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.
