a solution against the powerful visla.
October 2, 2022
okay
As expected, yada yada …. Disappointing tin the big “reveal” (predictable) of the return of the earlier main antagonist. If food, it’d be fast food.
As expected, yada yada …. Disappointing tin the big “reveal” (predictable) of the return of the earlier main antagonist. If food, it’d be fast food.
June 30, 2023
During this week I found myself wondering when it was going to move on and annoyed at the tropes. Towards the end, it did get better but it was rough going
June 21, 2020
We finally learn who is really behind the plot against humanity. Come enjoy as Scott Baron weaves a new tale in which Charlie and Daisy finally get to see each other in battle as the they try to devise a way to take on their nemesis.
January 17, 2020
Impossible to put down. Easily one on my favorite reads list from an author that brings a book to life.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews