In Bloodhound and Terrier, Tamora Pierce unveiled and then strengthened the story of Beka Cooper, a shy but diligent Dog (Tortallian slang for police) during her first few years on the streets of Tortall. With Mastiff, both the story and Beka mature in unexpected and satisfying ways. The book can be understood on its own, but will be more rewarding for those who have read the first two books.
As her fans have come to expect, Pierce wastes no time on exposition, and plunges readers into the next section of Beka's life. Her fiancé has just been killed doing Dog work, and she is confused by her inability to mourn for him. She receives orders to bring Achoo, her scent hound, for a new hunt and, just like that, her world changes. She moves from her street Dog life to the world of nobles, thick with treason and conspiracy.
Pierce's writing is as powerful and addictive as ever, and Mastiff just as long and complex as the first two books. But the pages fly by as though mage-charmed. Beka, though far from perfect, remains the sort of heroine that we all want to be, and Tortall is still a richly crafted, perfectly imperfect world.
This book is ideal for fantasy-loving teens. Although there is some mature content, Pierce handles it gracefully, making the books appropriate for sophisticated younger teens. Highly recommended for the young, the young at heart, and anybody who's still dreaming of a pet with purple eyes. --Stephanie Anderson, manager of WORD bookstore, also known as Bookavore