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Joe Ledger #2.5
Dog Days
Joe Ledger returns in this tale that follows the tragic conclusion of The Dragon Factory.
In the wake of a devastating personal loss, Joe Ledger and his new canine partner, Ghost, go hunting for the world's deadliest assassin.
In the wake of a devastating personal loss, Joe Ledger and his new canine partner, Ghost, go hunting for the world's deadliest assassin.
1 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 13, 2011
About the author
Jonathan Maberry
520 books7,851 followersJONATHAN MABERRY is a NYTimes bestselling author, #1 Audible bestseller, 5-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, 4-time Scribe Award winner, Inkpot Award winner, comic book writer, and producer. He is the author of more than 50 novels, 190 short stories, 16 short story collections, 30 graphic novels, 14 nonfiction books, and has edited 26 anthologies. His vampire apocalypse book series, V-WARS, was a Netflix original series starring Ian Somerhalder. His 2009-10 run as writer on the Black Panther comic formed a large chunk of the recent blockbuster film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. His bestselling YA zombie series, Rot & Ruin is in development for film at Alcon Entertainment; and John Wick director, Chad Stahelski, is developing Jonathan’s Joe Ledger Thrillers for TV. Jonathan writes in multiple genres including suspense, thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and action; and he writes for adults, teens and middle grade. His works include The Pine Deep Trilogy, The Kagen the Damned Trilogy, NecroTek, Ink, Glimpse, the Rot & Ruin series, the Dead of Night series, The Wolfman, X-Files Origins: Devil’s Advocate, The Sleepers War (with Weston Ochse), Mars One, and many others. He is the editor of high-profile anthologies including Weird Tales: 100 Years of Weird, The X-Files, Aliens: Bug Hunt, Out of Tune, Don’t Turn out the Lights: A Tribute to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Baker Street Irregulars, Nights of the Living Dead, Shadows & Verse, and others. His comics include Marvel Zombies Return, The Punisher: Naked Kills, Wolverine: Ghosts, Godzilla vs Cthulhu: Death May Die, Bad Blood and many others. Jonathan has written in many popular licensed worlds, including Hellboy, True Blood, The Wolfman, John Carter of Mars, Sherlock Holmes, C.H.U.D., Diablo IV, Deadlands, World of Warcraft, Planet of the Apes, Aliens, Predator, Karl Kolchak, and many others. He the president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, and the editor of Weird Tales Magazine. He lives in San Diego, California. Find him online at www.jonathanmaberry.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 30, 2024
Audiobook (1 hour)) narrated by Ray Porter
It's Ray Porter, so yeah, ✩ ♬ ₊.🎧⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
👻ζ͜͡𝕲𝖍𝖔𝖘𝖙 𔓎👻 ૮´˶• ᴥ •˶`ა
🐕🦺੯‧̀͡u\🐾
Joe Ledger is a cat 🐱 𝑴𝒆𝒐𝒘. ฅ(•- •マ⋆˚🐾˖° person but Ghost 🐕🦺 is here to change his mind. ·ᴥ·
I am really loving these short stories between the full sized novels, so much so that I wish that there was one for every new book. Jonathan Maberry is spoiling me and I noticed that there isn't a short story between books 3 and 4. 😩 Do you think if I got on social media and said something, he would write something real quick? And also that Ray Porter would you know, do a quick recording? 🤣😂🤣😂🤣 Yeah, yeah, I'm more likely to find a zombie in my lawn.🧟♀️෴🌻
Happy Thanksgiving!
🦃🍽🥧🏈⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🥧༄⋆⭒˚｡⋆🍂☕️🦃♡ɞ˚
Edit to add a song that I can't add to comments:
https://youtu.be/Jb9caDRp_30?si=zVYeP...
Zombies on Your Lawn Music Video by supershigi, who is an amazing creator and person that I have had the pleasure of meeting through her Twitch channel
It's Ray Porter, so yeah, ✩ ♬ ₊.🎧⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
👻ζ͜͡𝕲𝖍𝖔𝖘𝖙 𔓎👻 ૮´˶• ᴥ •˶`ა
🐕🦺੯‧̀͡u\🐾
Joe Ledger is a cat 🐱 𝑴𝒆𝒐𝒘. ฅ(•- •マ⋆˚🐾˖° person but Ghost 🐕🦺 is here to change his mind. ·ᴥ·
I am really loving these short stories between the full sized novels, so much so that I wish that there was one for every new book. Jonathan Maberry is spoiling me and I noticed that there isn't a short story between books 3 and 4. 😩 Do you think if I got on social media and said something, he would write something real quick? And also that Ray Porter would you know, do a quick recording? 🤣😂🤣😂🤣 Yeah, yeah, I'm more likely to find a zombie in my lawn.🧟♀️෴🌻
Happy Thanksgiving!
🦃🍽🥧🏈⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🥧༄⋆⭒˚｡⋆🍂☕️🦃♡ɞ˚
Edit to add a song that I can't add to comments:
https://youtu.be/Jb9caDRp_30?si=zVYeP...
Zombies on Your Lawn Music Video by supershigi, who is an amazing creator and person that I have had the pleasure of meeting through her Twitch channel
Read
August 12, 2020We get introduced to Ghost 👻🐾
June 8, 2016
A nice slice of Joe Ledger's story, which takes place between a couple of novels. If you've read about the character Ghost and wonder how that pup came to be, you need this story.
February 5, 2017
This is the story of Ghost, the most awesome agent of "the Department of Military Sciences," next to Joe Ledger that is.
September 12, 2020
Dog Days is a Joe Ledger short story taking place not long after The Dragon Factory. Joe, recovering from his injuries, has one loose end to tie up. The story introduces us to Ghost, the newest member of Echo Team. Ghost is such a good boy! This is a great, revenge fueled short story that left me grinning.
One thing to note. It appears this story is only available in audio format and is currently available in the Audible Plus catalog for members to listen for free.
One thing to note. It appears this story is only available in audio format and is currently available in the Audible Plus catalog for members to listen for free.
March 18, 2022
If you’re on the hunt for a zombie/ apocalyptic / fast paced /good writing I highly recommend this author I really enjoy his series.
May 28, 2019
If you like revenge, this one is for you. Especially that last bit.
As always, Ray Porter is stellar.
As always, Ray Porter is stellar.
July 12, 2021
Maberry is a good writer. He tells the story of action well, and the reader finds him or herself knee-deep in story. This is a great read.
August 22, 2024
Ghost... that's all you need to know.
December 29, 2024
Read 12.18.24.
Removing reading dates so as not to count this towards my yearly challenge.
Removing reading dates so as not to count this towards my yearly challenge.
January 12, 2013
Loved that there wasn’t a whole drowned out book on this. JM recognized that Joe Ledger is way too good to be stuck with an entire book of searching for Veder. Love the introduction of Ghost. Looks like he and Joe will get along nice. Though I am worried how Joe would do if Ghost wasn’t around to save the day. As for the story. I like how it started out and we get to hear from Rudy and a little bit of Mr. Church. I don’t know if it was because I was listening to the audiobook but I was able to predict the ending. I think Veder could have gotten away if he would have been a little stealthier about killing Joe, rather than making his intentions known. If I haven’t said it before, I’ll say it now. Ray Porter is a BEAST. He makes Joe seriously sound hardcore. And he does a great job with the other voices as well. My favorite voice of his is Mr. Church.
July 12, 2018
This one is a real treat!
I read it after already getting introduced to Ghost in The King of Plagues, the third book in the Joe Ledger series. And I really liked it, from beginning to end.
Ever wondered how and why Joe and Ghost came to be partners?
Then this is the right book for you.
You'll see their first hunt together. And if you read The Dragon Factory you will know who the target is. There are plenty of hilarious scenes that will make you crack, as usual, but the overall tone is very serious.
Driven by revenge, and half-mad, already psychotic Joe takes Ghost and sets to make things right. Well, nothing can really make things right, but righter will have to do.
If you liked the series so far, you will like this book, too. It's that simple.
5*
I read it after already getting introduced to Ghost in The King of Plagues, the third book in the Joe Ledger series. And I really liked it, from beginning to end.
Ever wondered how and why Joe and Ghost came to be partners?
Then this is the right book for you.
You'll see their first hunt together. And if you read The Dragon Factory you will know who the target is. There are plenty of hilarious scenes that will make you crack, as usual, but the overall tone is very serious.
Driven by revenge, and half-mad, already psychotic Joe takes Ghost and sets to make things right. Well, nothing can really make things right, but righter will have to do.
If you liked the series so far, you will like this book, too. It's that simple.
5*
March 21, 2022
Well, I’m a little upset that I read this before The Dragon Factory. It reveals a death. I am so upset.
June 28, 2023
Another fun short from Maberry. The introduction of Ghost, the amazing war dog, is a great step in the development of this series (although I'm sorry that Cobbler the cat no longer appears). Also, it makes a lot of sense for Maberry to settle the problem of revenge for Grace's death in an interlude, rather than having to bring baggage from the last novel into the next. As always, revenge is sweet and bloody and morally complicated for Ledger, which makes this more than just an exciting action story. There's depth if you want it, but it's not going to beat you over the head.
April 16, 2026
The Premise: A Short Trip to the Apocalypse
Dog Days is a standalone novella set in the gritty, high-octane world of Jonathan Maberry’s Joe Ledger series. Taking place between the events of The Dragon Factory and The King of Plagues, this story finds Joe Ledger on a rare "vacation" that—predictably—goes sideways.
While taking some downtime in a small town, Joe encounters a group of mercenaries who are far more dangerous than the local law enforcement can handle. What follows is a "Man on Fire" style survival story that proves Joe Ledger doesn't need the full resources of the DMS to be the most dangerous man in the room.
What Works: Why It’s a 4-Star Punch
The "Old School" Action: This novella feels like a throwback to classic 80s action cinema. It’s stripped-down, visceral, and focused. Without the "weird science" or global bio-terror plots of the main novels, we get to see Joe’s raw tactical skill and lethal efficiency on a smaller, more intimate scale.
Joe’s Psychological State: Maberry uses the shorter format to dive into Joe’s "modern-day samurai" mindset. Even on a break, Joe is hyper-aware and struggling with the "ghosts" of his past missions. This character consistency is what makes the Ledger series so beloved—he’s never just a cardboard cutout.
The Pacing: As with all Maberry books, the pacing is breakneck. It’s designed to be read in a single sitting, and it delivers a complete, satisfying narrative arc without any filler.
The "Dog" Factor: For fans of the series, the titular "Dog Days" (and the canine involvement in the plot) adds a layer of emotional stakes that Maberry always handles with a particular kind of rough-edged heart.
The "4-Star" Critique: Why Not a 5?
Standalone Limitations: Because it’s a novella, it doesn't have the room for the complex ensemble cast that makes the DMS novels so rich. If you’re looking for Bunny, Church, or Ghost, their presence is minimal or absent here.
A Familiar Recipe: While the action is top-tier, it doesn't necessarily break new ground for the character. It’s a solid, high-quality "side quest," but it doesn't have the world-shaking revelations of the primary entries in the series.
Final Verdict
Dog Days is a must-read for Joe Ledger completists and a fantastic "entry point" for those curious about Maberry’s style. It’s a lean, mean, action-thriller machine that reminds us why Joe Ledger is the hero we want on our side when everything goes to hell.
Dog Days is a standalone novella set in the gritty, high-octane world of Jonathan Maberry’s Joe Ledger series. Taking place between the events of The Dragon Factory and The King of Plagues, this story finds Joe Ledger on a rare "vacation" that—predictably—goes sideways.
While taking some downtime in a small town, Joe encounters a group of mercenaries who are far more dangerous than the local law enforcement can handle. What follows is a "Man on Fire" style survival story that proves Joe Ledger doesn't need the full resources of the DMS to be the most dangerous man in the room.
What Works: Why It’s a 4-Star Punch
The "Old School" Action: This novella feels like a throwback to classic 80s action cinema. It’s stripped-down, visceral, and focused. Without the "weird science" or global bio-terror plots of the main novels, we get to see Joe’s raw tactical skill and lethal efficiency on a smaller, more intimate scale.
Joe’s Psychological State: Maberry uses the shorter format to dive into Joe’s "modern-day samurai" mindset. Even on a break, Joe is hyper-aware and struggling with the "ghosts" of his past missions. This character consistency is what makes the Ledger series so beloved—he’s never just a cardboard cutout.
The Pacing: As with all Maberry books, the pacing is breakneck. It’s designed to be read in a single sitting, and it delivers a complete, satisfying narrative arc without any filler.
The "Dog" Factor: For fans of the series, the titular "Dog Days" (and the canine involvement in the plot) adds a layer of emotional stakes that Maberry always handles with a particular kind of rough-edged heart.
The "4-Star" Critique: Why Not a 5?
Standalone Limitations: Because it’s a novella, it doesn't have the room for the complex ensemble cast that makes the DMS novels so rich. If you’re looking for Bunny, Church, or Ghost, their presence is minimal or absent here.
A Familiar Recipe: While the action is top-tier, it doesn't necessarily break new ground for the character. It’s a solid, high-quality "side quest," but it doesn't have the world-shaking revelations of the primary entries in the series.
Final Verdict
Dog Days is a must-read for Joe Ledger completists and a fantastic "entry point" for those curious about Maberry’s style. It’s a lean, mean, action-thriller machine that reminds us why Joe Ledger is the hero we want on our side when everything goes to hell.
December 9, 2022
This series is one where you should read/listen to the main book that follows BEFORE listening to these middle ones. They reveal some information that I think could spoiler the following one.
I'm a huge fan of this series, but he book that follows this with Grace dead and vengeance being the only thing Joe cares about got to be repetitive. It make sense it's what drives this book too, but was still annoying to me.
Loved that we got to see how Ghost entered the series!
I'm a huge fan of this series, but he book that follows this with Grace dead and vengeance being the only thing Joe cares about got to be repetitive. It make sense it's what drives this book too, but was still annoying to me.
Loved that we got to see how Ghost entered the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2020
Ha. I like this origin of Ghost, though Joe didn't catch on as soon as I'd have liked. I wanted to yell at him for being a dumbass. :)
Also read Joe Ledger 2.2 - Changeling - 2 stars. But since it's only listed in an anthology (I listened to it alone as an audiobook) I can't mark it as read... Gonna add it later.
Also read Joe Ledger 2.2 - Changeling - 2 stars. But since it's only listed in an anthology (I listened to it alone as an audiobook) I can't mark it as read... Gonna add it later.
October 4, 2025
I LOVE THIS ONE. I love this dog. I love their interactions and their friendships. I love the line where he says something about the dog giving him a disparaging look and he wonders if it was organic or if the trainer taught him that just to piss him off. I’ve made several friends listen to this as a short intro to Joe Ledger.
November 20, 2019
This is my first Joe Ledger book as well as Jonathan Maberry - - - and it made me want MORE!! Short story - but it was totally engaging! And - true revenge but just the right amount. I will be reading more of this series!
January 30, 2023
A solid and short read that follows up on the action of “The Dragon Factory”. My hope is that I don’t go on to the next full book in the series and find this book was adapted from it. They’ve done that before.
December 17, 2023
Loved listening to Joe and Ghosts side quest to avenge Grace. The new troubled relationship relationship to the self proclaimed cat person & big personality of the big white combat dog is so great to watch grow.
August 7, 2018
Joe Is Back In The Saddle. Weeks after the Dragon Factory Joe and his new partner Ghost get pay back for DMS hero Major Babe.
January 22, 2019
Great, but save your $ just jump into the next Maberry Novel - The King of Plagues!
January 28, 2019
Ray Porter may be my favorite narrator of all time. And he is absolutely the voice of Joe Ledger. Great to get some more closure after the events of The Dragon Factory.
March 9, 2019
Excellent short story!
March 29, 2019
Quick short read, excellent intro to ghost and good closure for major grace
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2019
Short in between story, didn't love it.
June 20, 2019
Good follow up for Dragon factory and the introduction of ghost prior to Assassins Code.
December 26, 2019
Dog Days
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews