The Legend of Beka Cooper gives Tamora Pierce's fans exactly what they want - a smart and savvy heroine making a name for herself on the mean streets of Tortall's Lower City - while offering plenty of appeal for new readers as well.
©2011 Tamora Pierce (P)2011 Random House Audio
"One of the best Tamora Pierce series yet!"
This is the concluding book of the Beka Cooper series, and given that the first two books (Terrier and Bloodhound) were among my favorite audiobooks ever I was pleased to find that this book lived up to the same standards. If I had to fault the book in one ay, it would be that the lower-city folk we loved from the first two books do not feature prominently in this conclusion. I was also a bit leery that Beka might not end up with MY first pick, but in the end I was convinced (and fell in love with) the more natural choice.
Beka is older here, and it shows in her voice and manner. This book also has a dark side like the first two books -- something I loved. Very few authors can write realistically about poverty, slavery, city life, and the complex dynamic relationships between people (of different classes and otherwise) -- but Pierce is a master at all of these things.
Also, don't be turned away by the YA label. This book (and most of Pierce's work) is very enjoyable for adults too. Just be sure to start with the first book in this lovely series! The voice actor is also top-notch.
"Pierce's best book yet!!"
I love reading a book very much, so this question is tricky. The audio book allows me to work while I listen, and Susan Denaker brings a bit of life that I don't get from just reading, but I like to imagine the book in my head too. I can't not chose which is better.
I love Beka Cooper most, but other than her I really enjoy reading about Farmer. I can't go into detail without giving some stuff away. You'll just have to read it.
When I listen to her narration I some times feel like Beka is standing next to me, telling me her story.
Definitely. Mrs. Pierce's books tend to make me react though the Beka Cooper books have done so more than any others. I won't give anything away but I cried like a baby because of this book.
"Awesome!!!!"
Awesome!! I love Beka! She is an amazing heroine. I am sad to see her story come to an end. Hopefully Tamora Pierce will write about her children like she did with Alanna or something so we can see more of her future. Susan Denaker is a great narrator.
"The best of Tamora Pierce: This book is AWESOME"
The Beka Cooper series, of which this is the 3rd and final installment, are Tamora Pierce's masterworks. My husband, who doesn't often like the same books I do, spent a day off work to listen to this book with me. He and I have shared the 1st and 2nd books in the series (Terrier and Bloodhound) together as well.
A kick ass main character, fantastic supporting cast, and a truly awesome narrator, make this tense and rich plot the best of the series. I cried several times, moved by characters and situations as if they were real.
Please go buy Beka Cooper: Terrier and start reading from there. Don't be put off by the fact this is a "YA" novel. It has adult themes and is worthy of any adult. If you have kids, this series has violence and some adult themes, so I would put it at 12 and up. Terrier is slanted younger, as the character is only 16. Beka Cooper: Bloodhound has Beka 17. In Bloodhound Beka is 20 and fully adult.
This is a high fantasy novel with very original magic, great action, and a thoroughly fascinating world.
I have listened to this 5 times in the 5 days I have owned it. That sort of says it all.
"Excellant series"
Mastiff is one of the top books I re-listen to out of them all.
I really enjoyed this entire series. I do have to say though, by far, my favorite is the first. The narrater was exellant and I have since looked for books she has narrated simply because I enjoyed this series so much in audio format.
"Plot Twist An Error"
This fabulous story lost two points in my opinion due to a plot twist that was out of character and unnecessary.
I love stories and love audible as these days I don't have time to simply sit down and read. At the moment I am a chef for a large hotel, so what time I get to myself I spend it with family and audible. :)
"Amazing!"
Tough question. I read the first part of the book, but ended up buying the audio one simply because I don't have time to sit down and read. The writing for the story is outstanding, but the narrator brings a little something extra to it.
There was a part in the story where Pounce brakes the rules. No spoilers, but I cried a little bit at that part.
Her voices. It is easy to tell who the voices belong to. Some narrators just have male and female voices and don't change it up for each characters tone or personality. Susan did it was flare and it was a pleasure to listen to.
I loved this book. I am a huge fan of Tamora Peirce and this book has to be one of her best ones yet!
"Mastiff"
Top ten, great conclusion of a series.
The lead character is very complex and compelling, a great heroine that you feel is very real.
She reads well, but at times gets very hard to hear as she goes into a whisper mode, and with the British accent I was unable to hear what she said, even when I reverse and listen again.
Castles, magic, medieval times, royalty, intrigue and treachery all in one.
I am disappointed that this is the end of a series, but see there is an off shoot in the works. I don't often re listen to a book, but I will enjoy this trilogy over and over again.
"Best of the three!"
It is at the top of it;s class
It has the same warm feeling and draws you in ever bit as much as an Eddings book.
I have the other two she read of Tamora Pierce. She was spot on with her characters.
Mastiff
"I hope she writes another one soon."
I could hear it because the narrator was good.And I enjoy the author.
Her previous Bekka Cooper books.
Yes. She is great.n
I would consider a book read by this narrator.