Shop Harry Potter in 3D
Buy used:
$6.99
FREE delivery January 17 - 21. Details
Used: Good | Details
Condition: Used: Good
Comment: Ships in a BOX from Central Missouri! May not include working access code. Will not include dust jacket. Has used sticker(s) and some writing or highlighting. UPS shipping for most packages, (Priority Mail for AK/HI/APO/PO Boxes).
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

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

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,563 ratings

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 needs…but Alanna must push her uncertainty aside when she is challenged with the impossible. She must recover the Dominion Jewel, a legendary gem with enormous power for good—but only in the right hands. And she must work fast. Tortall is in terrible danger from all directions, with enemies great and small plotting to destroy everyone and everything Alanna loves.
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Beloved author Tamora Pierce has written a great number of books, including The Song of the Lioness quartet, The Immortals quartet, The Circle of Magic quartet, The Protector of the Small quartet, The Circle Opens quartet, the Trickster series, The Will of the Empress, Melting Stones, and the Beka Cooper series. She lives in New York and can be visited at TamoraPierce.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon Pulse; Reprint edition (January 1, 2005)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0689878575
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0689878572
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10 years and up
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 720L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 0.01 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.19 x 1.1 x 7 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,563 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Tamora Pierce
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Tamora Pierce is a bestselling author of young adult fantasy books that break past the traditions of the fantasy genre to feature teenage girls as knights, wizards, and above all: heroes. A #1 New York Times bestseller and the recipient of the 2013 Margaret A. Edwards award, Tamora has written over 30 books, including the newly-released TEMPESTS AND SLAUGHTER.

Tamora was drawn to books from a young age. Raised in rural Pennsylvania, the child of a "long, proud line of hillbillies," her family never had much. "We were poor, but I didn't know it then. We had a garden where my folks grew fruit and vegetables and our water came from a well," she explains. But one thing they did have was plenty of books. So Tamora read.

A self-proclaimed "geek," she devoured fantasy and science fiction novels, and by the age of 12 was mimicking her literary idols and writing her own action-packed stories. It was thanks to her father that Tamora began writing. "He heard me telling myself stories as I did dishes, and he suggested that I try to write some of them down," Pierce says.

But Tamora's novels had one major difference: unlike the books she was reading, her stories featured teenaged girl warriors. "I couldn't understand this lapse of attention on the part of the writers I loved, so until I could talk them into correcting this small problem, I wrote about those girls, the fearless, bold, athletic creatures that I was not, but wanted so badly to be."

Seventeen years later, after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, a brief career in teen social work and some time spent writing for radio, Tamora Pierce held true to her childhood crusade, and published ALANNA: THE FIRST ADVENTURE, the first in a quartet about a valiant, young, female warrior. Pierce's heroine struck a chord with readers across the country and quickly earned her a loyal following.

Now, with over 30 critically-acclaimed books to her name, Pierce lives in upstate New York with her husband Tim and their menagerie of nine cats, two birds, a flock of pigeons, various raccoons and squirrels, and one opossum. "It's a pretty good life, if I do say so myself. Struggling along as a kid and even through my twenties, it's the kind of life I dreamed of but never believed I would get. Yet here I am, after a lot of work, a lot of worry, a lot of care for details, and a massive chunk of luck, the kind that brought me such strong friends and readers. Pretty good for a hillbilly, yes? And I never take it for granted."

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
2,563 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the storyline intriguing and captivating. They describe the book as a fun, enjoyable read for young people and adults alike. The series is described as wonderful and fantastic. Readers praise the writing quality as excellent and well-done. They enjoy the relatable characters and strong female protagonists. The morals and world-building are appreciated. Overall, customers find the book inspiring and relatable to their everyday lives.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

42 customers mention "Storyline"40 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline. They find the plot intriguing with lifelike characters. The book is described as captivating, epic, and a great adventure with lots of twists and turns. Readers appreciate the author's excellent job of blending reality and fantasy.

"...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..." Read more

"...The book itself ends with a climax that brings back other memories of the previous books, but does not leave that sense of "drop-off" that other..." Read more

"...I think it would make for a fascinating story; you have George, and his ties to the underworld...." Read more

"...Pierce does an excellent job of blending reality with fantasy as well as showing that women can choose to be wild and ladylike as they choose." Read more

40 customers mention "Readability"40 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it an enjoyable and satisfying read for young people and adults alike. The book holds their attention throughout the series, which is rare for them these days.

"...A thoroughly satisfying book,this story shows Alanna becoming a mature warrior and allows the reader a satisfying resolution for characters that we..." Read more

"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..." Read more

"...A fun read and would work as part of a young reader's introduction to fantasy. No serious made up words, descriptive sexual themes, or gore." Read more

"...A must read for any young fantasy lover (and even the old like me who wish to remember)." Read more

29 customers mention "Series quality"29 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the series. They find it wonderful, fantastic, and a good series for girls wanting a different career path. Readers appreciate the unique and complex world of the books.

"The amount of emotions I’ve felt in each story of this series was amazing...." Read more

"One of the best books to ever round off a series. I've read some let-downs for sure and this one was very satisfying...." Read more

"...You grow up with Alana, it's a great series, like Harry Potter from a girl's perspective. Well, worth it!" Read more

"Another wonderful series by Tamora Pierce!..." Read more

25 customers mention "Writing quality"23 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They praise the author's skill in describing interesting environments and characters. The book is described as a page-turner with flowing dialogue.

"...The end had me in tears and it was a good finish. No loose ends. Tamora Pierce is officially one of my favorite authors." Read more

"...time I will recommend them to anyone else who enjoys fantasy and excellent writing...." Read more

"...Why? Because Pierce's captivating prose reminds me of the power found in every person...." Read more

"...good, and the overarching plot is both compelling and a driving force throughout the 4 books. I highly recommend this series." Read more

18 customers mention "Character development"18 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters' development. They find the female protagonist enjoyable, strong, and well-rounded. The author naturalizes power within the characters and provides satisfying resolutions for them.

"...set in this universe, the plot is exciting, the characters develop into well rounded persons, and the resolution of the books is satisfying without..." Read more

"...in a way that draws you into her story and really lets you relate with her characters...." Read more

"...of both sexes; moreover, I appreciate her naturalization of power within these characters...." Read more

"...She inspires her fellow characters and the reader themselves to see past the illusion and limitation of physical and emotional boundaries...." Read more

7 customers mention "Uplifting"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book uplifting and inspiring. They appreciate the relatable themes and morals it imparts. The main character is seen as an inspirational role model for young girls. Readers enjoy the unique world-building and interesting details.

"...A truly inspiring series about being yourself and finding your path when the odds are against you." Read more

"...Reading anything by Pierce is uplifting, but the "Song of the Lioness" series simply captures my heart...." Read more

"I absolutely love these books, they have interesting details and I never get tired of reading them...." Read more

"It was heartwarming and heart wrenching all at once! I don't cry at books often but I cried at this one- a lot...." Read more

5 customers mention "Rereadability"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy rereading the series. They mention it never gets old and has held up over time, even in their 40s.

"...should start these books in elementary school and reread them periodically all their lives to remind them how heroic and honorable they can be." Read more

"...This series doesn't get old it only ages well." Read more

"I reread this series so much and it never gets old! What more could you want in a story???..." Read more

"...and it's one of a handful of my YA favorites that has held up to rereading in my 40s." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2024
    I couldn't put this series down! This final book in the lioness quartet is the icing on the cake. The end had me in tears and it was a good finish. No loose ends. Tamora Pierce is officially one of my favorite authors.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2014
    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!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2011
    As the title says, this book is a great end to a great series, and leaves the reader of the other three preceding books wanting more. Fortunately, there is various other books following the end of this series. It has (spoiler here) Alanna finding the Dominion Jewel and giving it to Jonathan. This is also where Alanna meets Liam Ironarm, a Dragon Shang. As an avid reader of most of the Tamora Pierce book series, This is one of my favorites. The book itself ends with a climax that brings back other memories of the previous books, but does not leave that sense of "drop-off" that other books have. That is the sense that the reader has the feeling that he or she needs to know more about the series and wants another book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2020
    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 forward
    SPOILERS BELOW
    Basically, 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.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2023
    I chose to reread this series after nearly 20 years and its still just as good. Pierce does an excellent job of blending reality with fantasy as well as showing that women can choose to be wild and ladylike as they choose.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2011
    I love this book and it was always one of my favorites growing up. My mother read the series then passed it on to me, and to this day at 25 years old I love to re-read this captivating series about the empowered woman who does what it takes to accomplish her dreams. My daughter is only 2, but when she gets older I will pass these books to her and in the mean time I will recommend them to anyone else who enjoys fantasy and excellent writing.
    They may be "young reader," but Tamora Pierce writes in a way that draws you into her story and really lets you relate with her characters. This world of magic and knights is reminiscent of the middle ages of King Arthur and Merlin, but with a new world twist that makes the concept new and exciting. Join Alanna on her daring journey to finding out who she is and making her own place in the world that doesn't want to accept her. A truly inspiring series about being yourself and finding your path when the odds are against you.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2016
    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.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2021
    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.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Andrew
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks
    Reviewed in Canada on December 31, 2020
    I love these books. Must read
  • Buyer_888
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lioness rampant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 30, 2020
    Amazing finish to one of my all time favourite book series. Highly recommend to any teens out there looking for adventure (and a bit of romance) Very sad it has ended!!!
  • Roz Dufty
    5.0 out of 5 stars Always great every time I read it
    Reviewed in Australia on April 1, 2019
    Fantastic. Wonderful character development, great intrigue and action, magic, love, laughs cries. Everything I want in a book. Still my favourite author 💜
  • Tina Wachter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Still love it
    Reviewed in Germany on February 2, 2015
    Loved it as a kid and read it now again with 36 and still enjoyed it. Will definitively give it to my 10 year old daughter.
  • S. Lacey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 19, 2019
    This was a great ending to the series! I wish there could have been a different fate for Thom but I'm happy with how things worked out for the rest!