Lioness Rampant (4) (Song of the Lioness) Mass Market Paperback – January 1, 2005

Alanna is by far one of the most enjoyable female protagonists I have ever read. She breaks down the walls of convention, on multiple levels, and fights to overcome the accusations and expectations set against her time and time again. Eventually, through the strength of her own perseverance, she manages to carve out a niche. Steadfastly holding true to who she is and what she wants out of life, in spite of what everyone else says or thinks about it. She inspires her fellow characters and the reader themselves to see past the illusion and limitation of physical and emotional boundaries. That one only need strive and not give up to make the changes they want to see happen in the world.

This novel, the fourth in The Song of the Lioness quartet, brings to a close the story of Alanna of Tremond, a young girl who wants to be a knight. Luckily her twin brother doesn't, and they switch places, with him heading off to school to become a magician, while she pretends to be a boy and joins the training program for becoming a knight. In this novel, Alanna is a knight, who has left the court after killing the king's brother for his attempted regicide.She travels to the desert to find herself and adventure, and becomes the tribe's shaman before setting out on the quest to find a magical gem that will allow her former lord (and friend) to save their kingdom, Tantall.A thoroughly satisfying book,this story shows Alanna becoming a mature warrior and allows the reader a satisfying resolution for characters that we have know for four books (eight in the case of one). As is true of the entire series of books set in this universe, the plot is exciting, the characters develop into well rounded persons, and the resolution of the books is satisfying without being "sweet."An immensely satisfying read, indeed!

Okay I first read these when I was about 13 and tore through them. I think, really, this was my first introduction to fantasy as a reader, rather than a listener, and for that I will always hold this series in high regard.But I'm 37 now, and rereading it, it's easier to pick out the feminist philosophy here, as opposed to my first read all those years ago when I just thought it was a great story. And with that perspective, what I want to see next is the feminist position carried forwardSPOILERS BELOWBasically, the question I have now is how do you be the king's champion while pregnant? While raising infants and toddlers? How do you balance the role of Mother with the role of Knight? I think it would make for a fascinating story; you have George, and his ties to the underworld. You have George, and his work as a spy/assassin for the crown. You have Alanna, with the Gift and her role as a hero. And against that whole backdrop of danger, you have Alanna trying to balance that with being a good mother and providing a healthy environment for her children to grow up in.I haven't read the later books. Maybe that's in there. I'm off to find out.

Tamora Pierce is one of my favorite authors for one reason: Empowerment.I read this series (and all subsequent Tortallan books) on a cycle of every three years. Why? Because Pierce's captivating prose reminds me of the power found in every person. I love the equality of time and talent Pierce lends to her characters of both sexes; moreover, I appreciate her naturalization of power within these characters. Reading anything by Pierce is uplifting, but the "Song of the Lioness" series simply captures my heart. I grew up with Alanna and her court, and I discovered Pierce in a time when I most needed the empowering words of hope. I only wish that her stories continue to reach and touch other young people, to help shape and guide them through their own ordeals of teendom as they did mine.To whomever this may concern - pick it up. Just do it. This is an author (a world) you will never forget.

I am so glad I finally read Tamora Pierce's Alanna series. It is so good, and the overarching plot is both compelling and a driving force throughout the 4 books. I highly recommend this series.

Wonderful ending to the series. Still the best young adult series I've read. I can't wait to read more from Tamora Pierce!

There were many other reviews, so briefly, I like a good fantasy read, especially if the author seems to care about her created culture, makes me feel as if I am there seeing it, and makes me feel like the main characters are people I might know or be at times. I have to admit, I like characters that I can esteem, and who are not quite perfect, but who have very human failings and strengths and loves. I think the author has skill deciding on interesting environments and choosing good characters, but I never quite could "see" the scene or figure out what the characters were feeling or thinking. I didn't "believe" who they were and so I felt I couldn't bond with them. I felt this was the most true with the main characters. Interestingly the secondaries seemed more real to me. There were many inconsistencies (I want to be Knight, but I want to run around in pretty skirts and a wig too??). Scene's changed from one emotional tone to another without warning or reason which was very distracting. Then don't forget the "Harlequin" romance being thrown in too. I find it hard to believe that a late teen boy, who knew a girl from her first menses on, would be panting for her for years and also while she tries out a number of other men who seem willing to wait forever for her while she tries out the next guy. I don't esteem the girl for sampling everyone without a care or attachment, and I don't esteem any of the three guys for being doormats. There were several quite fun adventures where Alana they saved each saved various people from from the badguys with cunning and skill, I wanted more of that and less of the juvenile awkwardness and not knowing "who she was."

Overall, I'm glad I've read this series. It is completely different to the modern fantasy for younger readers, which tend to stick to a certain age group. This series started as middle grade, continued as young adult, and by the 4th book it could be considered a new adult.However, I did find the plot execution a bit underwhelming. Even though this book was longer the the previous instalments, some characters deserved a bit more attention in the way their respective archs developed and concluded. Some things were mentioned so briefly that I had to go back and re-read a paragraph to take in what happened.

The final installment of the series "Song of the Lioness" is as well written as the other three installments.In "Lioness Rampant" Alanna's role in saving Tortall becomes evident. She goes on a quest for the Dominion Jewel (said to have immense powers for the wielder). With her goes Liam the Shang Dragon and Thayet (previous princess of Sarain) with her body guard Biri. Coram, of course, is along for the ride as well.While Alanna seeks the Dominion Jewel, all is not well back in the capital of Corus. Thom has brought Comte Roger alive again and Roger is as usual up to no good. George is not having an easy time of it either, as Claw is still fighting dirty for the throne of the Rougue.I'm not certain I enjoyed this book as much as the other three. Some of the depth of the characters seemed to be lost, or perhaps I was just ready to be finished with the series. All in all this was a good conclusion to an enjoyable series.

The final installment of the series "Song of the Lioness" is as well written as the other three installments.In "Lioness Rampant" Alanna's role in saving Tortall becomes evident. She goes on a quest for the Dominion Jewel (said to have immense powers for the wielder). With her goes Liam the Shang Dragon and Thayet (previous princess of Sarain) with her body guard Biri. Coram, of course, is along for the ride as well.While Alanna seeks the Dominion Jewel, all is not well back in the capital of Corus. Thom has brought Comte Roger alive again and Roger is as usual up to no good. George is not having an easy time of it either, as Claw is still fighting dirty for the throne of the Rougue.I'm not certain I enjoyed this book as much as the other three. Some of the depth of the characters seemed to be lost, or perhaps I was just ready to be finished with the series. All in all this was a good conclusion to an enjoyable series.

The final installment of the series "Song of the Lioness" is as well written as the other three installments.In "Lioness Rampant" Alanna's role in saving Tortall becomes evident. She goes on a quest for the Dominion Jewel (said to have immense powers for the wielder). With her goes Liam the Shang Dragon and Thayet (previous princess of Sarain) with her body guard Biri. Coram, of course, is along for the ride as well.While Alanna seeks the Dominion Jewel, all is not well back in the capital of Corus. Thom has brought Comte Roger alive again and Roger is as usual up to no good. George is not having an easy time of it either, as Claw is still fighting dirty for the throne of the Rougue.I'm not certain I enjoyed this book as much as the other three. Some of the depth of the characters seemed to be lost, or perhaps I was just ready to be finished with the series. All in all this was a good conclusion to an enjoyable series.

The final installment of the series "Song of the Lioness" is as well written as the other three installments.In "Lioness Rampant" Alanna's role in saving Tortall becomes evident. She goes on a quest for the Dominion Jewel (said to have immense powers for the wielder). With her goes Liam the Shang Dragon and Thayet (previous princess of Sarain) with her body guard Biri. Coram, of course, is along for the ride as well.While Alanna seeks the Dominion Jewel, all is not well back in the capital of Corus. Thom has brought Comte Roger alive again and Roger is as usual up to no good. George is not having an easy time of it either, as Claw is still fighting dirty for the throne of the Rougue.I'm not certain I enjoyed this book as much as the other three. Some of the depth of the characters seemed to be lost, or perhaps I was just ready to be finished with the series. All in all this was a good conclusion to an enjoyable series.