The Dawnhounds

By: Sascha Stronach

Narrated by: Anna Coddington

Gideon the Ninth meets Black Sun in this genre-bending queer fantasy debut inspired by Maori culture, Asian folklore, and sci-fi noir—where murder, resurrection, and rebellion collide on the high seas.

In the port city of Hainak, everything is alive—its buildings, its weapons, its fashion—thrumming with the pulse of a biotech revolution after a devastating war. All Yat Jyn-Hok wants is peace. Once a thief, now a night-patrolling cop, she’s just trying to stay afloat after a career demotion for “lifestyle choices” and the lingering grief of a vanished lover.

That fragile balance shatters when Yat stumbles on a corpse during her patrol—and is murdered by her own fellow officers to keep it quiet. Dumped into the harbor, she should be gone for good. But an ancient, mysterious power resurrects her, granting her the ability to manipulate life force itself.

Hunted by the police force she once served, Yat finds refuge with a ragtag pirate crew as an insidious plague begins to spread through Hainak. To save the city—and herself—she must confront the corruption at its core and master her new powers before the darkness consuming Hainak swallows them all.

Perfect for fans of The Poppy War, The Dawnhounds is a lush, multicultural fantasy that blends queer romance, gritty mystery, and high-octane adventure.

Critic reviews

"New Zealander Anna Coddington’s rich accent enhances this surreal and unforgettable Maaori-inspired fantasy. Yat Jyn-Hok is an exhausted cop and a former street kid who was recently demoted after being caught in a gay bar. Coddington’s melodious voice conveys Yat’s conflicted love and hope for her struggling port city of Hainak, and her anger at its many injustices."

Well-realized characters and a fascinating, inventive setting

I didn't know what this book was about before listening and it was a wonderful surprise. It's thoughtful and humanizing while also having a sharp perspective on how everyone is embedded in the systems of their society. Also, there are magical, queer pirates desperately fighting a conservative theocratic cult threatening to bring about the end of the world.

LOVE the creativity

Love the creativity of this book. So clever. And I love supporting kiwi authors. We need more that publish audio books.
(spoilers below).

Two ideas I thought were genius were 'Blanks' and 'Weavers'. It's the kind of writing that puts great images into your head.

Great performance; unique story

I love this many-layered story. It’s fantasy elements and setting and magic are unique and interesting, and the political machinations are timeless and feel real in their milieu. The main character, while vulnerable and flawed, never feels dumbed down. The found family she comes to accept are all fascinating and powerful in their own rights! I am eager to read more by Sascha Stronach.