This is an great conclusion to the Beka Cooper trilogy. Some parts of the plot were not as good as they could be; but it was still a good book. It is an adventure which touches on serious issues like people's acceptance of unjust situations because 'it's always been like this', and how far a good person will go to have something they want.

The first two were great and I was wondering if Tamora Pierce could make the third like that and she does. She goes beyond great. I absolutely loved the ending and everything about this book. It was a great way to end the trilogy!

How I adore Tamora Pierce and all her books! I couldn't pick a favorite heroine, but Beka Cooper is certainly vying for the position! This final book in her trilogy does not disappoint. From its startling beginning to its thoroughly satisfying ending, fans of fierce women will love this book!

I've been a fan of Tamora Pierce for a long time but without a doubt this is my favorite Tortall character so far. All the books in the series were great and I found this one to be no exception. The ending of this book did feel somewhat rushed after all that happened within it, but as a conclusion to Beka's story overall I did enjoy it. It was definitely worth waiting as long as I did.

One of Tamora Pierce's best books. By far one of my favourite series because of the action, amazingly intricate plot and believable characters! The perfect end to an awesome trilogy that kept me guessing. I wanted so badly to skip and read the ending, but I was so intrigued, I could pry my eyes away for a minute.

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!

It's a good finish to the Beka Cooper series, but it's not as strong as the first two. Regardless, I enjoyed following Beka through to the end.

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.