Review Detail

Author: 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 BekaCooper 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 slangIncorporated into it. I really liked the characters; we get all the Pierceusuals, 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 excerptsfrom 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.