Lioness Rampant
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
Lioness Rampant is a fantasy novel authored by Tamora Pierce, serving as the concluding fourth installment in the The Song of the Lioness series. The narrative centers on the knight Alanna of Trebond as she faces her ultimate showdown against her nemesis, Duke Roger of Conte.
Characters
- Alanna of Trebond – Main protagonist.
- Jonathan of Conté – Prince turned king of Tortall; Alanna’s friend and former romantic partner.
- Gareth of Naxen the Younger – Ally and governor of the capital.
- Raoul of Goldenlake – Ally and commander of the royal bodyguard.
- Alex of Tirragen – Former friend, later adversary.
- George Cooper – Known as the capital’s 'King of the Thieves,' Jonathan’s informant, and Alanna’s fiancé.
- Thom of Trebond – Alanna’s twin brother; a powerful yet prideful magician.
- Roger of Conté – Primary antagonist; Jonathan’s cousin and rival.
- Liam the Shang Dragon – Expert in martial arts; Alanna’s companion and lover.
- Princess Thayet jian Wilima – K’mir princess from Sarain, Tortall’s neighbor, who becomes Jonathan’s queen.
- Buriram Tourakom – Bodyguard and attendant to Princess Thayet.
- Princess Josiane of the Copper Isles – Traitor allied with Roger.
- Delia of Eldorne – Roger’s former lover and aide.
- Si-cham – Priest who assists Thom.
- Rispah – George’s cousin; marries Coram.
- Myles of Olau – Nobleman who adopts Alanna as his daughter.
- Eleni Cooper – George’s mother; later married to Myles.
- Faithful – Alanna’s telepathic cat, a gift from her goddess.
- Coram – Lifelong friend and guardian to Alanna.
Plot summary
The tale begins with Alanna, Faithful, and Coram embarking on a quest to retrieve the Dominion Jewel, an artifact bestowing immense psychokinetic powers upon rulers. In Berat, they encounter Liam Ironarm, a martial arts champion who joins their expedition and instructs Alanna in the Shang fighting style; their relationship deepens into romance. Journeying through Sarain amid tribal conflicts, they secure allies in Princess Thayet and her protector Buriram Tourakom. At the mountainous 'Roof of the World,' Alanna undergoes a rigorous physical trial to claim the Jewel from its immortal guardian, Chitral. Upon success, she returns only to find Liam distressed over a magical spell she cast; their romantic bond ends though friendship endures.
Back in Tortall, Raoul updates Alanna that the monarchs have perished, Jonathan has been named king though not yet crowned, and Thom has resurrected Duke Roger. Supporting Jonathan, Alanna delivers the Dominion Jewel; he appoints her as King's Champion. Meanwhile, Thom suffers magical poisoning linked to his connection with Roger. The Great Mother Goddess warns that Jonathan’s coronation will be pivotal for Tortall’s destiny.
During the coronation ceremony, Roger instigates magical earthquakes aiming to demolish the palace while insurgents loyal to him—including Lady Delia, Alex of Tirragen, and Claw (Ralon of Malven)—launch an attack. Jonathan employs his Gift alongside the Jewel to contain destruction as Alanna’s allies defend him fiercely. In combat, Thom succumbs to magical depletion; Alanna kills Alex; George kills Claw; Josiane slays Si Cham and Faithful before being slain by Alanna. At the Gate of Idramm, Roger confronts Alanna, disclosing his survival through Sorcerer's Sleep and his role in Lightning's origin. Although temporarily without her Gift, Alanna triumphs over Roger when his summoned sword fatally wounds him. The rebels are captured, Jonathan survives, but Liam dies defending him.
Following these events, Alanna withdraws to recuperate among the Bazhir desert tribe. Delia is sentenced to life imprisonment. Jonathan weds Thayet—a match endorsed by Alanna—and appoints George as baron governing Tortall’s coastline. George locates Alanna in the desert; they confess mutual love and announce their engagement before the Bloody Hawk tribe.