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Not as cohesive or magical as Watership Down, but a thought-provoking, sometimes harrowing, and ultimately moving journey - if you can handle the emotional weight.

If you liked The Plague Dogs, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Duncton Wood - Duncton Chronicles by William Horwood
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    Duncton Wood is ambitious, dark, and memorable - an adult animal fantasy classic for those adventurous enough to dig into its dense, sometimes challenging burrow.

    Duncton Wood is a fantasy novel that delves into the lives of moles in the Duncton Wood system, portraying a clash between good and evil. The story follows characters like Bracken, Rebecca, Boswell, Mandrake, and Rune as they navigate through a world filled with love, fear, passion, survival, and the struggle against corruptness in power. The writing style of the book is described as deeply spiritual, enchanting, and full of adventure, suspense, and battles, presenting a romantic tale intertwined with elements of mythology and symbolism.

    It is a true story drawn from many sources, and the fact that it can be told at all is as great a miracle as the history it relates. But without one other mole, Blessed Boswell of Uffington, Bracken a...
    1980
    743 pages

  2. #2
    Watership Down
    Book 1 in the series:Watership Down

    Watership Down - Watership Down by Richard Adams
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    A modern classic - epic, thoughtful, and surprisingly intense, Watership Down is a deeply rewarding read for those who enjoy layered tales about survival, leadership, and the wild beauty of nature. Worth the hype!

    Watership Down by Richard Adams is an epic tale of adventure and survival, following a group of rabbits as they leave their warren to establish a new home. The story is rich in detail, combining elements of courage, loyalty, trust, and determination as the rabbits band together to overcome challenges and beat the odds. Adams masterfully integrates the rabbits' behaviors and ecology into a captivating plot, creating a world that is both mythical and realistic.

    The book delves into the complexities of rabbit society, exploring themes of friendship, power, politics, and the quest for a safe haven. Through the characters of Hazel, Fiver, Bigwig, and Blackberry, readers are drawn into a narrative that is both emotionally engaging and intellectually stimulating, challenging perceptions and offering a unique perspective on the human condition through the eyes of rabbits.

    The primroses were over. Toward the edge of the wood, where the ground became open and sloped down to an old fence and a brambly ditch beyond, only a few fading patches of pale yellow still showed amo...
    1972
    549 pages

  3. #3
    Fifteen Dogs
    Book 2 in the series:Quincunx

    Fifteen Dogs - Quincunx by Andre Alexis
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    An original, ambitious, and moving allegory that tackles big ideas with humor, poetry, and pathos. Unmissable for fans of literary fiction with a philosophical bite - just keep some tissues handy!

    'Fifteen Dogs' by Andre Alexis explores the premise of two Greek gods, Apollo and Hermes, giving human consciousness to 15 dogs to see if they would be happy. As the dogs transition from their canine nature to human-like intelligence, they grapple with philosophical questions and societal dynamics. The story delves into themes of self-awareness, mortality, power struggles, and the complexities of human behavior, all narrated through the perspective of the dogs themselves. Through a blend of fiction, fantasy, and philosophy, the book presents a unique exploration of the human condition from a non-human point of view.

    One evening in Toronto, the gods Apollo and Hermes were at the Wheat Sheaf Tavern. Apollo had allowed his beard to grow until it reached his clavicle. Hermes, more fastidious, was clean-shaven, but hi...
    March 2015
    193 pages

  4. #4

    Hollow Kingdom - Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
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    A boldly original, funny, and oddly touching post-apocalyptic romp seen through a crow’s eyes - come for the talking animals, stay for the big feels. If you’re looking for something different, give it a go!

    In "Hollow Kingdom" by Kira Jane Buxton, the story unfolds in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse, where the human population has been turned into zombies. The narrative is primarily told from the perspective of a pet crow named S.T. or Shit Turd, who embarks on a journey with his companion, a bloodhound named Dennis, to navigate the chaos and help other animals survive. Through witty and irreverent narration, the book explores themes of survival, interspecies communication, and the resilience of nature in a world where humanity has self-destructed.

    The writing style of "Hollow Kingdom" is described as fresh, original, and humorous, with a mix of poignant moments and quirky characters. The story is filled with colorful animal voices, including S.T.'s sharp commentary on human behavior, interactions with other intelligent animals, and the exploration of interconnected networks in the natural world. The book offers a unique perspective on the apocalypse, blending humor, satire, and a touch of darkness to create a captivating and engaging tale.

    I should have known something was dangerously wrong long before I did. How do you miss something so critical? There were signs, signs that were slow as sap, that amber lava that swallows up a disease-...
    August 2019
    336 pages

  5. #5

    Tailchaser's Song by Tad Williams
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    A unique and memorable quest about bravery and belonging, told entirely from a cat's perspective. A must for animal fantasy fans and a treat for anyone who loves cats, but less likely to charm those uninterested in feline folklore or fantasy worlds.

    'Tailchaser's Song' is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of a young cat named Tailchaser who sets off to find his missing friend, Hushpad, after she disappears mysteriously. Along the way, Tailchaser encounters a variety of characters and embarks on a quest that leads him through forests, plains, and the depths underground. The book is praised for its vivid creation of a mythical cat world, complete with rich folklore, traditions, and a detailed explanation of cat behavior. Tad Williams' writing style immerses readers in the mind of a cat, articulating cat language and habits with astonishing clarity.

    The Hour of Unfolding Dark had begun, and the rooftop where Tailchaser lay was smothered in shadow. He was deep in a dream of leaping and flying when he felt an unusual tingling in his whiskers. Fritt...
    1985
    401 pages

  6. #6

    The Bees by Laline Paull
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    A gorgeously weird dystopian fable that mixes bee-science with high-stakes drama - unlike anything you've read before. It will make you see bees, and maybe the world, differently. Try it if you’re up for something totally unique!

    'The Bees' by Laline Paull is a unique novel that delves into the life of Flora 717, a worker bee in a beehive, as she navigates through the complex hierarchy and challenges within the hive. The story captures Flora's journey from being a sanitation worker to a forager, showcasing themes of class division, blind obedience, and independent thinking. The author, Laline Paull, intricately weaves together elements of fantasy and reality, providing readers with a fascinating insight into the world of bees and their social structure.

    The narrative of 'The Bees' revolves around Flora's defiance of societal norms and her quest for individuality within the rigid structure of the hive. Through vivid descriptions and well-researched details about bee behavior, Paull creates a compelling story that immerses readers in the intricate workings of a beehive. combines elements of adventure, morality, and dystopia, offering a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as power dynamics, sacrifice, and the beauty of nature.

    THE CELL SQUEEZED HER, AND THE AIR WAS HOT AND fetid. All the joints of her body burned from her frantic twisting against the walls. Her head was pressed into her chest and her legs shot with cramps,...
    May 2014
    359 pages

  7. #7
    Shardik
    Book 1 in the series:Beklan Empire

    Shardik - Beklan Empire by Richard Adams
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    A dark, profound, and beautifully written epic that rewards patient, thoughtful readers - but definitely not for everyone.

    "Shardik" by Richard Adams is a dark and immersive saga that follows the story of a massive wounded bear mistaken for a god by tribal people. The narrative delves into human nature, hierarchy, deism, and myth, centered around the interactions between the bear and a hunter. is described as a spiritual meditation, combining imagination, adventure, and reflection, with a plot that is not a typical 'page-turner' but keeps readers wondering about the next twists and turns.

    The writing style of Richard Adams in "Shardik" is praised for being beautifully written, rich, and well-tempered, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers in the world of the Beklan Empire. is noted for its exploration of deep and thoughtful themes, such as human nature, religion, and the complexities of good and evil, making it a poignant examination of the human condition in all its beauty and ugliness.

    THE NARROW PASSAGE from the landlocked inlet to the Telthearna bent so sharply that it was only just possible for a canoe to negotiate it. The rocky spurs on either side overlapped, closing the inlet...
    1965
    607 pages

  8. #8

    The Art Of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein
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    A warm, bittersweet story best enjoyed by dog lovers and the soft-hearted, with poignant insights and a few over-the-top moments. Keep tissues handy - Enzo’s journey tugs at the heartstrings.

    'The Art Of Racing In The Rain' by Garth Stein is a heartwarming novel narrated by Enzo, a dog who shares his perspective on life, family, and the world around him. Through Enzo's eyes, readers experience the joys and sorrows of his owner, Denny, a race car driver, and his family. The book weaves together themes of love, loyalty, and the human experience, all while using racing as a metaphor for life's challenges and triumphs.

    The writing style of the book is engaging and unique, as it captures the essence of Enzo's voice and musings on life with humor and insight. The story unfolds through a dog's point of view, offering a fresh and emotional take on family dynamics, personal struggles, and the power of companionship. Readers are drawn into Enzo's world, where he navigates through love, loss, and the pursuit of understanding the complexities of human relationships.

    Gestures are all that I have; sometimes they must be grand in nature. And while I occasionally step over the line and into the world of the melodramatic, it is what I must do in order to communicate c...
    2006
    347 pages

  9. #9

    Raptor Red by Robert T. Bakker
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    A beautifully unique, science-rich dinosaur adventure - deeply immersive if you want to walk (and hunt!) in ancient footsteps, but not for those who need human drama or up-to-date dino facts.

    Raptor Red, written by leading paleontologist Robert T. Bakker, is a novel told from the perspective of a female Utahraptor living in the prehistoric world of the Cretaceous period. The story follows the life of Raptor Red as she navigates the challenges of survival, relationships, and family in a world filled with danger and love. The book paints a vivid picture of a lush prehistoric world, capturing the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of these magnificent creatures through a unique narrative style that blends fact and fiction.

    A pair of fierce but beautiful eyes look out from the dull green undergrowth of conifers and ferns that bound the edges of mud flats and riverbeds. The eyes follow every movement among the great herd...
    1995
    290 pages

  10. #10

    The Call of the Wild by Jack London
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    A timeless, action-packed classic that’s part adventure, part meditation on nature, loyalty, and the call to our wild roots - just be prepared for some tough moments along the trail.

    The Call of the Wild by Jack London is a gripping tale that follows the life of Buck, a dog who is taken from his comfortable home and forced into the harsh life of an Alaskan sled dog. The story details Buck's journey through different masters, the challenges he faces, and his transformation into a wild and powerful leader. The narrative is told from Buck's perspective, providing a unique insight into his struggles, growth, and ultimate return to his primal instincts. The book explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the thin line between civilization and the wild.

    The writing style of The Call of the Wild is described as engaging, descriptive, and adventurous. Readers appreciate the way Jack London brings the character of Buck to life, making it easy to empathize with the protagonist and his journey. The book is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers, ranging from excitement and admiration to sadness and empathy. The vivid descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness and Buck's experiences contribute to the immersive and captivating nature of the story.

    Buck did not read the newspapers, or he would have known that trouble was brewing, not alone for himself, but for every tide-water dog, strong of muscle and with warm, long hair, from Puget Sound to S...
    1903
    141 pages

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