Dragon and Slave (Dragonback, #3)
by Timothy Zahn (Goodreads Author)
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!
Luminous Libro 