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Dogs of War

Series: Dogs of War
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( 12,328 ratings, 1,259 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Dogs of War by Adrian Tchaikovsky, bio-enhanced animal soldiers are used to fight wars. The story centres on Rex, a bio-engineered dog who must navigate a world filled with moral complexities as he discovers what it means to be truly alive. This Sci-Fi & Fantasy novel explores themes of loyalty, identity, and what it means to be human.
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Format: Paperback / softback

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are intrigued by stories that blend military science fiction with ethical dilemmas. The tale follows bioengineered animal soldiers grappling with loyalty and identity, set against a backdrop of high-stakes combat and profound moral conundrums.

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Dogs of War

A bio-engineered dog fights for its life and its right to life. From the Arthur C. Clark award-winning author of Children of Time.

A bio-engineered dog fights for its life and its right to life. From the Arthur C. Clark award-winning author of Children of Time.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
A bio-engineered dog fights for its life and its right to life. From the Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author of Children of Time. My name is Rex. I am a good dog.

Rex is not your average canine. Standing seven feet tall at the shoulder, reinforced with bulletproof armour, and bristling with heavy calibre weaponry, he is a fearsome creation. His voice, designed with subsonic frequencies, can instil sheer terror. Alongside Dragon, Honey, and Bees, Rex is a vital member of the Multiform Assault Pack operating in the lawless anarchy of Campeche, Mexico. As a genetically engineered Bioform, he is a deadly weapon in an unrelenting war. Yet, despite his formidable capabilities, Rex desires nothing more than to be a Good Dog. To achieve this, he obeys his Master’s every command—even when that means eliminating numerous enemies.

However, as the fog of war thickens, Rex begins to question: Who are these so-called enemies? What happens when Master is no longer in control and faces trial as a war criminal? The Geneva Convention's rulings on the rights of weapons come into question. Do these constructs, these Bioforms, possess a right to exist?

And most importantly, what transpires when Rex decides to forge his path, slipping free of the metaphorical leash?

With detailed and clever worldbuilding, Adrian Tchaikovsky crafts a compelling narrative that transcends the boundaries of typical military science fiction. He masterfully explores themes of identity, autonomy, and morality through the eyes of a Bioform struggling with the concept of free will. Tchaikovsky’s skillful character development transforms Rex’s journey into a deeply moving experience.

Publishers Weekly praises this novel, noting: “Tchaikovsky pulls off an impressive feat in making Rex’s character evolution genuinely moving. Readers will be wowed.”

Dogs of War is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human—or canine—in an age where the lines between organic and synthetic life are increasingly blurred. Dive into this breathtaking, action-packed story and prepare to be captivated by Rex’s extraordinary quest for purpose and freedom.

Series: Dogs of War

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Dogs of War by Adrian Tchaikovsky is praised for its gripping exploration of bioethics and artificial intelligence, featuring deeply human characters despite their bioengineered forms. The novel tackles big themes like gods, messiahs, and alienness with intelligent and clever worldbuilding. It's described as entertaining, emotionally affecting, and thought-provoking, offering both action and profound sociopolitical commentary. Critics highlight Rex's compelling character evolution and the book's timely caution about the perils of unchecked AI and superweapons.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781800248939

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 August 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Head of Zeus -- an AdAstra Book

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 352

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About the Author

Adrian Tchaikovsky is a keen live role-player and occasional actor, fantasy author and winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award.

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