Tools for this page
Print

Bloodhound: Beka Cooper, Book 2

(2009, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Tamora Pierce)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    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 on 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

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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? Do you miss that element? 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?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Bloodhound: Beka Cooper, Book 2?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Perfect

    I love this book! Its absolutely great for teens.Tamora Pierce's books are awesome, you must read her books! :)

  2. I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

    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.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    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.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title off for age 16 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    Sounds funny but I believe it

    Doesn't ease children out of fantasy world and prepare them for real life.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Book of the Week

    Shiver

    Shiver

    Does for werewolves what Twilight did for vampires.

  • Pick of the Week

    Spook-tacular Books

    Spook-tacular Books

    Fun Halloween picture books for young kids.

  • Download This

    The Time of Our Lives

    The Time of Our Lives

    Walmart-exclusive mini-CD is edgy but kid-friendly.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy