The Other Side of Fear

The Other Side of Fear is a novella-length prequel to Gephardt’s XK9 “Bones” trilogy (What’s Bred in the Bone, A Bone to Pick, Bone of Contention). Officer Pamela Gómez knows she will never be chosen by one of the XK9 “super dogs” and win promotion to their elite group of police handlers. She has nothing in her favor: she has never owned a dog, she was graded a lowly Tier Three recruit, her boyfriend, Balchu, is not supportive of her dream, her apartment on the space station is too small, and her mother’s disapproving voice in her head constantly reminds her that she is not good enough.

Aware that success is unlikely, Pam travels to Planet Chayko to begin the four-week training course that will end with the “Choosing,” a ceremony in which the XK9s, bioengineered and cyber-enhanced dogs the size of ponies who can speak to humans and aid in solving crimes, will choose their human partners from the recruits. Much attention is paid to worldbuilding and the intricacies of space travel during the recruits’ journey to Planet Chayko, details that devoted sci-fi fans and lovers of the series may especially appreciate. As the program begins, Pam makes positive impressions on the dogs, her instructors, and her fellow candidates, then forges an instant connection with Shady, the first XK9 she meets. Over the next few weeks, Pam’s relationships with Shady, her roommates, and her fellow candidates grow, and ultimately Pam finds the love, belonging, and family she has never before experienced.

This prequel will likely delight existing fans of the series and dog lovers, who will enjoy seeing how Pam’s partnership with Shady began. Newcomers may find it harder to settle in: the novella’s brief length leaves limited room for emotional depth, and Gephardt’s dialogue can feel somewhat stiff, which may make it difficult for first-time readers to connect with the characters. Those new to the XK9 world might be better served starting with the trilogy itself and circling back to this origin story later.