War Dogs (novel)
War Dogs is a 2014 science fiction work by Greg Bear, serving as the inaugural book in a trilogy that explores a conflict between Earth and extraterrestrial forces within the Solar System. After its follow-up, Killing Titan, the novel was re-released under the title War Dogs: Ares Rising.
Plot introduction
Approximately three decades prior to the story's timeline, alien asylum seekers known as "Gurus" arrived on Earth, offering substantial advancements in human technology and scientific knowledge. In exchange, they requested Earth's assistance against aggressive foes ("Antags") who were pursuing them and establishing a presence on Mars. The narrative follows Master Sergeant Michael Venn, a member of the international "Skyrines" (space-deployed Marines) assigned to Mars.
Plot summary
Upon completing his last deployment on Mars ("The Red"), Venn returns to Seattle, reflecting on the difficult combat insertion his unit endured. Their fleet experiences an orbital assault by Antags, leaving Venn and a handful of survivors stranded in the Martian wilderness. They manage to endure by finding scattered supplies of air and water but remain cut off from their command and unaware of enemy capabilities. A significant danger includes a comet apparently steered by Antags toward their location.
When their plight becomes critical, they are saved by Teal, a deserter from the "Muskies"—the remnants of Earth's earlier efforts to colonize Mars.
Reviews
- Critique by Russell Letson (2014) in Locus, #646 November 2014
- Evaluation by Adrienne Martini (2014) in Locus, #647 December 2014
- Analysis by Don Sakers (2015) in Analog Science Fiction and Fact, May 2015
- Commentary by Andy Sawyer (2015) in Vector 279 Spring
- Review by Colin Steele (2016) in SF Commentary, #91