As a kid, I loved this finale of the Lioness quartet. I (spoilers) legitimately sobbed when Faithful was killed off by that one-note battleaxe bitch Josiane. I found The Shang Dragon Liam a really interesting addition to the cast though his gaslighting/negging was really unforgivable in this reread. Then again, I found Jonathan pretty insufferable in Woman Who Ride Like a Man but he even came off like that when I initally read it as a kid.

The whole Dominium Jewel adventure is interesting and I love that Alanna goes toe-to-toe with a supreme being/Elemental who's merely bored. Thayet and Buri were also fun additions though Thayet is a little too perfect but all the main cast had to be paired off or killed by the end so there we are

Ok, so I managed to break through and re-read all of this series this month, and I've invested a lot of time into my other reviews and I've kind of lost steam with this one. What I'll say is that I liked this book the most. It feels like Pierce is just starting to get her groove with this one. It didn't have the same pacing issues as the last three (it could still go into way more detail, but whatever). There was still a lot of unbelievable stuff, Alanna always comes up aces and all that, but I felt like this book tried the most out of the quartet to show tension and conflict.

I don’t know why but I just couldn’t get into this. I enjoyed the previous books but this one fell flat. I think the beginning where Alanna was away for so long with the new characters put me off. It just made me bored and set a negative feeling for the rest of the book. Which is sad because Tamara Pierce is an amazing writer and I really do want to read her other series.

Surprising exactly no one, I LOVE George Cooper. And Raoul. And everyone!

This was a wonderful end to the first series set in Tortall, 'Song Of The Lioness'. It sees Alanna briefly continuing her adventures from the previous book before returning to the Palace to protect her new King as trouble stirs in the Kingdom. Old enemies come back and Alanna must fight to save Tortall, but at a cost. I felt a little heartbroken at the end, a number of characters were lost in the final battle. This is the skill of Pierce's writing, each of the characters were so different and had so much personality that I was thoroughly attached! After reading this, I couldn't wait to get onto the next Tamora Pierce book!

"The Lioness Quartet" by Tamora Pierce came into my life through a delightful twist of fate during a white elephant book exchange at work. A coworker and friend, Rachel, chose to bring this series, attaching a note that said, "The series that made ten-year-old Rachel love fantasy. A series I revisit most years. I hope you find it as magical as I have."

This personal endorsement piqued my interest and set the stage for my own enchanting journey with Alanna of Trebond.

The series, comprised of "Alanna: The First Adventure," "In the Hand of the Goddess," "The Woman Who Rides Like a Man," and "Lioness Rampant," unfolds the gripping tale of a young girl who defies societal expectations to pursue her dream of becoming a knight. Disguised as a boy, Alanna embarks on an adventure that is as much about battles and magic as it is about personal growth and self-discovery.

What captivated me most about the series was its gradual buildup of magic and action, which kept me turning pages in anticipation. Alanna’s character development is remarkable – she transforms from a tenacious page into a formidable knight and ultimately the King's Champion. The series skillfully blends fantasy elements like magic and adventure with themes of empowerment, identity, and friendship.

The enchanting world Tamora Pierce creates in "The Lioness Quartet" is vivid and immersive, making it easy to lose oneself in Alanna's world. While some adult readers might seek deeper insights into the characters' relationships, the narrative's strength lies in its ability to intertwine action and character development seamlessly.

Rachel's gift of "The Lioness Quartet" introduced me to a magical realm that has since become a cherished escape. This series stands out in the young reader’s fantasy genre, especially for its strong female protagonist and compelling storytelling. It's more than just a set of books; it's an inspiration, a reminder of the power of dreams and the courage it takes to chase them.

In summary, "The Lioness Quartet" is a series that delights and inspires. It's not just a journey through a fantasy world but a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, one that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impression. I would recommend this series to any young reader, as well as adult readers who can appreciate a good story!