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Bloodhound: Beka Cooper, Book 2 (by Tamora Pierce)

common sense media says

Second book in fantasy series is more mature than first.


parents & educators say
  • 67% say there are positive role models
  • 67% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this fantasy/crime story takes place in a medieval-esque world in which violence is commonplace, sex is sometimes casual, and bribery and poverty go hand in hand. While there's nothing especially graphic, overall the story has a more mature tone than the first book in the series, with the heroine taking on bigger responsibilities and dallying with a young man. There are some deaths and many injuries, characters drink and flirt (and sometimes more), and a same-sex relationship is treated matter-of-factly.

Educational value: Kids may learn some things about policework -- investigating crimes, etc.
Positive messages: The book's world is one of carefully negotiated relationships between the police (the "Dogs") and criminals ("Rats"). A certain amount of crime is allowed to take place as long as the Rats don't overstep themselves; all Dogs accept bribes, but the good ones never take them in life-or-death situations. Beka is a loyal, honest Dog dedicated to pursuing justice, as are many of her friends -- though she's also close to an important criminal.
Positive role models: Beka is a strong, resourceful role model who never shies away from a challenge or responsibility. Her partner, Goodwin, is another positive female character. Beka's world is diverse, with characters of many different ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and sexualities. Some of Beka's best friends are criminals, but they still care about relationships.
Violence: The book's world is matter-of-factly brutal, with frequent murders, beatings, and other incidents. Beka and the other Dogs are frequently involved in fights (even riots) and confrontations, and they use various weapons -- though they prefer heavy batons to swords, since they'd rather catch criminals than kill them. There are some bloody deaths (human and animal) and serious injuries. Nothing is described in particularly graphic terms, but the violence is pretty pervasive. At one point in the story, Beka saves children from kidnappers (who presumably have dark intentions).
Sex: Sex and sexuality are treated very matter of factly. Unmarried characters (including Beka) sleep together, and there's a good amount of flirting and kissing as well. Things don't get too graphic, but Beka does refer to her "peaches" and the way that a young man kissing/touching her makes her feel. Two men kiss; their same-sex relationship isn't portrayed as a big deal -- nor is anyone else's sexuality.
Language: Plenty of slang and swearing, but it's all in words that are specific to the world of the book (there's a glossary in the back for translation). None of it includes words that are considered "bad" to us, but they're clear stand-ins for curses we all know.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Beka rarely drinks (she perfers to keep her head clear), but many of her friends and colleagues do, generally in social situations.

More on Bloodhound: Beka Cooper, Book 2

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the world the book takes place in. If you've read Pierce's other novels, how does this compare to other stories set in Tortall? Does it feel as much like a fantasy as the other books? Why or why not?

  • What do you think of the way the Dogs and Rats co-exist? Does that seem realistic?

  • What era in real human history do you think the book is most closely related to?

What's the story?

What's the story?

BLOODHOUND finds young policewoman -- aka "Dog" -- Beka Cooper taking on her first big case as an official Guardswoman. With an increasing number of forged coins (called "coles") appearing on the streets of Corus and rumors of a bad grain harvest starting to circulate, the country's entire economy could be in trouble. Accompanied by a grumpy pigeon and an enthusiastic scent hound named Achoo, Beka and her partner follow the coles' trail to Port Caynn, where they meet a whole cast of new characters -- and encounter plenty of new trouble.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Like its predecessor, Terrier, Bloodhound is much more of a crime procedural than a traditional fantasy novel. While magic certainly has a role in the story (Beka can talk to ghosts carried by pigeons, as well as pick up snippets of conversation from small whirlwinds), it's far less central than in Pierce's other books. Some fans may miss that aspect, but it's a nice change of pace to see characters relying on "regular" resources -- and taking "regular" risks as they do so. Beka's achievements are all the more satisfying because she achieves them almost entirely on her own merits.

Also like Terrier, the book is told through first-person journal entries. It's a very intimate writing style, and it helps cement Beka's status as a likeable, relatable heroine -- one of many in Pierce's repertoire. In addition to creating strong female characters, Pierce has always done an excellent job of telling engrossing, well-paced stories, and Bloodhound is no exception.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Tamora Pierce
Publisher: Random House
Publication date: April 14, 2009
Number of pages: 550
Hardcover price: $18.99
Read Aloud: 12
Read Alone: 12

This review was written by Betsy Bozdech
 
 

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What parents & educators say

13
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 67% say there are positive role models
  • 67% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

emzies04
teen, 16 years old
 
I loved the book although it may not be appropriate for some kids. There is cussing in the book it isn't that often probably once every 4 pages. There is gambling and drinking. The gambling and drinking takes place throughout the story so that's a lot. There is also romance through the story but it doesn't get too heavy. Sex is mentioned a couple of times in the story though it is called swive or canoodling. It is very violent too. I think it is a great book for teens if they are mature enough because it is very entertaining and it keeps you excited. It definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Delzer
teen, 18 years old
 
Young adults to teenagers

My name is ...
kid, 12 years old
 
I love Beka Cooper
I love this book. Tamora Pierce is a great writer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sonyal
parent of 4 year old
 

stepen
adult
 
Sounds funny but I believe it
Doesn't ease children out of fantasy world and prepare them for real life.

Hils
teen, 15 years old
 
just Perfect for tweens
Hi everyone I tink its cool.i lky it

 
pretty good book with lots of action and excitement
I read this book and I thought it was pretty good. The main character, Beka Cooper, is brave and works hard. The story is a lot about her growing up and getting over her insecurities. It's great for teens who like complex mysteries with a strong heroine as the main character.

FantasyFiend12
teen, 18 years old
 
This was an enjoyable story with a complex plot and interesting set of characters. It's mature, nicely paced, and cleverly wrote. Tamora Pierce did a grand job at making counterfeit money into a quite good book.

iloveshakespeare
kid, 12 years old
 
This book is the best!
I love this book even though i am ten!

Weeping Alys
teen, 16 years old
 
Perfect
I love this book! Its absolutely great for teens.Tamora Pierce's books are awesome, you must read her books! :)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age