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The Dogs of War
“Look kid, it's like this. The Iron City's one of your one-way streets. Only one direction this thing goes, and that's down. If you get lucky—real lucky—and that street goes two ways for even a split second, you go. You don't stop, you don't think, you don't hesitate. You run for it.”
Industry, glory, and the Games are the coinage of the Empire, but here in the Iron City, there is no glory. Factories run on despair, office doors hide criminal corruption, and the Iron City Wolves have no chance at victory in the glittering world beyond—until the day they do.
When Jackson Van of the Golden City Toros finds himself exiled to the Iron City in disgrace, he resolves not to go down without a fight. After meeting down-and-out captain Atlas Bolton, once the toast of the Black Town Stags, Van joins him in lighting a fire in the hearts of the Wolves, who are now determined—despite brutal odds—to put the Iron City back on the map.
Industry, glory, and the Games are the coinage of the Empire, but here in the Iron City, there is no glory. Factories run on despair, office doors hide criminal corruption, and the Iron City Wolves have no chance at victory in the glittering world beyond—until the day they do.
When Jackson Van of the Golden City Toros finds himself exiled to the Iron City in disgrace, he resolves not to go down without a fight. After meeting down-and-out captain Atlas Bolton, once the toast of the Black Town Stags, Van joins him in lighting a fire in the hearts of the Wolves, who are now determined—despite brutal odds—to put the Iron City back on the map.
- GenresNew Adult
362 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2025
3 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Emily Hayse
13 books148 followersEMILY HAYSE is a lover of log cabins, strong coffee, NASCAR, and the smell of old books. Her writing is fueled by good characters and a lifelong passion for storytelling. When she is not busy turning words into worlds, she can often be found baking, singing, or caring for one of the many dogs and horses in her life. A native of Michigan, she currently resides in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 9, 2025
You know those stories that changed your life when you were a kid? Maybe the cult favorite animated movie, or the book you picked up off the library shelf and promptly made your entire personality? Remember how you were swept away by the characters, the world, and how you came out a bit dazed and feeling EVERY EMOTION UNDER THE SUN? Remember how that story shaped your determination to do things, believe things, and see the world in new ways?
That's this book. That's this story.
Now don't get me wrong, this is the type of book where hope is clutched in a bloodied fist. It's fast paced, as much as the Games themselves, and things happen one right after another all the way to the end. The world is harsh, and the blows associated with that reality fall without any letup. It isn't your typical sports story, in that the world-at-large doesn't universally recognize the comeback that this group of men experience... but it doesn't have to. For some (for ME), the fact that the Iron Wolves keep getting up and fighting for each other is enough.
And they do. From the steadfast resolve to never back down even when an easier 'out' is offered, to throwing in one's lot with what looks like the absolute worst bet, to the quiet nods of respect once it's been hard-earned, these characters fight not just for their derelict city, but for each other. It's that strength, even when facing repeated defeat, that has me choking up as I'm writing this review.
Perhaps some will point out that this isn't the most analytical way to present my thoughts on a book. Where's the discussion of plot, or pacing, or writing style? But hey, my favorite stories aren't my favorites for any of those reasons. (Though I'd hold this book up to any other with a sharp-edged smile.) I read for the same reason I did as a kid - because I lose heart quickly when faced with this terrible, beautiful world, and stories put the fight back in my soul. This one did that. I can't wait to see what happens next.
That's this book. That's this story.
Now don't get me wrong, this is the type of book where hope is clutched in a bloodied fist. It's fast paced, as much as the Games themselves, and things happen one right after another all the way to the end. The world is harsh, and the blows associated with that reality fall without any letup. It isn't your typical sports story, in that the world-at-large doesn't universally recognize the comeback that this group of men experience... but it doesn't have to. For some (for ME), the fact that the Iron Wolves keep getting up and fighting for each other is enough.
And they do. From the steadfast resolve to never back down even when an easier 'out' is offered, to throwing in one's lot with what looks like the absolute worst bet, to the quiet nods of respect once it's been hard-earned, these characters fight not just for their derelict city, but for each other. It's that strength, even when facing repeated defeat, that has me choking up as I'm writing this review.
Perhaps some will point out that this isn't the most analytical way to present my thoughts on a book. Where's the discussion of plot, or pacing, or writing style? But hey, my favorite stories aren't my favorites for any of those reasons. (Though I'd hold this book up to any other with a sharp-edged smile.) I read for the same reason I did as a kid - because I lose heart quickly when faced with this terrible, beautiful world, and stories put the fight back in my soul. This one did that. I can't wait to see what happens next.
October 13, 2025
Firstly, I will ALWAYS read an Emily Hayse book. Full stop. She’s a fabulous writer and I adore her as a human, so whether I’ll read her books isn’t even a question at this point.
Second, I UNDERSTOOD THE SPORTS 😂 (sort of, lol). I mean, it’s kind of capture the flag, but Gladiator-style fighting? Fun-sounding but more than a little brutal. 😅
I love all the boys (except for one for REASONS—MAJOR side eye at that guy) and I can’t wait to see where the story goes in book two! I need to know SO MANY THINGS. Is the fandom called the Wolf Pack for the Iron City Wolves?? Because I WANNA JOIN THE WOLF PACK. 💙
Thank you Emily for the eARC!
Everyone needs to read ALL HER BOOKS.
(A review was not required and the screaming is allll me lol)
Second, I UNDERSTOOD THE SPORTS 😂 (sort of, lol). I mean, it’s kind of capture the flag, but Gladiator-style fighting? Fun-sounding but more than a little brutal. 😅
I love all the boys (except for one for REASONS—MAJOR side eye at that guy) and I can’t wait to see where the story goes in book two! I need to know SO MANY THINGS. Is the fandom called the Wolf Pack for the Iron City Wolves?? Because I WANNA JOIN THE WOLF PACK. 💙
Thank you Emily for the eARC!
Everyone needs to read ALL HER BOOKS.
(A review was not required and the screaming is allll me lol)
October 21, 2025
I understand nothing about sports, but I was immediately comfortable in this world. It’s vibrant, and rough, and deep, with the vibes of gladiators x capture the flag x football in Roman Empire-esque industrial 1930s. Such a real setting, with characters who are just as real, and incredibly lovable (or hateable, depending 😉). And they’re worth rooting for, and crying over. And I did, believe me!
To rise and fall by the will of fate and the fickle Games—what a way to have to live! 💔
There was so much to love about this story, which might have just become my second favorite Hayse novel…
The rallying pre-game speeches, the poetic melancholy, the fight of determination and hope against all odds. A story of underdogs, loyalty, and brotherhood. Hope.
Atlas. He’s the kind of man men would die for, and he for them. The best kind of leader and protector.
Remus following him, fighting for him, and making the fight his own.
Phillip collecting children.
And Peter. Peter is a mountain—unshakable, loyal, and brave. I love him.
All these boys, really. Already heartbroken for some of them, and I sense heartbreak in many futures. Prosper the Games! Onward to the next book…
To rise and fall by the will of fate and the fickle Games—what a way to have to live! 💔
There was so much to love about this story, which might have just become my second favorite Hayse novel…
The rallying pre-game speeches, the poetic melancholy, the fight of determination and hope against all odds. A story of underdogs, loyalty, and brotherhood. Hope.
Atlas. He’s the kind of man men would die for, and he for them. The best kind of leader and protector.
Remus following him, fighting for him, and making the fight his own.
Phillip collecting children.
And Peter. Peter is a mountain—unshakable, loyal, and brave. I love him.
All these boys, really. Already heartbroken for some of them, and I sense heartbreak in many futures. Prosper the Games! Onward to the next book…
January 6, 2026
I can best describe this book as Gladiator meets Miracle. While I didn't connect with this one as much as I have Hayse' other novels, I still enjoyed it. It's a wonderful story of brotherhood and sportsmanship and underdogs, and I think people who are into sports would get far more out of it than I did. But I still enjoyed it nonetheless, and several moments had me tearing up. I look forward to more!
December 31, 2025
Welp that was interesting 🧐
I’ve been wanting to read this for a while. After all, brother dynamics are ALWAYS fun to read and I’m always here for found family dynamics. And thankfully, in the end, I did like it enough to bump it up to four stars.
However… should you have been following my frustrated updates… you will probably see that my expectations weren’t fully met. It’s a very cool world, but it’s a rough beginning in the book. With the switching POVs and vagueness of certain details, I’d get a picture in my head, have it ripped out by something else, and have to start all over again. It took me until 40% to really start liking the characters. Mainly, I think this is because I’m used to YA and assumed the characters were teenagers before I realized “oh wait no these guys are adults”. I’m also not used to stories that have… how many, seven POVs? Honestly the switching POVs was the biggest problem with the book, because I felt like I couldn’t really root myself into the story. If you’ve ever wanted to read a book where you were like “hey I wonder what these other characters are thinking?” you’d definitely like this. It’s not a BAD thing, per se, but it was really frustrating for me, because I wanted to settle in and root for the characters, and instead I was confused trying to remember who was who.
Around 40% things got more streamlined, the character voices settled, and I started to enjoy the book more. Things were a little shaky around 80% again but it was decent enough to be a solid four stars.
I think if you like sports movies that focus mostly on the games and snippets of action and pregame hype moments rather than one solid plot or character arcs, you’d like this. And PLEASE go into it with the idea that it’s in the 1930s sorta in your head because that makes things so much easier to understand later on😅 (i was SO confused why these rough and tumble guys were speaking so fancily).
As for me… well, it was a decent read! Clean, no language, no sex, which is pretty great. But I’m not a sports girl, at least not with some other good character arc padding, so it fell a little short for me.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Mildly descriptive injuries. A very clean book
I’ve been wanting to read this for a while. After all, brother dynamics are ALWAYS fun to read and I’m always here for found family dynamics. And thankfully, in the end, I did like it enough to bump it up to four stars.
However… should you have been following my frustrated updates… you will probably see that my expectations weren’t fully met. It’s a very cool world, but it’s a rough beginning in the book. With the switching POVs and vagueness of certain details, I’d get a picture in my head, have it ripped out by something else, and have to start all over again. It took me until 40% to really start liking the characters. Mainly, I think this is because I’m used to YA and assumed the characters were teenagers before I realized “oh wait no these guys are adults”. I’m also not used to stories that have… how many, seven POVs? Honestly the switching POVs was the biggest problem with the book, because I felt like I couldn’t really root myself into the story. If you’ve ever wanted to read a book where you were like “hey I wonder what these other characters are thinking?” you’d definitely like this. It’s not a BAD thing, per se, but it was really frustrating for me, because I wanted to settle in and root for the characters, and instead I was confused trying to remember who was who.
Around 40% things got more streamlined, the character voices settled, and I started to enjoy the book more. Things were a little shaky around 80% again but it was decent enough to be a solid four stars.
I think if you like sports movies that focus mostly on the games and snippets of action and pregame hype moments rather than one solid plot or character arcs, you’d like this. And PLEASE go into it with the idea that it’s in the 1930s sorta in your head because that makes things so much easier to understand later on😅 (i was SO confused why these rough and tumble guys were speaking so fancily).
As for me… well, it was a decent read! Clean, no language, no sex, which is pretty great. But I’m not a sports girl, at least not with some other good character arc padding, so it fell a little short for me.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Mildly descriptive injuries. A very clean book
November 14, 2025
Cinematic. Underdog heroes. Courageous.
I know little to nothing about sports, but this book has nearly made me want to get into watching them. Also, I LOVE capture the flag.
Part way through, I realized I was getting vibes similar to the Outsiders and a clean, more hopeful version of Red Rising. They may not be accurate comps, but something about the themes, the sacrifice, the strategy, and the getting up again after getting beat down, remdinded me of them.
I was in the book zone, hooked from the first pages all the way until the end and that is rare for me.
I love, LOVE, characters that try so very hard to do the right thing. It's inspiring and makes me cheer for them even more.
I'm scared and excited for the books to follow, but satisfied with this one.
Now to go put the Dogs of War sticker I got on my laptop. :D
I know little to nothing about sports, but this book has nearly made me want to get into watching them. Also, I LOVE capture the flag.
Part way through, I realized I was getting vibes similar to the Outsiders and a clean, more hopeful version of Red Rising. They may not be accurate comps, but something about the themes, the sacrifice, the strategy, and the getting up again after getting beat down, remdinded me of them.
I was in the book zone, hooked from the first pages all the way until the end and that is rare for me.
I love, LOVE, characters that try so very hard to do the right thing. It's inspiring and makes me cheer for them even more.
I'm scared and excited for the books to follow, but satisfied with this one.
Now to go put the Dogs of War sticker I got on my laptop. :D
November 26, 2025
Never until now have I become emotional over a description of an athlete applying war paint.
October 15, 2025
Wow. WOW. This book grabbed me by the collar and did not let me go until it dropped me breathless at the very last page. It was like--classic underdog sports story, but with the stakes dialed up to ten and the obstacles dialed up to eleven. (Side note--I much appreciated that even though the Games were tough and physical, the point was not to literally kill the other team. It made a lot more sense for a system that people would root for and want to participate in.) My practice with reading sports stories in which I don't understand the plays at all helped quite a bit, since it took most of the book for me to start getting a feel for the different positions and what they meant, but the stakes were so real, and they meant so much to the characters that I was fascinated and rooting for them hard, even if I couldn't picture what was going on at any given moment. I ended up with an impression of sort of a mix of professional football and capture the flag with hand-to-hand combat and shocking devices mixed in? That's probably a ridiculous way to explain it, but still pretty cool.
All of the characters were wonderful, and the shifting perspective gave such a great big picture view. I adored Atlas (who wouldn't?) and loved just about every member of the team, but I fell especially hard for Remus and Jackson. The scene in the rain had me about to cry, and it was just starting! Anyone who bemoans the loss of solid male friendships in modern books, read this story. So many examples!
I have one regret with reading this on release day, and that is that I will be waiting in agony for *all* the possible time until the next one comes. That is all...
All of the characters were wonderful, and the shifting perspective gave such a great big picture view. I adored Atlas (who wouldn't?) and loved just about every member of the team, but I fell especially hard for Remus and Jackson. The scene in the rain had me about to cry, and it was just starting! Anyone who bemoans the loss of solid male friendships in modern books, read this story. So many examples!
I have one regret with reading this on release day, and that is that I will be waiting in agony for *all* the possible time until the next one comes. That is all...
November 10, 2025
Did I expect this to be an inspirational sports movie in sci-fi book form? No. Did I LOVE it? OBVIOUSLY yes!!!!!!!! Atlas was such a good leader and I love him. And Jackson. JACKSON. UGH I LOVE THAT BOY. Honestly, I love them all, even the ones I didn't expect to!! They're such a good team, and they love each other so much (Apa had me almost crying once, not gonna lie). Fabulous book, I would totally recommend it!!!
December 18, 2025
THIS WAS REALLY REALLY GOOD
Man what a book. It's like if Tron was an inspirational sports movie but it's a book. I could just flail and say words for a solid paragraph but instead I'll try to be organized
The world building. Hello??? Absolutely FANTASTIC. It felt so immersive, so real and gritty (to risk using a term that's always used) that I was over halfway through before I thought "hang on is this a secondary world or ours?" The Games and how important they were is SO well done, and the rules were COOL
Obviously, I was absolutely insane over the brotherhood in this. Hence why Peter Hope was one of my favorite characters. What a guy—he just cares so MUCH. And I love Phillip with his crankiness that hides a good heart and sweet quiet Eddie, and Remus and Lucius had a top tier dynamic. And of course I loved Atlas and Jackson. How could you not? When Jackson really could have been AWFUL about his fall from grace but instead he put his whole heart into that team
I can honestly say I've never read a book quite like this, but I would happily read about four more. Highly HIGHLY recommend, and I can't wait to read more from this author!!
Man what a book. It's like if Tron was an inspirational sports movie but it's a book. I could just flail and say words for a solid paragraph but instead I'll try to be organized
The world building. Hello??? Absolutely FANTASTIC. It felt so immersive, so real and gritty (to risk using a term that's always used) that I was over halfway through before I thought "hang on is this a secondary world or ours?" The Games and how important they were is SO well done, and the rules were COOL
Obviously, I was absolutely insane over the brotherhood in this. Hence why Peter Hope was one of my favorite characters. What a guy—he just cares so MUCH. And I love Phillip with his crankiness that hides a good heart and sweet quiet Eddie, and Remus and Lucius had a top tier dynamic. And of course I loved Atlas and Jackson. How could you not? When Jackson really could have been AWFUL about his fall from grace but instead he put his whole heart into that team
I can honestly say I've never read a book quite like this, but I would happily read about four more. Highly HIGHLY recommend, and I can't wait to read more from this author!!
December 31, 2025
The Dogs of War has my favorite kinds of heroes: good men that choose to do the right thing, even if it's costly. If you like underdog sports stories, you'll love this book. I definitely went back and reread some of my favorite scenes near the end—multiple times.
The only thing is that I couldn't really grasp how the Games worked until the end of the book...but I didn't grow up watching sports, so that might be why. :)
The only thing is that I couldn't really grasp how the Games worked until the end of the book...but I didn't grow up watching sports, so that might be why. :)
October 18, 2025
Emily Hayse does it again in this inspiring tale of underdogs, honor, and brotherhood. Fans of movies like Remember the Titans or Invictus will especially enjoy this one. Prepare to fall in love with and cheer for the Iron City Wolves.
Cautions: non-graphic moderate violence
(I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
Cautions: non-graphic moderate violence
(I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
January 2, 2026
Emily Hayse’s The Dogs of War is a shot of pure adrenaline to the heart of the sports fantasy genre. From its opening lines a street-smart warning that crackles with desperation and hope this novel grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. It’s a story where the playing field is stained with factory grime and the only currency is grit, set against the intoxicating, corrupt glitter of a ruthless empire.
The world-building is immediate and visceral. The Iron City is a character in itself: a place of “one-way streets,” where factories run on despair and hope is a dangerous luxury. Contrast this with the “glittering world” of the Empire and its brutal, glorious War Games, and you have the perfect stage for an explosive class struggle. Hayse masterfully depicts an empire where industry, glory, and sport are inextricably linked, revealing the brutal machinery that crushes the dreams of the many for the entertainment of the few.
At the center of this maelstrom are two perfectly drawn, complementary protagonists. Jackson Van, exiled from the golden-boy life of the Toros, is a flame of defiant pride. Atlas Bolton, the fallen captain of the Stags, is the ember of forgotten glory. Their reluctant alliance is the spark that sets this entire narrative ablaze. Watching them try to “light a fire in the hearts” of the defeated Iron City Wolves is nothing short of inspiring. This isn’t just about winning games; it’s about reclaiming dignity, identity, and a future for an entire city written off by the Empire.
Hayse’s prose is sharp, evocative, and paced like a perfect play. The dialogue snaps, the action on and off the field is visceral, and the emotional stakes feel profoundly real. The Dogs of War delivers everything you want: relentless momentum, a cast of underdogs to champion, and a system you’ll love to see challenged.
This first book in The War Games series is a spectacular opening play. It’s a triumphant anthem for anyone who’s ever been counted out, a gripping fantasy for lovers of intricate worlds, and a sports story with soul-deep stakes. Emily Hayse has crafted a world as compelling as it is brutal, and I am already desperate for the next game. An absolute 5-star knockout.
The world-building is immediate and visceral. The Iron City is a character in itself: a place of “one-way streets,” where factories run on despair and hope is a dangerous luxury. Contrast this with the “glittering world” of the Empire and its brutal, glorious War Games, and you have the perfect stage for an explosive class struggle. Hayse masterfully depicts an empire where industry, glory, and sport are inextricably linked, revealing the brutal machinery that crushes the dreams of the many for the entertainment of the few.
At the center of this maelstrom are two perfectly drawn, complementary protagonists. Jackson Van, exiled from the golden-boy life of the Toros, is a flame of defiant pride. Atlas Bolton, the fallen captain of the Stags, is the ember of forgotten glory. Their reluctant alliance is the spark that sets this entire narrative ablaze. Watching them try to “light a fire in the hearts” of the defeated Iron City Wolves is nothing short of inspiring. This isn’t just about winning games; it’s about reclaiming dignity, identity, and a future for an entire city written off by the Empire.
Hayse’s prose is sharp, evocative, and paced like a perfect play. The dialogue snaps, the action on and off the field is visceral, and the emotional stakes feel profoundly real. The Dogs of War delivers everything you want: relentless momentum, a cast of underdogs to champion, and a system you’ll love to see challenged.
This first book in The War Games series is a spectacular opening play. It’s a triumphant anthem for anyone who’s ever been counted out, a gripping fantasy for lovers of intricate worlds, and a sports story with soul-deep stakes. Emily Hayse has crafted a world as compelling as it is brutal, and I am already desperate for the next game. An absolute 5-star knockout.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews