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thecaptainsquarters 's review for:

Dogs of War by Adrian Tchaikovsky
4.0

Ahoy there mateys! I have no idea where or how I first encountered this book but I knew I wanted to read it. The problem was finding a copy as Amazon lists it as a “rare book.” I had never read the author’s works before but then there was an eArc of walking to aldebaran on NetGalley and I was luckily approved. I loved it and I was thus determined to find dogs of war. I wanted a copy for me kindle but couldn’t get one so I finally broke down and bought a beautiful paperback version.

So what was it about this book got me attention back in day? Well this novel is about a pack of bioform war dogs and the story is told from the perspective of the pack leader, Rex. Now mind ye, Rex is a seven foot tall dog-beast with a scary voice and is bristling with weapons. The rest of his pack is even weirder. They are designed to always obey their Master. But Rex is smart and something isn’t adding up. Should Rex continue to follow his programming and be a “Good Dog ” or should he try and figure out the problem?

Now it be true that the beginning of this book is more of a military war story but that doesn’t last. And that’s a good thing. Partway through, the tone of the book shifts and the book delves into the legal and ethical ramifications of the bioforms and their programming with lots of social commentary. Along the way ye follow Rex and how both he and society are changing.

It was weird and wonderful. I absolutely loved Rex and the other members of the pack. Not only was the book thought-provoking but I very much enjoyed the implications of the technology and the ending. It was worth every bit of trouble to track down a copy of this book. I will be reading more of the author’s works. Arrrr!

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