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Daugment
What if the only way to escape your enemy was to become his dog?Leave behind the bitter rivalry with his fellow general Biaron Tristan. Retire to his private planet in peace. Never speak to another living soul again.That's General Pitney Scolan's grand plan.But when Tristan's assassination plan is exposed, Pitney has no choice but to undergo a radical he becomes a daugment, a cybernetically enhanced dog -- the former pet of Tristan himself.Now on four legs, Pit begrudgingly joins up with a crew of misfits and outcasts to escape Tristan's clutches. But instead of freedom and solitude, Pit finds an intergalactic conspiracy that becomes impossible to ignore… especially as friendships blossom with his new allies.This funny, heartfelt soft sci-fi novel will delight fans of fish-out-of-water protagonists (like John Scalzi's Redshirts, The Android's Dream, or Old Man's War), barreling around space with an ensemble cast like in "Doctor Who" or the Star Wars universe, and off-the-wall worldbuilding like Ernest Cline's Ready Player One.Don't miss this irreverent, one-of-a-kind story that will make you laugh, cry, and howl for more.
- GenresAsexual
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2017
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
August Niehaus
17 books21 followersAugust keeps trying to write serious books, but it's no use. She grew up on Star Wars, The Lion King, Redwall, and other fantastical tales of unlikely heroes, which influence what she writes today. When she was five, she typed up her first story, "The Hoppers Go on Vacation." It was love at first inkjet-printed page.
As a writer, August's brand is anchored in talking animals and other un-human characters, as they help her (and her readers) explore complex human issues without all the meatspace baggage. Her stories commonly touch on themes of hope, reluctant leadership, and found family, and occupy the space in and around the science fiction, fantasy, and other speculative genres.
After majoring in journalism and minoring in psychology at a small college in Seattle, WA, August has worked with words in the technology industry for a decade now, in addition to self-publishing three novels ("A Mutiny of Pirates: Kinfolk", "Daugment", and "Gods of Atlantis: Boiling Point") and four non-fiction titles ("Robotics for Writers", "Short Story Boot Camp", "Why Aren't You Cooking?" and "Promptly: Write Fast, Write Now!").
August lives on a small farm in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a husky dog, and a herd of goats (plus one sheep). When not writing, you'll find August in the garden, in the kitchen, in the music studio, or trying to get the animals to talk back.
As a writer, August's brand is anchored in talking animals and other un-human characters, as they help her (and her readers) explore complex human issues without all the meatspace baggage. Her stories commonly touch on themes of hope, reluctant leadership, and found family, and occupy the space in and around the science fiction, fantasy, and other speculative genres.
After majoring in journalism and minoring in psychology at a small college in Seattle, WA, August has worked with words in the technology industry for a decade now, in addition to self-publishing three novels ("A Mutiny of Pirates: Kinfolk", "Daugment", and "Gods of Atlantis: Boiling Point") and four non-fiction titles ("Robotics for Writers", "Short Story Boot Camp", "Why Aren't You Cooking?" and "Promptly: Write Fast, Write Now!").
August lives on a small farm in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a husky dog, and a herd of goats (plus one sheep). When not writing, you'll find August in the garden, in the kitchen, in the music studio, or trying to get the animals to talk back.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 3, 2017
Pit: a gruff--too smart to relate to others--general who became a dog to survive and along the way, learned to understand his own humanity.
Daugment provided a gentle touch of science. Enough to transport you to a world of the future, but requires no previous exposure to the sci-fi genre in order to enjoy.
Find yourself captured by a plot that unfolds in a natural, enticing cadence; never missing a beat.
If you attach yourself to characters you read, prepare for a few gut punches from this author. She got me good.
Daugment provided a gentle touch of science. Enough to transport you to a world of the future, but requires no previous exposure to the sci-fi genre in order to enjoy.
Find yourself captured by a plot that unfolds in a natural, enticing cadence; never missing a beat.
If you attach yourself to characters you read, prepare for a few gut punches from this author. She got me good.
February 18, 2018
A general looks forward to retiring to a planet he designed for himself. But that gets derailed when he's accused of things he didn't do. Then he turns into a dog. A robotic dog that can talk, though. He goes on a series of adventures and teams up with a guy named Fionn and another daugment named Ravenna. Along the way, he realizes he may not have been the best person ever. Maybe he can be a better dog. A fun and exciting sci-fi adventure. Read it!
August 22, 2022
Edit 2022: I was just thinking again this morning of how much I enjoyed the world-building of this book. The idea of it could easily have been a one-trick premise, but August created a universe where there was both drama and shenanigans to be had with the idea of inhabiting a dog. I could imagine revisiting these characters happily in other adventures.
2017: Not to brag, but my friend wrote this, and I am beyond impressed that I have a friend who can write whole novels that have clever premises and funny bits.
2017: Not to brag, but my friend wrote this, and I am beyond impressed that I have a friend who can write whole novels that have clever premises and funny bits.
March 18, 2017
Intriguing premise, interesting characters, believable worlds and beautiful writing. I was caught up in the story in the first few pages and interest never waned. There was just enough info provided and just enough left out to keep it compelling all the way through to the satisfying end.
Daugment was a fun read.
Daugment was a fun read.
March 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this quirky sci-fi novel. Great characters, and a fun, action-filled plot propel you along on a wild ride; the ending is satisfying but leaves room for more in the future...sequel? I'd definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a fun read of any sort- it's not only for sci-fi fans. Two paws up?
April 19, 2023
Daugment is an intriguing and fun sci-fi novel with great characters, a satisfying ending, and an action-filled plot that keeps you engaged from beginning to end. It's a must-read for anyone looking for a fun and enjoyable book, not just for sci-fi fans.
A passage from the opening: “Pitney Scolan, HAG general, Human Authority Government. One more ceremony. One more day. Then he could take his well-earned retirement bonus from the Human Authority Government (a good three years’ spending money, at least) and finally, finally, set foot on his personal planet, Prowess. With its self-sustaining terraforming systems, Prowess would take care of herself, and he could live there alone, forever free of judgment and stupidity.”
While it seems simple, his plans are disrupted when he becomes a target and has to run for his life, relying on others for help, which is not his strong suit.
The book is a humorous and exciting science fiction story with elements of space opera, action, and adventure. The talking dogs that are part man and part cyber robots are just one example of the imaginative world-building in the book.
The narrative boasts a remarkable fusion of personas and beings that demonstrate lovable, terrifying, persistent, and unforgettable qualities. It's evident that both humans and canines play an integral role in keeping the world turning.
August Niehaus takes the reader on an adventure not soon to be forgotten. Grab your copy of Daugment today and enjoy the escape from everyday life on Earth.
4.5 rounded to 5.0
I received a digital copy of the book from the author or publisher to review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
A passage from the opening: “Pitney Scolan, HAG general, Human Authority Government. One more ceremony. One more day. Then he could take his well-earned retirement bonus from the Human Authority Government (a good three years’ spending money, at least) and finally, finally, set foot on his personal planet, Prowess. With its self-sustaining terraforming systems, Prowess would take care of herself, and he could live there alone, forever free of judgment and stupidity.”
While it seems simple, his plans are disrupted when he becomes a target and has to run for his life, relying on others for help, which is not his strong suit.
The book is a humorous and exciting science fiction story with elements of space opera, action, and adventure. The talking dogs that are part man and part cyber robots are just one example of the imaginative world-building in the book.
The narrative boasts a remarkable fusion of personas and beings that demonstrate lovable, terrifying, persistent, and unforgettable qualities. It's evident that both humans and canines play an integral role in keeping the world turning.
August Niehaus takes the reader on an adventure not soon to be forgotten. Grab your copy of Daugment today and enjoy the escape from everyday life on Earth.
4.5 rounded to 5.0
I received a digital copy of the book from the author or publisher to review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
October 25, 2025
Beyond Imagination . . .
You will find that this is a very unique story, totally unexpected by this reader. Our hero is General Pitney Scolan ("Pit") , who among other things had saved the human race from aliens. After a long successful career, he is now ready to begin retirement, but as he walks up to accept what he expects to be a medal, he instead is arrested based on a large number of trumped up twisted charges, and the one most important to Tristan was that Pit had kicked Tristan's dog! Pit was given 47 years as punishment! But his method of getting out of his situation, aware that he is in a position of isolation to be assassinated by his enemy, General Biaron Tristan, is absolutely unique. Jace had a possible solution for him, but it was his choice and was irreversible. He chose to take over the body of Tristan’s beloved pet and become a daugment, a cybernetic enhanced dog. But what will he do when he finds out Tristan's ultimate plot is far worse than anyone imagined and this is something he absolutely can't ignore?
You will find that this is a very unique story, totally unexpected by this reader. Our hero is General Pitney Scolan ("Pit") , who among other things had saved the human race from aliens. After a long successful career, he is now ready to begin retirement, but as he walks up to accept what he expects to be a medal, he instead is arrested based on a large number of trumped up twisted charges, and the one most important to Tristan was that Pit had kicked Tristan's dog! Pit was given 47 years as punishment! But his method of getting out of his situation, aware that he is in a position of isolation to be assassinated by his enemy, General Biaron Tristan, is absolutely unique. Jace had a possible solution for him, but it was his choice and was irreversible. He chose to take over the body of Tristan’s beloved pet and become a daugment, a cybernetic enhanced dog. But what will he do when he finds out Tristan's ultimate plot is far worse than anyone imagined and this is something he absolutely can't ignore?
July 30, 2023
“Daugment” introduces Pitney ‘Pit’ Scolan, a decorated general who saved the human race from an alien race. He bought a planet a the age of 9 and he’s finally made it to retirement. But at his retirement ceremony, things go exceptionally wrong and he’s arrested on trumped up charges.
Overall, I enjoyed this unique tale. I found the whole concept of this story to be a little different and interesting. The possibility of getting your mind transplanted into another creature or robot or android or…really anything, is kind of terrifying to me and I thought the author did well in showing this side as well as other perspectives about the possibility. I also enjoyed seeing how Pit found different things his daugment body could and couldn’t do slowly as the story enfolded. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this unique tale. I found the whole concept of this story to be a little different and interesting. The possibility of getting your mind transplanted into another creature or robot or android or…really anything, is kind of terrifying to me and I thought the author did well in showing this side as well as other perspectives about the possibility. I also enjoyed seeing how Pit found different things his daugment body could and couldn’t do slowly as the story enfolded. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
June 30, 2023
‘Daugment’ is a space marine science fiction story. It begins with Pitney Scolan being accused of a crime in the military penal code and put into prison. To escape the assassination, his only way out is to take over the body of Tristan’s loyal pet companion, a cybernetically enhanced dog. Besides the novel’s unique content and approach, I found the book to be unique in its descriptive writing and world-building. Filled with science fiction elements and foundations that keep you intrigued, the story bends so many dynamic situations and scenes.
I wasn’t a big fan of the cover design of the book, but it did reflect the content inside, and its somewhat witty built-up was well thought out.
The rich written writing takes a very absurd and unordinary situation and makes it full of adventure and fun. I recommend this book to sci-fi fans and those who like space dog adventure.
I wasn’t a big fan of the cover design of the book, but it did reflect the content inside, and its somewhat witty built-up was well thought out.
The rich written writing takes a very absurd and unordinary situation and makes it full of adventure and fun. I recommend this book to sci-fi fans and those who like space dog adventure.
October 25, 2025
Dogs in spaaaccee!!
Daugment was made up of a bit of Firefly, A bit of Star Wars, and a lot of cyberpunk stirred together and baked into a great space opera! I especially liked the worlds building without info dumps. It reminded me of the K9 Corps book series by Kenneth Von Gundun that I read back in the 90s. I look forward to reading some of the other books in August's Daugment universe!
Huzzah,
Jacob.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Daugment was made up of a bit of Firefly, A bit of Star Wars, and a lot of cyberpunk stirred together and baked into a great space opera! I especially liked the worlds building without info dumps. It reminded me of the K9 Corps book series by Kenneth Von Gundun that I read back in the 90s. I look forward to reading some of the other books in August's Daugment universe!
Huzzah,
Jacob.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2025
August Niehaus wrote this perfectly and enjoyed the scifi element to this book. The overall concept was what I wanted and was engaged with the talking dogs element and enjoyed this as a space opera. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and thought it was a overall great plot for them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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December 27, 2023First book aaaaaa
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews