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City of Dogs
Sam has always wanted a dog, but Jenny is a dog like no other. She has come from another world?a parallel world of mythology, where the whims of the gods decide the course of Destiny. Jenny fled in terror after her attempt to save the life of her first beloved boy interrupted the gods? plans for a battle for control of the world. But now her escape threatens Sam?s world as well. So Jenny has to convince her motley pack of dog friends?tiny Pico, giant Gentleman Jim, slow-moving Boris, excitable Checkers, and nervous Flo?that it?s their destiny to restore the worlds to order before it?s too late. Norse mythology, a huge respect for the hearts and minds of dogs, and many dashes of humor combine to tell the tale of a grand, epic quest to save the world for humans, gods, and dogs.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 14, 2016
I loved it!
May 15, 2008
When Sam adopts a dog named Jenny, he gets more than he bargained for as Jenny is from another world and time. Jenny finds new friends in the local dog community, and together the dogs must fight their fears and unite unlikely allies to stop Ragnarök from happening.
It took me awhile to get into this book, and I love dogs. It felt a little forced, but once I surrendered to it, City of Dogs was fun.
It took me awhile to get into this book, and I love dogs. It felt a little forced, but once I surrendered to it, City of Dogs was fun.
October 30, 2014
At first, in the first few chapters after the prologue, I got the impression that the author didn't know much about dogs other than breed stereotypes and a few facts, but before I put the book down the problem was resolved when I got far enough in to learn that it was only the opinions and ideas of the various dog's owners in the book. After this I started really enjoying the story.
In the story, aside from the Poodle, Flo, which is questionable due to the fact that her owner dyed the dog's hair with hair dye that Flo ended up being allergic to, none of the dog's come from good home families except for the dog called Gentleman Jim whose life changes from good to bad during this story.
The storyline is very good although there were a few parts relating to Norse mythology that I had trouble following and understanding. I really like how each dog's story is told from that dog's viewpoint and the author seems to really understand and realistically portray situations that dog's end up in all the time, and the owners who are quick to get rid of the dog rather than try to understand them and fix the situation. The only exception here is possibly with the dog Boris whose situation is a bit bizarre.
Although not from homes where they are happy, the dog's all do their part to save the world they come from.
The ending to the boy's part in this story, of which there is one and although I haven't really mentioned him, I did like him and thought he was a perfect candidate to be the dog, Jenny's, owner, was a bit surprising and unexpected, and although I expected a happy ending for all the dog's, even how things worked out for them was just a little different than how I thought things would be.
In the story, aside from the Poodle, Flo, which is questionable due to the fact that her owner dyed the dog's hair with hair dye that Flo ended up being allergic to, none of the dog's come from good home families except for the dog called Gentleman Jim whose life changes from good to bad during this story.
The storyline is very good although there were a few parts relating to Norse mythology that I had trouble following and understanding. I really like how each dog's story is told from that dog's viewpoint and the author seems to really understand and realistically portray situations that dog's end up in all the time, and the owners who are quick to get rid of the dog rather than try to understand them and fix the situation. The only exception here is possibly with the dog Boris whose situation is a bit bizarre.
Although not from homes where they are happy, the dog's all do their part to save the world they come from.
The ending to the boy's part in this story, of which there is one and although I haven't really mentioned him, I did like him and thought he was a perfect candidate to be the dog, Jenny's, owner, was a bit surprising and unexpected, and although I expected a happy ending for all the dog's, even how things worked out for them was just a little different than how I thought things would be.
January 20, 2023
.More reviews like this one on my blog Snapdragon Alcove
Norse mythology and dogs, two of my favorite things in one book. Can this get any better?
The City of dogs start out slow and once all the dogs are interduce everything takes off. Like I say in another review, I rather have the backstories done early on then in the middle of action.
Each dog has its own personalities and act naturally like dogs. There good humor and a great story about each dog overcoming their fears.
Plus, Jenny is a Jack Russel Terror a dog I use to have. It may not mean anything but, I tear up when Sam found her.
It mentions a few times that Vikings wear helmets with horns. At the time I was mad, but people
do make mistakes or don't do more research.
The blend of Greek and Norse mythology was interesting although not well done in balancing it out. The twist with the mistletoe dart puts a new spin on the ragnarok myth.
Character 4/5
Plot 4/5
Writing 3/5- The writing lack in flow and felt dry at times.
+1 for Jenny being a Jack Russel (there awesome)
+.5 for a unique story
Total 12.5/20= 3.5*stars*
Norse mythology and dogs, two of my favorite things in one book. Can this get any better?
The City of dogs start out slow and once all the dogs are interduce everything takes off. Like I say in another review, I rather have the backstories done early on then in the middle of action.
Each dog has its own personalities and act naturally like dogs. There good humor and a great story about each dog overcoming their fears.
Plus, Jenny is a Jack Russel Terror a dog I use to have. It may not mean anything but, I tear up when Sam found her.
It mentions a few times that Vikings wear helmets with horns. At the time I was mad, but people
do make mistakes or don't do more research.
The blend of Greek and Norse mythology was interesting although not well done in balancing it out. The twist with the mistletoe dart puts a new spin on the ragnarok myth.
Character 4/5
Plot 4/5
Writing 3/5- The writing lack in flow and felt dry at times.
+1 for Jenny being a Jack Russel (there awesome)
+.5 for a unique story
Total 12.5/20= 3.5*stars*
August 19, 2008
After her attempt to save her master results in her world being thrown into turmoil, Jack Russell terrier Jenny escapes to Earth. Trouble spills over from one universe to the next and soon both Jenny's world and Earth are threatened. Enlisting the help of five neighborhood dogs, Jenny sets out to stop the legendary Cerberus and evil wolf Fenrir. Action and danger abound, but the strength of this novel lies in Michael's vivid characterizations of the dogs, each drawn with great depth and emotion: Checkers, the excitable chewer; slow but thoughtful Boris; fearful pink poodle Flo; Pico, a courageous Chihuahua; and Gentleman Jim, a lumbering giant whose body is beginning to fail him. Humor, adventure, suspense, and elements of classic mythology combine in one truly memorable fantasy for upper elementary.
April 5, 2016
Jenny, a dog from another world, is running from saving her master's life, when shee meets a boy - Sam. But she discovers that her old master must die if the 9 worlds are to be saved. So she enlists the help of her dog friends and Sam's aunts (who are from another world too) to save all 9 worlds - including earth.
It was ok. A lot of action and edge of your seat suspense. Good characters but something lacking to make it great.
It was ok. A lot of action and edge of your seat suspense. Good characters but something lacking to make it great.
August 28, 2016
In this book, Sam adopts a dog names Jenny, who is a dog unlike any other dog. Jenny fled to England from another place and you will find out where and why if you read this book! You won't regret it!
November 4, 2008
This was a really bad blend of Greek and Norse mythology.
July 22, 2010
Good. Kinda crazy, but good. :)
February 1, 2011
you have to read till chapter 3 or 4 till it gets better!
March 2, 2011
Pretty good. A little crazy and silly at times, but still a very cute and enjoyable read :)
October 26, 2011
A wonderful book which has made me think of dogs differently. Creative and surprising, though the ending could use some zing.
November 1, 2011
Pretty good story.
September 4, 2015
They are in a very very great adventure,the could turn green.......
Jenny was not just a dog,it was special..........
Jenny was not just a dog,it was special..........
October 30, 2020
This book got me into reading I've never really thought much of reading books until I came across this amazing story! It pulled me in real fast!
August 29, 2017
it was good but, it started out slow
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews