Beka Cooper: A Tortall Legend Review

by Tamora Pierce

Books in the Series

• Terrier - The first book in the trilogy, where Beka is a rookie with the law-enforcing Provost's Guard, and she's been assigned to the Lower City. It's a tough beat that's about to get tougher, as Beka's limited ability to communicate with the dead clues her into an underworld conspiracy.

• Bloodhound - The second book in the trilogy, where Beka is no longer a puppy. She's a Dog now -- a full-fledged member of the Provost's Guard, dedicated to keeping peace in Tortall. But there's unrest throughout the land. Counterfeit coins are turning up in shops all over the capital city of Corus, and the nation's economy is on the brink of collapse.

• Mastiff - This is the third book in the Beka Cooper trilogy, and Beka is a full-fledged Dog now, but it hasn't made her job with the law-enforcing Provost's Guard any easier. On this hunt, she'll need all her resources, from bare-knuckled fighting skills to her suspiciously intelligent cat, Pounce.

Main Themes

• Justice and Law Enforcement: The series explores the complexities of justice and moral dilemmas in law enforcement, highlighting challenges that test integrity and ethics. Characters face difficult choices, balancing the law, personal beliefs, and the greater good. The narrative weaves perspectives on how socio-economic factors, personal histories, and systemic issues affect justice. Through intense scenarios and dialogues, it prompts reflection on the meaning of true justice in a flawed system.

• Friendship and Loyalty: Beka's relationships with friends and allies are crucial to her journey, providing strength and fostering personal growth. The series explores how trust and loyalty are tested during crises, highlighting the importance of support networks. Each friendship is portrayed with depth, showing how shared experiences and mutual respect create strong bonds. The narrative also emphasizes the sacrifices made for friendship and the lengths to protect loved ones, enriching the themes of camaraderie and resilience in Beka's adventures.

• Empowerment: The story highlights the significance of women in power, showcasing their inspiring and realistic journeys as they overcome challenges. It features strong female characters defying societal expectations and confronting systemic barriers. The narrative candidly depicts their struggles with prejudice, discrimination, and the need to prove themselves in a male-dominated environment. Through their triumphs and setbacks, it illustrates empowerment's multifaceted nature, emphasizing personal growth, self-advocacy, and solidarity among women. The characters are role models, showing that empowerment involves achieving power and fostering an environment where all voices are valued.

Review

I've read a lot of Tamora Pierce's books over the years, and this series is hands down one of my favorites. Beka Cooper is a gutsy and hardworking girl from a modest background who totally blows everyone away with her awesome achievements. By the time I finished the third book, I was really bummed it was over. What she pulled off was incredible, and I didn't see a lot of the twists coming. It was also a blast to compare Beka's life to that of her great-great-great-grandson (can you guess who?). You don't have to read the other books set in the Tortall world, but I think you'd feel more connected to the characters if you did. I'm already planning to read this series again or anything else by Pierce.