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Dragonback #3
Dragon and Slave
Jack 14, with honorable K'da warrior-poet Draycos 30s, symbiote 2D dragon on host's back for six hours, hope their spaceship intelligence Uncle Virge (for dead inspirational selfish real Virgil) can convince the human slavemaster Grazen of the wealthy Choochook family in their Brummgan fortress, to buy the boy thief.
But a hotbox punishment, electrocuted "frypan" pen, taser-like pain prods, spoiled toddler "Your Thumbleness" who requires her demands (in her language, not his) obeyed immediately, fevered boy Noy who recalls every word the goldern dragon sang - ballads of bravery, and an skill demonstration auction attended by the "Snake Voice" aka Braxton's ousted Neverlin, add up to a danger requiring every bit of human ingenuity and warrior skill from the symbiotic heroes.
But a hotbox punishment, electrocuted "frypan" pen, taser-like pain prods, spoiled toddler "Your Thumbleness" who requires her demands (in her language, not his) obeyed immediately, fevered boy Noy who recalls every word the goldern dragon sang - ballads of bravery, and an skill demonstration auction attended by the "Snake Voice" aka Braxton's ousted Neverlin, add up to a danger requiring every bit of human ingenuity and warrior skill from the symbiotic heroes.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2005
212 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Zahn
481 books8,535 followersTimothy Zahn attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1973. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and achieved an M.S. degree in physics in 1975. While he was pursuing a doctorate in physics, his adviser became ill and died. Zahn never completed the doctorate. In 1975 he had begun writing science fiction as a hobby, and he became a professional writer. He and his wife Anna live in Bandon, Oregon. They have a son, Corwin Zahn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 11, 2020
Another excellent book in this series!
And Jack is making progress on his compassion for others. Really nice progress too. Maybe he'll end up being a humanitarian on the end or something? Before he was very selfish but he's changing so that's good.
Of course he has big problems to deal with in here too. He really has to use his brain and rely on a little luck too. I really can't say if the obstacles in this story are harder than the previous one... they're different and probably harder in a physical sort of way. And things are not exactly going smoothly with Draycos so that adds a little something to the story too.
Unfortunately I've come to the end of the books I have in this series now so I'll have to order the next one and wait for it to come in. Hopefully the library has a copy. I admit I've gotten quite hooked on this series and now I want to see how it will end. The bits that continue from book to book makes it even more intriguing and it's those bits I'm most interested in.
So far he's been a thief, a soldier and a slave....what will Jack be next??
And Jack is making progress on his compassion for others. Really nice progress too. Maybe he'll end up being a humanitarian on the end or something? Before he was very selfish but he's changing so that's good.
Of course he has big problems to deal with in here too. He really has to use his brain and rely on a little luck too. I really can't say if the obstacles in this story are harder than the previous one... they're different and probably harder in a physical sort of way. And things are not exactly going smoothly with Draycos so that adds a little something to the story too.
Unfortunately I've come to the end of the books I have in this series now so I'll have to order the next one and wait for it to come in. Hopefully the library has a copy. I admit I've gotten quite hooked on this series and now I want to see how it will end. The bits that continue from book to book makes it even more intriguing and it's those bits I'm most interested in.
So far he's been a thief, a soldier and a slave....what will Jack be next??
November 16, 2018
“They were slaves, and she was a slave, and the only place to hide from that reality was inside herself.”
I liked it; it’s a good read but the series is becoming formulaic. (See previous reviews for the good news.)
“He wasn’t going off the deep end of the pool like some junior K’da warrior. All he was doing was paying back a debt. He probably would have felt better if he’d believed that.”
I liked it; it’s a good read but the series is becoming formulaic. (See previous reviews for the good news.)
“He wasn’t going off the deep end of the pool like some junior K’da warrior. All he was doing was paying back a debt. He probably would have felt better if he’d believed that.”
July 6, 2017
Three stars not because it's a bad story, but it was just too similar to #2... the two books could very easily have been combined, or just had an quite snippet from the 2nd one as a prologue to get the point across.. it wasn't worth an enitre book to point out that the moral lesson worked out.
That said, this is another good space adventure, and, happily the overall plot moved forward quite a bit... including a new wrinkle that could go either way, depending on the tone the series wants to portray (I suspect it'll be the happy way, but we'll see).
It was also a nice shout out to throw out a Harriet Tubman reference... DC comics used to do that in the 60s (throw science facts or vocab words into the stories), but in a ham handed way.. this was subtle, and I can see it leading young readers to ask about it.. well done.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next one (which I happen to have ready to go)
That said, this is another good space adventure, and, happily the overall plot moved forward quite a bit... including a new wrinkle that could go either way, depending on the tone the series wants to portray (I suspect it'll be the happy way, but we'll see).
It was also a nice shout out to throw out a Harriet Tubman reference... DC comics used to do that in the 60s (throw science facts or vocab words into the stories), but in a ham handed way.. this was subtle, and I can see it leading young readers to ask about it.. well done.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next one (which I happen to have ready to go)
March 22, 2019
As it turns out, fourteen-year-old boys do not often make good plans. Jack Morgan has better helpers than most teenagers, but Uncle Virge is a computer and Draycos is transdimensional symbiont who is new to the Orion Arm, so Jack is effectively in charge, no matter how bad of an idea that may be.
In three volumes so far, none of his plans have worked out well, but then again, plans never survive contact with the enemy, and Jack has a lot of enemies. In fact, in order to help Draycos, he keeps seeking them out. Fortunately, Jack has unusual skills developed during an unusual life, plus two companions who will do their best to protect him.
Which he needs, now that he has sold himself into slavery in order to infiltrate his newest target. Like all of Jack’s plans, this is not just crazy enough to work, it is just plain crazy. However, we do get to learn some interesting things, such as the fact that the human worlds are sufficiently put off by open slavery to staff their local embassy with anti-slavery activists, but also not bothered enough to go William Wilberforce on the planet Brum-a-dum and interdict their spaceport.
Now we have an idea of why the Orion Arm is such a seedy place. The powers that do exist lack either the will or capability of enforcing their laws, and petty warlords have stepped into the gaps. We also get to learn the origin story of the K’da. A heroic myth of servitude and rebellion, passed down through the generations. It fits well with Draycos’ self-perception.
Here, we also get the first hints of something unexpected coming from the fortuitous meeting of Jack and Draycos in that ruined ship. Each of them is changing the other, but not in the sense of Heraclitus, but something more remarkable, with its full import not yet visible.
Much like the Quadrail series, on the surface, the Dragonback series seems simple, and each volume follows in a track laid down by its predecessor. But once you see the pattern, you realize that each successive story isn’t following exactly the same path, each one is expanding on what came before, building on it to end up in a place you wouldn’t expect.
We don’t know what the destination is yet, but I’m looking forward to the surprises still in store.
In three volumes so far, none of his plans have worked out well, but then again, plans never survive contact with the enemy, and Jack has a lot of enemies. In fact, in order to help Draycos, he keeps seeking them out. Fortunately, Jack has unusual skills developed during an unusual life, plus two companions who will do their best to protect him.
Which he needs, now that he has sold himself into slavery in order to infiltrate his newest target. Like all of Jack’s plans, this is not just crazy enough to work, it is just plain crazy. However, we do get to learn some interesting things, such as the fact that the human worlds are sufficiently put off by open slavery to staff their local embassy with anti-slavery activists, but also not bothered enough to go William Wilberforce on the planet Brum-a-dum and interdict their spaceport.
Now we have an idea of why the Orion Arm is such a seedy place. The powers that do exist lack either the will or capability of enforcing their laws, and petty warlords have stepped into the gaps. We also get to learn the origin story of the K’da. A heroic myth of servitude and rebellion, passed down through the generations. It fits well with Draycos’ self-perception.
Here, we also get the first hints of something unexpected coming from the fortuitous meeting of Jack and Draycos in that ruined ship. Each of them is changing the other, but not in the sense of Heraclitus, but something more remarkable, with its full import not yet visible.
Much like the Quadrail series, on the surface, the Dragonback series seems simple, and each volume follows in a track laid down by its predecessor. But once you see the pattern, you realize that each successive story isn’t following exactly the same path, each one is expanding on what came before, building on it to end up in a place you wouldn’t expect.
We don’t know what the destination is yet, but I’m looking forward to the surprises still in store.
July 2, 2022
Jack and his friend/symbiont Draycos are looking for information about who attacked Draycos' people. They try to infiltrate a mercenary compound by posing as slaves, certain that they will be able to escape later. However, things take a nasty turn when Jack becomes a slave for real, and is sent to work in the fields with the other slaves.
The plot is full of non-stop action, and I was very interested in the world-building of the planet Brum-a-dum. Jack and Draycos meet so many different types of aliens, and they are all really imaginative and memorable! I love the writing style, the characters, the plot twists, and everything!
This book deals with more serious issues than previous books in the series, as Jack faces the indignities and horror of slavery. He has to rethink his previously self-centered views on life, when several slaves whom he barely knows risk their own safety to help him. He sees generosity in people who have nothing to give, but they give anyway. He develops compassion as he talks to Draycos about the immorality of slavery. Jack's character begins to search for deeper meaning beyond the dollar value of what he can get for himself, and he begins to ask himself how he can be kind to others. I love his character development and the exploration of these deep themes!
The plot is full of non-stop action, and I was very interested in the world-building of the planet Brum-a-dum. Jack and Draycos meet so many different types of aliens, and they are all really imaginative and memorable! I love the writing style, the characters, the plot twists, and everything!
This book deals with more serious issues than previous books in the series, as Jack faces the indignities and horror of slavery. He has to rethink his previously self-centered views on life, when several slaves whom he barely knows risk their own safety to help him. He sees generosity in people who have nothing to give, but they give anyway. He develops compassion as he talks to Draycos about the immorality of slavery. Jack's character begins to search for deeper meaning beyond the dollar value of what he can get for himself, and he begins to ask himself how he can be kind to others. I love his character development and the exploration of these deep themes!
October 20, 2019
This is one of the most exciting books of the dragon back series. You will be constantly thinking they have finally won, only to find another setback. In this book, Jack and draycos are faced with some of their hardest choices yet, as they infiltrate the chookook slave family. Against the wishes of uncle Virge, jack poses as a slave and is bought by the Patri Chookook. Forced to endure terrible punishment, Jack and draycos escape where no other slave has escaped before. But were they able to free the other slaves? Read this thrilling book to find out! This book is 323 pages long.
March 16, 2013
Please vote on list:Best Timothy Zahn novels
This was a great addition to the Dragonback series. Zahn is becoming one of my favorite authors. I really felt something for the characters in this book. I like how Draycos's warrior ideals are rubbing off on Jack. Good cliffhanger at the end. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
This was a great addition to the Dragonback series. Zahn is becoming one of my favorite authors. I really felt something for the characters in this book. I like how Draycos's warrior ideals are rubbing off on Jack. Good cliffhanger at the end. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
February 17, 2018
The fact that I finished reading at 12:15am says it all.
June 3, 2023
With a title like "Dragon and Slave," I was really glad that the end of book 2 discussed the how and why Jack was going into slavery. Maybe I've just been reading too much Grimdark, but this could have been bad, really bad. Thank goodness it wasn't--this is definitely done at the YA level. I liked Jack's ruinations on the evils of slavery, and how he came to realize that it affects the mind as much as the body. It was a bit heavy-handed, but that's good for a YA book, I think. Some parts were a bit over-done, and some things made me wonder about how Jack's moral compass could have been so off mark in the beginning to not have these ideas already, but it all worked out.
I really enjoyed seeing, finally, some cross-bleed of values from Jack to Draycos too! Some practical realism gets sprinkled into Draycos's optimistic morality. I'm glad it is going both ways, and that Jack's upbringing is showed to also have merit, despite some of the grayness of Uncle Virgil. We also get to see some new tricks between Draycos & Jack, and I'm hoping those get explored even more in the following books.
The story itself was pretty straightforward, and fairly similar in feel to the first two books. Some new characters met, some problems approached with good teamwork, and a heartwarming ending. Again, we get an ominous-y epilogue with different characters... I'm waiting for these folks to show up again in the main stories!
I really enjoyed seeing, finally, some cross-bleed of values from Jack to Draycos too! Some practical realism gets sprinkled into Draycos's optimistic morality. I'm glad it is going both ways, and that Jack's upbringing is showed to also have merit, despite some of the grayness of Uncle Virgil. We also get to see some new tricks between Draycos & Jack, and I'm hoping those get explored even more in the following books.
The story itself was pretty straightforward, and fairly similar in feel to the first two books. Some new characters met, some problems approached with good teamwork, and a heartwarming ending. Again, we get an ominous-y epilogue with different characters... I'm waiting for these folks to show up again in the main stories!
May 27, 2020
Jack and Draycos, the 14 year old thief and the alien poet-warrior "dragon" from earlier books in the series, didn't find all the information they needed in the previous book's adventures. But, they managed to come up with a new plan, at least as risky: instead of infiltrating a mercenary company, Jack can infiltrate a slaver's compound. Surely an accomplished thief like Jack can slip in and out without any complications?
The series is many things but it's not particularly subtle. The slavery here is brutal and evil (in a PG/PG-13ish way), and helps solidify Jack's moral arc. A number of threads that were left dangling from previous books show up, including a small act of mercy that proves pivotal in this book (as I said, not particularly subtle -- it even calls itself out on that).
Exciting and a good read; I'd say the first three books of the series (ending on this one) are ideally each self-contained. The factions involved in the plot that Jack and Draycos are investigating each are cleanly connected yet dealt with separately. The remaining books get a little more tangled.
The series is many things but it's not particularly subtle. The slavery here is brutal and evil (in a PG/PG-13ish way), and helps solidify Jack's moral arc. A number of threads that were left dangling from previous books show up, including a small act of mercy that proves pivotal in this book (as I said, not particularly subtle -- it even calls itself out on that).
Exciting and a good read; I'd say the first three books of the series (ending on this one) are ideally each self-contained. The factions involved in the plot that Jack and Draycos are investigating each are cleanly connected yet dealt with separately. The remaining books get a little more tangled.
January 28, 2021
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The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
STOP EVERYTHING!!!
Are you telling me there's a ScyFy series written by the king of Star Wars novels about an orphan with his own AI-controlled spaceship AND who has a symbiont relationship with a dragon warrior-poet who lives on his back as a giant golden tatoo?
Yes. Yes I am.
The story was a blast, and I'm a sucker for dragons. Slightly unfortunately, I found the Dragonback series to be well written for the demographic it's targeted for--upper middle grade--but not so well written for my grown up expectations. The writing and plot were both terribly simplistic. Conclusions to conflicts were resolved with unrealistic ease. The characters discovered or revealed a new skill that saved the day exactly when it was needed. The ebooks had an annoying number of misspelled words and misplaced punctuation. BUT, as I usually find with fun middle-grade stories, once I realigned expectations, I sat back, kicked-off my shoes, and enjoyed the story.
By the end of book 6 I was perfectly happy with the resolution and how things were tied up. The annoying things stayed annoying, and there was much more fiction than science. But the 13-year-old nerd in me was too happy to be reading about a quick thinking, 14-year-old thieving conman, his AI powered spaceship, and an awesome poet-warrior dragon living in a tatoo on his back!
Do you have a 13-year-old nerd somewhere inside of you? Or maybe you are a 13-year-0ld nerd! Either way, I bet you're going to enjoy this fun space romp. I did!
No content issues at all.
Best for 12 and up.
Happy Reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
STOP EVERYTHING!!!
Are you telling me there's a ScyFy series written by the king of Star Wars novels about an orphan with his own AI-controlled spaceship AND who has a symbiont relationship with a dragon warrior-poet who lives on his back as a giant golden tatoo?
Yes. Yes I am.
The story was a blast, and I'm a sucker for dragons. Slightly unfortunately, I found the Dragonback series to be well written for the demographic it's targeted for--upper middle grade--but not so well written for my grown up expectations. The writing and plot were both terribly simplistic. Conclusions to conflicts were resolved with unrealistic ease. The characters discovered or revealed a new skill that saved the day exactly when it was needed. The ebooks had an annoying number of misspelled words and misplaced punctuation. BUT, as I usually find with fun middle-grade stories, once I realigned expectations, I sat back, kicked-off my shoes, and enjoyed the story.
By the end of book 6 I was perfectly happy with the resolution and how things were tied up. The annoying things stayed annoying, and there was much more fiction than science. But the 13-year-old nerd in me was too happy to be reading about a quick thinking, 14-year-old thieving conman, his AI powered spaceship, and an awesome poet-warrior dragon living in a tatoo on his back!
Do you have a 13-year-old nerd somewhere inside of you? Or maybe you are a 13-year-0ld nerd! Either way, I bet you're going to enjoy this fun space romp. I did!
No content issues at all.
Best for 12 and up.
Happy Reading!
October 24, 2023
In this book, Jack arranges for himself to be sold into slavery so that he can find out who attacked the scout ship of the refugee fleet carrying Draycos, his dragon symbiote. Remembering that Jack is just 14 might excuse this really ridiculous plan, but not really. So Jack attempts to find out who requested the mercenary slaves from the planet onto which he has enslaved himself. Doesn't make a lot of sense, but once it is in action, it moves pretty well. Meanwhile the clock is ticking on when the main refugee fleet will emerge and be destroyed like the scout ships the Draycos was on.
YA book 3 of 6
YA book 3 of 6
January 10, 2020
A far better book than the previous two, this one delves into slavery and slave mentality. Our hero goes undercover once more, but this time as a slave from what he thinks is the source of slaves the enemies use.
There's little action in the book, as it's mostly about daily life as a slave, but you'll get your share of crazy shenanigans.
In this book we get to see that things aren't changing only our human MC, also the K'Da MC is changing a little. And both changes represent growth in bigger ways, as we did see only glimpses in the previous books.
There's little action in the book, as it's mostly about daily life as a slave, but you'll get your share of crazy shenanigans.
In this book we get to see that things aren't changing only our human MC, also the K'Da MC is changing a little. And both changes represent growth in bigger ways, as we did see only glimpses in the previous books.
January 29, 2022
Will I keep reading the series because I want to know what happens? Yes. Am I disappointed that the author tried to take on the topic of slavery? Yes. If you’re going to still have references back to real U.S. history events even if your world is set in a sci-fi, space odyssey future, then you better be prepared to write about it in a really thoughtful way. Mentioning Harriet Tubman, albeit only briefly, but then removing race from the conversation just doesn’t work for me. I think the author could have picked a different plot line more in his wheelhouse that would have worked better.
October 12, 2020
In this next episode, Jack and Draycos must infiltrate the fortress of the wealthy Choochook family to find out which mercenaries are in league with the enemies of Draycos's people. To do so, Jack must pose as a slave.
Much as the previous installments have gone, this reads like a made-for-TV movie series. Entertaining enough for YA, but a bit eye-rolling and with not much depth. I can tolerate it in small doses but it's not binge-worthy.
Much as the previous installments have gone, this reads like a made-for-TV movie series. Entertaining enough for YA, but a bit eye-rolling and with not much depth. I can tolerate it in small doses but it's not binge-worthy.
April 27, 2021
Substantially Improved
While I still find Uncle Virge, the AI, mostly annoying Jack and Draycos keep the storyline moving. Jack seems older in this installment at least and that helps. The plot relies on guile and subterfuge for some action scenes, and less on tech which is an interesting style change. This book ends with most story threads resolved and the plot continued into the next book.
While I still find Uncle Virge, the AI, mostly annoying Jack and Draycos keep the storyline moving. Jack seems older in this installment at least and that helps. The plot relies on guile and subterfuge for some action scenes, and less on tech which is an interesting style change. This book ends with most story threads resolved and the plot continued into the next book.
November 15, 2017
A HUGE improvement after reading the second one! It never felt slow and I didn't have to wait until the end for some intense plot; it kept me on my toes the whole way through. It added new layers and elements to the series-long plot problems as well. I look forward to finding out where it goes from here!
January 1, 2019
I think this has been my favorite installment so far. Jack and Draycos's characters really show strong development in this novel; I love where their arcs are going. I think the character interactions--not just between Jack and Draycos, but all the side characters as well--were really the strength of this novel, and I enjoyed it immensely.
April 19, 2020
The best Dragonback book yet!
Man, I really liked the first book in this series, and I liked the second even better, but the third is even better than the first two! This is a seriously fun series, and I’m enjoying it immensely. Highly recommend!
Man, I really liked the first book in this series, and I liked the second even better, but the third is even better than the first two! This is a seriously fun series, and I’m enjoying it immensely. Highly recommend!
December 21, 2023
The stakes in this series are super high. The threats feel lesser, because of the storytelling and target audience. But the characters are great, and I highly enjoyed it. Just a bit of dissonance, along the way.
January 6, 2024
These books are such fun. I haven't read any other books by this author but I really should look up some of his adult fiction.
The situations Jack gets in, the interplay between him and Draycos, and the rollicking adventure --- love it!
The situations Jack gets in, the interplay between him and Draycos, and the rollicking adventure --- love it!
February 27, 2020
A great tale for teens.
March 5, 2022
A different perspective.
October 11, 2023
Pretty good
December 1, 2024
What an excellent book!
This book follow Jack and Draycos into slavery to find the answers they seek. The excellent part about the book is that it shows the mindset of someone that gets use to something - even if that something is slavery. When Jack realizes he started thinking like a slave, he had an epiphany over how other people think and act. I love how the author brought this lesson front and center - it's something the kids need to understand before they can change how things are.
This book follow Jack and Draycos into slavery to find the answers they seek. The excellent part about the book is that it shows the mindset of someone that gets use to something - even if that something is slavery. When Jack realizes he started thinking like a slave, he had an epiphany over how other people think and act. I love how the author brought this lesson front and center - it's something the kids need to understand before they can change how things are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
Did not finish
July 9, 2008
The Basics:
Dragon and Slave is the latest addition to Timothy Zahn’s Dragonback series. It’s a young adult science fiction series that follows the adventures of Jack Morgan, a young thief/con man, and Draycos, the lone K’da survivor of an expeditionary force that Jack encounters at the beginning of the series. The K’da are symbiotic beings that require a host to survive, and Draycos ends up teaming up with Jack because, well, there’s no one else available; ever since then, Jack and Draycos have been trying to figure out who ambushed Draycos’s people, and how to stop them from ambushing the main refugee fleet that’s coming towards human space. They are aided by Uncle Virge, an artificial intelligence created by Jack’s deceased Uncle Virgil, who somehow uploaded himself into their ship’s computer core. Uncle Virge is also an unrepentant con man, thief, and general ne’er do well, who feels that Draycos’s poet-warrior philosophies are lunacy at best, and certainly not the sort of thing that Jack needs in his life. Naturally, Draycos disagrees.
In Dragon and Slave, Jack and Draycos’s quest for information takes them into the slave compound of the Chookoock family, which they believe is connected to the plot against Draycos’s people. Jack gets a taste of slavery, and discovers that there are things a lot worse than being a solider.
The Good:
This is good, fun, fast-paced space opera. Jack’s plan to get information from the Chookoock compound is an act of lunacy that is rivaled only by the sort of plans concocted by the average gaming group; there’s plenty of action, intrigue, danger, and narrow escapes. It’s a good time all around.
The relationship between Jack and Draycos continues to develop in an interesting way; it’s nice that they both seem to be rubbing off on each other, rather than Draycos simply transforming Jack into a good and noble warrior. Draycos’s interaction with Uncle Virge is interesting as well, though Virge doesn’t really get very much “screen time” compared to the other two.
The Bad:
Not much, really. The writing is a bit simplistic, but that’s to be expected—the book is aimed at a younger audience.
My only real complaint is that Zahn seems to have a very fleshed out universe behind these books, and we really only get the barest hints of what it’s like. This isn’t entirely a bad thing—it gives the series the nice, pulpy sort of flavor that makes it so much fun. But all the same, I wouldn’t mind getting just a few more details; Robert E. Howard’s writing is about as tight and pulpy as you can get, and he still gets some great world-building/explaining done in his stories.
The Ugly:
The Brummga: they’re basically space orcs. Did we really need space orcs? I mean, there’s nothing wrong with space orcs, I guess, but they aren’t even INTERESTING space orcs. Which is kind of sad, because I know Zahn can make some really interesting aliens when he puts his mind to it. Oh well. They aren’t awful, just…space orcs.
If you’re searching for deep, thoughtful, provocative science fiction, read something else. But if you like space opera, pulpy sci-fi, and a general good time, this is definitely worth the read.
Dragon and Slave is the latest addition to Timothy Zahn’s Dragonback series. It’s a young adult science fiction series that follows the adventures of Jack Morgan, a young thief/con man, and Draycos, the lone K’da survivor of an expeditionary force that Jack encounters at the beginning of the series. The K’da are symbiotic beings that require a host to survive, and Draycos ends up teaming up with Jack because, well, there’s no one else available; ever since then, Jack and Draycos have been trying to figure out who ambushed Draycos’s people, and how to stop them from ambushing the main refugee fleet that’s coming towards human space. They are aided by Uncle Virge, an artificial intelligence created by Jack’s deceased Uncle Virgil, who somehow uploaded himself into their ship’s computer core. Uncle Virge is also an unrepentant con man, thief, and general ne’er do well, who feels that Draycos’s poet-warrior philosophies are lunacy at best, and certainly not the sort of thing that Jack needs in his life. Naturally, Draycos disagrees.
In Dragon and Slave, Jack and Draycos’s quest for information takes them into the slave compound of the Chookoock family, which they believe is connected to the plot against Draycos’s people. Jack gets a taste of slavery, and discovers that there are things a lot worse than being a solider.
The Good:
This is good, fun, fast-paced space opera. Jack’s plan to get information from the Chookoock compound is an act of lunacy that is rivaled only by the sort of plans concocted by the average gaming group; there’s plenty of action, intrigue, danger, and narrow escapes. It’s a good time all around.
The relationship between Jack and Draycos continues to develop in an interesting way; it’s nice that they both seem to be rubbing off on each other, rather than Draycos simply transforming Jack into a good and noble warrior. Draycos’s interaction with Uncle Virge is interesting as well, though Virge doesn’t really get very much “screen time” compared to the other two.
The Bad:
Not much, really. The writing is a bit simplistic, but that’s to be expected—the book is aimed at a younger audience.
My only real complaint is that Zahn seems to have a very fleshed out universe behind these books, and we really only get the barest hints of what it’s like. This isn’t entirely a bad thing—it gives the series the nice, pulpy sort of flavor that makes it so much fun. But all the same, I wouldn’t mind getting just a few more details; Robert E. Howard’s writing is about as tight and pulpy as you can get, and he still gets some great world-building/explaining done in his stories.
The Ugly:
The Brummga: they’re basically space orcs. Did we really need space orcs? I mean, there’s nothing wrong with space orcs, I guess, but they aren’t even INTERESTING space orcs. Which is kind of sad, because I know Zahn can make some really interesting aliens when he puts his mind to it. Oh well. They aren’t awful, just…space orcs.
If you’re searching for deep, thoughtful, provocative science fiction, read something else. But if you like space opera, pulpy sci-fi, and a general good time, this is definitely worth the read.
October 29, 2014
Having failed to get much from the mercenaries, Jack and Draycos infiltrate the grounds of a slave dealer they know is supplying a particular alien race as bodyguards for Draycos' enemies. Jack's plan is exactly the same as it was last book: sell himself in, crack the computers while he's there, and sneak out. Really, he should know better by now. It's going to take more than Draycos to get him out of this one alive.
Although the setup is virtually identical to the previous book, Zahn still twists it into a different story. Jack has badly underestimated what being a slave would be like, but unlike his experience in the mercenary camp, his time as a slave starts to mold his mind as well as his body. As Jack becomes increasingly aware he's gotten himself in over his head, his difficulties multiply when some old enemies decide to show up at his slave auction. I also liked how that single act of mercy in the first book was put to good use in this one, though I did think the amount of times Zahn mentioned it before revealing himself was a little overkill.
Draycos is expanding his abilities, which makes the unique relationship between Draycos and Jack as fresh as it was in the first book, as they are continuing to learn about each other and build up what they know.
The only downsides are, again, a failure to resolve not just the cliffhanger from the first book, but the one from the second as well. By now it's an established pattern for the last paragraph or three of the book to be from some other character's point of view, with the only purpose of making a really bad cliffhanger that isn't resolved. Something that might also taint this book is strong similarity to the previous one, although I did think it was different enough to remain interesting.
They'd better get a bigger breakthrough soon, or poor Draycos is going to watch his people fry . . . Recommended.
Although the setup is virtually identical to the previous book, Zahn still twists it into a different story. Jack has badly underestimated what being a slave would be like, but unlike his experience in the mercenary camp, his time as a slave starts to mold his mind as well as his body. As Jack becomes increasingly aware he's gotten himself in over his head, his difficulties multiply when some old enemies decide to show up at his slave auction. I also liked how that single act of mercy in the first book was put to good use in this one, though I did think the amount of times Zahn mentioned it before revealing himself was a little overkill.
Draycos is expanding his abilities, which makes the unique relationship between Draycos and Jack as fresh as it was in the first book, as they are continuing to learn about each other and build up what they know.
The only downsides are, again, a failure to resolve not just the cliffhanger from the first book, but the one from the second as well. By now it's an established pattern for the last paragraph or three of the book to be from some other character's point of view, with the only purpose of making a really bad cliffhanger that isn't resolved. Something that might also taint this book is strong similarity to the previous one, although I did think it was different enough to remain interesting.
They'd better get a bigger breakthrough soon, or poor Draycos is going to watch his people fry . . . Recommended.
March 23, 2018
Reader thoughts: There are several scenes in here that I go back to for re-reading, even if I don't re-read the entire book. So much cleverness! He juggles for the spoiled daughter Brummga. Draycos slips off Jack's back through the prison. Jack's ship uses its landing gear to grab the enemy ship and slip away so it wouldn't get fired upon. Brilliant!
I love that Alison later returns to the slave compound with Taneem. I love how brutal and strict the slavers are. I love that Jack outthinks them all to get the information he needed about the Valagua.
I loved how Jack became a slave and tried to work hard but got reprimanded. If he showed the taskmasters that the slaves could pick more berries, then they ALL would be required to pick more berries. It was a curious dilemma. Which is right? To do his best, or only do what was required of him?
Next, I loved where Jack walks into the office and stares at the chair and thinks, I'm not worthy to sit there. And then he realizes what he's thinking, and he hates himself for it. He realizes he's been a slave too long, and that his total mindset has shifted. It's perfect.
Writer thoughts: Speaking of a slave mindset, I actually wish other books did this better. Kale was a slave in DragonSpell, but her personality and thinking never seemed that way. Was she not affected by being a slave her first 14 years? Yes, she was treated very well for a slave, but I would have liked to see a difference in the way she interacted with society (even other "humans") based on her upbringing.
Some authors think about thinking more than others do, I suppose.
I love that Alison later returns to the slave compound with Taneem. I love how brutal and strict the slavers are. I love that Jack outthinks them all to get the information he needed about the Valagua.
I loved how Jack became a slave and tried to work hard but got reprimanded. If he showed the taskmasters that the slaves could pick more berries, then they ALL would be required to pick more berries. It was a curious dilemma. Which is right? To do his best, or only do what was required of him?
Next, I loved where Jack walks into the office and stares at the chair and thinks, I'm not worthy to sit there. And then he realizes what he's thinking, and he hates himself for it. He realizes he's been a slave too long, and that his total mindset has shifted. It's perfect.
Writer thoughts: Speaking of a slave mindset, I actually wish other books did this better. Kale was a slave in DragonSpell, but her personality and thinking never seemed that way. Was she not affected by being a slave her first 14 years? Yes, she was treated very well for a slave, but I would have liked to see a difference in the way she interacted with society (even other "humans") based on her upbringing.
Some authors think about thinking more than others do, I suppose.
February 21, 2024
In an attempt to help Draycos, the dragon-like symbiont that uses him for a host, track down who killed his people, Jack willingly sells himself to a wealthy slavemaster. Even though Draycos is a warrior brimming with power, Jack has to endure terrible conditions in order to keep his cover. But will it be worth it in the end?
Draycos and his unbending K’da warrior-poet ethics really shine in this book. Meanwhile, Uncle Virge, Jack’s spaceship’s AI based on his late uncle’s personality, is constantly trying to pull Jack the other direction—toward selfishness and greed. Jack’s inner battle to do good but also to accomplish his goal and save himself is a driving theme in these books. The intrigue and suspense, though, come from the question of who is working with K’da’s enemies to slaughter all of Draycos’s people, and that story takes a jump forward in this book. There are other questions left open, including one from the previous book, but it’s clear that this series is one long story that has to be read in succession. The books are short enough, Zahn’s writing style is easy enough to read (even for sci-fi), and I’ve been enjoying the story so far, so I’m happy to keep going!
Draycos and his unbending K’da warrior-poet ethics really shine in this book. Meanwhile, Uncle Virge, Jack’s spaceship’s AI based on his late uncle’s personality, is constantly trying to pull Jack the other direction—toward selfishness and greed. Jack’s inner battle to do good but also to accomplish his goal and save himself is a driving theme in these books. The intrigue and suspense, though, come from the question of who is working with K’da’s enemies to slaughter all of Draycos’s people, and that story takes a jump forward in this book. There are other questions left open, including one from the previous book, but it’s clear that this series is one long story that has to be read in succession. The books are short enough, Zahn’s writing style is easy enough to read (even for sci-fi), and I’ve been enjoying the story so far, so I’m happy to keep going!
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