• Is it age appropriate?

  About our ratings

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  Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

• Is it any good?

  4.0

• Common Sense says

  Second book in fantasy series more mature than first.

Why We Rated This for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

• 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. 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.

What to watch out for

• 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 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).
• Consumerism:

  Not an issue.
• 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.

What Parents Need to Know

About Bloodhound: Beka Cooper, Book 2

Families Can Talk About