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Dog Days #3
Unleashed
Mason is an enforcer, keeping magical practitioners on the straight and narrow. His "dog" Louie, is a faithful familiar who's proven over and over that he's a practitioner?s best friend. But this time, Louie's in the line of fire when practitioners in San Francisco accidentally unleash a monster into the world.
294 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 2, 2009
9 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
John Levitt
15 books98 followersAbout the Author - from his website:
I grew up in New York City. After a stint at the University of Chicago (I didn’t graduate–I had things to do) I traveled around the country and ended up in San Francisco. Drugs and rock ‘n roll. Did some light shows for bands, learned to play guitar – the usual stuff. I forgot all about writing.
A few years later, while working at a ski lodge in Alta, Utah, I found I was getting bored. So I looked around for the most unlikely thing I could think of, and joined the Salt Lake City Police Department. I only planned to do it for a year, just for the experience. That year turned into seven.
When I left, I had enough material to fill a book. So I wrote one, a police thriller. Then another.
Dog Days was my first Urban Fantasy, followed by New Tricks and Unleashed. Play Dead is the latest in the series and the last, at least for a while.
I split my time these days between Alta, Utah, and San Francisco, and when I’m not working or writing, play guitar with my band in SF, The Procrastinistas.
The character of the dog, Lou – well, he’s sort of a dog – is based on a real dog. Big surprise there. I personally have one cat and no dogs -- but my girlfriend now has four.
I grew up in New York City. After a stint at the University of Chicago (I didn’t graduate–I had things to do) I traveled around the country and ended up in San Francisco. Drugs and rock ‘n roll. Did some light shows for bands, learned to play guitar – the usual stuff. I forgot all about writing.
A few years later, while working at a ski lodge in Alta, Utah, I found I was getting bored. So I looked around for the most unlikely thing I could think of, and joined the Salt Lake City Police Department. I only planned to do it for a year, just for the experience. That year turned into seven.
When I left, I had enough material to fill a book. So I wrote one, a police thriller. Then another.
Dog Days was my first Urban Fantasy, followed by New Tricks and Unleashed. Play Dead is the latest in the series and the last, at least for a while.
I split my time these days between Alta, Utah, and San Francisco, and when I’m not working or writing, play guitar with my band in SF, The Procrastinistas.
The character of the dog, Lou – well, he’s sort of a dog – is based on a real dog. Big surprise there. I personally have one cat and no dogs -- but my girlfriend now has four.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 16, 2015
With this latest addition to the "Dog Days" series, I am officially a fan. "Unleashed" is my favorite so far. Levitt did a great job of building suspense, creating vivid images of the paranormal, and keeping the reader guessing.
The second book in the series, "New Tricks", was fine, but did not grab me as much as the first book, "Dog Days." "Unleashed" just seems more put together as a story and is definitely more creepy. I wish I could comment in more detail, but I don't want to give anything away--however I was glad to see some characters from earlier in the series back and I am interested in seeing what Levitt does with them in future editions.
There is one issue in this novel that the author addresses, but ultimatley leaves unanswered. I suspect it will be part of the next book, and I am looking forward to seeing how it is handled. I can say I was pleased how this story ended.
If you are a fan of Butcher's "Harry Dresden" or Brigg's "Mercy Thompson" series, you will probably enjoy Levitt's stories.
The second book in the series, "New Tricks", was fine, but did not grab me as much as the first book, "Dog Days." "Unleashed" just seems more put together as a story and is definitely more creepy. I wish I could comment in more detail, but I don't want to give anything away--however I was glad to see some characters from earlier in the series back and I am interested in seeing what Levitt does with them in future editions.
There is one issue in this novel that the author addresses, but ultimatley leaves unanswered. I suspect it will be part of the next book, and I am looking forward to seeing how it is handled. I can say I was pleased how this story ended.
If you are a fan of Butcher's "Harry Dresden" or Brigg's "Mercy Thompson" series, you will probably enjoy Levitt's stories.
February 15, 2010
I swung into Unleashed, Book 3 of John Levitt's Dog Days series, pretty much on the heels of Book 2. This was a very good way to read it, given that certain events from Book 2 have immediate ramifications for Book 3; in fact, Unleashed opens with Mason and Victor having to hunt down one of those dangling plot ends.
Much of this book's plot, in fact, is dealing with ramifications of what happened in Book 2. A portal has been opened, you see--and the Ifrit Gone Wrong is not the only thing that's come through. Something else has shown up in the city, and it's able to imitate anyone. Even magical practitioners.
This time around as he's trying to fix what's gone wrong, we get to see Mason meet a pretty young psychic who is understandably shocked that there are people who can actually work magic in the world. She's even more shocked when she starts having visions with troubling suggestions indeed for what's about to happen to Mason, too. We also get a couple of new side characters we haven't seen before, and you can probably guess from that what sort of role they'll have in the plot; this was handled well enough, though, that I didn't mind the obvious pointers in their directions.
What's got the biggest possible ramifications for further books in this series, though, is the return of a character we'd thought dead as of Book 1. I won't say who to avoid spoilers, but I'm hoping that what I read as hints that this character has also gone Wrong will bear fruit.
We'll just have to see, because after two satisfying reads in this series, I'm definitely coming back for more. Four stars.
Much of this book's plot, in fact, is dealing with ramifications of what happened in Book 2. A portal has been opened, you see--and the Ifrit Gone Wrong is not the only thing that's come through. Something else has shown up in the city, and it's able to imitate anyone. Even magical practitioners.
This time around as he's trying to fix what's gone wrong, we get to see Mason meet a pretty young psychic who is understandably shocked that there are people who can actually work magic in the world. She's even more shocked when she starts having visions with troubling suggestions indeed for what's about to happen to Mason, too. We also get a couple of new side characters we haven't seen before, and you can probably guess from that what sort of role they'll have in the plot; this was handled well enough, though, that I didn't mind the obvious pointers in their directions.
What's got the biggest possible ramifications for further books in this series, though, is the return of a character we'd thought dead as of Book 1. I won't say who to avoid spoilers, but I'm hoping that what I read as hints that this character has also gone Wrong will bear fruit.
We'll just have to see, because after two satisfying reads in this series, I'm definitely coming back for more. Four stars.
July 13, 2019
Unleashed is the third and penultimate book in the Dog Days series written by John Levitt and centered on Mason, a former enforcer of magic turned jazz musician and Louie, his ifrit, which looks like a dog.
It has Mason, the guitarist, magical practitioner, and former Enforcer, and his dog-shaped Ifrit familiar Louie, is in trouble. The fake Ifrit that shady magic practitioners from the previous installment set loose is causing problems. People are getting killed and San Francisco is being teared apart. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg as the fake Ifrit, would be the least of Mason's problems.
Unleashed is written mediocrity well – better than previous installments. The pacing of the narrative is a tad slower and less intense than I expected in the typical urban fantasy, but it has improved and gotten tighter as Levitt continues to write this series. However, there is a lack of character growth – especially in the main protagonist Mason. Levitt's description of San Francisco and music – particularly guitar are well done, if a tad too descriptive at times.
All in all, Unleashed is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
It has Mason, the guitarist, magical practitioner, and former Enforcer, and his dog-shaped Ifrit familiar Louie, is in trouble. The fake Ifrit that shady magic practitioners from the previous installment set loose is causing problems. People are getting killed and San Francisco is being teared apart. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg as the fake Ifrit, would be the least of Mason's problems.
Unleashed is written mediocrity well – better than previous installments. The pacing of the narrative is a tad slower and less intense than I expected in the typical urban fantasy, but it has improved and gotten tighter as Levitt continues to write this series. However, there is a lack of character growth – especially in the main protagonist Mason. Levitt's description of San Francisco and music – particularly guitar are well done, if a tad too descriptive at times.
All in all, Unleashed is written rather well and is a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
August 25, 2025
This was a fun story, nothing heavy just a really entertaining read. The characters are solid and relatable. I couldn't put it down!
It definitely is better than the second book.
It definitely is better than the second book.
December 3, 2009
Levitt hits his stride with this book. His increasing familiarity with the characters leads to deepened characterization. San Francisco continues to be the centerpiece of the story, as much a character as any of the others. This time our heroes wander the Presidio, the redwoods at Muir Woods, and (my favorite) the Neptune Society Columbarium off of Geary. I was so absorbed in this that I got on the wrong train and almost missed the reading of my own book I was hosting that night.
December 3, 2010
This series is so much fun! It's a nice change of pace for me to read a male author with a male main character. I love how he's a little self-depracating with his weaknesses. And of course, Lou rocks! :)
August 7, 2017
I'm still enjoying this series. The story of Mason, a magic enforcer in the SF community who would rather just be a jazz musician, is still a pretty good one and I enjoy the focus around the Ifrits, which are essentially magical companions in the tradition of a familiar, which is a fantasy trope that's being handled in a different and interesting way.
Basically, who wouldn't want a "dog" like Louie?
It's not a perfect narrative, however. Mason, for all that he's a likable sort, has a pretty serious lack of motivation/ambition (to the point that even the character admits it) and it puts a certain aimlessness into the book as well. Things happen to Mason rather than him being an active person too often. There's also a little repetition to the plot going on here, where the same kind of mistake are made by Mason and his friends, which is a bit irritating.
Still pretty good stuff with definite potential. The cast has gotten fairly well established and the Ifrits are pretty nifty. There's also an interesting aspect to the magical law enforcement aspect here where it's fairly clear that there really aren't any well-defined rules and laws behind it, so the potential for abuse is pretty high.
Basically, who wouldn't want a "dog" like Louie?
It's not a perfect narrative, however. Mason, for all that he's a likable sort, has a pretty serious lack of motivation/ambition (to the point that even the character admits it) and it puts a certain aimlessness into the book as well. Things happen to Mason rather than him being an active person too often. There's also a little repetition to the plot going on here, where the same kind of mistake are made by Mason and his friends, which is a bit irritating.
Still pretty good stuff with definite potential. The cast has gotten fairly well established and the Ifrits are pretty nifty. There's also an interesting aspect to the magical law enforcement aspect here where it's fairly clear that there really aren't any well-defined rules and laws behind it, so the potential for abuse is pretty high.
July 21, 2025
A very good book
I'm glad I read it. Liked the story and I think this series would do well as a tv mini series. My only complaint is that this series doesn't come in audiobook. I don't mind reading, but I get more out of a story if I listen to it instead. The zombie was icky, but as desperate solutions go, it wasn't a bad one.
I'm glad I read it. Liked the story and I think this series would do well as a tv mini series. My only complaint is that this series doesn't come in audiobook. I don't mind reading, but I get more out of a story if I listen to it instead. The zombie was icky, but as desperate solutions go, it wasn't a bad one.
June 3, 2011
Finished reading Unleashed (2009), the third in John Levitt's Dog Days Series. (The previous titles in the series are Dog Days (2007) and New Tricks (2008)).
So far this is a fun little urban fantasy series. The stories take place in a contemporary San Francisco where magic works; a fact most citizens are blissfully unaware of. The main characters are Mason, a practitioner, part-time jazz musician and part-time monster hunter; his dog (sort of) Louie and an assortment of other magic users.
There are a lot of urban fantasy books out now, and it's hard to pick and choose between them. Charles de Lint is probably my favorite writer in the genre, and my favorite series is Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files. The lines between urban fantasy, vampire and zombie fiction aren't all that rigid. I've sampled a few other series: Rachael Meade's Succubus series, Simon R. Greene's Nightside series, Mario Acevedo's books about Felix Gomez, L.A. Banks' Vampire Huntress series and probably a few others I can't remember.
For some reason John Levitt's series pleases more than the others. The stories seem gentle somehow, although the subject matter certainly isn't. Unleashed has blood and dismembered bodies aplenty (most of the actual dismembering happens offstage), scary monsters and even a zombie. Perhaps it's just that Levitt makes me care about his characters. I want them all to survive and I want most of them to be happy.
So far this is a fun little urban fantasy series. The stories take place in a contemporary San Francisco where magic works; a fact most citizens are blissfully unaware of. The main characters are Mason, a practitioner, part-time jazz musician and part-time monster hunter; his dog (sort of) Louie and an assortment of other magic users.
There are a lot of urban fantasy books out now, and it's hard to pick and choose between them. Charles de Lint is probably my favorite writer in the genre, and my favorite series is Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files. The lines between urban fantasy, vampire and zombie fiction aren't all that rigid. I've sampled a few other series: Rachael Meade's Succubus series, Simon R. Greene's Nightside series, Mario Acevedo's books about Felix Gomez, L.A. Banks' Vampire Huntress series and probably a few others I can't remember.
For some reason John Levitt's series pleases more than the others. The stories seem gentle somehow, although the subject matter certainly isn't. Unleashed has blood and dismembered bodies aplenty (most of the actual dismembering happens offstage), scary monsters and even a zombie. Perhaps it's just that Levitt makes me care about his characters. I want them all to survive and I want most of them to be happy.
July 19, 2011
I may all it quits with the series after this book. Each one has been the exact same thing. I especially get sick of reading about how much like a dog Lou is, but don't forget he's not really a dog. And oh look at Lou not doing something like a dog, but that's okay because he's not a dog. Oh hey, in case you forgot LOU IS NOT A DOG. Lou's. Not. A. Dog. :|
Seriousl, Mr Levitt, at this point in the series I think we all understand that the thing isn't a dog. I also know that Victor is just so uber powerful and awesome. That Eli is a genius and knows the answer to everything. And that, yes, Mason has a lot of talent, but just doesn't know technical crap. Yes, I understand all of these things and don't need to be told every other chapter.
Also, stop with the old flings and black practitioners. Just stop. Please.
One last thing - for once make it a mystery what's happening or what the bad guy is. One super small detail that could be shared amongst many people/creatures shouldn't point people in the right direction every single time. Something having hair doesn't automatically mean it's a werewolf. (no, that's not what happens in this book or any of the previous ones, it's just an example to show what i mean) There are plenty of monsters (and people) that have hair. Oye.
Seriousl, Mr Levitt, at this point in the series I think we all understand that the thing isn't a dog. I also know that Victor is just so uber powerful and awesome. That Eli is a genius and knows the answer to everything. And that, yes, Mason has a lot of talent, but just doesn't know technical crap. Yes, I understand all of these things and don't need to be told every other chapter.
Also, stop with the old flings and black practitioners. Just stop. Please.
One last thing - for once make it a mystery what's happening or what the bad guy is. One super small detail that could be shared amongst many people/creatures shouldn't point people in the right direction every single time. Something having hair doesn't automatically mean it's a werewolf. (no, that's not what happens in this book or any of the previous ones, it's just an example to show what i mean) There are plenty of monsters (and people) that have hair. Oye.
April 2, 2010
This was the third book in the series and seemed to suffer from third-movie syndrome in that the author put too many bad-guys in and wound up glossing over much of the story just to have time for each.
The first baddy, despite tearing up Victor in the first chapter is quickly forgotten and its final appearance seemed to be too much of stretch. More like, "oh yeah, I forgot this thing was still running around until I re-read the first chapter."
The second baddy is one of those where we're not sure if it is a baddy or not, and ultimately, I think it was handled pretty well.
The main baddy didn't get enough screen-time to be truly evil. I wasn't sure how I felt about it, and wasn't sure how I felt about the ending because of that.
The best parts of the book are the passages where Mason and Lou just get to chill out. I could tell that John Levitt just wanted to spend time writing about what he's passionate about, music.
The first baddy, despite tearing up Victor in the first chapter is quickly forgotten and its final appearance seemed to be too much of stretch. More like, "oh yeah, I forgot this thing was still running around until I re-read the first chapter."
The second baddy is one of those where we're not sure if it is a baddy or not, and ultimately, I think it was handled pretty well.
The main baddy didn't get enough screen-time to be truly evil. I wasn't sure how I felt about it, and wasn't sure how I felt about the ending because of that.
The best parts of the book are the passages where Mason and Lou just get to chill out. I could tell that John Levitt just wanted to spend time writing about what he's passionate about, music.
July 19, 2010
I have a love for how John Levitt uses the city of San Francisco and its landmarks heavily within this series of books. It makes the city, its cultures and its landscape come alive in a wonderful way,
This book starts off with Mason and Louie dealing with some loose ends from the previous novels, and he finds out that thins are never simple, never solved by ignoring them and that everyone around him is gonna have to take risks if they want to be near him and his fellow magical world enforcers.
The plot twists are good, and effective along the way with a problem that starts small, gets bigger and gets nasty. Magic is rarely the answer around Mason, and this storyline is another case of just that until nearly the end.
Overall a decent book, but the series is getting a bit on the dark side for me, like the Dresden books, and it worries me that it will step into a level of urban horror that is just too far for my tastes.
This book starts off with Mason and Louie dealing with some loose ends from the previous novels, and he finds out that thins are never simple, never solved by ignoring them and that everyone around him is gonna have to take risks if they want to be near him and his fellow magical world enforcers.
The plot twists are good, and effective along the way with a problem that starts small, gets bigger and gets nasty. Magic is rarely the answer around Mason, and this storyline is another case of just that until nearly the end.
Overall a decent book, but the series is getting a bit on the dark side for me, like the Dresden books, and it worries me that it will step into a level of urban horror that is just too far for my tastes.
April 24, 2011
I gave up on this one after 101 pages - so about 1/3 in. The writing just wasn't good. I've never loved the musician/magician hero in this series, but this time I just couldn't take it. I've seen no development of his character in 3 books and the writing sounds like an inventory rather than an emotionally evocative story. I'm just fed up - get a decent editor, damn it! There's only so far a cute dog side-kick can take a story.
I have no idea what the real point of this book is, but in the first third, there are some bad creatures lose and Mason, Eli, and Victor thing that maybe Sherman got sucked into a different dimension rather than dying a couple books ago. Maybe they'll get her out.
I have no idea what the real point of this book is, but in the first third, there are some bad creatures lose and Mason, Eli, and Victor thing that maybe Sherman got sucked into a different dimension rather than dying a couple books ago. Maybe they'll get her out.
January 3, 2010
Mason has got trouble. The fake Ifrit that was let loose in New Tricks from the shadey practicioner is causing alot of problems. People are getting killed and torn apart in the city.
Mason goes to his street friends to get information and finds a vortex of power that had not gone away after the last magic confrontation.
Mason meets a psychic named Morgan, she does a reading for him.. prompted by her parents. She sees a danger in the woods and warns Mason. Of course Mason goes to the woods and finds what is waiting for him. He and Louie discover another menace is in town. It is much worse than they originally thought.
Mason goes to his street friends to get information and finds a vortex of power that had not gone away after the last magic confrontation.
Mason meets a psychic named Morgan, she does a reading for him.. prompted by her parents. She sees a danger in the woods and warns Mason. Of course Mason goes to the woods and finds what is waiting for him. He and Louie discover another menace is in town. It is much worse than they originally thought.
April 22, 2010
Mason’s having girl-trouble in this third book in the series that started with New Tricks. One ex-girlfriend returns from a year away in another dimension. Another ex-girlfriend lost her last boyfriend in the last book, and is leery of Mason. He meets a new girl, who seems nice, but she has her own baggage.
I prefer this one to book #2, New Tricks, because Mason and his allies don’t feel so at odds.
I prefer this one to book #2, New Tricks, because Mason and his allies don’t feel so at odds.
February 17, 2010
A good plot, a fun read, but not quite up to the standard of the first two books in the series. I had to remove a star due to mistakes made far too often by novice writers. There is a misconception that an author sends his work to a proofreader and copy-editor, who take care of his mistakes. It doesn't work that way. The proofreader and copy-editor MARk his mistakes and send it back to him for revision. Obviously, Levitt either used a lousy proofreader and copy-editor, or he skipped over revisions and ommitted much he should have corrected.
March 16, 2011
No sleep and no internet makes you read more. Not a bad thing except the no sleep. I enjoy this series to a degree. I LOVE Lou. The other characters are okay but The Dresden Files is much better. And this reminds me of that a lot.
I like the Windengo in this book. And the shapeshifter was very scary. Sherwood being back though...iffy. If it wasn't for Lou, I'm partial to Min Pins I have one myself, I don't know if I'd continue with this series or not.
I like the Windengo in this book. And the shapeshifter was very scary. Sherwood being back though...iffy. If it wasn't for Lou, I'm partial to Min Pins I have one myself, I don't know if I'd continue with this series or not.
February 11, 2011
I thought I'd give this author one more try after the disappointment of the second book. He did better this time, but I'm still left feeling like I don't really know the characters and that there is little happening that isn't a reaction to outside events set in motion by the first two books. I don't think I'll read any further since I'm missing that spark that draws me back to an author time and time again.
April 11, 2011
Another enjoyable read. It almost immediately follows the end of book 2 and continues from there. Thoroughly enjoying all the twists and turns, the interactions with the "archetypes", the tastefully done Victor and boyfriend Timothy, and of course Lou. I enjoy the magic, and the mundane weaving together, showing that one can't just survive on only one thing. The humor is infectious, and I love the musical chat throughout.
February 11, 2014
Good, solid third book in the series. This mainly deals with fallout from the previous novel, but it does so well and even manages to tie up a loose end from the first book. The mythology gets a bit deeper, and there are still questions to be answered, but this is much more of a unified series than a string of episodic adventures, and that's a strong mark in its favor.
August 10, 2014
Again, another enjoyable romp into the urban fantasy world of Mason and his Ifrit, Lou. One thing though - three books in, and I still don't feel I know very much about Victor and Eli, who remain somewhat shadowy in the background. New characters appear, we see more of them, they die...but a fun read nonetheless.
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April 21, 2010And this is the book that pushed Elantris aside. I'm enjoying the characters a lot. Hope he writes book four soon!
Finished it and really liked it. The characters are developing into "friends" and the plot twists are cool. I can't wait for the next one.
Finished it and really liked it. The characters are developing into "friends" and the plot twists are cool. I can't wait for the next one.
December 14, 2010
Not the best urban occult mystery. Certainly not as good as Jim Butcher. I will give the author credit in that he is developing. This book was better than the first.
October 31, 2011
An improvement on #2 - better monsters and better development of action. But there are still gaping holes in the logic. Like, if there's an energy pool that's spitting out monsters, how about deal with the source before you go chasing after its products?
August 26, 2016
Third in the series and a definite upgrade on the second book. Better plot and characters with a touch of John Campbell's 'The Thing' paranoia mixed in. The series is well worth a read for urban fantasy fans.
June 7, 2011
Some loose ends, suffers from "new girl friend every novel" syndrome.
December 15, 2011
Amusing enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2012
Why is it oddly similar to the The Dresden Files?
January 2, 2015
The series continues to get better with each book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews