Title: TerriorAuthor: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Legend of Beka Cooper / Provest's Dog
Summary: Going back 200 years before the Song of the Lioness series, we visit George Cooper's ancesstress, 16 year old Beka Cooper is a puppy (rookie) for the Provest's gaurd (sorta like a medieval cop). She manages to get into the slums of Tortall, where she grew up. Paired with two of the best Dogs and a group of rogue friends she sets out to uncover the two biggest serial killers preying on the people of the slums. Once she has a case in her teeth, she won't let it go, becoming the terrior among puppies.
Thoughts: The story was lovely. Set back in the realm of Tortall (we see some things that will be familiar to readers of the Lioness quartet). We get a look outside of the Knights, and nobility into the life of the commoners. This book also had really great dog or slum slang Incorporated into it. I really liked the characters; we get all the Pierce usuals, a tough but fair mentor, a rougish friend/love interest, and our brave heroine. All have their own unique traits especially Beka who takes a step away from the usual bluntness by being painfully shy. I actually really hate diary format, but it was handled really well, without getting in the way of telling the story at all. There are a few excerpts from others diaries at the beginning, which were fine except one which had spelling errors that were supposed to be in keeping with the characters education.
Cover: I really like the cover. Its lovely, and has a great coppery tone to it. Beka also looks really strong.
Rating: 4.5 stars
PS: First of my Tamora Pierce challenge. I've finished five by now. The new book in the trilogy Bloodhound is coming out and Pierce will answer reader questions here so ask away. ^_^
Not really my kind of read, I just wanted to tell you that I like how you take a picture with the book..... it's very original!
ReplyDeleteQuestion for you, if I start with this book of hers will it still work for me even if I haven't read any of her other books? I know this is it's own series but it sounds like they all sort of interweave...
ReplyDeleteI love this shiny cover! You got an awesome angle where it lights up - when I took my picture, it pretty much turned Beka into a silhouette (see here - sorry for the largeness - it's the far right)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for Bloodhound - only a few more days! :)
Jess: Thanks ^_^ She's not for everyone
ReplyDeleteAlea: Chronologically this takes place first. So it's actally the best place to start! You should be fine to read it. It explains the political structure and goings on in the world. This character is an ancestress of one that apears in a different series. She's far enough back that none of these characters apear in future books. There is also a handy glossary and character guide in the back ^_^ So you'll be fine with the slang too (its pretty self explanatory but just in case). ^_^
Awesome! Thank you! That makes me feel so much better and I love a good glossary! Will definitely have to get this soon!
ReplyDeleteEpic: Yeah the cover really picks up light! Silhouette Beka looks pretty imposing though ^_^ I'm really exited for Bloodhound tomorrow! Dont think I'l get mine til Saturday though T_T
ReplyDeleteLOL I looked at this book in the library a week ago, her eyes are very demonic!
ReplyDeleteExcellent review! The cover is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI know! Shiney covers are made of awesome ^_^
ReplyDeleteYayy! I love Tamora Pierce. I read this one forever ago, but I do remember liking it and I'm quite excited to read Bloodhound (though I probably won't be able to get to it for awhille; my TBR pile is so big. :'( )
ReplyDeleteBloodhound is out tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! That reminds me, Terrior's still in my TBR pile.
ReplyDeleteAm very excited about tracking this down now :)
ReplyDeleteIts really good! And now Bloodhounds out!
ReplyDeleteHey Jen!
ReplyDeleteI got ya something! Go check it out.
Christina
This is for you - http://heyteenager.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-very-first-blog-awards.html
ReplyDeleteWow thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove the books written by Tamora Pierce. I guess I'll have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteI need a Tamora Pierce challenge! What a great idea.
ReplyDelete