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Beka Cooper #1-3
Beka Cooper: The Hunt Records: Terrier; Bloodhound; Mastiff
Beka Cooper's journals describe her training, promotion, and success as a policewoman (dog) in Tortall. From the back alleys of Corus, to the sewers of Port Caynn, to the backwoods of the north country, Beka will not let her quarry escape. Tamora Pierce's first tales told in first person give marvelous insight into the complex and wonderful character of Beka, whose strength, loyalty, and goodness are an inspiration to all those around her . . . except perhaps the criminals.
1177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
116 people are currently reading
788 people want to read
About the author
Tamora Pierce
77 books85.2k followersHey, folks! I just discovered that apparently I have given some very popular books single-star ratings--except I haven't. How do I know I haven't? Because I haven't read those books at all. So before you go getting all hacked off at me for trashing your favorites, know that I've written GoodReads to find out what's going on.
I return to my regularly scheduled profile:
Though I would love to join groups, I'm going to turn them all down. I just don't have the time to take part, so please don't be offended if I don't join your group or accept an invitation. I'm not snooty--I'm just up to my eyeballs in work and appearances!
Also, don't be alarmed by the number of books I've read. When I get bored, I go through the different lists and rediscover books I've read in the past. It's a very evil way to use up time when I should be doing other things. Obviously, I've read a lot of books in 54 years!
I was born in South Connellsville, PA. My mother wanted to name me "Tamara" but the nurse who filled out my birth certificate misspelled it as "Tamora". When I was 8 my family moved to California, where we lived for 6 years on both sides of the San Francisco peninsula.
I started writing stories in 6th grade. My interest in fantasy and science fiction began when I was introduced to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J. R. R. Tolkien and so I started to write the kind of books that I was reading. After my parents divorced, my mother took my sisters and me back to Pennsylvania in 1969. There I went to Albert Gallatin Senior High for 2 years and Uniontown Area Senior High School for my senior year.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, I wrote the book that became The Song of the Lioness fantasy quartet. I sold some articles and 2 short stories and wrote reviews for a martial arts movie magazine. At last the first book of the quartet, Alanna: The First Adventure was published by Atheneum Books in 1983.
Tim Liebe, who became my Spouse-Creature, and I lived in New York City with assorted cats and two parakeets from 1982 - 2006. In 2006 we moved to Syracuse, New York, where we live now with assorted cats, a number of squirrels, birds, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and woodchucks visiting our very small yard. As of 2011, I have 27 novels in print, one short story collection, one comic book arc ("White Tiger: A Hero's Compulsion") co-written with Tim, and a short story anthology co-editing credit. There's more to come, including a companion book to the Tortall `verse. So stay tuned!
I return to my regularly scheduled profile:
Though I would love to join groups, I'm going to turn them all down. I just don't have the time to take part, so please don't be offended if I don't join your group or accept an invitation. I'm not snooty--I'm just up to my eyeballs in work and appearances!
Also, don't be alarmed by the number of books I've read. When I get bored, I go through the different lists and rediscover books I've read in the past. It's a very evil way to use up time when I should be doing other things. Obviously, I've read a lot of books in 54 years!
I was born in South Connellsville, PA. My mother wanted to name me "Tamara" but the nurse who filled out my birth certificate misspelled it as "Tamora". When I was 8 my family moved to California, where we lived for 6 years on both sides of the San Francisco peninsula.
I started writing stories in 6th grade. My interest in fantasy and science fiction began when I was introduced to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J. R. R. Tolkien and so I started to write the kind of books that I was reading. After my parents divorced, my mother took my sisters and me back to Pennsylvania in 1969. There I went to Albert Gallatin Senior High for 2 years and Uniontown Area Senior High School for my senior year.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, I wrote the book that became The Song of the Lioness fantasy quartet. I sold some articles and 2 short stories and wrote reviews for a martial arts movie magazine. At last the first book of the quartet, Alanna: The First Adventure was published by Atheneum Books in 1983.
Tim Liebe, who became my Spouse-Creature, and I lived in New York City with assorted cats and two parakeets from 1982 - 2006. In 2006 we moved to Syracuse, New York, where we live now with assorted cats, a number of squirrels, birds, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and woodchucks visiting our very small yard. As of 2011, I have 27 novels in print, one short story collection, one comic book arc ("White Tiger: A Hero's Compulsion") co-written with Tim, and a short story anthology co-editing credit. There's more to come, including a companion book to the Tortall `verse. So stay tuned!
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 26, 2014
Loved it. I couldn't put it down. The journal format made it really easy to read. Who doesn't want a peek into someone's diary? :)
July 2, 2018
This is my first time going through all three books in close proximity and my third reading for the first two in the series.
What a ride. This series remains as one of my favourite. Pierce has created a believable history for the main events in the other Tortallan novels. She weaves in political intrigue, religious movements, and the division of social class seamlessly into Beka's story, creating the backdrop for Alanna's era and keeping the reader on their toes.
While I've read the stories before, I found myself swept away again as I cheered the characters on to victory and winced as they fell pray to the villains. And again, as the characters of characters (can I say that?) was revealed in truth, I felt the pain of surprise and at times, betrayal.
Book 3 spoiler:
What a ride. This series remains as one of my favourite. Pierce has created a believable history for the main events in the other Tortallan novels. She weaves in political intrigue, religious movements, and the division of social class seamlessly into Beka's story, creating the backdrop for Alanna's era and keeping the reader on their toes.
While I've read the stories before, I found myself swept away again as I cheered the characters on to victory and winced as they fell pray to the villains. And again, as the characters of characters (can I say that?) was revealed in truth, I felt the pain of surprise and at times, betrayal.
Book 3 spoiler:
August 13, 2013
I really enjoyed these books. But I have to say that Terrier was my favorite. Bloodhound was good, but I didn't care for Pierce's added raunchiness in the story. Mastiff was a little hard for me to get into, but by the end I was caught up in the story again. I am still upset over what she did to Tunstall's character however. I understand why she did it, but I still disagree with it. Overall I really did like these books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2016
These are the only books of Tamora Pierce that I have a problem getting into reading. It isn't due to the size. I even like Beka. The problem for me is the pace. I have loved Tamora Pierce since Junior High, so I guess I am just spoiled when it comes to her usual fast paced writing. I liked the stories and characters. I liked the connection with George Cooper.
March 2, 2015
This is one of the best series of books I have ever read. The stories characters are fully developed as is the story itself. It is a story of bravery, honor, magic, friendship, love, and duty. I much recommend these books to any who are looking for a good read.
April 12, 2015
I love Tamora Pierce's books. Every book has strong female heroines which is why I bought the full set for my niece, who loves them too. I strongly suggest this and all her other books to fantasy loving females young and old!!
May 3, 2014
I don't often read books multiple times since there is so much good out there but this I could read again and again.
September 11, 2018
Before I start, a bit of a disclaimer. Tamora Pierce, especially the world of Tortall, is one of my favourites. In fact, I'd even go as far as saying it is my favourite fantasy world. I think, the thing with the Tortall novels, is that there's some unspoken understanding that no matter what, the women are not to be ridiculed. It may take them some time to work their way into the respects of those in their world, but they're unapologetically strong, which is something I have always connected with. It's a pattern of sorts, with Tamora's heroines. Each character has a flaw - usually somewhat relatable at that - and at some stage through their epic feats, they're forced to face this flaw. Something, that isn't all that different from real life. However, the same thing goes for their good traits. Each of the heroines has one which makes their entire identity. In the case of this Trilogy and Beka Copper, it is her determination.
In this particular series, we find Tamora mixes the world of police procedure (with gritty crime and punishment) in a fantasy setting, without trivialising the events by making it fantastical.
Book One: Terrier
"The Lower City is mine, its people are mine--its children are mine. If I find them that's doing all this kidnapping and murdering, they'd best pray for mercy. Because once I get my teeth in 'em, I will never let them go."
Beka Cooper, introduced with that dogged determination that becomes the key to her entire identity. Of course, there is more to her than simply that. However, what spawns from this determination is a dual-mystery that leaves you wanting more. Tamora, as always, introduced a flurry of characters that you begin to love, and hate, accordingly. Our main 3 (aside from Beka, that is), Tunstall, Goodwin and Pounce. Pounce, if reading the series in a non-chronological order, is someone you'll have come to be familiar with, and its a great nod at the weaving of the world created with this series.
So often novels (especially those in a fantasy perspective) are about nobles and quests, and how quickly the male hero saves the day. It was intriguing (to say the least) to see what those who were less than, thought of the nobles. The use of slang creates a scene that you can relate with, yet manages to not make you uncomfortable or need to adapt to the entirely different language. Like the fact she often has a plethora of characters in her novels, she does it so lightly with emphasis just where it's needed.
I will always suggest this particular series, to anyone. Regardless of age, it is a wonderful series, and it touches on all the different aspects a fantasy novel needs to be both impactful, and leave a lasting impression.
Book Two: Bloodhound
And, we return. Beka Cooper is back, as a Dog this time. However, she's having a bit of a time finding a partner (I mean come on, no one would really satisfy after you've had Goodwin and Tunstall, would they?). I wouldn't be surprised if - in real life - it had of been an elaborate plan to get them back as partners, but this is a novel and what the novel says, goes. So of course, it was not on purpose (nod-nod, wink-wink).
When she loses her latest partner, she winds up back in the very capable hands of Tunstall and Goodwin. (Yay)
** insert criminal plot here ** and we are away with the latest instalment of the Provost's Dog's Trilogy. There has been a release of coles (counterfeit currency) being released into the economy. (Which as we know, will spike the prices of everything, in time for winter, and due to a bad harvest that is especially bad). All signs point to the Port, and Beka and Goodwin ship off to a new District to find the source of the coles. (Woohoo for bada*s female duo's!)
Tamora provides another, fast-paced, thrilling novel. Moving through the story-line, we find a cast of new characters (from Port Caynn, obviously), who offer different things to the overall story, and different things to Beka - and her inherent character development.
One thing that I was initially unsure about, was the love interest. After Beka being standoffish towards Rosto, to suddenly allow this person into her life, seemed a little weak, but overall, it did play out for the storyline (I suppose).
Other than that, the entire book was full of fantasy and wonder, world-building and character building and was another strong instalment into this trilogy, and the entire world of Tortall. Again, I would not hesitate to recommend this instalment to anyone.
Book Three: Mastiff
Ok, first of all. I hated the end. Alright, I loved the ending, but I hated the ending. I am entirely conflicted, and genuinely still think about it from time to time.
In the wake of a personal tragedy, Beka is called to a Hunt unlike any she’s known before, where not just a few lives but the well-being of the entire Realm depends upon her ability to find a lost child. Across miles and weeks, she’ll have to face slavers, raiders, nobles, mages, and fellow Dogs, memories and betrayal, hopelessness and injury, all with the same fierce dedication and loyalty that has named her in the past. Only this time? It may not be enough.
This book starts out us out with the funeral of Beka’s fellow Dog and fiance, Holborn. Three years have gone by since the end of the last instalment, and Beka and Achoo, have been making names for themselves as Dogs. Beka doesn’t have time to grieve after the funeral; she’s woken in the middle of the night and called to a Hunt where secrecy is of the utmost importance.
The Summer Palace has been attacked, and four-year-old Prince Gareth has been taken.
As with everything else in the world of Tortall, there aren’t really any easy statements. Despite Beka being adverse to it politics runs through every single move in this game. Inspired by his wife, the King has actually started ruling - and not just ruling, but ruling with a mind towards his common people. Of course, in a world rife with Noblemen and Women, this has won him enemies everywhere.
Even worse? They're clever. No lower-class criminals this time. This time, theyre prepared, and they have the means to fight back. Lives mean nothing to this enemy, and the body count starts around large and grows from there. Lucky for Beka, she isn't alone (of course). She has Achoo, and Pounce, as well as Tunstalll, and a mage picked to join the party (One who play's himself off as silly, but perhaps, this is but a common decepion tactic). The last member of the party is Lady Knight Sabine (Tunstalls lover, and of course, a fighter of her own accord). Being Beka, she also has other companions: her dust spinners and ghosts who ride pigeons.
As found in both instalments before this, Tamora's world is rife with detail and colourl Nothing is spared and everything is given its chance to be something of note in this series. One thing that I found intriguing was that when Beka's tired, her writing falters. It was a way that the journalling became personalised, as someone who experiences the same time, I found it relatable. Beka is a complex character, and with each passing page her identity does nothing but grow.
More so, she’s at a place where she truly has to question who she is and what she wants- and that’s because of Holborn (remember, the Fiance Dog, who's funeral began this book). She tries her best to grieve (because, of course she knows she should), even though she's actually a little relieved. Because if he’s dead, she doesn’t have to call of the engagement and face all those questions (you know, the ones you'd be facing IRL as well, yeah, those ones). Holborn, who she loved for a while, but didn’t like (it's what my mother always says to me - as a joke of course! Whoops), and with whom she fought frequently, Holborn who felt threatened by her skills as a and died for trying to outdo her in turn. Which hey, you'd blame yourself a little for that wouldn't you? Whether you should be blaming yourself or not.
I'm actually glad that this depth was added for Beka. She''s been moved into a place where she can grow. The growth, will take her anywhere she chooses to go, but that choice is entirely hers. She's seen the worst of people, but she also knows sometimes, you just need hope. This very aspect shows how alive, and contridicting all the characters are.
Especially this installment, we see something of the characters that we havent quite seen before. The mage brought in by Gershom, is both silly and smart, powerful but with the appearance and apparent attitude of a yokel (again, something that is definitley purposeful in the grand scheme of things). Tunstall is a seasoned Dog, pragmatic and cynical, with superstitions about all things (and his character is arguably the one that changes the most, and in the most unsuspecting way). Sabine is a noble and lady knight which of course, in this time (in Tortall) is one of the biggest contradictions there is. What’s I admire though, is Tamora's ability to make us feel for these characters, to care what happens.
BUT, then the ending happens and I wont disclose that, in case some of you have yet to read this instalment, but I just, well I have no words. Page 490, brace yourself. It was cleverly done, with the hints being placed for a while. We cant be sure, but we want to be sure. We know, but we dont want to be right.
I'd still suggest this book, just maybe. Don't get attatched to anyone.
In this particular series, we find Tamora mixes the world of police procedure (with gritty crime and punishment) in a fantasy setting, without trivialising the events by making it fantastical.
Book One: Terrier
"The Lower City is mine, its people are mine--its children are mine. If I find them that's doing all this kidnapping and murdering, they'd best pray for mercy. Because once I get my teeth in 'em, I will never let them go."
Beka Cooper, introduced with that dogged determination that becomes the key to her entire identity. Of course, there is more to her than simply that. However, what spawns from this determination is a dual-mystery that leaves you wanting more. Tamora, as always, introduced a flurry of characters that you begin to love, and hate, accordingly. Our main 3 (aside from Beka, that is), Tunstall, Goodwin and Pounce. Pounce, if reading the series in a non-chronological order, is someone you'll have come to be familiar with, and its a great nod at the weaving of the world created with this series.
So often novels (especially those in a fantasy perspective) are about nobles and quests, and how quickly the male hero saves the day. It was intriguing (to say the least) to see what those who were less than, thought of the nobles. The use of slang creates a scene that you can relate with, yet manages to not make you uncomfortable or need to adapt to the entirely different language. Like the fact she often has a plethora of characters in her novels, she does it so lightly with emphasis just where it's needed.
I will always suggest this particular series, to anyone. Regardless of age, it is a wonderful series, and it touches on all the different aspects a fantasy novel needs to be both impactful, and leave a lasting impression.
Book Two: Bloodhound
And, we return. Beka Cooper is back, as a Dog this time. However, she's having a bit of a time finding a partner (I mean come on, no one would really satisfy after you've had Goodwin and Tunstall, would they?). I wouldn't be surprised if - in real life - it had of been an elaborate plan to get them back as partners, but this is a novel and what the novel says, goes. So of course, it was not on purpose (nod-nod, wink-wink).
When she loses her latest partner, she winds up back in the very capable hands of Tunstall and Goodwin. (Yay)
** insert criminal plot here ** and we are away with the latest instalment of the Provost's Dog's Trilogy. There has been a release of coles (counterfeit currency) being released into the economy. (Which as we know, will spike the prices of everything, in time for winter, and due to a bad harvest that is especially bad). All signs point to the Port, and Beka and Goodwin ship off to a new District to find the source of the coles. (Woohoo for bada*s female duo's!)
Tamora provides another, fast-paced, thrilling novel. Moving through the story-line, we find a cast of new characters (from Port Caynn, obviously), who offer different things to the overall story, and different things to Beka - and her inherent character development.
One thing that I was initially unsure about, was the love interest. After Beka being standoffish towards Rosto, to suddenly allow this person into her life, seemed a little weak, but overall, it did play out for the storyline (I suppose).
Other than that, the entire book was full of fantasy and wonder, world-building and character building and was another strong instalment into this trilogy, and the entire world of Tortall. Again, I would not hesitate to recommend this instalment to anyone.
Book Three: Mastiff
Ok, first of all. I hated the end. Alright, I loved the ending, but I hated the ending. I am entirely conflicted, and genuinely still think about it from time to time.
In the wake of a personal tragedy, Beka is called to a Hunt unlike any she’s known before, where not just a few lives but the well-being of the entire Realm depends upon her ability to find a lost child. Across miles and weeks, she’ll have to face slavers, raiders, nobles, mages, and fellow Dogs, memories and betrayal, hopelessness and injury, all with the same fierce dedication and loyalty that has named her in the past. Only this time? It may not be enough.
This book starts out us out with the funeral of Beka’s fellow Dog and fiance, Holborn. Three years have gone by since the end of the last instalment, and Beka and Achoo, have been making names for themselves as Dogs. Beka doesn’t have time to grieve after the funeral; she’s woken in the middle of the night and called to a Hunt where secrecy is of the utmost importance.
The Summer Palace has been attacked, and four-year-old Prince Gareth has been taken.
As with everything else in the world of Tortall, there aren’t really any easy statements. Despite Beka being adverse to it politics runs through every single move in this game. Inspired by his wife, the King has actually started ruling - and not just ruling, but ruling with a mind towards his common people. Of course, in a world rife with Noblemen and Women, this has won him enemies everywhere.
Even worse? They're clever. No lower-class criminals this time. This time, theyre prepared, and they have the means to fight back. Lives mean nothing to this enemy, and the body count starts around large and grows from there. Lucky for Beka, she isn't alone (of course). She has Achoo, and Pounce, as well as Tunstalll, and a mage picked to join the party (One who play's himself off as silly, but perhaps, this is but a common decepion tactic). The last member of the party is Lady Knight Sabine (Tunstalls lover, and of course, a fighter of her own accord). Being Beka, she also has other companions: her dust spinners and ghosts who ride pigeons.
As found in both instalments before this, Tamora's world is rife with detail and colourl Nothing is spared and everything is given its chance to be something of note in this series. One thing that I found intriguing was that when Beka's tired, her writing falters. It was a way that the journalling became personalised, as someone who experiences the same time, I found it relatable. Beka is a complex character, and with each passing page her identity does nothing but grow.
More so, she’s at a place where she truly has to question who she is and what she wants- and that’s because of Holborn (remember, the Fiance Dog, who's funeral began this book). She tries her best to grieve (because, of course she knows she should), even though she's actually a little relieved. Because if he’s dead, she doesn’t have to call of the engagement and face all those questions (you know, the ones you'd be facing IRL as well, yeah, those ones). Holborn, who she loved for a while, but didn’t like (it's what my mother always says to me - as a joke of course! Whoops), and with whom she fought frequently, Holborn who felt threatened by her skills as a and died for trying to outdo her in turn. Which hey, you'd blame yourself a little for that wouldn't you? Whether you should be blaming yourself or not.
I'm actually glad that this depth was added for Beka. She''s been moved into a place where she can grow. The growth, will take her anywhere she chooses to go, but that choice is entirely hers. She's seen the worst of people, but she also knows sometimes, you just need hope. This very aspect shows how alive, and contridicting all the characters are.
Especially this installment, we see something of the characters that we havent quite seen before. The mage brought in by Gershom, is both silly and smart, powerful but with the appearance and apparent attitude of a yokel (again, something that is definitley purposeful in the grand scheme of things). Tunstall is a seasoned Dog, pragmatic and cynical, with superstitions about all things (and his character is arguably the one that changes the most, and in the most unsuspecting way). Sabine is a noble and lady knight which of course, in this time (in Tortall) is one of the biggest contradictions there is. What’s I admire though, is Tamora's ability to make us feel for these characters, to care what happens.
BUT, then the ending happens and I wont disclose that, in case some of you have yet to read this instalment, but I just, well I have no words. Page 490, brace yourself. It was cleverly done, with the hints being placed for a while. We cant be sure, but we want to be sure. We know, but we dont want to be right.
I'd still suggest this book, just maybe. Don't get attatched to anyone.
September 22, 2024
Beka Cooper's journals definitely benefit from rereading. It's such a close point of view that the reader is forced to rely on Beka's perspective, but after rereading the whole series a few times the world opens up and other character's motivations and actions become much clearer.
My personal opinion is Terrier > Mastiff > Bloodhound. Terrier is the perfect introduction to early Tortall, the beginning of the changes that create Alanna's world. Spending time on the streets of Corus, a world Beka is comfortable with, is such an interesting difference from our other Tortallan protagonists. The mystery in Terrier is also the best, the different threads are woven together so well that it always surprises me when everything comes together.
Mastiff is my second favorite, letting Beka interact with more of her world. Sabine and Farmer are two favorites and it's nice to see lady knights from before the Gentle Mother cult imposed their beliefs on Tortall. Bloodhound is my least favorite - the mystery is nonexistant, we know who the bad guy is almost from the beginning and it kills the tension, leaving most of the book as a slog through to the end.
Rereading the series one after the other, some discrepancies and plot holes become apparent. Some of them I can ascribe to the nature of the book - written as journal, it can be considered part of Beka's unreliable narration. Most of those are characters or objects appearing and disappearing at will. Others are harder - are there two Prince Bairds??
Beka is very different from the other Tortall protagonist. She's more grounded in her world, staying connected to her roots in a way the other ladies do not. She's also more paranoid and cynical, trusting fewer people and ideals. Beka lives in a very different Tortall, but the path from hers to the later era is very easy to see.
My personal opinion is Terrier > Mastiff > Bloodhound. Terrier is the perfect introduction to early Tortall, the beginning of the changes that create Alanna's world. Spending time on the streets of Corus, a world Beka is comfortable with, is such an interesting difference from our other Tortallan protagonists. The mystery in Terrier is also the best, the different threads are woven together so well that it always surprises me when everything comes together.
Mastiff is my second favorite, letting Beka interact with more of her world. Sabine and Farmer are two favorites and it's nice to see lady knights from before the Gentle Mother cult imposed their beliefs on Tortall. Bloodhound is my least favorite - the mystery is nonexistant, we know who the bad guy is almost from the beginning and it kills the tension, leaving most of the book as a slog through to the end.
Rereading the series one after the other, some discrepancies and plot holes become apparent. Some of them I can ascribe to the nature of the book - written as journal, it can be considered part of Beka's unreliable narration. Most of those are characters or objects appearing and disappearing at will. Others are harder - are there two Prince Bairds??
Beka is very different from the other Tortall protagonist. She's more grounded in her world, staying connected to her roots in a way the other ladies do not. She's also more paranoid and cynical, trusting fewer people and ideals. Beka lives in a very different Tortall, but the path from hers to the later era is very easy to see.
April 28, 2021
I was legitimately disappointed with this series the first time I read it. I was so excited in the first two books, and then by book 3 I felt like I'd been thrown all these curve balls that made no sense. I didn't understand Farmer, I didn't see the romance (I still don't, rereading it), and I always wonder what happened between the first and second books of the series, with Beka's fiance etc.
To be honest, after such a great start, and then even with all the questions left unanswered for me, I really liked the second book, too. So I wish I knew what went on in the third, or why it wasn't a quartet, or why Tunstall went darkside, etc, because none of it fits in for me the way it should.
I love Beka, I love that the cat statue on George's family shrine had purple eyes, and all the small details about the Cooper family, and I really felt connected to the story, the characters, and everything else, and then... felt like I got left behind. I keep looking for hints the romance is building, trying to find it and it just doesn't make it for me.
Not looking to argue, but out of all of the books by Pierce that I've read, these ones leave me the emptiest. And I often times wonder what became of Aly after the Raka took their home back.
So for me, it's a good read in terms of getting to the end, the politics, and intrigue and dogwork, but I feel like we lost a lot of who and what Beka was and that there should have been more. (Don't we always though?) Either way I have a lot of mixed feelings about these and I do feel let down every time I finish when I do a Tortall re-read.
To be honest, after such a great start, and then even with all the questions left unanswered for me, I really liked the second book, too. So I wish I knew what went on in the third, or why it wasn't a quartet, or why Tunstall went darkside, etc, because none of it fits in for me the way it should.
I love Beka, I love that the cat statue on George's family shrine had purple eyes, and all the small details about the Cooper family, and I really felt connected to the story, the characters, and everything else, and then... felt like I got left behind. I keep looking for hints the romance is building, trying to find it and it just doesn't make it for me.
Not looking to argue, but out of all of the books by Pierce that I've read, these ones leave me the emptiest. And I often times wonder what became of Aly after the Raka took their home back.
So for me, it's a good read in terms of getting to the end, the politics, and intrigue and dogwork, but I feel like we lost a lot of who and what Beka was and that there should have been more. (Don't we always though?) Either way I have a lot of mixed feelings about these and I do feel let down every time I finish when I do a Tortall re-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2022
Just great
As a tortallian fan this was excellent especially because the slave trade becomes so prevalent in later books ( the trickster's choice and trickster's Queen and the book with the Dane magic when she goes to carthack)
I read that people didn't like the spelling issues but seeing as how she's from the lower city I don't know why that was a problem. I also loved the fact that the characters were able to cross over class and everything (like with alanna series) and I was surprised by portions of each book even when I thought I had figured them all out.
Like I said as a fan of this realm this was a great way to see where people came from and understand better what people are talking about when they speak of the history of tortall later in the series and I love the fact that we got to see pounce/faithful again but, in a very different relationship to Alanna
Had some slight introductory foreshadowing (I read all the books at least 2 times) so i got a kick out of:
the references to wild magic,
how woman knights/women became the limited expectations through the gentle mother that alanna has to break through,
a lower city perspective rather than just references that we get from future books,
And george meeting alanna from his perspective
Like I said as a fan this gets all the thumbs up
As a tortallian fan this was excellent especially because the slave trade becomes so prevalent in later books ( the trickster's choice and trickster's Queen and the book with the Dane magic when she goes to carthack)
I read that people didn't like the spelling issues but seeing as how she's from the lower city I don't know why that was a problem. I also loved the fact that the characters were able to cross over class and everything (like with alanna series) and I was surprised by portions of each book even when I thought I had figured them all out.
Like I said as a fan of this realm this was a great way to see where people came from and understand better what people are talking about when they speak of the history of tortall later in the series and I love the fact that we got to see pounce/faithful again but, in a very different relationship to Alanna
Had some slight introductory foreshadowing (I read all the books at least 2 times) so i got a kick out of:
the references to wild magic,
how woman knights/women became the limited expectations through the gentle mother that alanna has to break through,
a lower city perspective rather than just references that we get from future books,
And george meeting alanna from his perspective
Like I said as a fan this gets all the thumbs up
July 3, 2023
Geniunely this entire series is one of my ultimate favourites. Even though people talk about hating Tunstall's betrayal in the third book, it's so well set up and makes complete and utter sense - or at least, no sense in an understandable way - and thinking about it, Dogs do go over and do shady stuff. Tunstall hit his limit, and honestly, despite it obviously being the shittiest one, I can see it and understand it. Still sucks, I still forget it occasionally and when I re-read am surprised by it, but it adds. Beka Cooper is one of the most amazing series I've read to date, definitely one of the ones from my formative years that shaped alot around my thoughts etc. Absolutely amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2020
Reviewing the whole set in one go because I never read one and not the others!
I own these and re-read them bi-annually or so. They are really wonderful. The themes are more mature than some of Tamora Pierce's other books, and the world she's crafted is rich and compelling. I love the characters, I love the language that they use, and I love how seamlessly gods and magic are part of the fictional universe. I'll be re-reading them for years to come!
I own these and re-read them bi-annually or so. They are really wonderful. The themes are more mature than some of Tamora Pierce's other books, and the world she's crafted is rich and compelling. I love the characters, I love the language that they use, and I love how seamlessly gods and magic are part of the fictional universe. I'll be re-reading them for years to come!
May 10, 2017
Tamora Pierce has always been one of my favorite authors. I love her storytelling abilities and her characters. No matter who or what the story is about it always grips me from the first page to the last. I especially love her books that take place in Tortall. The Beka Cooper series is so good because it has a strong female protagonist and an intriguing storyline.
March 17, 2019
My second time reading these books. And I am glad I did. I loved them the first time and this time was no different.
April 16, 2019
I have read this series several times. I love the Beka character. I pray that I will never grow so old that I would enjoy Tamora Pierce's stories.
November 11, 2019
First two are very good. Third can be skipped as spoils the reading of the first two. Inconsistent character development all around.
December 2, 2022
This was the first Tamora Pierce series I read and I just fell in love! This is one of the few serious I’ve actually reread. Could not recommend it enough!
October 24, 2023
One of my comfort trilogies. Lots of action, cute animals, a little romance, and some fun plot twists.
May 20, 2024
Beka Cooper: The Hunt Records by Tamora Pierce – One of the best YA fantasy authors ever! The journal style procedural format is lots of fun! Happy Reading!
February 12, 2017
I read and reviewed these separately, so am including the collected volumes for my own records, essentially. Overall the series gets three stars from me, as an average of what I gave the separate volumes: Terrier and Bloodhound got three stars each, and Mastiff earned four.
I found the series to be a likeable read, and I think the thing I liked about it most was the language. Pierce has developed an interesting, street-slangy vocabulary that really gave me a sense of the culture the stories were set in. It's worth reading just for that, I reckon.
I found the series to be a likeable read, and I think the thing I liked about it most was the language. Pierce has developed an interesting, street-slangy vocabulary that really gave me a sense of the culture the stories were set in. It's worth reading just for that, I reckon.
July 1, 2014
I would otherwise give 5 stars, but there are some issues.
* Trans woman who appears in the second book can clearly be understood as trans woman "wrong shell" etc. and she was continuosly misgendered all the time. When she was referred as "she", it was, because Beka didn't recognize her as first.
* The book is using "he or she" as an attempt to be gender neutral which in reality isn't gender neutral. "They" should have been used.
There might also have been other thing, but I don't remember any others at the moment.
* Trans woman who appears in the second book can clearly be understood as trans woman "wrong shell" etc. and she was continuosly misgendered all the time. When she was referred as "she", it was, because Beka didn't recognize her as first.
* The book is using "he or she" as an attempt to be gender neutral which in reality isn't gender neutral. "They" should have been used.
There might also have been other thing, but I don't remember any others at the moment.
March 21, 2022
A stunning conclusion
Beka Cooper and her adventures are one of my favorite series out of all of Tamora Pierce's books. The twists and turns and heartbreak made for a fantastic, albeit horrendously sad, conclusion to the series. It also has one of my favorite love interests. Tamora pierce outdid herself with this conclusion and it never gets old or hurts any less
Beka Cooper and her adventures are one of my favorite series out of all of Tamora Pierce's books. The twists and turns and heartbreak made for a fantastic, albeit horrendously sad, conclusion to the series. It also has one of my favorite love interests. Tamora pierce outdid herself with this conclusion and it never gets old or hurts any less
June 24, 2022
My favorite series. The author is a great world and character builder for getting lost in. I don't normally read books twice but I've read this series twice already. Tamora Pierce pulled me into all of her unique worlds full of magic and rich characters.
September 10, 2023
Audiobooks- Probably my all time favorite series from Tamara Pierce. It feels so grown up and intriguing! The audiobooks were well voiced! This is a set I would cherish in my collection forever!
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