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foraging_pages's review against another edition
4.0
Just under two years since the events of Bloodhound, Mastiff begins with a funeral. Beka has gained and lost a fiancé the readers are unfamiliar with. That very same night she is swept away on a ship for a new investigation.
That beginning was a lot. I was like who? where? how many years?
Luckily the story began right off and any confusion disappeared (although the author kept saying it’s been three years since events that occurred in the last book but that was in 247 and it is now 249 - that’s only two years and if you go by month also it only adds up to one and a half years so I don’t know what that was about…)
I loved the cross-country Hunt aspect. It was a classic on-the-road, meeting-new-people, seeing-new-places quest. I enjoyed the slow burn between Farmer and Beka that this journey allowed. From the initial meeting to endearment to love - it was just well done and realistic because it was unassuming and came at the worst/least expected time.
Tunstall’s betrayal didn’t feel organic. I’m sure he and Sabine would have been happy to live as they were. He didn’t need to try to rise in station to meet hers. Neither of them needed to be married to prove their love. The reasoning is off. And him dying before he could face a trial and justice was too convenient. Strange plot twist by Pierce.
I teared up at the end when everyone was being rewarded by the king. Happy ending. ☺️
That beginning was a lot. I was like who? where? how many years?
Luckily the story began right off and any confusion disappeared (although the author kept saying it’s been three years since events that occurred in the last book but that was in 247 and it is now 249 - that’s only two years and if you go by month also it only adds up to one and a half years so I don’t know what that was about…)
I loved the cross-country Hunt aspect. It was a classic on-the-road, meeting-new-people, seeing-new-places quest. I enjoyed the slow burn between Farmer and Beka that this journey allowed. From the initial meeting to endearment to love - it was just well done and realistic because it was unassuming and came at the worst/least expected time.
Tunstall’s betrayal didn’t feel organic. I’m sure he and Sabine would have been happy to live as they were. He didn’t need to try to rise in station to meet hers. Neither of them needed to be married to prove their love. The reasoning is off. And him dying before he could face a trial and justice was too convenient. Strange plot twist by Pierce.
I teared up at the end when everyone was being rewarded by the king. Happy ending. ☺️
jettreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
inkfire's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't expect the twist at the end. Very well handled, and definitely believable. A very enjoyable read.
There were some very minor inconsistencies in high-tension scenes, but nothing plot-breaking.
UPDATE:
Trans character from the previous book is still referred to with the incorrect pronouns. This continues to bother me.
There were some very minor inconsistencies in high-tension scenes, but nothing plot-breaking.
UPDATE:
Trans character from the previous book is still referred to with the incorrect pronouns. This continues to bother me.
emeraldletter's review against another edition
4.0
I have really enjoyed this series, I love the strong female lead, the interesting plot, the diverse characters and settings. I still enjoyed Mastiff, but I have to say at the outset, it did have slightly more significant problems with it than the last two books. I would still recommend it to a lot of people though, so don't be put off by that.
First of all, I adored the girl power! A lot of books with strong female leads make them strong- but they're strong because they break the rules. That is so NOT true in real life! Girls can obey the law, respect authority and still be strong women. I love that about Beka in this book. She has the Lord Geshom, and other men in positions of authority giving her orders, but it doesn't make her weak to obey rules. In fact, she shines even more. Such a brilliant example of the truth displayed in teen fiction made me want to jump up and down with pride for authors who write about true strong women.
In the romance department, I was a bit disappointed, not because the guy Pierce had picked for Beka was bad, but because it felt like she had inserted the perfect guy into the story for Beka so she could have a man. I don't normally have a problem with that except the romance moved too fast (not in the terms of physicality, but mentality). Like a lot of characters, they didn't really realise they had fallen in love 'til they reflected on their actions, but the time progression between 'I realised I was in love', and 'be my girlfriend', was way too short. I understand Pierce needed Beka with a guy as the Cooper family tree continues to George Cooper, but she could've done that in several good ways other than the way she chose. (e.g. Beka stays single at the end and it's just assumed she found someone, OR she got with a guy, but it didn't move as fast and it's assumed that they got married eventually after the book). I think it's a bit sad that this part of the story wasn't developed fully as it could've been an awesome way to end the Trilogy.
Anyway, I am still happy to say that most of the things that I most enjoyed about the first and second book were still present in the third. The plot was excellent (apart from aforementioned problem), the characters and settings were new, diverse and brilliant, and the character development from the last book. I'm not sure I can say anything else about those four positive things without reiterating stuff I've said in previous reviews on the series. Needless to say, they were awesome.
It's a minor problem, but if you are to properly appreciate the epilogue, you may have to read the Lioness Quartet. In all probability, the Beka Cooper series is used to educate Tortallan readers about the history of Tortall, the history of the Coopers, and create a more indepth world. It's true that reading the Lioness Quartet beforehand enriches the reading experience of this series, but I'm sure you can still read the series as a stand alone. You'll just have to put up with a confusing epilogue from Mastiff, and a puzzling prologue from Terrier. Personally, I would just read the Quartet, but you don't have to.
Ok, I'll be honest, this problem is hard to voice without spoiling, but I'll do my best. I'm not sure if this is just a personal bias, but some of the decisions one old character made seem a bit out of character. Right. I give up. Skip the italics to the next paragraph if you don't want this spoiled (I'd recommend it as this is the big spoil).
I was so disappointed in what Pierce did with Tunstall! It seemed slightly out of character, but at the same time, his motives were true...so...I guess my problem is either I was so wrapped up in the story that I still can't believe he would betray them, or that Pierce made him do something slightly out of character. Please comment and tell me what you think, 'cause I'm still not sure what to think...
There was no sex, and not much mention of it, like I said in the last book, I say this for anyone who has wished that some books would come with a warning you could read before you read it. Fortunately, this book is not one of those ones and all those under who worry have nothing to worry about.
Well, all in all, I reckon I'll rate it four and a half stars. It was good, but there was a fairly big problem in the timing of the romance department. I still LOVE the girl power and the overall plot, characters and world, which were excellent.The message I think Pierce wanted to send was that the slaves should be freed (as seen in the dedication) and I agree wholeheartedly. I think it's good that an author uses her readers to advocate for important issues. I recommend it to anyone 14+.
BTW, I have noticed that when I review, I review the features of the book and usually don't talk too much about actual characters and plot twists. If you agree, or disagree, please comment and tell me so I know what you'd like me to focus on when I write!
StoryGirl
First of all, I adored the girl power! A lot of books with strong female leads make them strong- but they're strong because they break the rules. That is so NOT true in real life! Girls can obey the law, respect authority and still be strong women. I love that about Beka in this book. She has the Lord Geshom, and other men in positions of authority giving her orders, but it doesn't make her weak to obey rules. In fact, she shines even more. Such a brilliant example of the truth displayed in teen fiction made me want to jump up and down with pride for authors who write about true strong women.
In the romance department, I was a bit disappointed, not because the guy Pierce had picked for Beka was bad, but because it felt like she had inserted the perfect guy into the story for Beka so she could have a man. I don't normally have a problem with that except the romance moved too fast (not in the terms of physicality, but mentality). Like a lot of characters, they didn't really realise they had fallen in love 'til they reflected on their actions, but the time progression between 'I realised I was in love', and 'be my girlfriend', was way too short. I understand Pierce needed Beka with a guy as the Cooper family tree continues to George Cooper, but she could've done that in several good ways other than the way she chose. (e.g. Beka stays single at the end and it's just assumed she found someone, OR she got with a guy, but it didn't move as fast and it's assumed that they got married eventually after the book). I think it's a bit sad that this part of the story wasn't developed fully as it could've been an awesome way to end the Trilogy.
Anyway, I am still happy to say that most of the things that I most enjoyed about the first and second book were still present in the third. The plot was excellent (apart from aforementioned problem), the characters and settings were new, diverse and brilliant, and the character development from the last book. I'm not sure I can say anything else about those four positive things without reiterating stuff I've said in previous reviews on the series. Needless to say, they were awesome.
It's a minor problem, but if you are to properly appreciate the epilogue, you may have to read the Lioness Quartet. In all probability, the Beka Cooper series is used to educate Tortallan readers about the history of Tortall, the history of the Coopers, and create a more indepth world. It's true that reading the Lioness Quartet beforehand enriches the reading experience of this series, but I'm sure you can still read the series as a stand alone. You'll just have to put up with a confusing epilogue from Mastiff, and a puzzling prologue from Terrier. Personally, I would just read the Quartet, but you don't have to.
Ok, I'll be honest, this problem is hard to voice without spoiling, but I'll do my best. I'm not sure if this is just a personal bias, but some of the decisions one old character made seem a bit out of character. Right. I give up. Skip the italics to the next paragraph if you don't want this spoiled (I'd recommend it as this is the big spoil).
I was so disappointed in what Pierce did with Tunstall! It seemed slightly out of character, but at the same time, his motives were true...so...I guess my problem is either I was so wrapped up in the story that I still can't believe he would betray them, or that Pierce made him do something slightly out of character. Please comment and tell me what you think, 'cause I'm still not sure what to think...
There was no sex, and not much mention of it, like I said in the last book, I say this for anyone who has wished that some books would come with a warning you could read before you read it. Fortunately, this book is not one of those ones and all those under who worry have nothing to worry about.
Well, all in all, I reckon I'll rate it four and a half stars. It was good, but there was a fairly big problem in the timing of the romance department. I still LOVE the girl power and the overall plot, characters and world, which were excellent.The message I think Pierce wanted to send was that the slaves should be freed (as seen in the dedication) and I agree wholeheartedly. I think it's good that an author uses her readers to advocate for important issues. I recommend it to anyone 14+.
BTW, I have noticed that when I review, I review the features of the book and usually don't talk too much about actual characters and plot twists. If you agree, or disagree, please comment and tell me so I know what you'd like me to focus on when I write!
StoryGirl
ptothelo's review against another edition
5.0
couldn't put it down. I started it last night. Fell asleep reading it. Put off work this morning to finish it. That's what happens when you're on a Hunt...you can't stop
steph01924's review against another edition
5.0
Rereading June 2018: Check out my full review (aside from the one below!) on Forever Young Adult.
It always makes me sad to finish one of Tamora Pierce's series. It's like I'm letting go of a good friend. We can go revisit old great memories, but we can't make any NEW ones. Hopefully it won't be years and years until her next great series.
What I love about all of Pierce's books is that they are so fully realized. This world is so intricate, and characters are so human and flawed yet wonderfully likeable, and there's this element of magic balanced with the emotion that gives it whimsy. You're going to go on a journey, there's going to be a great, strong female character and despite the hardships along the way, there is a happy ending. What is also so great about her writing is that it's supposedly geared for teens, but there is so MUCH in her books. She doesn't pull punches about real life. We get frank discussions about slavery, birth control, bad relationships, sex, politics, honor. She doesn't talk down to her readers; she educates them.
This book takes place pretty far removed from most of the characters we've grown to like from the Beka Cooper series. I was sad to see some character favorites like Rosto, Aniki, Goodwin, Kora, etc. have maybe two lines each. I enjoyed the characters we did get to know, but it definitely felt different from the other two books.
Most of what I want to say will be major spoilers so here's the warning.
When we opened on the death of Holborn, Beka's fiance (?!?!?) I was annoyed that this whole giant thing happened to our character when we weren't looking. But then we get to see that Beka wasn't really in love with Holborn and that the relationship was pretty much over. I think it was a good choice to move Beka into a spot where she would be ready for Farmer, in addition to the three years gap from one story to the next. Since we weren't going to get a Rosto/Beka pairing, she needed to stick Rosto in the friend-zone and go through a relationship with exactly what she didn't want to really understand and appreciate what a great fit Farmer was for her. So...OK, Tamora, I'll allow it. :P)
Tunstall. That just hurt. I don't know how I feel about this twist of events. It's so hard for me to wrap my mind around him being a traitor. I know we were getting hints that something bad was coming, but honestly I didn't think it would be him. I had no clue who it could be, because I knew Farmer wasn't bad, and I didn't think Pierce would ever make Lady Sabine evil. But Tunstall???? I just can't buy that he was so cut up about not being on Sabine's level that he would actually actively work against Beka. And that he would kill that little boy? I know the treason was written to be a punch in the gut, but it was veering into out-of-character territory for me. I kind of wish we'd gotten some interaction between Goodwin and Beka about this, but I understand the book was probably long enough for the publishers as it was.
As always, Pierce's inclusion of wonderful animal characters just makes me love the books so much more. I want a dog now more than ever, especially one as well-trained as Achoo! I love that Pounce/Faithful keeps making appearances in our female characters' lives, just helping out here and there.
I loved the last few scenes, with the abolishing of slavery and Prince Gareth. It makes me wonder if there was anything in the later books that mentioned the history of the kings and what kind of king he eventually became.
Also the bits at the end with George Cooper's journal. It made me want to go reread Alanna's books for the millionth time!
All in all, I think I really enjoyed this foray into the world of the Dogs. It gives the world of Tortall a richer back-story and weaves together many things that are so important to the later books. When an author cares that deeply about the world she's created, how can I not appreciate her hard work? Go read Mastiff, and then go read everything else Pierce has written!
It always makes me sad to finish one of Tamora Pierce's series. It's like I'm letting go of a good friend. We can go revisit old great memories, but we can't make any NEW ones. Hopefully it won't be years and years until her next great series.
What I love about all of Pierce's books is that they are so fully realized. This world is so intricate, and characters are so human and flawed yet wonderfully likeable, and there's this element of magic balanced with the emotion that gives it whimsy. You're going to go on a journey, there's going to be a great, strong female character and despite the hardships along the way, there is a happy ending. What is also so great about her writing is that it's supposedly geared for teens, but there is so MUCH in her books. She doesn't pull punches about real life. We get frank discussions about slavery, birth control, bad relationships, sex, politics, honor. She doesn't talk down to her readers; she educates them.
This book takes place pretty far removed from most of the characters we've grown to like from the Beka Cooper series. I was sad to see some character favorites like Rosto, Aniki, Goodwin, Kora, etc. have maybe two lines each. I enjoyed the characters we did get to know, but it definitely felt different from the other two books.
Most of what I want to say will be major spoilers so here's the warning.
Spoiler
I really went into the book thinking Rosto and Beka would get together. I know, I know, that isn't what's important overall, but man. I'm just a bit disappointed that nothing ever came of that. I can understand...I mean, Beka has a pretty strong moral ethic and Rosto's the Rogue, so automatically there's some tension there. Once I realized Beka was slowing falling in love with Farmer, I gave in. He's a great character. He's written to be perfect for her, obviously, but I've seen it in many books where that can still go horribly wrong. Pierce usually gets it right with her romantic leads, even if she takes it away from a direction you originally wanted (oh, King Jonathan...) it to go. But it's always true to who her characters are. Alanna and George a much better fit overall. I love that Farmer took Beka's name at the end. He even reminded me a bit of Numair, which is never a bad thing. ;)When we opened on the death of Holborn, Beka's fiance (?!?!?) I was annoyed that this whole giant thing happened to our character when we weren't looking. But then we get to see that Beka wasn't really in love with Holborn and that the relationship was pretty much over. I think it was a good choice to move Beka into a spot where she would be ready for Farmer, in addition to the three years gap from one story to the next. Since we weren't going to get a Rosto/Beka pairing, she needed to stick Rosto in the friend-zone and go through a relationship with exactly what she didn't want to really understand and appreciate what a great fit Farmer was for her. So...OK, Tamora, I'll allow it. :P)
Tunstall. That just hurt. I don't know how I feel about this twist of events. It's so hard for me to wrap my mind around him being a traitor. I know we were getting hints that something bad was coming, but honestly I didn't think it would be him. I had no clue who it could be, because I knew Farmer wasn't bad, and I didn't think Pierce would ever make Lady Sabine evil. But Tunstall???? I just can't buy that he was so cut up about not being on Sabine's level that he would actually actively work against Beka. And that he would kill that little boy? I know the treason was written to be a punch in the gut, but it was veering into out-of-character territory for me. I kind of wish we'd gotten some interaction between Goodwin and Beka about this, but I understand the book was probably long enough for the publishers as it was.
As always, Pierce's inclusion of wonderful animal characters just makes me love the books so much more. I want a dog now more than ever, especially one as well-trained as Achoo! I love that Pounce/Faithful keeps making appearances in our female characters' lives, just helping out here and there.
I loved the last few scenes, with the abolishing of slavery and Prince Gareth. It makes me wonder if there was anything in the later books that mentioned the history of the kings and what kind of king he eventually became.
Also the bits at the end with George Cooper's journal. It made me want to go reread Alanna's books for the millionth time!
All in all, I think I really enjoyed this foray into the world of the Dogs. It gives the world of Tortall a richer back-story and weaves together many things that are so important to the later books. When an author cares that deeply about the world she's created, how can I not appreciate her hard work? Go read Mastiff, and then go read everything else Pierce has written!
amnesiack's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a lot longer to get into this book than it did the first two in the series. It felt like it was retreading the a lot of the same ground, and I just wasn't that interested. The last third, though, picks up well, and things wrap up well enough to take it from a 3 star to a 4 star book. Tunstall's ending made me sad, but I saw it coming once it became obvious that someone had to be a traitor, and it made a certain kind of sense. Good people often do bad things out of misguided ideology, only realizing too late the mistakes they've made.
redentrapy's review against another edition
4.0
Out of all the books in this series this is my worst favorite that being said it is still great. Tamora Pierce is great with characterization which is why she is one of my all time favorite authors. I fall in love with her characters. This book is no different. She is also very good at making the story flow well and her plots are always fun filled adventures. She is good with imagery and bringing you into the story.
I honestly love Farmer Cape. This character just makes me smile on almost every page. He is truly silly to his very core but he's not stupid. This man could probably beat Sir Miles (another Tamora Pierce character who loves chess) at a game of chess. I love how he gets Beka, who is so beyond shy she can't even talk to people she's known forever sometimes, to open up. She laughs and jokes with him. Beka is usually so serious and a workaholic she needs someone like Farmer to keep her from dying of an ulcer XP.
The plot in this book was predictable and in places sooooooo slow I almost couldn't keep reading but once you get past them the story is great and intriguing. The only thing that truly truly bothered me was what happened to Tunstall. As I stated before Tamora Pierce is great at characterization and Tunstall is one of the main ones of this story, but she completely did a 180 on his personality from the other books. I can't see him doing what he did ever and I was floored and not in a good way.
The ending of this book was a little rushed while the beginning was beyond slow....still absolutely love it though.....guess I'm a masochist XP.
I honestly love Farmer Cape. This character just makes me smile on almost every page. He is truly silly to his very core but he's not stupid. This man could probably beat Sir Miles (another Tamora Pierce character who loves chess) at a game of chess. I love how he gets Beka, who is so beyond shy she can't even talk to people she's known forever sometimes, to open up. She laughs and jokes with him. Beka is usually so serious and a workaholic she needs someone like Farmer to keep her from dying of an ulcer XP.
The plot in this book was predictable and in places sooooooo slow I almost couldn't keep reading but once you get past them the story is great and intriguing. The only thing that truly truly bothered me was what happened to Tunstall. As I stated before Tamora Pierce is great at characterization and Tunstall is one of the main ones of this story, but she completely did a 180 on his personality from the other books. I can't see him doing what he did ever and I was floored and not in a good way.
The ending of this book was a little rushed while the beginning was beyond slow....still absolutely love it though.....guess I'm a masochist XP.
moonspren's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mnemosyne139's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I think this is my favorite individual Tamora Pierce book. I have lost count of the number of re-reads I've done. My copy is definitely well-loved. I adore the characters, especially Farmer.
I wish we could learn more about Cassine. I find her to be very interesting and would definitely read her "origin" story. I also wish dust spinners were a thing in other Totally books because they're so unique!
I wish we could learn more about Cassine. I find her to be very interesting and would definitely read her "origin" story. I also wish dust spinners were a thing in other Totally books because they're so unique!