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Warrior Dog
One pack. One dog. One enemy. One mission: protect the family.
Descended from the Drover Dogs of Rome, Keiki has quite a legacy to live up to. The Rottweiler ancestors followed men into war, helped heard animals, and protected flocks from predators. All these tasks took great skill to bear the responsibility.
In the modern world, Keiki's role remains much the same. She must protect Lei and her family. They are her pack and in need of her protection.
But what can she do when the enemy is fire? How will Keiki save her family from this raging, uncontrollable beast?
Q&A with the author
Tell us how your story links to the Lei Crime Series?
My novella is from Lei’s Rottweiler, Keiki’s, point of view. It follows her side of the story through the original Lei Crime mystery, “Fire Beach”. I bring in Blue, a blood hound featured in “Shattered Palms” who in my version of events has retired and moved into Keiki’s neighborhood. Not only did I love reading about Blue in “Shattered Palms” but that is also the name of the dog character in my Sydney Rye series, so he had to be in the story.
What major theme comes across the clearest in your story? Is this a theme found consistently in your other works?
My Sydney Rye vigilante justice series features a strong female protagonist and her canine best friend, Blue. I think it would be fair to say that dogs are a major theme in my work. Not only is Blue as important a character as Sydney (he’s saved her life countless times physically and emotionally) but there are other major dog characters. Also, revenge is a major theme. I can’t seem to stop writing about revenge. And the thing is, I’m actually a really nice person who has no violent inclinations.
Tell us a little about your main character. Why do you think readers will like her?
Keiki is a strong, stalwart, heroic dog who I LOVED spending time with. She sees the world very differently than the human characters in the book and I think that makes her fascinating. If you love dogs than you’ll probably love Keiki. She is the embodiment of the loyal best friend.
Descended from the Drover Dogs of Rome, Keiki has quite a legacy to live up to. The Rottweiler ancestors followed men into war, helped heard animals, and protected flocks from predators. All these tasks took great skill to bear the responsibility.
In the modern world, Keiki's role remains much the same. She must protect Lei and her family. They are her pack and in need of her protection.
But what can she do when the enemy is fire? How will Keiki save her family from this raging, uncontrollable beast?
Q&A with the author
Tell us how your story links to the Lei Crime Series?
My novella is from Lei’s Rottweiler, Keiki’s, point of view. It follows her side of the story through the original Lei Crime mystery, “Fire Beach”. I bring in Blue, a blood hound featured in “Shattered Palms” who in my version of events has retired and moved into Keiki’s neighborhood. Not only did I love reading about Blue in “Shattered Palms” but that is also the name of the dog character in my Sydney Rye series, so he had to be in the story.
What major theme comes across the clearest in your story? Is this a theme found consistently in your other works?
My Sydney Rye vigilante justice series features a strong female protagonist and her canine best friend, Blue. I think it would be fair to say that dogs are a major theme in my work. Not only is Blue as important a character as Sydney (he’s saved her life countless times physically and emotionally) but there are other major dog characters. Also, revenge is a major theme. I can’t seem to stop writing about revenge. And the thing is, I’m actually a really nice person who has no violent inclinations.
Tell us a little about your main character. Why do you think readers will like her?
Keiki is a strong, stalwart, heroic dog who I LOVED spending time with. She sees the world very differently than the human characters in the book and I think that makes her fascinating. If you love dogs than you’ll probably love Keiki. She is the embodiment of the loyal best friend.
- GenresAnimals
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2015
9 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Emily Kimelman
44 books943 followersI write because I love to read, but I have specific tastes...
If I was offered a job as a professional reader with no strings attached, I would take it. Getting paid to sit around and read while drinking tea all day—I'm there. Since that’s not possible, I became an author.
I write the books I want to read—stories that give me the immersive reading experiences I crave. When a series grabs me, and it's all I can think about, I'm SO happy. When my inner dialogue starts sounding like the protagonist of my current read, I think, Oh yeah, this is IT. This is what I love.
When I finish a book, and I NEED to immediately grab the next one in the series, that’s the intensity I crave. When I binge read an entire series, I want to feel like my own reality changed—as if the stories I read affected the real world just a little. After a great series I'm a little wiser, a little more grateful for my everyday existence, and a little more aware that my personal perspective is not everyone's.
Personally, I like to spend time in fictional worlds where justice is exacted with a vengeance, even though good and bad are not always black and white. Give me raw stories with a main character who occasionally makes me laugh, is flawed like we all are, and feels like a friend by the end of the first few chapters. They don’t have to be a friend I always LIKE, per se, but a part of me has to root for them.
For me, the sentence structure is important. Too much passive voice, and I'm out. I do not mind four-letter words at all though. Sex in books can go either way—fade to black or show me the details, but either way there has to be a reason it’s in the story. I'm also into heroic pets, plots that seem totally unhinged but all come together in the end with a BANG, and long series so I always have more to look forward to.
Those are the types of stories I love reading, so that’s how I write. If you’re into some or all of the above then I think we are going to get along fantastically.
If I was offered a job as a professional reader with no strings attached, I would take it. Getting paid to sit around and read while drinking tea all day—I'm there. Since that’s not possible, I became an author.
I write the books I want to read—stories that give me the immersive reading experiences I crave. When a series grabs me, and it's all I can think about, I'm SO happy. When my inner dialogue starts sounding like the protagonist of my current read, I think, Oh yeah, this is IT. This is what I love.
When I finish a book, and I NEED to immediately grab the next one in the series, that’s the intensity I crave. When I binge read an entire series, I want to feel like my own reality changed—as if the stories I read affected the real world just a little. After a great series I'm a little wiser, a little more grateful for my everyday existence, and a little more aware that my personal perspective is not everyone's.
Personally, I like to spend time in fictional worlds where justice is exacted with a vengeance, even though good and bad are not always black and white. Give me raw stories with a main character who occasionally makes me laugh, is flawed like we all are, and feels like a friend by the end of the first few chapters. They don’t have to be a friend I always LIKE, per se, but a part of me has to root for them.
For me, the sentence structure is important. Too much passive voice, and I'm out. I do not mind four-letter words at all though. Sex in books can go either way—fade to black or show me the details, but either way there has to be a reason it’s in the story. I'm also into heroic pets, plots that seem totally unhinged but all come together in the end with a BANG, and long series so I always have more to look forward to.
Those are the types of stories I love reading, so that’s how I write. If you’re into some or all of the above then I think we are going to get along fantastically.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 13, 2015
This is my favorite Emily Kimelman read so far. Now I love the Sydney Rye series but this was something special. I don't want to give away the plot and ruin a great read for others. This is about Keiki, the warrior dog and her love for her family and her need to protect them. Told from the perspective of Keiki it was very original. I have to say this one touched me. If you have ever been lucky enough to have a dog like Keiki I think you will feel the same. I do think everyone will enjoy this, there is the action and adventure we know we will get from Emily Kimelman. Definitely a must read. I only wished it was longer. Maybe we can hope for more in the future.
This review was hard for me to write. I don't want to say too much or too little. I hope I hit a happy medium. Either that, or I failed miserably.
If you have never read a book by Emily Kimelman this is a perfect book to introduce you to this great author. I don't think you will be disappointed.
I was provided an advance copy of this book by the author. This did not effect my review one way or the other. Emily Kimelman has been a favorite author since i read the first Sydney Rye novel.
This review was hard for me to write. I don't want to say too much or too little. I hope I hit a happy medium. Either that, or I failed miserably.
If you have never read a book by Emily Kimelman this is a perfect book to introduce you to this great author. I don't think you will be disappointed.
I was provided an advance copy of this book by the author. This did not effect my review one way or the other. Emily Kimelman has been a favorite author since i read the first Sydney Rye novel.
April 18, 2015
Summary: There’s an arsonist running around, and Keiki’s pack becomes a target.
Random Comments:
- Very well-written; told from an endearing perspective.
- Unique perspective – It’s a 3rd person narrator but the entire focus is on Keiki.
- Some of the dialogue is a little stiff but I think that’s purposefully done as a perspective and “dog culture” type thing.
- Spoilers if you’ve not actually read Fire Beach.
- One of the most humorous entries of the original 8 Lei Crime Series KW entries.
Conclusion: Recommended for dog lovers and people who enjoy stories told from unique perspectives. (Reminds me a little of what Ender’s Shadow did for Ender’s Game.)
Random Comments:
- Very well-written; told from an endearing perspective.
- Unique perspective – It’s a 3rd person narrator but the entire focus is on Keiki.
- Some of the dialogue is a little stiff but I think that’s purposefully done as a perspective and “dog culture” type thing.
- Spoilers if you’ve not actually read Fire Beach.
- One of the most humorous entries of the original 8 Lei Crime Series KW entries.
Conclusion: Recommended for dog lovers and people who enjoy stories told from unique perspectives. (Reminds me a little of what Ender’s Shadow did for Ender’s Game.)
April 12, 2015
***A great read from a dog's perspective***
Warrior Dog is told from the perspective of a dog, a Rottweiler named Keiki whose mission is to protect her pack. Her family includes Lei and Stevens and all who are near and dear to them. I was surprised by how the story drew me in, had me wishing beyond hope that the humans could hear Keiki. The book also has one of the funniest characters I've come across, and he is not human either! Ms. Kimelman does an amazing job with storytelling from an animal's perspective. Dog lovers will certainly enjoy it, and readers of Toby Neal's books will not want to miss this one.
Warrior Dog is told from the perspective of a dog, a Rottweiler named Keiki whose mission is to protect her pack. Her family includes Lei and Stevens and all who are near and dear to them. I was surprised by how the story drew me in, had me wishing beyond hope that the humans could hear Keiki. The book also has one of the funniest characters I've come across, and he is not human either! Ms. Kimelman does an amazing job with storytelling from an animal's perspective. Dog lovers will certainly enjoy it, and readers of Toby Neal's books will not want to miss this one.
April 19, 2018
Loved the perspective
Wow, Emily Kimelman knows what she is doing! She obviously read the Lei Crime story that this was based on. Every detail, even from Keiki's perspective was on point. I remembered the parts in the book as I read along and had actually wondered about what Keiki was feeling. She is such an integral character throughout the series. It is nice to have a book that features just her. Loved her two companions also. Well done Ms. Linesman!
Wow, Emily Kimelman knows what she is doing! She obviously read the Lei Crime story that this was based on. Every detail, even from Keiki's perspective was on point. I remembered the parts in the book as I read along and had actually wondered about what Keiki was feeling. She is such an integral character throughout the series. It is nice to have a book that features just her. Loved her two companions also. Well done Ms. Linesman!
March 8, 2019
A Sweet look into a dog's heart
Told from Keiki's point of view, Lei's beloved rottie defends her "pack" against a vengeful arsonist. A satisfyingly warm read about the love a dog has for its master and vice versa.
Told from Keiki's point of view, Lei's beloved rottie defends her "pack" against a vengeful arsonist. A satisfyingly warm read about the love a dog has for its master and vice versa.
June 19, 2017
2 stars
This book was too young & simple for adults. This book is on the level of a 10 yr old.
This book was too young & simple for adults. This book is on the level of a 10 yr old.
January 14, 2017
A story told from the point of view of a dog. Interesting, but for me personal unfortunately also boring. I have a dog myself and I'm pretty sure she wants to tell me something from time to time ....... that's fine, but reading a book about the frustration of a Rottweiler not be abl to communicate was a bit to much for me.
May 16, 2017
Deep inside of all animals there dwells an innate fear of fire; and for the Rottweiller Keiki - Detective Leilani Texiera's most loyal friend and fiercest ally - the fear of fire is no less insidious or terrifying. As a decendant of the Drover Dogs of Rome, Keiki definitely understands the enormous legacy that she must honor. In ancient Roman times, these Rottweiller ancestors followed men into war, helped herd animals, and protected the flock from predators. All these tasks required a certain bravery and great skill to accomplish; yet it was also a noble responsibility for such creatures to undertake.
In more modern times, Keiki's role remains much the same. She must protect Lei and her family from any and all predators. They are members of her pack and rely on Keiki's indomitable strength and wily intelligence for their protection. This is a responsibility that Keiki takes enormous pride in and treats very seriously.
Yet, when the enemy that you must face is also one that fills you with the most shameful fear, what is a mighty protector to do? How will Keiki save her family from such a raging, uncontrollable beast? For the sake of her pack, Keiki must rely on her own protective instincts, and the assistance of some new friends in order to do what needs to be done. Because when you're only one dog - the protector of the pack - and facing off against a particularly devious enemy, your number one priority in this mission becomes crystal clear: protect the family.
I must say that while I do have at least five books by Emily Kimelman sitting on my virtual TBR pile, this was the first book by this author that I've actually had the pleasure of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book; it was extremely fast-paced and very well-developed for its length, and I absolutely loved both Keiki's and Blue's character development. I give this book an A+!
In more modern times, Keiki's role remains much the same. She must protect Lei and her family from any and all predators. They are members of her pack and rely on Keiki's indomitable strength and wily intelligence for their protection. This is a responsibility that Keiki takes enormous pride in and treats very seriously.
Yet, when the enemy that you must face is also one that fills you with the most shameful fear, what is a mighty protector to do? How will Keiki save her family from such a raging, uncontrollable beast? For the sake of her pack, Keiki must rely on her own protective instincts, and the assistance of some new friends in order to do what needs to be done. Because when you're only one dog - the protector of the pack - and facing off against a particularly devious enemy, your number one priority in this mission becomes crystal clear: protect the family.
I must say that while I do have at least five books by Emily Kimelman sitting on my virtual TBR pile, this was the first book by this author that I've actually had the pleasure of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book; it was extremely fast-paced and very well-developed for its length, and I absolutely loved both Keiki's and Blue's character development. I give this book an A+!
September 2, 2016
Keiki is a Rottweiler owned by police officers Lei and Michael. Descended from a long line of warrior dogs, her only mission is life is to defend her masters and their infant son. The problem is, Keiki is deathly afraid of fire, so when an arsonist targets her ‘family,’ she feels unable to function. Other animals, especially, Blue, a retired police dog, come to her aid, and together, they prove that love can conquer fear.
Warrior Dog by Emily Kimelman is an interesting story in that it’s told from the animal’s point of view. Unlike most such stories that are intended mainly for youngsters, this one is definitely for adults, and the author brings Keiki, Blue and the other animals to life in a most realistic manner. There is tension and mystery as the reader follows Keiki as she comes to grips with her fears. You don’t have to be a dog lover to like this book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Warrior Dog by Emily Kimelman is an interesting story in that it’s told from the animal’s point of view. Unlike most such stories that are intended mainly for youngsters, this one is definitely for adults, and the author brings Keiki, Blue and the other animals to life in a most realistic manner. There is tension and mystery as the reader follows Keiki as she comes to grips with her fears. You don’t have to be a dog lover to like this book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
August 24, 2016
To protect and serve at any cost. I really enjoy Emily Kimelman's Sydney Rye series and the Lei Crime series by Toby Neal so when I found out that Emily would be writing a book for the Lei series, I thought, Great!. When I saw that the book was not only about the awesome Keiki but also from her point of view, I was skeptical.
A few pages in, in a scene where Keiki is describing her purpose, I knew this was going to be a good book and it is. The story is heartwarming, heart breaking and heart stopping. Ms. Kimelman's writing and her ability to capture the essence of this awesome warrior dog is spot on.
A few pages in, in a scene where Keiki is describing her purpose, I knew this was going to be a good book and it is. The story is heartwarming, heart breaking and heart stopping. Ms. Kimelman's writing and her ability to capture the essence of this awesome warrior dog is spot on.
April 28, 2015
What an interesting take on the Lei Crime Series to see the lives of Lei and Michael through the eyes of Lei's police dog, Keiki. I wasn't sure how Kimelman would tackle the dog angle, but I'm sold! I thoroughly enjoyed this and got so lost in the story, it didn't register at times that I was seeing it through the dog's eyes. At the same time I was intrigued by the unique point of view. So well done! Highly Recommend!
Note: This book takes place further into the Lei Crime Series and therefore contains spoilers if you have not read up to Fire Beach.
Note: This book takes place further into the Lei Crime Series and therefore contains spoilers if you have not read up to Fire Beach.
April 11, 2015
When I first heard about this story written from the perspective of Lei’s dog Keiki, I have to say I was skeptical of the merits of such an endeavor. It only took about three paragraphs to convince me otherwise. The story, like the dog, has tons of heart packed in it. The love Keiki has for the entire family, the frustration she feels at not being understood and her commitment to protect and defend, are perfectly drawn here. This is a great story and a perfect example of what fan fiction is all about.
December 28, 2015
Unique point of view
Really enjoyed this unique way of story telling. Keiki, Lei's trained guard dog, tells us her tale of protecting the home while a predator attacks. Fire Beach, book 8, is the original story written by Toby Neal. Warrior Dog is that exact story from Keiki's mind. It's great that she speaks to a neighboring dog and local bird. We get her feelings and thoughts about her masters and her inability to save their home.
Really enjoyed this unique way of story telling. Keiki, Lei's trained guard dog, tells us her tale of protecting the home while a predator attacks. Fire Beach, book 8, is the original story written by Toby Neal. Warrior Dog is that exact story from Keiki's mind. It's great that she speaks to a neighboring dog and local bird. We get her feelings and thoughts about her masters and her inability to save their home.
June 3, 2015
I've never before encountered a story written from an animal's perspective, in this case a Rottweiler named Keiki, and I loved it. Keiki's pack is threatened and her instinct to protect them wars with her training as she attempts to deal with the situation.
This is the first thing I've read by the author, but it won't be the last.
This is the first thing I've read by the author, but it won't be the last.
February 11, 2016
Loved the story from the point of view of Keiki (the dog).
April 6, 2017
Loved the story that I've already read,but this time from the dogs point of view. Im a dog lover & I know for sure they have their own feelings & understand that they know more than we give them credit for. Great story line from a different Pont of view
April 26, 2017
A story told from the point of view of Keiki, the dog protector of Lei and her family. It made a refreshing change to read this story. A dog whose ancestors were the warrior dogs of Rome has an overwhelming need to both protect and serve her family. But the one thing which she cannot control is fire. This outstanding story of devotion tells us how Keiki manages to overcome her own feelings of failure following a fire at her family home, and to deliver justice in her own way.
This was a compelling read, and although not a dog person myself, I could understand just how devoted such an animal could be to their masters.
This was a compelling read, and although not a dog person myself, I could understand just how devoted such an animal could be to their masters.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews