I loved it! Seriously, I can see how Ozorne became the utter dickhead he is in Emperor Mage, the Graveyard Hag, always my favourite deity in these books, is back with a vengeance, and anyone who's read The Immortals novels will know exactly what I mean.  Arram, later to become Numair, is an awkward, sweet boy, learning his power and the ways of the world. His character development is fascinating and I enjoyed exploring the complexities of the Carthaki Empire in greater detail. We learn more about the relationship between Arram and Ozorne and the hints of their drawing apart from each other that lead to the events of The Immortals novels.

I am squealing with excited fangirlness because there's another instalment next year. 

If you've never read any Tamora Pierce, it might not be the best one to start with, but for her fans, this is a brilliant addition to the canon.

I started reading this but then realised I needed to read more of Tamora Pierce's backlog to really get the most out of it so I am doing that now.

This was my first introduction to Tamora Pierce, and what an entrance! Absolute rollicking adventure, which lingers when you're not reading it, and magics on tops of it. Will now go back and read the rest of Tamora's works for more of this!

Tempests and Slaughter is my first foray into the world of Tamora Pierce, and I initially liked the idea of a magical school and a powerful mage with a knack for attracting trouble. It sounded interesting, but unfortunately it just didn’t grab my attention like I thought it would.

There’s a great deal of world building throughout book, which thoroughly explains the use of magic etc. throughout the world and really helped me visualise Arram’s environment. I think it helped that this is considered a prequel of sorts to Tamora’s other novels, as you could tell that the world was already fully developed and well formed in the author’s mind. The writing was also very easy to read, and flowed well without distracting from the story, which I always appreciate.

I think the book mainly struggles from an incredibly slow pace and a general lack of direction. One of the downsides to creating a lot of world building can be that the plot suffers while the author sets everything up, and I believe this was the case here. The plot just doesn’t really go anywhere, and nothing really happens other than creating this world - and for a novel that’s over 500 pages long this is a major problem. Several times I just got bored of the nothingness, and was desperate for a bit of action. It became apparent near the closing pages that this was set up for future novels, but I couldn’t help feeling like I’d wasted a lot of my time.

I also didn’t find any emotional connection with any of the characters, and found most of them rather lacking in depth. There’s nothing really unique here, and although Arram is very much a stereotypical boy who just happens to be an incredibly powerful mage, I just couldn’t connect with him.

Good writing, but otherwise this left me feeling a little lacklustre.

Solid fantasy but not rushing to read the sequel. The book has potential - 3 cool, powerful young friends studying magic together and capable of incredible things. Whats not to like? However, while the story had some great ideas, it moved too slowly for me. And then it abruptly ended with the promise of a sequel. I cant help compare it with Harry Potter and it doesn't quite match up

I really tried to like this story, however it failed to really capture my interest on the long run and there isn't much actually happening and I do not want to force myself to read it. It has interesting concepts and characters, the writing is ok, however the plot so far is non existent. It is my first Tamora Piece novel so I am not sure if I am missing any links with other series, but this novel was not for me.

I've never read a Tamora Pierce book before this so I wasn't sure what to expect but I adored this!!
It was slow at first and I was a little apprehensive but I really enjoyed this book by the end. I really couldn't put it down once I started!!

The legend begins
In the ancient halls of the Imperial University of Carthak, a young man has begun his journey to becoming one of most powerful mages the realm has ever known. Arram Draper is the youngest student in his class and has the Gift of unlimited potential for greatness . . . and of attracting danger.
At his side are his two best friends: clever Varice, a girl with too often-overlooked, and Ozorne, the ‘leftover prince’ with secret ambitions. Together, these three forge a bond that will one day shape kingdoms.
But as Ozorne inches closer to the throne and Varice grows 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, fans of Tamora Pierce 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 boy with unimaginable gifts and a talent for making deadly enemies.

This is a story about Arram Draper with a gift of unlimited potential for greatness, but also he seems to attract danger wherever he goes or whatever he does. This is a prequel to the series and really good to know how he met Varice and Ozome, who together would go on to change kingdoms. This is their early years at the Imperial University of Carthak. Filled with imaginative storytelling and characters you can feel an empathy for and heroes you want to survive and succeed.
Tamora Pierce has created a wonderful world with so many interesting characters, her attention to detail makes her a pleasure to read. I defiantly recommend this book and then go on to read the series.

This engaging YA fantasy read centres around Arram Draper and his experience at the Imperial University of Carthak from the ages of 10 until he reaches the senior academy for advance practice. It is book one of The Numair Chronicles.
He is destined to become one of the most powerful mages. He becomes friends with Prince Ozorne after sharing a room with him and Varice an enchanting female student who are all younger than their class mates; this because they are accelerating ahead because of their abilities. As such their lives become inextricably linked.
Set in a dusty dry world amidst gladiators and slavery. The mages teach the students all manner of skills with the intent of them finding their kindred strength that will allow them to serve as mages in the future.
It is a coming of age book, steeped in mature adventures and experiences that require the use of their interpersonal as much as their magic skills to get by in life. They are challenged at different and various levels. Whilst it is very Harry Potter esque, it contains lots of originality and for me has a more mature appeal. Varice is a little annoying with her overt flirting, but Preet the cheeky bird makes for a light hearted, mischevious character that we know we are going to learn more about in the future. Perhaps Arram is a little to well-formed in his achievements at such a tender age, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the adventures, the interactions and characters within the book. A great means for escapism and adventure, with layering that will become evident the book series progresses

Thoroughly entertaining story of life before and after the Human Era. A story of magecraft and the Gifts from the Gods. Fights in the gladiator arenas with death and injury - there are also touches of humour and demonstrations of great friendship and love. I just loved Preet the bird, who has his say from beginning to end.

I did enjoy this to start with, it was a new world for me and one I liked. I liked Arram too, but once I was passed the first few chapters, nothing happened. It was like a mild version of Harry Potter with three friends at school, but no plot. A lot of exposition which was interesting at first, but I needed more.

Arram is training to be a mage, with his best friends Ozorne and Varice. When the gods start to meddle with his life, it is obvious that Arram is inline for something great.

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a prequel, telling the story of Numair and Ozorne in their youth. It reads well, and you don't need any prior knowledge of these characters. And I say that because I read Alannah when I was younger, but haven't caught up with the rest of Pierce's Immortal books.

Arram is a young lad, infinitely curious about everything about him and the magic that could be learnt. He is training to be a mage, with kids a couple of years older than him, but he already surpasses them. When a bit of water magic goes awry, instead of getting expelled, Arram is promoted in the academy, and gets the training he really needs.

Whilst at school, he meets his two best friends, Prince Ozorne - a distant heir to the Emperor, who is often belittled; and Varice - a girl who charms everyone she meets.
The story follows the three of them, as they grow up, and try to navigate what fate throws their way.

This book has very heavy Harry Potter vibes, as it focusses mainly on school, and the Masters/Professors. Arram/Harry is a powerful young mage/wizard, who is fated to be very important in the future. He has his two best friends, Ozorne/Ron and Varice/Hermione.
But that aside, I thought that Pierce had created something that felt realistic, for all that it was a fantasy setting. Not being familiar with the Immortal books, it was so easy to find my feet in Cathark, and all of its traditions.

I very much liked the tackling of the slavery theme. You learn about it through Arram's eyes, as he is initially naive and blinkered to the fact that slaves are used as gladiators. In the beginning, he is excited to watch the Games, because he has heard great things about it. It's quite a sudden awakening for the poor lad when he watches the violence, and realises what it is really all about.
Arram is a really sweet lad, and he sees everyone as equals. Whether it's Prince Ozorne, or the slave Musenda, he treats them in the same, courteous way.

Not-so-good
The first half is really slow. Really, really slow. I kept waiting for something to happen, for some underlying plot to appear and pull me through the story. But this was as thrilling as my own time at school. The second half gets better, but there's still no real plot, just hints at stuff, and then it ends. I was left feeling a little cheated, it's a very long book to be a preamble for future books.

I kept wanting to roll my eyes, every time little kidlet Arram proved that he was the most powerful mage in Carthak. Oh, and when his Masters kept buoying him up as the golden boy. And when various gods came to stake their claim on the powerful mage. Did I mention he was powerful?

I was left disappointed with Varice - the supposed best friend, and third party in the Arram/Ozorne/Varice super trio. I think I rushed to say she was the Hermione of the group. She's not a patch on Hermione. She's pretty, she likes cooking and looking after the boys. She's nice and lacking opinion, enough to appease everybody. Oh, and she's pretty. I found her quite dull, and simply there to make up the girl quota.

Overall, this is a slow-building book that can be read by anyone, but I think is best for Numair fans.
3.5 out of 5 for me.

This is the first book I have read by Tamora Pierce, I am not entirely sure how I have missed this fantasy author as this book was right up my alley. Firstly something that may be slightly random but has annoyed me in the past in other books. The map at the beginning of the book translates really well on the kindle, I love good a world map and this one was clear and on one page.
Characters:
The story centers on the three friends Arram, Ozorne and Varice, how they became friends and how their friendships develop and strengthen. Arram is incredibly young and talented, an outcast from the other members of the lower university, he meets Ozorne and Varice as he progresses through the university and his powers become apparent. Varice is a wondeful character, warm and funny, she brings a lovely depth to the book. Her scenes are among my favorites. Ozorne I found to be the most complicated character, there were times when I found him selfish and self centered, but as I learnt more about his situation you can see why he is, the way is he.
All the characters are incredibly well written and you get a vivid image of what makes them tick. I really hope to come across some of them again in future books.
World building:
The story is based in and around the mage university. The world building is introduced in snippets which makes it easy to build a picture in your head. I love discovering a new world – one reviewer described Pierce’s book as ‘putting on a comfy pair of slippers’ (if this was you please let me know so I can link it, I’m afraid I cannot remember where I read it). I totally get what they meant. This is a comfortable introduction to the world. The scene is being set, the pace is good and moves along in terms of the school year – you cover several years in the book but you feel like you miss nothing.
Final thoughts:
I loved all the different aspects of magic and the Gods that make their appearances. Enzi the crocodile God being a personal favorite. The writing in this book is beautiful, everything is well described (but not overly so). Some scenes are intense and pacey, others are slow and warm – all beautifully done.
Arram watched the stars fall, awed, wondering which God was sending a fiery love letter to another God or even to a mortal.
I am so glad I have discovered Tamora Pierce, I shall be looking up the Immortals Quartet ASAP! I highly recommend this book to fellow fantasy lovers. Many thanks t0 the publishers and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review

Really great read. It takes you on a really great journey of different emotions. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

I enjoyed the storyline.. I just found it a bit boring in parts. Which seems a shame as all the factors appeal to me. Although I finished the book i wasn’t enthrallled like I expected to be

All I can say about this book is......... When can I get the next TP book?!?!?!?! I have loved Tamora Pierce ever since I picked up The Song of the Lioness quartet back in my teens and I have loved the empire of Tortall and its surrounding lands completely and wholeheartedly. Forget Hogwarts and Narnia, this author takes world building to a whole new level! This universe will be one I wish to travel to right up until my deathbed! Who knows, The Black God may great me like an old friend :p I have wished for Numair's story since the Wild Magic quartet and him and Daine just melted my heart! I am so happy that we now have the beginnings of what will be a new chapter in this amazing authors repertoire!!!! I'm spoiling nothing about this book.

If you love magic, adventure, romance and awesomeness - go out and get this book! You will not be disappointed.

Huge 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I was incredibly thrilled to receive an advance copy of Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce. When I was younger, she was one of my favourite authors. I have read almost every single one of her novels and happily debated with one of my friends whether we wanted to marry a Jonathan or a George (died-hard TP fans, you´ll know what I´m talking about!) when we grew up. Therefore it was with bated breath that I started to read this prequel to the Wild Magic series featuring everyone´s favourite mage - Numair Salmalin or Arram Draper as he was formerly known. I was excited that the novel also featured several well known and loved characters and Ms Pierce´s writing, thrust me back into this magical world.

Though there didn´t appear to be a dramatic plot, I enjoyed the gentle nature of the novel featuring the day to day activities of Numair and his friends at school. I feel like this novel is a good not only features Numair´s origins, but also allows us to see the rise and formation of Emperor Ozorne.

Though at 32, I am not the target audience, howver I really enjoyed this novel and I am sure younger readers would be excited to read the start to this trilogy. I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.

I love Tamora Pierce. She got me through my teenage years and I still go back to her books when I need a bit of home comfort. So when I got a copy of her newest book, Tempests and Slaughter, I was SO EXCITED.

Teenage boy at wizard school, friends with a boy with a big family and a clever girl? Sound familiar...? Yeah, it's not actually like Harry Potter at all.

Overall, I liked the book: the characters are pretty interesting (Varice and Arram are great, Ozorne is a bit annoying), there is some really cool worldbuilding going on, it's interesting to find out a bit more about how-the-magic-works... but pacing was a real problem.

Every so often there would be a little burst of drama, but mostly the book felt like a long slog through wizard school with no real purpose. The plot (such as it is) never really got going. We spend far more time on Arram learning to juggle than necessary. Sometimes it even felt like Pierce was rushing through chunks of the books to get to the good bit. Why are the boring bits there?!

It was an enjoyable read but I feel like the plot never got going. It felt like the workup to a series. It's still a good book but it's not Tamora-Pierce-good.

Verdict: Lots of introductions, some actions, no real conclusions. Felt incomplete.

Read if you like: teenage boys at wizard school

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Let's Cut to the Chase About Tempests and Slaughter

*Received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Okay, so as I could have predicted for this month, my ARC review is coming a little late- but on the plus side, right now I should be travelling back to London (and to more blogging activity!)

One of the reasons I took so long with this one was because, as you may or may not know, I am a MASSIVE Tamora Pierce fan. Even if I hadn’t been ridiculously excited to receive this as an ARC (which, OMG, I was!!) I would have wanted to do this justice- but I also had more mixed feelings about this one that made me hesitant to put pen to paper.

This didn’t stand out to me as the best Tamora Pierce book- though even “not the best Tamora Pierce book” is still a good shout. What Pierce is famous for, and delivers here, is good, traditional fantasy fare. There’s plenty of adventure to be had and it was above all a lot of FUN- which is exactly what you want from a Middle Grade series opener!

In some ways, it was what I’d come to expect from Pierce- and yet there were also some innovative elements to the world building, which made it stand out from some of her other works. The setting alone added complexity to the story and transformed the tale into a more unique saga. In particular, I loved aspects like the crocodile god and hints at an intricate religious system.

While I did enjoy most of the narrative, I did feel much of it felt more like set up than plot. On the positive side, it made me feel like I’d love later books more- but this particular book felt a little overlong.

One other question mark I had was over the more educational aspect of the book, where Pierce attempted to show male puberty. I felt like this was adequately done, but I will admit the choice of the word “member” was somewhat off-putting and I wondered at the target audience’s response.

Overall though, I liked the characters and bully antagonists. The relationships between characters were well done and the romance, though not swoonworthy, was sweet. I definitely want to pick up the later books in the series and see where it goes!

Rating: 3½/5 bananas

I only ever rate Pierce's books against her other books because she really is in a class of her own. However this just isn't one of her best offerings. I had the same problem with Battle Magic a few years ago and many of the things that annoyed me then have irritated me here. A general sense that the book lacks direction being the main one. Numair is one of my favourite characters from the Tortall universe so I was eager to read this even though I prefer Pierce's female protagonists. I can't say I was disappointed exactly, it's just a lot of this book felt like background and filler, rather than a definite character arc of its own. Numair or rather Arram, as he was in his past, is at the University of Carthak learning to be a mage with best friends Varice Kingford and Prince Ozorne Tadzikhe. I think the first issue is that the story starts with Arram being too young. He's ten or eleven. It's fine for Alanna the first adventure or the protector of the small series, but it just doesn't work here and I'm not sure why. Maybe I'm just not finding it believable (I know that's a weird thing to say about a fantasy novel) that Arram would be at the University so young. But then when you consider The Circle of Magic series, the author really sold me on the idea that these ten year old could be so powerful so young and that they would form this intense and enduring bond together. I am just not buying that with this book. Perhaps the book covers too great a period of time. I can't help thinking that coming in midway through Arram's studies would have been better though.

In the Immortals series, Varice (when she shows up in book three) is rather sweet and pretty and a bit vacuous. Contemptible in other words by Tortall female standards. I quite liked her to start with in this book where she is shown to be a clever, competent mage, a kind person and a skilled diplomat. The author has seeded the idea that she will give way in return for a comfortable life doing what she wants to do though, which was clever. It's clear she doesn't see injustice in the same way Arram does. Ozorne is interesting as a youngster too. I realise that power changes people and you never quite know hoe someone is going to turn out. He's almost likeable here with flashes of the later cruelty, close mindedness and avarice that would come to define him in the immortals series. And Arram is just a sweetheart. I wish he'd been given more agency and had more of an antagonist pitted against him because it would have been a much better story. However as a massive Immortals fan and a major Numair and Daine shipper, I loved the little hints that he just hadn't found the right person for him, that he would like a lover who he could laugh with even when everything was going wrong around them, the fact that he is interested in animals and different people - which makes so much sense of his relationship with Daine (let's be honest you would have to be odd to keep Numair's interest!). All of that was brilliant. (And anyone who wants to get started on the age gap between Numair and Daine can just bite me because they had a relationship far more equal than many you see YA books.). But as much as I loved these hints and seeing these characters earlier was interesting, there just wasn't enough plot to support nearly 500 pages. Nothing really happens and nothing new to the Tortall universe was included.

As a sidebar, while I appreciated a M/M marriage being mentioned, considering how restrictive Carthak is - slavery, non mage women oppressed etc - I found it a bit odd. Pierce has done some wonderful YA novels that really do include diverse representation and tackle complicated themes - the Beka Cooper series, the Tricker Duology - but this was a bit flat.

This was an ok book and I would recommend it because it's Pierce, but it's just not one of her best.