#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! This NEW must-read fantasy from an author who is legend herself–TAMORA PIERCE–is one Bustle calls “the perfect book for die-hard Pierce fans and newcomers alike.”“Tamora Pierce’s books shaped me not only as a young writer but also as a young woman. She is a pillar, an icon, and an inspiration.”–SARAH J. MAAS, #1 New York Times bestselling author“Tamora Pierce … MAAS, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Tamora Pierce didn’t just blaze a trail. Her heroines cut a swath through the fantasy world with wit, strength, and savvy. Her stories still lead the vanguard today. Pierce is the real lioness, and we’re all just running to keep pace.”
–LEIGH BARDUGO, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Discover the origin story of one of the realm’s most powerful mages in the first book in the Numair Chronicles.
Arram Draper is on the path to becoming one of the realm’s most powerful mages. The youngest student in his class at the Imperial University of Carthak, he has a Gift with unlimited potential for greatness–and for attracting trouble. At his side are his two best friends: Varice, a clever girl with an often-overlooked talent, and Ozorne, the “leftover prince” with secret ambitions. Together, these three friends forge a bond that will one day shape kingdoms. And as Ozorne gets closer to the throne and Varice gets closer to Arram’s heart, Arram realizes that one day–soon–he will have to decide where his loyalties truly lie.
In the Numair Chronicles, readers will be rewarded with the never-before-told story of how Numair Salmalín came to Tortall. Newcomers will discover an unforgettable fantasy adventure where a kingdom’s future rests on the shoulders of a talented young man with a knack for making vicious enemies.
“I take more comfort from and as great a pleasure in Tamora Pierce’s Tortall novels as I do from Game of Thrones.”
—The Washington Post
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Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce is a book that readers of the Tortall Universe have long-awaited. But it also serves as a brilliant entry for those new to Tamora’s epic collection of novels that perfectly meld fantasy for young readers with action, magic, mystery, and excitement.
In this first book, Tamora Pierce takes us along to explore the development and powers of a gifted 10-year old mage known as Arram Draper. Draper’s uncontrollable powers are threatening to exact devastating consequences on all those around him living in Carthak, the rival empire to Tortall’s kingdom which brings to mind the mystery and flair of Middle Eastern and North African kingdoms of old.
As Draper enrolls in a school for magic alongside his best friends, Varice and Prince Ozorne, he finds himself caught up in politics and intrigue the likes of which he has never known. With those two by his side, he begins to explore not only his gifts but also the societal conflicts of an empire which rivals Tortall in its might.
I finished this book with a wistful sigh wanting more. But if you’re like me and can’t wait for the next book in The Numair Chronicles, pick up Alanna, another great read and set in Tortall.
Arram Draper has a Harry Potter-like knack for finding conspiracies and trouble. What he lacks that Harry excels at is the ability to fully pursue them. The future Numair is often told to stay out of it and keep quiet by his trusted teachers, who vow they’ll handle it. But the trouble and foreshadowing just keeps coming. Sound frustrating? It is! But this also makes it realistic, interesting and very, very tense.
This book left me eager to read more, ready to re-read The Immortals series and very annoyed. There is no satisfying wrap-up here that leaves only some things open-ended. We know more trouble is down the road, and nothing that happens in this series will change it. The future is literally already written. But the looser structure of the story, flying through Arram’s years of training and many growth spurts leaves room for a lot of action and milestones, and none of it really gets resolved.
This is a story that just keeps opening further and had to pause somewhere, which means I feel a little tortured between books. Fortunately, it’s a great thing to be tortured by Tamora Pierce’s characters, and I will absolutely (have to) read what happens next.
This was one of the best books i ever read. The story was stimulating the characters entertaining…almost perfect…a must read…
Great YA story in the Tortall universe! Arram is growing and learning what he and his powerful gift can do. He gets into lots of trouble and saves lots of lives in the process. A murder mystery is set to solve and his few friends are dear to him.
It is always a day to rejoice when Tamora Pierce has a new book out!
Even though I have read all her other books, I must admit that my brain has not filed the exact details of each story line where I can access them readily.
So, I am pretty much taking this book as a stand alone story.
And it is marvelous. Great plot twists. Intriguing and identifiable characters (both good and bad, and those moving from one to the other!) Solid world building.
My one question is: When does book 2 come out?
I’ve been waiting a long time to read Numair’s backstory. This is a wonderful start.
would recommend explains more and introduces characters that are in future books and explains more of there story.
I love the characters, and getting to learn more about Numair’s past and his time learning magic.
I love all Tamora Pierce’s books. This fills in a section of the early history of a major character and done very well.
Tamora Pierce is one of my all-time favorite writers!! This newest book (and series) follows one of my favorite characters from a fantasy world I know and love. As always her writing is fantastic and it’s a great story!!