I had to also read other books for the Summer Reading during my own time, and I borrowed this book from the library. I'm so glad that I started off by picking up the first book of the Song of the Lioness quartet (Alanna: The First Adventure). After I read the first book, I was hooked and read all the other 3 books in the quartet in 2 days. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!! You won't regret reading this. But please read the first book, Alanna: The First Adventure, because this book that I'm reviewing is the 4th book in the quartet. If you read this or any of the other books besides the 1st book first, then you won't understand them. But please just give it a try and buy/borrow this book.

Alanna of Trebond and Olau has accomplished much over the years. She cleverly disguised herself as a male as she became a squire, then moved onto a knighthood, in which her gender was finally discovered. But that did not stop Alanna from becoming one of the greatest swordsmen (swordswomen) to grace the earth, and only helped her to be accepted by the people of the Bazhir tribe, who christened her The Woman Who Rides Like A Man. And though she has been named a hero, Alanna feels that she has not built much up for herself to return home to. Now, as she begins her quest to recover the Dominion Jewel, located at The Roof of the World, Alanna begins to think that maybe the life of a hero isn't what she wants anymore. But reaching the Dominion Jewel must be done, for it holds a great deal of power that can be used for good, as long as it is placed in the right hands. And Prince Jonathan's are a perfect fit for the jewel. Besides, Tortall is in grave danger, and Alanna must return immediately to help save it from the hands of evil. For Duke Roger, Alanna's arch-enemy is back from the grave, and more powerful than ever before; and defeating him will take more than Alanna's Gift alone. She will have to draw on the help from her friends, as well as the Dominion Jewel to save the only home she's ever really known, as well as the people she loves.

We have seen Alanna grow from an awkward young girl, into a strong, heroic, brave woman; but now she has come to the end of her path. Tamora Pierce, as with the previous books in the SONG OF THE LIONESS QUARTET, has woven a story that keeps you enraptured from first page to last. Alanna's quick wit, snappy comebacks, and can't-hold-me-down attitude is admirable, and a wonderful inspiration for female readers the world over. Pierce has brought us through thick and thin with the Lioness herself, and now closes the series with this amazing finish, that shows readers even heroes need to settle down after awhile. LIONESS RAMPANT is the end of an era. One that has brought us adventures galore, and will live on in the hearts of readers for years to come. An unstoppable finish to a remarkable quartet.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer