2,826 books
—
8,689 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Lioness Rampant (Song of the Lioness, #4)” as Want to Read:
Lioness Rampant
(Song of the Lioness #4)
by
From Tamora Pierce, the final book in the Song of the Lioness Quartet, honored with the Margaret A. Edwards Award.
Having achieved her dream of becoming the first female knight errant, Alanna of Trebond is not sure what to do next. She has triumphed in countless bloody battles, and her adventures are already legendary. Perhaps being a knight errant is not all that Alanna ne ...more
Having achieved her dream of becoming the first female knight errant, Alanna of Trebond is not sure what to do next. She has triumphed in countless bloody battles, and her adventures are already legendary. Perhaps being a knight errant is not all that Alanna ne ...more
Get A Copy
Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Published
January 1st 2005
by Simon Pulse
(first published November 30th 1988)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Lioness Rampant,
please sign up.
Popular Answered Questions
This question contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)
J
This answer contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)
More lists with this book...
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of Lioness Rampant (Song of the Lioness, #4)
I kept deluding myself that this series is a fantasy. With the final instalment, the time has come to be brave and admit that it is nothing of this sort. “The Song of the Lioness” should be somewhere on the bottom shelf of the romance department (ideally in the flooded basement). Every single one of the four books is just an excuse for the main protagonist to get some action. And no, I don’t mean the sword fights. Or, yes I do mean the sword fights. Just not with the regular swords.
In what follo ...more
In what follo ...more
Having reached the end of the Alanna books, I'm really sad to be done with the series. Not just because Alanna is a fantastic heroine - seriously, I'm currently drafting legislation to make these books required reading for sixth grade girls everywhere - but also because this is one of those rare occasions where I feel like a book could have been longer, and should have been longer. The entire Alanna series has felt very rushed, since Book One when we sped through two years of knight training in
...more
![Adrianna [SypherLily]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1399076174p2/2997955.jpg)
After adoring the first, liking the second and hating the third, the fourth came somewhere in-between. The first half of this book was a bit of struggle for me, but honestly once the adventure for the jewel was over, the story picks up a bit.
I didn't like how Alanna's brother Thom was practically non-existent throughout the entire series, and has a small (or rather large) part in this book and. . . no, just no. The author made it seem like just because they were twins, they knew everything about ...more
I didn't like how Alanna's brother Thom was practically non-existent throughout the entire series, and has a small (or rather large) part in this book and. . . no, just no. The author made it seem like just because they were twins, they knew everything about ...more
I'm just posting this to say that I was thoroughly impressed by Tamora Pierce's fight scenes. Like it's obvious that she thought about how Alanna could win fights against people who are physically stronger without any magic short cuts. Most of the time when I read action scenes in books I have no idea what the fuck happened or the author takes a cop out and writes something like "and then everything happened at once" and then skips to the aftermath but in these I always had a vivid mental pic of
...more
In a lot of ways, this is my favorite of the Alanna books. I love seeing Alanna come into her own; I love seeing her gain confidence, throwing herself in the face of impossible odds, and accepting herself as both a woman and a knight. I love, love what this series does with relationships, that Alanna's allowed to date multiple men, that it's okay that some of the relationships don't have long-term potential, and that it hurts when they fall apart anyway. That the relationships are ultimately abo
...more
[3.5 Stars]
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This review will be looking at the whole series.
I have to admit I amazed that some how in my adolesence of female oriented fantasy reading I never picked up the Alanna Quartet. The series is most definately unique in the world of fantasy directed to girls;the sex is frank, the main character has the unique attributes of red hair and violet eyes but is at one point described as short and stocky, she works to callous her hands, and has chosen the road that will most definatly at the end of her li ...more
I have to admit I amazed that some how in my adolesence of female oriented fantasy reading I never picked up the Alanna Quartet. The series is most definately unique in the world of fantasy directed to girls;the sex is frank, the main character has the unique attributes of red hair and violet eyes but is at one point described as short and stocky, she works to callous her hands, and has chosen the road that will most definatly at the end of her li ...more
A great conclusion to a series I should’ve finished a while ago.
Here's my favorite thing about Lioness Rampant: it's an epic story that focuses on great storytelling instead of its own legend. It's aware of its importance, and it believes in its importance - but it's not obsessed with its enormous future impact. It's content to tell a great story, and let the legend grow naturally from there.
And I think this is a great story. I love that it opens with a young Alanna - young despite her knighthood! - not knowing how to flirt with Liam. I love the way Alanna i ...more
And I think this is a great story. I love that it opens with a young Alanna - young despite her knighthood! - not knowing how to flirt with Liam. I love the way Alanna i ...more
The final book in the Song of the Lioness Quartet is also the saddest. The love story is fantastic, for it is the romance of attraction (but not cohesion) that most of us have had at some point in our lives. To suffer the consequences of breaking up, not for lack of love but for lack of compatibility ,is a marker of emotional growth.
In this final book, Alanna is fully an adult and as such facing war means not glory but loss, betrayal, and absolution. It is through loss that Alanna finally finds ...more
In this final book, Alanna is fully an adult and as such facing war means not glory but loss, betrayal, and absolution. It is through loss that Alanna finally finds ...more
I've read close to 10,000 books in my lifetime and this is the only one that ever made me cry.
...more
Yep, I just re-read all of these books for the first time since I was 12. Damn you, Kindle!
I enjoyed them the second time around-- not as much as I did when I was 12 and feisty and just beginning to understand that being a teenager meant wanting to fight EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME. Alanna was a pretty great outlet for that.
Things I liked that I missed the first time around:
-Sex positivism. For real!
-Awesome and strong female characters consistently passing the Bechdel Test.
-Awesome male characters. ...more
I enjoyed them the second time around-- not as much as I did when I was 12 and feisty and just beginning to understand that being a teenager meant wanting to fight EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME. Alanna was a pretty great outlet for that.
Things I liked that I missed the first time around:
-Sex positivism. For real!
-Awesome and strong female characters consistently passing the Bechdel Test.
-Awesome male characters. ...more
Aw, I'm all verklempt now. A bittersweet ending to this series. It's plain to see why the Alanna books created so many die-hard Pierce fans.
This could have easily been broken into two books, but I'm glad it wasn't, after the weird cuts between books the series made earlier. Still, it's pretty much two stories: the first being the quest for the Dominion Jewel, and the second the plot against Jonathan's life. While the first was fun, I liked the second half better. I love Corus and things are way ...more
This could have easily been broken into two books, but I'm glad it wasn't, after the weird cuts between books the series made earlier. Still, it's pretty much two stories: the first being the quest for the Dominion Jewel, and the second the plot against Jonathan's life. While the first was fun, I liked the second half better. I love Corus and things are way ...more
Tamora Pierce was the DEFINING author of my childhood. I loved fantasy, and she introduced me to fantasy with heroines who take charge of their own lives. I learned more from her about feminine strength than almost any other author (save, perhaps, Anne McCaffrey). This series is a must-read for growing girls and grown women everywhere!
[3.5 Stars] I don't think I enjoyed this one quite as much as the last. It was wonderful read, but there is something about it that I just didn't fall in love with and I can't quite put my finger on why. All in all, however, this is a fantastic series though it could use a little more depth.
...more
Five stars, for this, surely I must be kidding? That, or delusional.
It was worth every single second to read. I can usually tell how much time passes while I read, not here, not with this volume. I was sucked into it with glee(a pinch of foreboding too).
The first half of LR finds our Alanna and Coram continuing the plotline from the end of "The Woman Who Rides Like A Man". They are off to decipher the package Alois(the doomed sorceress) had given over. Things progress quickly from here a series ...more
It was worth every single second to read. I can usually tell how much time passes while I read, not here, not with this volume. I was sucked into it with glee(a pinch of foreboding too).
The first half of LR finds our Alanna and Coram continuing the plotline from the end of "The Woman Who Rides Like A Man". They are off to decipher the package Alois(the doomed sorceress) had given over. Things progress quickly from here a series ...more
This isn't the most subtle series, but I do like its positive messages (even if they're not subtle), one of which is that it's possible to be true to yourself, which in Alanna's case means coming to terms with the fact that she doesn't need to fit neatly or exclusively in a "man's world" or a "woman's world."
I also find it interesting that, unlike in most fantasy novels, especially those oriented toward younger girls, Alanna not only has several lovers, but uses a magic birth control amulet! (No ...more
I also find it interesting that, unlike in most fantasy novels, especially those oriented toward younger girls, Alanna not only has several lovers, but uses a magic birth control amulet! (No ...more
I feel like this book was a great way to end off the Song of The Lioness quartet! Sure, the pacing was rushed, and it wasn’t always thoroughly developed, but I don’t care. This was simple, and I’d rather a book be fast paced than drag on. And, although a ton of other reviewers complain about Alanna’s several relationships, I love that we’re given a character who doesn’t meet her fairytale prince on the first try. The love square doesn’t bog down the plot at all, it just shows Alanna’s growth as
...more
There really isn't much more I can say about this series. I honestly think that every child (not just girls) should just be issued it at birth. Alanna is such a great, powerful, honest, stubborn, determined hero. I love how this series ended. Even though Alanna is so tough and nearly invincible, I could so easily see her humanity. She struggles to "have it all" which is something that women young and old, mundane and heroic also struggle with constantly. We want to travel and have adventures and
...more
Wow. What a way to end. I love reading and growing older with characters. This is one of those series where you're left with a chunk of your heart missing.
...more
[first read: 6 January 2008]
Alanna gathers her own band of merry wo/men as she continues her adventures outside of Tortall. Her adventuring takes her through war-torn Sarain, to the Roof of the World where she reclaims the Dominion Jewel for Tortall.
I will say that I think this is the most fulfilling of the Alanna series, for me. I enjoyed reading about Alanna's adventures and growth into a warrior and a woman confident in her abilities and desires! The myths and legends of Tortall and its worl ...more
Alanna gathers her own band of merry wo/men as she continues her adventures outside of Tortall. Her adventuring takes her through war-torn Sarain, to the Roof of the World where she reclaims the Dominion Jewel for Tortall.
I will say that I think this is the most fulfilling of the Alanna series, for me. I enjoyed reading about Alanna's adventures and growth into a warrior and a woman confident in her abilities and desires! The myths and legends of Tortall and its worl ...more
A strong closing for this young adult fantasy series, which is quite enjoyable even if it's not in the top tier. This final chapter ties everything up neatly, with some good drama – although you kind of just have to accept that a major plot point has happened, even though it makes no sense whatsoever. The characters are strong and relatable, and Alanna is a terrific role model, Pierce mainly avoiding the traps into which too many YA writers let their female leads fall, either letting romance dom
...more
4.5 stars, and it may be possible I'm just being picky.
Unlike "The Woman Who Rides Like a Man," Lioness Rampant certainly doesn't feel like the first half of a story (and while it shouldn't - it is the final book in this particular series). It really is quite well done. I really enjoyed a lot of it.
Jonathan as King and friend is so much better than Jonathan as love interest. He makes a good King, in general. I very much appreciate how focused his is on getting to know his people, and understandi ...more
Unlike "The Woman Who Rides Like a Man," Lioness Rampant certainly doesn't feel like the first half of a story (and while it shouldn't - it is the final book in this particular series). It really is quite well done. I really enjoyed a lot of it.
Jonathan as King and friend is so much better than Jonathan as love interest. He makes a good King, in general. I very much appreciate how focused his is on getting to know his people, and understandi ...more
Re-read February 2016
Hey, my original review is pretty good. So, you know, what she said. She being me. Okay, wait. (view spoiler)
Original Review
(view spoiler) ...more
Hey, my original review is pretty good. So, you know, what she said. She being me. Okay, wait. (view spoiler)
Original Review
(view spoiler) ...more
I can't believe this series is already over!! God I loved it so much. So in this book we have the addition of the character Liam, who is a Shang warrior. I loved how tough he was and the effect he and Alanna had on each other. I think they learned a lot from each other and not just about fighting. I was really annoyed with Thom in this book and how he let his pride and arrogance get him in deep shit. I liked how this book wrapped up, but I'm sad to see Alanna's adventures end.
...more
Epic.
3.5 stars
I learned between finishing the third book and starting this one that this quartet was originally intended to be a single book, but children's publishers back in the 80s thought kids wouldn't pay attention to any book over 200 pages (until Harry Potter came along and proved them wrong). As a result, Pierce was forced to split her manuscript into a quartet, and lost a lot of stuff in the process. I'm sad that we'll never get to read that original manuscript, because the result of the pub ...more
I learned between finishing the third book and starting this one that this quartet was originally intended to be a single book, but children's publishers back in the 80s thought kids wouldn't pay attention to any book over 200 pages (until Harry Potter came along and proved them wrong). As a result, Pierce was forced to split her manuscript into a quartet, and lost a lot of stuff in the process. I'm sad that we'll never get to read that original manuscript, because the result of the pub ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Fun! I didn't like this one as much as the first two books but I think I liked it better than the last one? The pacing is just all over the place and it feels like a lot of build up from the past books was just thrown away. There were times when it was fast paced and then it would be boring for so long. The story was kind of all over the place too but it is really fantasy which I ate the hell up when I was younger. A lot of what happened was just wild and I was just ??? Do we have to do all of t
...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fantasy Buddy Reads: Lioness Rampant [Apr 12, 2020] | 38 | 24 | Apr 25, 2020 01:28PM | |
| YA Buddy Readers'...: Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce - Starting March 14th | 10 | 11 | Mar 19, 2020 07:44PM | |
| Chacun a une activité de rechange | 1 | 1 | Jul 22, 2017 03:22AM | |
| Goodreads Librari...: Page Numbers Are Not Listed | 3 | 21 | Nov 28, 2015 01:24AM | |
| Goodreads Librari...: Please create an ACE | 2 | 20 | Nov 05, 2015 12:55PM | |
| Alex??? (question contains spoilers) | 19 | 231 | Nov 29, 2014 01:25PM | |
| Alex??? (question contains spoilers) | 1 | 15 | Feb 12, 2013 07:42AM |
Readers also enjoyed
Hey, folks! I just discovered that apparently I have given some very popular books single-star ratings--except I haven't. How do I know I haven't? Because I haven't read those books at all. So before you go getting all hacked off at me for trashing your favorites, know that I've written GoodReads to find out what's going on.
I return to my regularly scheduled profile:
Though I would love to join gro ...more
I return to my regularly scheduled profile:
Though I would love to join gro ...more
Other books in the series
Song of the Lioness
(4 books)
Related Articles
We asked fantasy author Tamora Pierce your questions!
128 likes · 26 comments
4 trivia questions
1 quiz
More quizzes & trivia...
1 quiz
“Either I've turned stupid, or life's turned hard.”
—
128 likes
“You turned into a hero when I wasn't watching.”
—
50 likes
More quotes…
