An enticing political thriller, Slay the Dragon: A Novel by Laura A. Zubulake opens with a gruesome murder case, a nameless body of male in his mid-thirties, with his tongue cut out, and his throat slit open. The reader is quickly introduced to César Rosada, a descendant of peasant stock and a former athlete, a politician now determined to bring about change and improve the living conditions of the working class. As the Minister of Finance, he is on a campaign to fight corruption, the misuse of public funds, and policies that rob the common people of what is rightfully theirs. While he is poised to meet the opposition from the upper class, he can’t foresee the drug problems looming ahead. He soon finds himself in more trouble than he’d thought when he started his campaign, with ruthless men who will stop at nothing to see that he fails.

This is a beautifully written book and readers will enjoy the fast pacing, the great dialogues and Laura A. Zubulake’s confident writing. The story gives a compelling exposé on the world of opioids and how users get to the point of taking these, plus the general effect of the drugs on society. The author weaves strong social commentaries into this story, creating a social and financial setting that is real. As one reads through this well-plotted and expertly written story, one can’t help but think about how a handful of people can hold the destiny of millions hostage, a reality that is happening in today’s US political landscape. While Slay the Dragon: A Novel is interesting and entertaining, it offers a lot of material for readers to think about, and characters like Zacarias, César, and the protagonist who are really memorable. There is a fragment of each of us in this intelligently plotted story.

Slay the Dragon by Laura A. Zubulake follows Cesar Rosada on his fearless campaign to bring change and a better way of life to the working class community. A former athlete turned politician, Cesar is determined to stop the huge problem of an opioid epidemic and end the cycle of poverty it causes. However, he faces opposition from the political elite and the underworld crime families that have a lot to lose if he succeeds in his mission. The fight is fraught with challenges and resistance as the powerful are ready to fight back. Is Cesar ready for this battle that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear? He has many tough choices to make that will test his morals and values. Will he make the decision that is best for him or the people he wants to help?

Slay the Dragon by Laura A. Zubulake hooks you in immediately. I loved Cesar; he made a great protagonist. He is a real person who has a genuine strength of character, but also is not afraid to show his faults too. This book has every ingredient for a compelling story; crime investigation, political corruption, the fight for your beliefs, and thought-provoking questions to ponder. The truth of how a drug problem can affect a community and drag it into a cycle of poverty; and the injustice that there are people in power determined to keep them there. It raised questions of how an elite few can hold the future of the majority in their hands, just to keep themselves in a lavish lifestyle. The plot was superbly executed with the perfect mix of suspense and tension. The characters were gritty and true to life. It highlights complete social injustice and corruption, and what can happen if you dare to rock the status quo. I highly recommend this superb piece of writing.