Let me tell you. When I heard that Tamora Pierce was writing another series in the Tortall world, I could not contain myself. And when I found out it was a prequel series about young Numair learning about his Gift? I was basically catatonic. This is my favourite author writing more from my favourite series’?!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book from Hachette Australia is return for an honest review. Many many many (x a million) thanks for sending me this copy. For those less familiar, here is the blurb for the book:
Arram. Varice. Ozorne. In the first book in the Numair Chronicles, three student mages are bound by fate . . . fated for trouble.
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.
I was naturally intrigued, having grown up knowing the ‘grown-up’ versions of Numair, Ozorne and Varice. But I don’t think you necessarily need to have read the previous series’ in order to enjoy this one!
This was, from the beginning, a different story for me. Mainly because it was written from a male perspective. I know Pierce has written from a male perspective before (Briar from Circle of Magic), but I’m so used to her kickbutt heroine perspective so that was an adjustment that I had to make. However, I do believe that the perspective made sense. As in, I believed that what a teenage boy would be thinking!
I loved meeting characters that I remembered from the other books. Having Ozorne and Varice as main characters really helped to humanize them and give them character and personality that you didn’t get in the Wild Mage series. I like that we meet Sarge and get some of his backstory. It felt like these ties to Tortall really made the book feel like coming home, even though we haven’t really been set in Carthak before.
I feel like it followed the path that most of Pierce’s first books do. We see the classes they characters are in, their interactions with teachers and friends, their inner thoughts and their journey through the first year of school. If I had one complaint, it would be that I thought the conflict/crisis point of the climax wasn’t big enough. I felt like more could have been done to make it more exciting. However, knowing Numair and Ozorne (and Tamora Pierce) I am sure their conflicts will only get bigger and better.
I was so excited to read this book and I was not disappointed. I am looking forward to reading more about Numair and finding out more about his history and how he comes to be in Tortall! Overall, I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars 😊
Have you read any Tamora Pierce? She was basically my introduction into the world of fantasy writing, and Alanna has, since I first read her story, been one of my favourite heroines ever. Tell me which book is your favourite! I always love meeting new Tamora Pierce fans!!
If you want your own copy of Tempests and Slaughter you can get it here:
Happy reading my friends!!
-Bec
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