The Dog War

by Tyler Hauth

Aldo Hale will risk everything to save his brother from the creature that dragged him into the Deep Wood—a forest cloaked in myth and fear, where a dozen villagers have vanished since the last full moon. But Aldo won’t go alone. At his side is Ishi, the last dog in the world—bred to track through tangled wilds, loyal beyond reason… and forbidden by law.

In the eyes of the Citadel, owning a dog is treason. A death sentence. Aldo suspects that’s no accident. He believes the Citadel is hiding something in the Deep Wood—something worth killing to protect. Why else execute the old heroes who dared to explore it? Why else wipe out the only creatures who could find their way through?

Now they know Aldo has a dog. Now they’re coming for him. But the Citadel’s soldiers may not be the most of his trouble... because something ancient is moving in the trees.

The Old Gods are stirring. The Deep Wood is waking. And the war for the last dog in the world has already begun.

Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2025

About the author

Tyler Hauth is a writing and literature professor who studies rhetoric, especially through the lens of fantasy. He writes fantasy and horror novels that generally include imagery that invokes a sense of dread by calling on elements of the supernatural or fantastic. Everything he writes is influenced in some small or large way by the American South. Proud believer in the importance of the eucatastrophe.

Some of his favorite authors include C.S. Lewis, Roald Dahl, Brandon Sanderson, J.K. Rowling, Haruki Murakami, Stephen King, E.A. Poe, Washington Irving, J.R.R. Tolkien, George Martin, and Jack London

Reviews

[Allie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 I WANT TO READ THE SECOND RIGHT NOW!!

this is the coolest premise for any book ive read in years. its creepy, atmospheric, gripping from page 1. i love how strong the bond between aldo and finney is - i cant say more without spoilers. "the war fought over the last dog in the world" is just so neat, and i love that we have a rural almost southern town village vibe instead of a prince or king in a huge city setting. amazing book!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 GREAT BOOK! I had the privilege of snagging an ARC copy of this, and now downloaded it for my kindle since it has officially released. I could not set this book down, I was addicted.

Set in a fantasy world similar to the layout of the Ozark mountains, The Dog War has it all.

Romance? ✅
A boy and his dog trying to save everyone they love? ✅
Creepy settings and tense atmosphere? ✅
A story of trust and relationships being tested? ✅

Aldo and Ishi have my heart forever 😭

I cannot wait for the 2nd one.

[Susan Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading earlier today. A definite page turner. It took no time at all for the setting and characters to pull me in. Love it.

[Devin Miles · Rating 2 out of 5]

reddit pushed this one on me, and the cover looks awesome, but I didn't like it. The writing was alright, but you can see the major plot points coming from a mile away. character development is also alright, but is cookie cutter. it really starts to pick up steam towards the end and then just stopped...
its one of the most abrupt ending ive ever read. im 50/50 on reading a sequel, if it ever comes out.

[David]

DNF at 67%. Really wanted to like this one, but the plot just felt meandering and I didn’t connect with any of the characters