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The Dragonback Series Books 4–6
The final three novels in the Dragonback sci-fi saga.
Young fugitive Jack Morgan and alien K’da warrior Draycos are inseparable—quite literally. They’ve been together since a desperate Draycos was forced to bond with Jack as his host in order to survive. Now they’re traveling the stars trying to clear Jack of a crime he didn’t commit, bring down a conspiracy to destroy Draycos’s people, and generally stay alive . . .
DRAGON AND HERDSMAN
After nearly being caught, Jack and Draycos are rescued by Alison Kayna, a reluctant mercenary who steals them away to a planet where she plans to meet some friends. But when they get there they see something they never expected: a lost colony of K’da who have all but forgotten their pride and honor.
DRAGON AND JUDGE
Just when Jack thinks he has a lead to help Draycos on his quest, he’s kidnapped by a pack of aliens—not as a prisoner, but as a judge. Jack has no idea why they think he would, or could, know how to be a judge. But they soon reveal they want him specifically because Jack’s long-lost parents were once asked to do the same thing . . .
DRAGON AND LIBERATOR
Jack and Draycos have traveled a long way and been through a lot of hard times together, and now it looks like their journey may finally come to an end. Their hunt has brought them to the man at the heart of the deadly conspiracy against the K’da, and put him within their grasp. But before they can exact justice, they must stop him from unleashing a weapon of apocalyptic power . . .
Young fugitive Jack Morgan and alien K’da warrior Draycos are inseparable—quite literally. They’ve been together since a desperate Draycos was forced to bond with Jack as his host in order to survive. Now they’re traveling the stars trying to clear Jack of a crime he didn’t commit, bring down a conspiracy to destroy Draycos’s people, and generally stay alive . . .
DRAGON AND HERDSMAN
After nearly being caught, Jack and Draycos are rescued by Alison Kayna, a reluctant mercenary who steals them away to a planet where she plans to meet some friends. But when they get there they see something they never expected: a lost colony of K’da who have all but forgotten their pride and honor.
DRAGON AND JUDGE
Just when Jack thinks he has a lead to help Draycos on his quest, he’s kidnapped by a pack of aliens—not as a prisoner, but as a judge. Jack has no idea why they think he would, or could, know how to be a judge. But they soon reveal they want him specifically because Jack’s long-lost parents were once asked to do the same thing . . .
DRAGON AND LIBERATOR
Jack and Draycos have traveled a long way and been through a lot of hard times together, and now it looks like their journey may finally come to an end. Their hunt has brought them to the man at the heart of the deadly conspiracy against the K’da, and put him within their grasp. But before they can exact justice, they must stop him from unleashing a weapon of apocalyptic power . . .
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
917 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2018
161 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Zahn
482 books8,546 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 31 reviews
March 5, 2022
Hoominz smart (uhh... nope), alienz not even that smart, plot not smart either.
And the worldbuilding... oh man, was THAT a poolful of weaksauce.
And the worldbuilding... oh man, was THAT a poolful of weaksauce.
January 12, 2024
This was a fun read and enjoyed myself, but nothing too challenging except for the part of reading 3 books at once took so long....
April 9, 2021
Morally uplifting story for youth
Hey, I'm not too proud to say that I read young adult stories sometimes. I was able to borrow the first three books of the Dragonback series, but found them engaging, which enticed me to spend money on books four, five and six. I was not disappointed.
Not only were the main heroic characters well developed, Mr. Zahn painted fairly full portraits of even the antagonists. Only the Valahgua were less substantially developed as there was little backstory, dialogue involving them, or direct interaction with Jack or his compatriots. Jack, Alison, and Taneem especially evolved substantially over the course of their dangerous adventures.
Don't assume that these books were all about personal growth though. The twists and turns of innumerable plots keep you waiting expectantly for the next surprise foil or success of both good & bad guys' machinations. I would highly recommend this for boys or girls of middle or high school age (or even their grandparents 😏)!
Hey, I'm not too proud to say that I read young adult stories sometimes. I was able to borrow the first three books of the Dragonback series, but found them engaging, which enticed me to spend money on books four, five and six. I was not disappointed.
Not only were the main heroic characters well developed, Mr. Zahn painted fairly full portraits of even the antagonists. Only the Valahgua were less substantially developed as there was little backstory, dialogue involving them, or direct interaction with Jack or his compatriots. Jack, Alison, and Taneem especially evolved substantially over the course of their dangerous adventures.
Don't assume that these books were all about personal growth though. The twists and turns of innumerable plots keep you waiting expectantly for the next surprise foil or success of both good & bad guys' machinations. I would highly recommend this for boys or girls of middle or high school age (or even their grandparents 😏)!
May 2, 2021
A Sci-fi Epic
I read the first 3 books and then picked up this combination for the last 3 books. Definitely easier to follow the story once the reader becomes familiar with all the players. Multithreaded plots, layers of character interactions, and good action sequences. I appreciated that the protagonists struggled to reduce character deaths. It was good to see them strive always for valor and honor.
The series ends well, with all story threads resolved and our heroes facing a promising future. This was a difficult series at the beginning, but once sufficiently through the narrative it became easier.
I read the first 3 books and then picked up this combination for the last 3 books. Definitely easier to follow the story once the reader becomes familiar with all the players. Multithreaded plots, layers of character interactions, and good action sequences. I appreciated that the protagonists struggled to reduce character deaths. It was good to see them strive always for valor and honor.
The series ends well, with all story threads resolved and our heroes facing a promising future. This was a difficult series at the beginning, but once sufficiently through the narrative it became easier.
January 16, 2019
An Epic Tale of Adventure and Evolution of Spirit
Review by Carolyn Bragg.
The entire Dragonback series by Timothy Zahn, beginning with Dragon and Thief, deserves to be included in every science fiction reading list. Although the main characters are young (under 16), the story, concepts, and ethical questions are ageless. As an adult, I have enjoyed this series very much, (reading it for the first time this year in 2019), and I welcome it into my permanent scifi collection beside other great epic tales of adventure and evolution of spirit.
Review by Carolyn Bragg.
The entire Dragonback series by Timothy Zahn, beginning with Dragon and Thief, deserves to be included in every science fiction reading list. Although the main characters are young (under 16), the story, concepts, and ethical questions are ageless. As an adult, I have enjoyed this series very much, (reading it for the first time this year in 2019), and I welcome it into my permanent scifi collection beside other great epic tales of adventure and evolution of spirit.
May 8, 2019
Suspend rationale belief
I have to say that this is not a bad book. It is written well. This is just my personal opinion, which is not among the majority. I wanted to like this book. I really enjoyed the first three. They were a fun and exiting escape from real life. These three were just really to far fetched For me to enjoy. I have a really hard time believing that a 14 year old boy can do and pull off what jack did. The more I think about it the less I can believe it. The mechanics just aren’t lining up. It’s fairly disappointing.
I have to say that this is not a bad book. It is written well. This is just my personal opinion, which is not among the majority. I wanted to like this book. I really enjoyed the first three. They were a fun and exiting escape from real life. These three were just really to far fetched For me to enjoy. I have a really hard time believing that a 14 year old boy can do and pull off what jack did. The more I think about it the less I can believe it. The mechanics just aren’t lining up. It’s fairly disappointing.
August 21, 2024
An exciting conclusion to the series. Jack and Draycos continue their search for the coordinates for the rendezvous with the refugee fleet K’da and Shontine refugees and the now destroyed advanced force before their enemies get there to destroy them too. Alison has joined them and finds her own dragon. Secrets still abound between the two and trust is difficult but they manage to stay connected. As Draycos and Jack spend more time together their bond strengthens and they discover new abilities. When the final battle comes it's the human-K'da bond that proves the strongest.
May 22, 2021
I might have found another favorite author
I absolutely enjoyed reading this series! It was filled from beginning to end with action and intrigue. Zahn kept his secrets well, and I loved the way he kept Alison's secrets until the end.
It is a great series for any age, and I can recommend it to young people because it is clear of offensive language, sex, graphic violence, and just plain hatred. Excellent!
I absolutely enjoyed reading this series! It was filled from beginning to end with action and intrigue. Zahn kept his secrets well, and I loved the way he kept Alison's secrets until the end.
It is a great series for any age, and I can recommend it to young people because it is clear of offensive language, sex, graphic violence, and just plain hatred. Excellent!
August 31, 2018
This is a six-book serial, not a true series. None of the titles stand alone. So, start with the first one and then figure on reading all six to finish the story. I found the characters likable if not totally believable. Also enjoyed the character development. So, overall, I would recommend this series for the pacing and the fun. Maybe suspend believability a bit on the adventures of the books.
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April 26, 2020A satisfying ending
This is the most inventive series I’ve read in ages. Each of the first five books had its own complete plot while contributing to the overall plot arc, and this final book tied everything together so neatly. It even tied up loose ends I didn’t realize were loose. Seriously, if you like science fiction AT ALL, this series is worth a read. I love it!
This is the most inventive series I’ve read in ages. Each of the first five books had its own complete plot while contributing to the overall plot arc, and this final book tied everything together so neatly. It even tied up loose ends I didn’t realize were loose. Seriously, if you like science fiction AT ALL, this series is worth a read. I love it!
December 11, 2021
Got the bundles
And binged all of them! So glad I did! great pacing, and deals with more layered Emotions and maturing than most YA books do. The very end is a bit pat, but the roller coaster along the way for each volume was satisfying and accessible. I would like a symbiont now!
And binged all of them! So glad I did! great pacing, and deals with more layered Emotions and maturing than most YA books do. The very end is a bit pat, but the roller coaster along the way for each volume was satisfying and accessible. I would like a symbiont now!
September 10, 2024
Excellent series
Zahn is creative and an outrageously good storyteller. There are a number of unexpected twists to the lives of Jack and Draycos. Think about dimensional shifting and let your imagination run wild. I bet you still miss half the stuff Zahn brings to this dimension.
Zahn is creative and an outrageously good storyteller. There are a number of unexpected twists to the lives of Jack and Draycos. Think about dimensional shifting and let your imagination run wild. I bet you still miss half the stuff Zahn brings to this dimension.
March 4, 2019
Great book series, still needs some polish
It was wonderful revisiting my childhood book series. I forgot much of what I read and now I finished reading all 6 books in a span of 2 weeks. I greatly recommend this series. The kindle addition has many spelling errors though.
It was wonderful revisiting my childhood book series. I forgot much of what I read and now I finished reading all 6 books in a span of 2 weeks. I greatly recommend this series. The kindle addition has many spelling errors though.
October 29, 2019
Twists and turns to the very end
Every time I thought I had the story figured out, there was another twist to throw me off. As far as books go that’s awesome, but I lost a lot of sleep reading this series because I couldn’t put it down. Oh, well, it’s nothing coffee can’t fix...
Every time I thought I had the story figured out, there was another twist to throw me off. As far as books go that’s awesome, but I lost a lot of sleep reading this series because I couldn’t put it down. Oh, well, it’s nothing coffee can’t fix...
November 11, 2019
A better ending the game of thrones
I wouldn’t say it’s Zahn’s best work but that still leaves lots of room to be better then most book series. It’s a very unique group of characters and nice ending.
I wouldn’t say it’s Zahn’s best work but that still leaves lots of room to be better then most book series. It’s a very unique group of characters and nice ending.
December 26, 2019
Great series
Very hard to put down. Great writing style and the author creates a real world and characters that you care about. I enjoyed these books as an adult and believe they would be great for teenagers, their intended audience.
Very hard to put down. Great writing style and the author creates a real world and characters that you care about. I enjoyed these books as an adult and believe they would be great for teenagers, their intended audience.
February 22, 2020
I love this series so much, when I loaned my physical copies to my niece and nephew, I had to replace them with digital copies for myself. Uplifting, empowering comfort reading with a great, supportive symbiotic relationship.
July 19, 2021
A good read, has all the right Sci Fi elements
A bit on the simple side relative to the technology but a good book for teenager / young adult. That I’m Fifty just means I haven’t grown out of my love for the genre!
A bit on the simple side relative to the technology but a good book for teenager / young adult. That I’m Fifty just means I haven’t grown out of my love for the genre!
November 30, 2021
Fantastic!
Mind racing, thought provoking page Turner! So much excitement and adventure. The relationship and emotional interaction between the main characters pulled me in and I became invested in them and their quest. Excellent storytelling!!!
Mind racing, thought provoking page Turner! So much excitement and adventure. The relationship and emotional interaction between the main characters pulled me in and I became invested in them and their quest. Excellent storytelling!!!
January 31, 2022
Learning about the past
Jack and his symbiotic dragon friend have to get out of many scrapes in these books. While trying to get information to save the dragon race from extinction they make many friends. Exciting adventure good read for adults and young alike.
Jack and his symbiotic dragon friend have to get out of many scrapes in these books. While trying to get information to save the dragon race from extinction they make many friends. Exciting adventure good read for adults and young alike.
February 22, 2019
A romping good read
Great story, fantastic characters and plenty of surprises to keep it fun and interesting. Everyone will enjoys Zahn’s epic space opera.
Great story, fantastic characters and plenty of surprises to keep it fun and interesting. Everyone will enjoys Zahn’s epic space opera.
February 29, 2020
Great boy-and-his-dragon-in-space YA series!
February 21, 2021
Excellent YA series that has action and intrigue and a good moral center.
May 22, 2021
Great Story
Interesting different view on a dragon story. Very imaginative with all the tricks that these particular dragons could pull off.
Interesting different view on a dragon story. Very imaginative with all the tricks that these particular dragons could pull off.
May 26, 2021
A real page turner.
This set is a page turner. Great unique ideas, great characters, lots of drama and intrigue. Highly recommend it, even though the set is really one book.
This set is a page turner. Great unique ideas, great characters, lots of drama and intrigue. Highly recommend it, even though the set is really one book.
August 30, 2021
Action and suspense
Keeps you on the edge of your seat--fun series! Loved the character development! Read and enjoy--I dare you to put it down!
Keeps you on the edge of your seat--fun series! Loved the character development! Read and enjoy--I dare you to put it down!
March 1, 2022
Nicely written YA science fiction adventure that holds up well some 20 years later.
January 20, 2025
It was difficult to put these last 3 books down!
I didn't understand why it had to be3 books in one. But I guess I wouldn't have wanted to put each one down anyway.
I didn't understand why it had to be3 books in one. But I guess I wouldn't have wanted to put each one down anyway.
December 7, 2019
Pretty nice second trilogy in the series. I especially liked the last book, very well done, but then, I'd expect nothing less from this author. Good stuff here folks. Entertaining, and a great story to boot, grab a copy if you can, and have at it.
April 22, 2021
Great book
The ending was kinda sad but was so happy and sweet it actually made me cry I would suggest this to anyone that won’t get nightmares from death
The ending was kinda sad but was so happy and sweet it actually made me cry I would suggest this to anyone that won’t get nightmares from death
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews