Tortall Series by Tamora Pierce - Reading from 'In the Hand of the Goddess (Song of the Lioness #2)' from August 3rd 2019

[Dr. Andy]

Ch. 18 (view spoiler)[ God I'm so distraught! The little boys are dead!



Imajane and Rubinyan will pay for their treachery. Aly will see to it! I'm glad the luarin and raka are working together now. I think this rebellion has a good chance of winning.

AND NAWAT AND ALY ARE A SHIP DAMMIT IM SO HAPPY!! Nothing better happen to either of them in the end of this book or I'm gonna go cry in a corner. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Wow what a great ending. I'm sad that Ulasim and Ochobu died before seeing Dove on the throne. But everything worked out pretty well! I had a feeling Dove would be the promised one since halfway through book 1 and I'm glad it's her. She's more suited to it than Sarai. I think this way is better haha. I loved the epilogue, I wish it had been longer with everyone from tortall that I love! (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapters 19-21 (view spoiler)[
Okay, I know that this is a very situation with the royals’ soldiers attempting to kill Dove... but I really LOVE the image of the villagers throwing their chamberpots at them :|
—
Whoot! Go Stormcrows! Save the children!
—
...who are the two unknown Raka women? O.o
—
She’s finally revealed the darkings to her allies c:
I’m really glad that Secret gets to go with Dove too - I hope that continues even when they win and she becomes queen ❤️
—
Ochobu’s dead? ;-;
—
Ulasim too? ;-;
...at least he took out Rubinyan with him I guess
—
JUNAI AS WELL? DAMMIT.
—
Imajane killed her self though? That’s honestly a real let-down because it means they never got the chance to confront her :|
—
Aly has finally told them who she is! And of course they accepted her - because why wouldn’t they. I’m mostly just really excited that this means that Aly can do what she’s wanted to do her entire life - spying/being a spymaster! :D
...and I REALLY hope there is a proper reunion with everyone from Tortall in this.
(hide spoiler)]

There was so much I had to comment on, so it all kinda went into one. Oops 8’D

Been in bed all afternoon sick and reading this very slowly as a result.

[Natalie]

Finished
(view spoiler)[OMGAWD YES FAMILY REUNION. WITH BABY SHAPESHIFTER AND BABY NUMBER TWO AND EVERYTHING.

Also - YAY ALY AND NAWAT ARE GONNA HAVE A KID.
(hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Started the first Beka Cooper book - Terrier

3% (view spoiler)[
Okay, firstly it’s weird as hell that this is written in a completely different formatting to every other Tortall book, but I’m hoping I can get used to it and am reserving judgement for now. Journal entries are a pretty good way to be able to piece together stories from multiple sources to create one larger plot after all.

And also - how the heck did I not think that Beka COOPER. Wouldn’t be related to George Cooper? That clearly went over my head XD

I do really like the idea of her gift too c: The way she speaks with all the spirits kinda reminds me of wild magic, like what both Daine and Tobe had - only with a different specialisation ;D

And I love the idea of her helping out the ‘Dogs’ at the age of 8 to get back at someone who used (and then robbed) her mother. Go Beka!

Also - there is a black cat on the cover - IS THAT FAITHFUL. I NEED TO GET TO THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CAT. (hide spoiler)]

Still not well but I need to read theseeeee because Tortalllll ;-; ❤️

[Natalie]

15%
(view spoiler)[Damn. I was hoping that we’d find out what was so special about the stone. Guess it’s too early in the novel for that...

I really want Fulk to get either slapped or arrested or something, because it definitely seems as though he’s using his position of power for taking advantage of certain women and being too ‘touchy-feely’...

Also - HECK YES FAITHFUL (Pounce, whatever :P). GOOD KITTY preventing Fulk from getting the stone, and retrieving it for Beka and co. ❤️ (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

22% (view spoiler)[They’re encouraging her to accept bribes? Because otherwise people will think she’s working for a different master?

...these ‘dogs’ seem pretty corrupt honestly. I mean, they get paid those bags of what? Protection money? And now they get bribes as well and are encouraged to take them?

I’m so lost ._. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

30% (view spoiler)[Beka is getting new neighbourssss... Rosto, Aniki and Kora ❤️❤️

I kinda thought Rosto and Beka might end up a couple... but now he seems to be moving to the annoying but endearing older brother role ;D (hide spoiler)]

[Linaria]

Natalie wrote: "Started the first Beka Cooper book - Terrier

3%
[removed]

Yeah, I mean, I think that, for me, it's very hard to get into the writing of this one.

(view spoiler)[ I do love the cat though. Cats always make books better. Especially since the guards are 'dogs' (hide spoiler)]

[Linaria]

Natalie wrote: "15%
[removed]

Seriously the MVP. (view spoiler)[ Is it just me, or is this book a lot darker than her other books? (hide spoiler)]

[Linaria]

Natalie wrote: "22% [removed]

Yeah that part seemed pretty weird to me too. To be honest, it seems like it really needs reform. It's clearly not working.

[Linaria]

Natalie wrote: "30% Beka is getting new neighbourssss... [removed]

Like I know (view spoiler)[Beka will end up with someone, considering George came along, but I can't really see it yet. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Clephiro wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Started the first Beka Cooper book - Terrier

3%
[removed]

Yeah, I mean, I think that, for me, it's very hard to get into the writing of this one.

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Pounce is amazing, especially as Pounce = Faithful from Song of the Lioness (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Clephiro wrote: "Natalie wrote: "15%
[removed]

Seriously the MVP. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Certainly seems that it's started out a lot darker than the previous ones... not sure how it'll be in the long run though. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Clephiro wrote: "Natalie wrote: "30% Beka is getting new neighbourssss... [removed]

Like I know [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Well yes, but she's not necessarily going to end up with anyone in this series - could be something that happened after the conclusion of the story tbh. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

70% (view spoiler)[Well that’s a lot of stuff happening very close together ._.

The whole Yates thing is seriously suspicious though... maybe HE’S the shadow snake? I mean, if the shadow snake preys on all the people in the lower city he’s actually in a pretty good place to find out about it considering he seems to be working with his mother, who is a super popular and friendly baker. Maybe he takes a little TOO much notice of her gossips with others?

I can’t really think of how else he and his mates (such as Gunnar who was just holding Tansy and her mother hostage) would know about the stones otherwise...

It is very out of character for the shadow snake to be taking a fully grown man though... what’s happening there? Like Beka I was worried that they’d take Tansy’s baby once they were born ._. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

84% (view spoiler)[The further through this book I get the more convinced I am that Mistress Noll is the shadow snake, and Yates and his friends are nothing more than her goons :|

The flashback that Beka just had regarding Tansy once stealing from Mistress Noll has just solidified that theory in my mind honestly.

Also, side note: can Tansy adopt all these kids if their dad doesn’t come back? (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

95% (view spoiler)[I WAS RIGHT. IT *WAS* THE BAKER LADY. Well done to Beka for finally getting it and getting her arrested!

Didn’t expect for Crookshank to die though o.O wonder if all his (remaining) wealth will be put to better use by his grandson (who was thankfully found alive) and Tansy... (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Finished Terrier (view spoiler)[really satisfying ending too, and I’m glad it looks like Beka and MOST of her siblings have made up c: (hide spoiler)]

Will be starting Book #2 Bloodhound either tonight or tomorrow c:

[Natalie]

Currently reading Bloodhound

6% (view spoiler)[Looks like we have a decent time jump from the end of the last jump. Beka is now a dog (rather than a puppy) who’s having some rather bad luck with partners XD

The change in primary crime from kidnap and murder to counterfeiting is pretty interesting tbh, not sure I’ve ever read a novel with that as the main crime o.O (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

19% (view spoiler)[ I thought she was related to George! Oh that makes me happy. ALSO PLEASE TELL ME POUNCE IS ACTUALLY FAITHFUL IT MUST BE HIM! I like Tunstall and Goodwin, they're great mentors for Beka. I like Beka, she's got a good heart and it seems like she might be favored by the Black God. I wonder what really happened to Rolond. And could Ammon be losing his mind? (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

20% (view spoiler)[I’m not sure how I feel about the Pell brothers being beaten to death in payment for their attempted beating/murder of Beka (...in payment for her arresting their brother, who was then sent to a work camp), that whole thing just seems to be one ‘well that escalated quickly’ after another 8’D

Though I suppose this version of Tortall IS much darker... and the law etc all seems to be pretty much ‘an eye for an eye’ in most of this so far... plus the Pell brothers DID attack Beka on the turf of the Rogue who obviously couldn’t let that stand... still, death? ._.

On a more positive side though, Achoo is amazing and I love him immensely 💕💕 (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

36% (view spoiler)[GAY COUPLE IN THIS NOVEL. HECK YES.

I think that is the first ‘non-straight’ pairing in this world honestly o.O either way I am so exciteddddd 💕

And at least one of the couple appears to be a really central character in this novel/plot so far, which makes me even happier ;-;

I hope Nestor and Okha are in this novel a LOT :| (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

40% (view spoiler)[ I have a feeling the Shadow Snake dealings are related to the people who went missing to dig the "well". Not sure if it's the same person or what though. I love how Beka gets info from the spinners and her birds. I really don't like her sisters. They were so fucking rude. They should be more grateful to Beka ugh. And Lady Teodorie is a bitch. I hate her. I hope Yates gets what he deserves. I love the Lady Knight Sabine omg. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

60% (view spoiler)[ VERENE IS DEAD WHY NOOOOOO. I don't know what to feel. Dammit Tamora, why Verene!? Why did one of Beka's friends have to die. *cries* Things seemed so good but then that had to happen.

Okay, so I am totally shipping Rosto and Beka. Is that bad?? I don't think Aniki is sexually involved with him. Kora and Ersken are soooo cute together tho. And I love the map idea that Beka had for the Snake ransoms. I hope she finds whoever did it soon. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

80% (view spoiler)[ Oh poor Tansy! I hope Beka finds her husband before it's too late. Also, Yates and his mother are definitely part of the Shadow Snake. Not sure if Yates is the shadow snake or just doing its dirty work. But I suspect those two. I really wanted to hit Crookshank when he said all that shit to Beka. PLEASE YOU OLD SCUMMER YOU'RE THE POS HERE! I love Beka's circle of friends and I hope nothing bad happens to them again. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Finished! (view spoiler)[ Oh my gods it was Mistress Noll!! I'm so shocked but it also makes sense! AND ROSTO IS THE NEW ROGUE AND HE KISSED BEKA OMFG I AM HARDCORE SHIPPING THEM. Send help I need it. Also, I love the little kittens that Pounce went and found for Aniki and Kora, that made me laugh so hard. This was soooooo good (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

25% (view spoiler)[ I love being back in this world!! Ah Beka can't find a good enough partner. Hopefully a good Dog will come along soon. I love Pounce and I'm sad he won't be in it as much as Terrier. But Achoo is adorable and is going to be awesome. I'm so excited to see Clary and Beka work undercover. Things are definitely going to get worse before they get better. Also I still love Rosto and Beka--I want it to happen 😂😂 (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

44% (view spoiler)[ Wow things seem to be happening so fast! They found those guys from the riot, but I don't trust them especially since that Hans guys name came up related to the counterfeit ring. Pearl is a real bitch, I don't like her. Ugh. Evil. It seems like the counterfeiting business is a lot more complicated than I thought! (hide spoiler)]

56% (view spoiler)[ Dale is cute and everything but I can't trust him one bit. I feel like he might be involved in something bad and I don't want that for Beka. I love Nestor's husband(?)/lodger. What a great trans rep and a really nice dude. Things are starting to heat up with Beka finding missing kids and all those other bits of info (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

64% (view spoiler)[We has some good progress in a very short span on time on the counterfeighting - both where the brass cane from AND a good guess as to where the silver is coming from!

But uhh... isn’t Barony Olau the same land that Alanna’s adopted father has? Fairly certain she’s Alanna of Trebond and Olau... o.O (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Natalie wrote: "64% [spoilers removed]..."

Yes Myles was from Olau! However, this is like 200 years or something before Myles, Jon and Alanna :P

[Dr. Andy]

80% (view spoiler)[ WOW I REALLY HATE LIONEL!!! I hope Beka takes down the Rogue and Lionel. Nestor should get a promotion after all this ridiculousness. I feel so bad for Amber and that she's forced to sing for the Rogue and also can't tell Nestor about it. :((

Things are starting to come together tho. Pearl is clearly part of the counterfeiting thing since she's organizing the gixies to switch out real coins for bad ones to her enemies. I don't really understand what the end game is tho? I'm sure it will be revealed soon! I hope Goodwin comes back soon, I have a feeling Beka is going to need her help.

And I really love Dale and Beka but I'm just so damn worried that he's somehow involved. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

80% (view spoiler)[While I’m really glad that Beka is safe and that she’s got a plan to take down the colesmithing trade... Master Finer the silversmith is dead? ;-;

...also, why does she have Pearl’s undies? Is it so Achoo can track her down if/when she escapes? (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

96% (view spoiler)[And just like that, no more Dale and Beka? BOOOOOOOO. Such a blase way to end that relationship D:

...I would be curious to know what Rosto thinks of this development though.... XD (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Finished! (view spoiler)[ That was such a chase omfg. What an ending!! I'm sad that Slapper was killed, even if he was a jerk. So many people died for this coal scheme. I'm glad Beka was able to put a stop to it! ANd Goodwin is going to be the desk sergeant, I think she'll be amazing at it. Plus Beka gets Tunstall!! AND POUNCE IS BACK I MISSED HIM (hide spoiler)]

[Linaria]

Andrea wrote: "
25% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[YES! I am so rooting for Rosto and Beka. And I really hope that we get a solid partner soon. (hide spoiler)]

[Linaria]

Andrea wrote: "
44% [spoilers removed]

56% [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Yeah I figured there was more to the counterfeiting, but I mean, I figured that combined with the food issues it was going to get complicated. (hide spoiler)]

[Linaria]

Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "64% [spoilers removed]..."

Yes Myles was from Olau! However, this is like 200 years or something before Myles, Jon and Alanna :P"

I miss Myles. Though I do love all the connections this book has to the other books in the Tortall series.

[Linaria]

Natalie wrote: "96%

(view spoiler)[ Is Rosto not the best character? Though, unrelated, it's interesting seeing a Tortall tale from a perspective that is outside the nobility. (hide spoiler)]

[Linaria]

Mastiff

OK, sorry guys I don't seem to like this one as much as the others. (view spoiler)[ It just seems like such a weird way to start a series, with the death (hide spoiler)]

[Linaria]

Mastiff

Does anyone else still think (view spoiler)[ Achoo is the best character? (hide spoiler)]

[Linaria]

Mastiff

OK, honestly I'm ready to go back to the Tortall of the later books, I kind of miss the established universe.

[Linaria]

Mastiff - END

(view spoiler)[ Well, Tunstill ruined all men for me. ;( I did not see that coming (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Clephiro wrote: "Andrea wrote: "
25% [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I still kinda ship Rosto and Beka even tho she had a fiance in between Bloodhound and Mastiff. lol whoops (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Clephiro wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "64% [spoilers removed]..."

Yes Myles was from Olau! However, this is like 200 years or something before Myles, Jon and Alanna :P"

I miss Myles. Though I do love all..."

Probably seeing the new and old characters is my favorite part!

[Dr. Andy]

Does anyone know how old Beka is in Mastiff?? I can't really remember how old she was in the other books either XD

[Dr. Andy]

20% (view spoiler)[ So everything is very hush hush and I feel like this one is gonna be way darker/more serious than the other ones? Granted this series seems to be darker than the other Tortall series in general. But there's something about the tone of this one. WHY DIDNT WE GET TO MEET THIS DUDE WHO WAS BEKAS FIANCE!?! Not fair. Also, I cannot trust ANY of the mages since clearly mages were involved in this plot. Beka needs to keep an eye on Ironwood, Rielle and Farmer. (hide spoiler)]

[Linaria]

I think she's 19 in mastiff

[Dr. Andy]

Really!? She seems so much older 🤔🤔

[Natalie]

Andrea wrote: "Really!? She seems so much older 🤔🤔"

Lesse... According to the wikia:

Beka was born in 230 HE
Terrier is set in 246 HE
Bloodhound is set in September of 247
Mastiff is set in the summer of 249 HE

Does that help? c:
(And yep, she clearly seems much older than she is, wow XD I was expecting mid twenties)