Dogged
Author: Michael R. Fletcher
Published: 2025, Independently
This novel from Toronto’s Michael R. Fletcher features one of those memorable fantasy heroes the genre is famous for. Chewbacca and Worf come somewhat to mind here, albeit in a very unusual form: Dogged Determination.
Dogged is a wardog—a race that, in my mind, is something like a slightly more refined Dungeons & Dragons gnoll, or perhaps a Wolfen from the old Rackham miniatures game line.
Wardogs are bred to fight the Emperor’s wars—wars that are clearly not as noble as Dogged believes—and are expected to be little more than living weapons.
Big, strong, and fiercely loyal, wardogs possess many admirable qualities, but unraveling mysteries isn’t usually one of them. Yet that is exactly the task Dogged is given.
Why Dogged was chosen for her investigative journey is a question she frequently asks herself, and it remains one of several mysteries left unanswered by the novel.
Dogged often struggles to understand the world around her. There are complexities beyond the life of a soldier “born to die.” Yet when the need arises, she fights valiantly.
Along the way, she also makes friends and gradually grows beyond her singular devotion to the Emperor and her expectation of an early death.
It all comes together in a story that will leave Dogged lodged firmly in my memory for a very long time. She is a surprisingly likable protagonist.
There are moments where you simply have to accept things—that’s part of fantasy, too. You shrug, move on, and enjoy the heart of the story.
As mentioned, several questions remain unanswered, which leaves me hoping a sequel is on the way, because more of Dogged would be a welcome treat.
In the end, this is a very easy book to recommend to fantasy fans. It’s simply a satisfying read.
About Author
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
Dogged
Author: Michael R. Fletcher
Published: 2025, Independently
This novel from Toronto’s Michael R. Fletcher features one of those memorable fantasy heroes the genre is famous for. Chewbacca and Worf come somewhat to mind here, albeit in a very unusual form: Dogged Determination.
Dogged is a wardog—a race that, in my mind, is something like a slightly more refined Dungeons & Dragons gnoll, or perhaps a Wolfen from the old Rackham miniatures game line.
Wardogs are bred to fight the Emperor’s wars—wars that are clearly not as noble as Dogged believes—and are expected to be little more than living weapons.
Big, strong, and fiercely loyal, wardogs possess many admirable qualities, but unraveling mysteries isn’t usually one of them. Yet that is exactly the task Dogged is given.
Why Dogged was chosen for her investigative journey is a question she frequently asks herself, and it remains one of several mysteries left unanswered by the novel.
Dogged often struggles to understand the world around her. There are complexities beyond the life of a soldier “born to die.” Yet when the need arises, she fights valiantly.
Along the way, she also makes friends and gradually grows beyond her singular devotion to the Emperor and her expectation of an early death.
It all comes together in a story that will leave Dogged lodged firmly in my memory for a very long time. She is a surprisingly likable protagonist.
There are moments where you simply have to accept things—that’s part of fantasy, too. You shrug, move on, and enjoy the heart of the story.
As mentioned, several questions remain unanswered, which leaves me hoping a sequel is on the way, because more of Dogged would be a welcome treat.
In the end, this is a very easy book to recommend to fantasy fans. It’s simply a satisfying read.
About Author
Calvin Daniels
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
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