Terrier (Beka Cooper #1)

Beka Cooper is a rookie with the law-enforcing Provost's Guard, and she's been assigned to the Lower City. It's a tough beat that's about to get tougher, as Beka's limited ability to communicate with the dead clues her in to an underworld conspiracy. Someone close to Beka is using dark magic to profit from the Lower City's criminal enterprises--and the result is a crime wave the likes of which the Provost's Guard has never seen before.

Terrier is told in the view of a trainee Dog, Beka Cooper. It is written in a journal form that Beka has to write for part of her training. Beka is also the ancestor of George Cooper who is in the 'Song of the Lioness' quartet.

I liked Beka very much. She is quite similar to me as in the way she was shy and that she did all those things to help people. She was strong inside, and very brave, and I liked that very much. She seemed like a great person and a good friend. I hated it when her sisters bullied her in her choice of career.

The idea of two great crimes going on at the same time, and being linked as well was a brilliant idea. I loved how Beka spent equal amount of time on each, most people would fixate on one.

This book was a great read. I love Tamora Pierce's Tortall. Its such a great world and I love how she has written so many books set in this one world, its truly stunning. I cannot wait to read the next Beka Cooper book. I recommend it to everyone, above the ages of 12.

Reader reviewed by Sara

Plot: from Amazon.com: "Orphaned Beka Cooper, 16, is a trainee-a "Puppy"-in the Provost's Guard. Having spent the first half of her life in Tortall's slums, she is driven by the need to do what is right and see justice done. Paired with two of the best Guards, or "Dogs," in the organization and aided by her own gifts of magic, Beka learns her job, makes friends with two mages and a thief, and uncovers two serial killers who prey on the poor and unnoticed. With Terrier, Pierce tries out a new style of storytelling and succeeds admirably. Beka, the ancestor of George Cooper from the "Song of the Lioness" series (S & S), tells her story through journal entries, making for a thoroughly engaging read."

I'd been meaning to read this book (or any of Pierce's books) for a really long time, but always seem to have something else at the top of my to read list. This time, I moved Beka Cooper: Terrier to the top of the list because I've heard so many good things about Bloodhound, the sequel to Terrier.

At first, I really wasn't that impressed. I was a bit bored, honestly. But then it started to get interesting. I NEEDED to know who was murdering the children - and when I first put all the clues together I was surprised - which is definitely a good thing because otherwise I would have stayed bored.

I'm also very intruiged by the character Rosto - who flirts endlessly with Beka, but she doesn't trust. I really want to believe that he isn't all the things she thinks he is - maybe I'm just a sucker for bad boys.

I also like how the story is told in the format of a journal - it lets the reader feel much closer to the story.

I have Bloodhound at home right now and can't wait to read it. By the end of Terrier, Beka was a new favorite heroine!

Ratings (out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing Style: 10
Romance: 10 (the romance present was good)
Memorable: 10
Total: 50/50 (A)

Reader reviewed by Jenny

Title: Terrior

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.

Reader reviewed by Beth

Beka Cooper has dreamed of being in the Provost's Guard for years. Now she is finally in her first year of training out on the streets. Paired with Tunstall and Goodwin, the two best "dogs" (the other term for guards) in the city, she begins to unravel the mysteries of the Lower City.

I really loved this book. It took me a while to get used to Tammy writing in the first person, but I like it. Beka is full of determination, but the great thing about her is that she is shy; everything doesn't come easily to her. Every time I read this book I discover something new, and that is what keeps me reading and re-reading it.

Reader reviewed by Erika

Beka Cooper is a young girl who wants to become one of the best of the Provost's Guard. She gained a sense of justice by living in the Lower City. After her mother died, she and her family were taken in by the Lord Provost himself.

Beka is very shy, but has a skill that helps her catch the crminials. She uses her skill as she works as a 'Puppy' and helps out her 'Dogs', Tunstall and Goodwin.

Unlike the other Puppies, Beka actually chose to be stationed in the Lower City. She once lived there, so her will to protect the people who live there is greater than any Dog.

Reader reviewed by Jennifer

This book is the 1st in a trilogy and it couldn't be better. It tells of a young woman named Rebakah Cooper who lives in Tortal. She has always dreamed of being a Dog, but first a puppy(these names are the form of a govt. police service). Rebakah faces trouble from all sourts of places. But what the problem is, is that she is in the baddest city of all Tortal. By going from a fishpuppy to the terrier of the city, Beka see's the danger lurking in all places. And not all are crooks, but murderers. And with a cat to talk to, friends, and spirit carrying birds, Beka will go far.

Reader reviewed by Co-chan

For those who previously read the Song of the Lionness or any other Tortall book of Pierce's will love this one.
Practically all of Pierce's books set in Tortall were centered around the Palace, but Terrier take sit from another point of view: the streets of Corus.
Readers will immediately notice how Beka is much less naive than Alanna, though painfully shy.

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.

Reader reviewed by Shantel

I absoloutly loved this book. Tamora Pierce is such a great author. You can actually read this book in one sitting even though it can be difficult for some readers. Before you read this though I suggest you read her series 'Song of the Lioness'. This is about a girl who lived on the streets before she helped a captain of the city. He took her and her family in when nobody else would. She soons becomes a puppy (we could call them rookies) of the city teaming up with two of the finnest Dogs (Protectors or as we might call them Police) Goodwin and Tunstall. They have never had a puppy before so when they get Beka everyone is suprised. Beka has a certain ability about her that lets her help in a way other cant...but will this be enough to stop the crime of kidnapping and murders?

Go to http://www.tamora-pierce.com to find out more and get an excerpt.
-Shantel

Reader reviewed by Molly

I love all of Tamora Pierce's books, but especially this one. All of her charectors were well described, and finishing the book it felt like I knew them, the plot was thrilling, I couldn't put the book down, I can't wait until the next in the series comes out!