In my opinion Tamora Pierce's best novel for teens. Realistically git and dirt with strong defined characters, strengths, flaws and all. A moralistic plot which faces a small insignificant person against the world, and keeps you hooked with twists and turns around every page. Very very good. One issue was the Epilogue - George Cooper of Alanna's time. That little bit not worth reading if I'm honest.

By far my favorite series by Tamora Pierce. I definitely suggest reading it at least once in my life. Had a few teary moments and some gasps. I spent a lot of my classes reading it and making my desk partners glance over my shoulder to figure out what was getting me all hyped up.

I think this was one of Tamora Pierce's worst books. The action scenes are exciting and well thought out, but the rest of the book seems choppy and certain plot twists don't follow the characters' previously made personalities. Mastiff is the worst book of the trilogy.

I wasn't in love with this Pierce series until this book, now I am. Burned through it in less than 24 hours. Fantastic work with great character development and tackling an interesting relationship issue.

Beka Cooper is woken in the middle of the night by a knock on her door. It is the Lord Provost and he has a simple set instructions. "Dress and pack what you need for a stay of three days. Bring Achoo. Tell no one where you're bound or from whom the orders came. Forgive me, but you're my best choice." And so begins a Hunt like none Beka has ever been on. The Crown Prince has disappeared, and Beka, along with her partner Turnstall, her magical companion Pounce, the scent hound Achoo and a handful of others, have been charged to find him. As they search, they uncover a plot against the royal family that is so sinister that one of their own falls victim to its sway. Beka must use her many skills, including her ability to talk to the dead, if she is to find the prince in time to stop the coup d'etat that is coming, as well as escape with her own life. Tamora Pierce delivers a stunning final instalment in this series from Tortall's past. Fans of the series are going to enjoy the ending, although the will find it bittersweet. Go get this.

love it! i never would have expected what happened! amazing

I liked this one. Surprise ending! A lot of action in it and I'd say a little depth added to the character of Beka. The epilogue makes me wonder if that's where Pierce will go in future novels.

This is an AMAZING book! A great ending to a great series!

I think that this book was really, really good, but the first book, Terrier, was better. That's always the case with Tamora Pierce. After the first book the rest of her series looses its..."freshness".

Hands down, no contest, the absoute best book of the series. Not to political or confusing. No muddled, unclear conflict like the earlier two. Surprisingly not boring at all for a book that is nearly entirely comprised of traveling. That and that terrible, heart-wrenching betrayal.... Oh, goodness, now I'm crying again. Just *sniff* read it already.