Novel library / English / Science fiction
The Dog Stars
By Peter Heller
Science fiction · United States · 2013
Summary
The Dog Stars is a post-apocalyptic literary novel about grief and renewed connection. After a flu pandemic destroys most of society, Hig lives at an abandoned Colorado airport with his dog Jasper and the armed, distrustful Bangley. When he hears part of a radio transmission, he flies beyond the perimeter they have defended and risks the fragile life they understand.
Book details
- Author: Peter Heller
- Original language: English
- Genre: Science fiction · Post-apocalyptic literary fiction and survival
- Publisher: Vintage
- Status: Published
NovelRove does not host pirated text or downloads. Rights remain with the author, publisher and respective owners.
Themes
Grief · Friendship · Nature · Survival · Hope
Reading highlights
- Survival is balanced with nature, memory and friendship
- Hig’s Cessna and the airport define both safety and escape
- The 2026 Ridley Scott film is a separate adaptation
Main characters
- Hig — Pilot and narrator
A grieving survivor who patrols in a small aircraft and still seeks beauty and human connection.
- Jasper — Hig’s dog
Hig’s closest companion and an emotional link to ordinary life before the pandemic.
- Bangley — Defender and survival partner
A heavily armed pragmatist whose approach to safety contrasts with Hig’s continuing hope.
- Cima — Survivor beyond the perimeter
A person Hig meets after following the possibility of life beyond the airport.
Character notes are limited to names and relationships disclosed by the publisher or author. They avoid unverified fan claims.
About the author
Peter Heller
Peter Heller is an American novelist and nonfiction writer whose work often joins outdoor settings, danger and moral choice. The Dog Stars was his first novel; his later fiction includes The Painter, Celine, The River and The Guide.
Other books
The Dog Stars: novel versus film
Ridley Scott’s 2026 film is based on Peter Heller’s novel but is a screen adaptation with its own performances and production choices. This page describes the book; use the studio page for the film.
Official editions and reading
- ISBN
- 9780307950475
- Pages
- 336
- Publication date
- 2013-05-07
The Vintage paperback (ISBN 9780307950475) is 336 pages. The 2012 first edition and later movie-tie-in edition have different identifiers and may paginate differently.
- Penguin Random House official book page — Verify publication data and find current authorised formats for The Dog Stars.
- Official screen adaptation page
Content notes
Pandemic death · Violence · Grief · Animal death
Frequently asked questions
What is The Dog Stars about?
Hig and Bangley survive through a tense division of labour: Hig flies patrols while Bangley secures the ground. A radio signal suggests another community may exist, and Hig chooses uncertainty over permanent isolation.
Who wrote The Dog Stars?
The Dog Stars was written by Peter Heller. This page links its factual claims to the publisher or author source.
Do I need to read another book first?
This is a standalone work and can be read without another book first.
How many pages is The Dog Stars?
The Vintage paperback (ISBN 9780307950475) is 336 pages. The 2012 first edition and later movie-tie-in edition have different identifiers and may paginate differently.
Is The Dog Stars also a film or television series?
Ridley Scott’s 2026 film is based on Peter Heller’s novel but is a screen adaptation with its own performances and production choices. This page describes the book; use the studio page for the film.
Is The Dog Stars only a bleak survival story?
No. The pandemic and violence establish the danger, but the novel also gives sustained attention to landscape, grief, friendship, trust and the possibility of choosing connection again.
Where can I read or buy The Dog Stars legally?
Use the Penguin Random House page to see the authorised print, ebook, audiobook or sample options available in your market. NovelRove does not host the book text or unauthorised downloads.
Sources and verification
- Penguin Random House official book page — 2026-08-30
- Penguin Random House · reader’s guide — 2026-08-30
- 20th Century Studios · official film page — 2026-08-30
