Release Date: February 6, 2018
Arram Draper is a boy 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 danger. 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 begins to realize 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.
First of all, I have to preface this by saying that The Immortals series by Tamora Pierce is one of my favorite series of all time. I was so excited (SO EXCITED) to hear about this series and someone at Random House was nice enough to give me a copy. I may have screamed (I definitely screamed). But I have to say that this book met all my expectations and was not only a fantastic return to Tortall and some beloved (and not so beloved) characters, but also a fantastic book that stands strong on its own merits.
Daine and Numair are my favorite characters that Tamora Pierce has written and I was so excited to learn more about Numair (Arram's) past and his time before Wild Magic. Tempests and Slaughter is, at its heart, a really great story about growing up when you are aware that you have all the potential in the world but don't take it for granted. Arram is just as awkward (so awkward) and charming as he was in the original series, but this time it is supported by being an adolescent and gifted and lonely and hormonal and all the things that come from being an adolescent.
Very real, very believable relationships with friends and girls and teachers are all nuanced with the fantastically well-developed magical world. While fans of the series, particularly the Immortals and Song of the Lioness series, will recognize characters and stories and love the added information to characters you already love, new readers will also love the story of a young mage with unimaginable potential and a naive but well-meaning heart of gold in a society that is built to use people such as him for their own gain. Fans of Harry Potter will gravitate towards his friendships with Varice and Orzone and his time in school but will get a taste of this unique, vast world.
I personally think that the writing and storytelling is Tamora Pierce at her best, and that the fact that it has been so long since the last book in Tortall has only strengthened Numair's story. To me it read as story that has been stewing so long that all the flavors - the humor, the complexity, the magic systems, the world - have blended and balanced perfectly. This book was everything I wanted and, honestly, more than I imagined. I was smiling through the whole thing, stayed up far too late finishing it, and was so sad when it was over. I cannot wait (I CAN'T GUYS) for the next installment.
Bravo Tamora! I'm so happy you are back and killing it!
** I received a copy of this book from the publisher. **
Find out more about Tamora Pierce and her books here: http://www.tamora-pierce.net
Happy Reading!
Jasmine
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