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Jul 09, 2012hollyheartsYA rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I can remember back in 9th grade when I spent all my free time at the school library browsing the shelves discovering all the new-to-me books now that I was in high school. Also one of my best friends was just like me and readily recommended titles. One of those was Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce. Let's just say it was the beginning of a wonderful love affair. I tore through the Song of the Lioness quartet, then the Immortals quartet, The Circle of Magic quartet, and the first couple books of the Protector of the Small quartet. Then came the dreaded waiting between books being published, but I've loved seeing Kel become a Lady Knight, the Circle's magic developing in The Circle Opens quartet as well as The Will of the Empress, and mayhap most of all, watching Beka Cooper grow from a Terrier to a Mastiff. The wait was long but so worth it! The third and last book in the Beka Cooper Legend of Tortall was magnificent! Although the initial time jump of three years since the end of Bloodhound threw me a bit, I eagerly jumped back in with all the familiar characters, not caring that I hadn't re-read the first two books. The hunt in this book jumps to royal proportions and the consequences pile up. I don't want to give away any plot here though. What I admire so much about Tamora's heroines is that despite being mixed up with gods and destinies, these girls forge their own paths. They are strong and make their decisions on their own terms, in friendship, love, and battle. I especially squealed with joy at the very last few pages of the book. Fans of Tamora Pierce will know what I'm talking about! Basically, when I finished Mastiff, I immediately wanted to go back to the beginning of Terrier and start all over again. I'm still contemplating doing just that :) Now I need to get my hands on Pierce's short story collection, Tortall and Other Legends! I cannot recommend her books more highly. Go out and get them all!