The Golden Staff

An Alien Sci-Fi Harem Adventure (The Makalang, Book 3)

By: Michael Dalton

Narrated by: Mason Lloyd

Length: 5 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Former Marine Will Hawthorne has solidified his position as the Makalang and averted war between Taitala's clans. But uncovering the truth about himself has only raised more questions about the challenge he faces: He must accomplish something no Makalang before him has ever managed, or the world will die.

Traveling to the city of Yama-Kana in search of more information brings him to the attention of a mysterious cult known as the Gates of the Golden Staff. The cult worships the Makalang - a different makalang - and his appearance is regarded as dangerous heresy.

Other forces in Yama-Kana have learned to harness the same crystal energies that Will controls. They have twisted these energies to dark and sinister ends - yet in those ends may be the ultimate solution Will is seeking.

Contains mature themes.

©2021 Michael Dalton (P)2021 Tantor

it's getting real good

this is the third audiobook I've listened to from this author. all in the same series and will at the beginning it was alright it has gotten a lot better. There was a scene in this book that I really didn't like. those kinds of things tend to really stand out when the story is shorter. In this case I think it was good for the overall story and handled fairly well. I mention this because such things in my opinion and it is only in my opinion tend to demonstrate skill on the author's part. with that said if you're reading this review and you haven't gotten in yet I recommend you do so. If you're reading this review because you're not sure if you want to continue on with the story I say it's worth it. lastly I got to say performance from the narrator was really good. well done to everybody who had a hand in bringing the story to life and continue the good work.

going strong

for a third book, I think it is still an interesting series. consistent characters and a directiion. good narration is always appreciated.

Story Elements - Character Development

Mostly pleased with how Characters are deepening and the relationships between MC and each other as well. 1st Wife got a tiny bit of attention but barely more than the previous 1st Wife of Silas grandson. Who has disappeared after just a few sentences. I know it seems nit picky of me and maybe I am being that but I wouldn’t include them in the story if they were going to seem important and then barely resonate as a footnote after.

Also at this point in the story the MC knows he would not have a future with his old life back on Earth so it is strange he still pines for it. Though by the end I’m not positive he does still feel that way.

Still giving this 5 stars though because the Author is really making me care about the characters and their future and their world. I became extremely anxious a couple of times when I thought things were going a certain way and that tells me I’m more than invested. Well done!

Not worth the money or the wait.

This book is so predictable that I actually kept hitting the 30 second fast forward button to get to something that was relevant to the story.