About The Dog Mage:
My name, well, they call me Jack. Though I’ve been called and named other things. Kings have named me, though that has sometimes gotten me into trouble. You see, when a king names you, he wants something. Nothing is free. Anyway, I’m an orphan. Fortunately, I’m a mage. That doesn’t make up for not having parents, but it helps . . . except when it doesn’t. The problem with being a . . . child mage is that everyone wants to use you for their own ends. The guilds, for instance. Not just one guild, all of them, everyone is looking for an edge, including me. My strongest talent is music, though no one sees that. What they do see is that my music . . . renews things, makes them new.
One of the first things I renewed was a pair of full-sized wooden dogs. I renewed them so well that they came to life and became my protectors. Circumstances forced me to protect myself from those who would force me to work for them. Unfortunately, bodies were left on the floor, and I was forced to leave one city for another. I became too good at protecting myself, and the bodies kept piling up. That’s when the king and his spymaster took notice of me. They saw me as a means to an end and wanted to use me as a weapon against their enemies.
The problem was, their enemies weren’t necessarily my enemies, and I hate being forced to do things against my will. So, the bodies that piled up were of those who tried to force me into bondage. All I wanted was to be left alone, but no one seemed to understand that.
So, let the bodies fall where they may; you’ve been warned.
Source: Info in the "About The Dog Mage" was taken from amazon on 26/11/2025.
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My Thoughts:
I'm an old James Haddock fan. I'm quite familiar with this author's style. As anticipated, this book is more or less similar to his other books. Most elements are copied from previous work. Similarly, this book is a "happy read". Meaning no matter that I know that this book would be like that, this being Haddock's work, I still enjoyed it immensely. And that my friends, speaks of the story telling quality of this author!
The world building is the same beautifully woven tapestry as the trademark of Haddock!
The story, seeing that this is just a re-invention of his old works, is still beautiful.
I didn't like Cidra, though. I think Jack could have picked a better wife than a spoiled brat of a noble.
Unlike Haddock's other books, this one is clearly laid out as a stand alone. So readers are not expecting a book two that never comes.
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 4
Pace = 5
Plot = 3.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 4
Pace = 5
Plot = 3.5
The Author
About James Haddock:
My first career was as a Warrant Officer in the US Army, I am now retired with 22 years of service under my belt. Moving into the next phase of my life, I am a full-time author and RV'er. After seeing everyone else's Country during my first career, we decided to see our own. My wife and I enjoy traveling to see the wonders of America.
I love reading and watching Sci-Fi books, television shows, and movies. To think, "what if" and "why not." I am a pantser writer, I'll get an idea, or see a photo and think, "that would make a great story!". Writing as a pantser, to me, is like reading a new story. I have no idea where the story is going to end up. Writing the way gets me excited to pick up a pen; I look forward to writing each time, and can't wait to write many more.
FTC Disclosure:
The ebook and audiobook were purchased with private funds.
No money received for this review.
The ebook and audiobook were purchased with private funds.
No money received for this review.
