DOG SOLDIERS

by Robert Stone
DOG SOLDIERS cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Thriller/Suspense
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Technical
  • ID: 8134
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-20
  • ISBN: 9780395860250
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 1997-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

John Converse, a small-time journalist, sees an opportunity to profit from the chaos of the Vietnam War's end by getting involved in a major drug deal. However, his plans take a dark turn when he returns to the U.S. and finds himself hunted by a ruthless government agent. The stakes are high, and Converse must navigate a web of deceit and danger to survive. This gripping thriller explores themes of corruption, survival, and the dark side of human nature. With its fast-paced action and intricate plot twists, 'Dog Soldiers' keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Reviews
The StoryGraph · 2025-12-20
good 3.00

The book is described as too nihilistic and filled with drugs and violence. Despite this, the writing is praised for its quality.

The reviewer finds the book to be too nihilistic and filled with drugs and violence, which they found off-putting. However, they appreciate the quality of the writing and the way the author brings the characters to life. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes are well-explored, adding depth to the story. The overall impression is one of a book that is well-written but may not be to everyone's taste due to its dark themes and content. The reviewer also mentions that the book's characters are well-developed, making it a compelling read despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    Too nihilistic for my taste, all drugs and violence, but it's very well written.

    One character is described as 'a snout faced meat locker.'

    The plot is entertaining, but it stumbles from one side to the other without much connection.

The Irish Times · 2015-08-01
excellent 4.25

The book's dark pleasures and the author's unique style are highlighted. The reviewer appreciates the range and depth of the author's writing.

The reviewer finds the book to be a dark and engaging read, with a style that is uniquely the author's own. They appreciate the range and depth of the writing, which swings from baroque literary prose to more straightforward narrative. The characters and their interactions are noted for their complexity and the way they add layers to the story. The reviewer also mentions that the book's themes are well-explored, making it a rich and rewarding read. The overall impression is one of a book that is both dark and deeply engaging.

Quick quotes

    Among the dark pleasures of Dog Soldiers is Stone's inimitable style. Few writers can match his range.

    He swings from baroque literary prose to the most straightforward narrative with ease.

    The novel is a splendid, not to say terrific, action-suspense novel, a sort of high-grade, very high-grade, mystery novel, with literary overtones.

The New York Times · 1974-11-03
brilliant 4.00

The book is praised for its well-crafted narrative and the author's ability to deliver a compelling story. The prose is noted for its quality and the book's structure is commended.

The reviewer highlights the strong narrative prose and the book's well-constructed structure. They appreciate the author's ability to create a gripping story that keeps the reader engaged. The book is seen as a testament to the author's skill in delivering a compelling narrative. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes and characters are well-developed, adding depth to the story. The overall impression is one of a well-crafted and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    Stone writes good narrative prose; his book is unusually well put-together; based upon this singular gift is his ability to deliver real

    The book is a splendid, not to say terrific, action-suspense novel, a sort of high-grade, very high-grade, mystery novel, with literary overtones.

    Among the dark pleasures of Dog Soldiers is Stone's inimitable style. Few writers can match his range.

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