Parents' Guide to

Bloodhound: Beka Cooper, Book 2

By Betsy Bozdech, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Second book in fantasy series is more mature than first.

Bloodhound: Beka Cooper, Book 2 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 13+

Based on 3 parent reviews

age 12+

Not as tame as Terrier, but still well-written and captivating

Bloodhound: Beka Cooper is yet another well-written, captivating novel by Tamora Pierce. There is quite a bit more "mature content" (as you can see in Common Sense Media's description of the book) as far as Beka's life outside of her Dog work goes. However, it doesn't go into detail. While it may not be as tame as Terrier, it really is a great novel with a wonderful plot if you look past that.

This title has:

Too much sex
age 10+

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (9):

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 Details

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