Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Alyssa Feller, POD Princess & Graphic Novel Guru

You speak of being a Dog like its something thats in the blood, Verene said with a laugh. I just didnt want to fish.

Its in Bekas blood, Ersken said. And I have to tell you, I get to meet more interesting people this way.

And Beka will never change her mind? Rosto asked, trying to hold my eyes with his dark ones. Never ever?

This is the story of Beka Cooper, a trainee in the Provosts Guard (commonly referred to as Dogs) in the Lower City District. While most Dogs cringe at the thought of patrolling the city slums, Beka loves it. Having grown up in the Lower City, she considers it her duty to protect the ones she considers her people.

Of course, it isnt long before Beka has sniffed up trouble. Several men and women have mysteriously disappeared, apparently murdered after being hired to dig a well. While Bekas on the scent of the case, it isnt long before she hears whispers of a new problem--someone who calls himself the Shadow Snake has been kidnapping and killing the children of the Lower City. Bekas not about to stand by and let either Rat get a away with it; not in her city! With the help of her training Dogs (who happen to be the best in the district) and a few magical informants, Bekas determined to trail each case to its conclusion&like a true Terrier.

Tamora Pierce has come up with ingenious way to revisit her beloved setting of Tortall without having to kill off aging characters. Terrier is set 200 years before the first Alanna book, a fact that has allowed Pierce to set up a whole new scene and set of characters. Likewise, Pierce fans are sure to note that this is her first book in first person, specifically told in the format of Bekas journal.

Although it enters unfamiliar territory for the author, this book is no less enjoyable than those that have come before it. I especially enjoyed the change in narration, since it was a little more insightful from Bekas standpoint. Likewise, many of the characters may seem familiar, but they manage to develop as their own set of people. The plot was excellent, with plenty of twists and turns to keep even the most stubborn reader interested.

Another great start to a series thats sure to become just as beloved as Tamora Pierces other works.