Mastiff (2011) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 5 stars

“For the original review and more, please visit http://markedbybooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/review-of-mastiff-by-tamora-pierce.html


The end is here.

No, it's not the apocalypse, but it feels pretty darn close right about now. I still can't believe this is the last book in the Beka Cooper trilogy. It felt like there was a huge hole in the center of my heart as soon as I turned the last page because I was so not ready to let go of anybody yet. I'm still not! In fact, I'm probably going to have to reread more Tamora Pierce books pretty soon to fill that gap because, writing this, I feel like I'm about to split in two.

Not cool, Tamora Pierce!

I'm just kidding, I love you. So here's to the first review on this blog of a book by my very author, Tamora Pierce! Yay!

But now on to what I'm actually supposed to be talking about: Mastiff. While I'm obviously not too fond of the fact that this is the last I'll being seeing of Beka, I am pretty happy with how things ended up. Of course I was devastated by the betrayal she faced by someone that should have been too close to hurt her, and I also wish that I could've seen a little more of Rosto, Kora, Aniki, and Goodwin before everything ended, but I'm very proud of Beka and glad that she finally got her happily ever after.

Even though I didn't get to see as many of Beka's old friends as I had hoped, I really enjoyed all of the new faces. First off, Gareth. I know that I didn't get to meet him until the very end, but I have to say, that kid's a boss. Seriously. The little guy's only four years old, but he handled being kidnapped better than many people ten times his age would have. He's so kind to everyone too, especially considering his lineage. He is one of the sweetest, bravest, most determined little boys I've ever had the pleasure of reading about, and I only wish that I could have had more time to spend with him.

I really liked the queen as well. It was very obvious how much she loved her son, and that none of wanting to get him back was a political battle; I know she would have turned over the entire kingdom if she thought it would mean getting to see him again. Their reunion was so sweet, and she always treated Beka like an equal, regardless of whether or not Beka thought she deserved it.

Then there's Farmer. There's no way I could have talked about this book without mentioning him. He's just that awesome. Like Beka, he'll play up the stupid Lower City Dog act to make people underestimate him before completely blowing their minds. Unlike Beka, however, Farmer does it with style. I'm not picking on Beka here, but she just tends to slip into a bit of an accent and act really shy around nobles, whereas Farmer goes full throttle with the whole country bumkin act. I swear, if he said, "Ma allus said...." one more time, I don't think I could have contained the laughter.

And then we have Pounce. Oh, Pounce, Pounce, Pounce, Pounce, Pounce, how I adore you. After Salem from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, I never thought I could love another talking cat so much again, but you completely blow him out of the water (sorry Salem). You are the best character in this book, and you know it. Thank you so much for your meddling, even if it did confine you to the stars for a hundred years. Your smugness will forever live in my heart, and I'm so glad that I at least didn't have to say goodbye to you, Pounce (or should I call you Faithful?).

Overall, the first half was a little slow at times, but still enjoyable, mainly because I loved spending time with all of the characters so much. I probably would have only given this book four stars if it continued on like that, but what came later more than made up for it. By far, the most exciting parts of the book came a little after halfway through. That was when things really started to pick up, and it felt like I had been thrown in the middle of a whirlwind of excitement and suspense. It really never calmed down from there until the very end, and even that may be stretching it. The ending was certainly something huge, but I can't say anything else without spoiling the book for you. I really felt like everything had finally come full circle, especially after going back to George Cooper in the epilogue. It seemed very fitting for him to close things up, especially since he and his mother started Beka's story off in the beginning of Terrier. Oh, back when she was just a Puppy.... it's making me sad just thinking about it. Goodbye Beka! I'll never forget you! Probably because I'll end up rereading your books every year!

Taylor


For the original review and more, please visit http://markedbybooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/review-of-mastiff-by-tamora-pierce.html”

• Rated 5 stars

“I couldn't put it down! I loved it, and the end was really quite unexpected. A fitting end to the trilogy, and she ties it in so well to the Alanna series.”

• Rated 5 stars

“This was a very satisfying conclusion to an excellent series. As usual, Tamora Pierce is able to create strong characters and an exciting story line. I couldn't put this book down!”

• Rated 4 stars

“Beka has really grown up in this book. The book starts with the funeral of her fiance, but is a little unbelievable since we don't have a lot of romance in the Beka Cooper series to make the supposed relationship seem real. Her growth and coming to terms with her guilt, however, are more believable. The pace was exciting, and the twist conclusion was heartbreaking (if a little out of character).”

• Rated 5 stars

“A stunning ending to one of the best series!”

• Rated 4 stars

“I could help but be disappointed by the change in character of Tunstall at the end, but I think that it underlines how real this book felt to me. ”

• Rated 2 stars

“A disappointment in the Beka Cooper series. No sense, forgot characters very easily. And a random engagement to someone no one knew. And a traitor. broke. my. heart. not a good ending to the series”

• Rated 5 stars

“Wow! The longer the ride, the more trouble Beka gets into, and the mre determined and desprate she is to find her quarry. A sound plot and story. Well rounded characters and Peirce have woven perfect magic the reader's emotions. Beautlfully written!”

• Rated 4 stars

“Just as good as the second one, even like the flirting between Farmer and Cooper. This one had a lot more intrigue and was fast paced throughout. Cannot believe that is the end of the series, but cannot wait for whatever Pierce comes up with next.”

• Rated 4 stars

“In some ways, I am still surprised every time I pick up a new Tamora Pierce book. I keep expecting to get the same style of writing in Song of the Lioness and, like most authors, she does not remain stagnant.

I say this because Mastiff feels like more of a break than usual from her earlier works. Overall, this series has been very different (and, unlike the Daughter of the Lioness duology, quite good), but the pacing still felt a bit off to me. I kept waiting for things to happen that took an appallingly long time to occur.

That being said, I have like Beka Cooper from the beginning and I really do think this trilogy is a welcome addition to the Tortallan stories. Other than pacing, my one quibble is with character. Someone behaves a certain way and it was jarringly out of character to me. Which is odd, because Pierce is usually really REALLY good with characters in character. So this slip was doubly disappointing.

Realistically, if you've made it this far with Pierce's books, you'll appreciate Mastiff. It's a master storyteller doing what she does best.”