Tempests and Slaughter (The Numair Chronicles, Book 1) cover art

Tempests and Slaughter (The Numair Chronicles, Book 1)

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About this listen

In Tempests and Slaughter, 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 young man with unimaginable gifts and a talent for making vicious enemies.

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 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.

 Action & Adventure Dragons & Mythical Creatures Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Mythology Royalty Heartfelt

Critic reviews

‘Tamora Pierce didn’t just blaze a trail. Her heroines cut a swath through the fantasy world with wit, strength, and savvy. Pierce is the real lioness, and we’re all just running to keep pace.’
LEIGH BARDUGO, #1 New York Times bestselling author

‘Tamora Pierce creates epic worlds populated by girls and women of bravery, heart, and strength. Her work inspired a generation of writers and continues to inspire us.’
HOLLY BLACK, #1 New York Times bestselling author

‘Tamora Pierce’s books shaped me not only as a young writer but also as a young woman. Her complex, unforgettable heroines and vibrant, intricate worlds blazed a trail for young
adult fantasy—and I get to write what I love today because of the path she forged throughout her career. She is a pillar, an icon, and an inspiration.’
SARAH J. MAAS, #1 New York Times bestselling author

‘I take more comfort from and as great a pleasure in Tamora Pierce's Tortall novels as I do from Game of Thrones.’
Washington Post
All stars
Most relevant
I've grown up reading Tamora Pierce, this is a fantastic new addition that starts to fill in the gaps of one of my favourite characters. This book is brilliant and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in this genre

Brilliant

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Loved it, as I did when I read the book when it came out. Sarah Ovens is a very good narrator. Brings Carthak to life.

One for Tamora Pierce's fans

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4.25/5

Tamora Pierce was one of my favourite authors as a child and has an enduring place in my heart. I was so happy to return to this fantasy world, a new country this time and follow the beginnings of the great mage Numair, named Arram Draper in this book.

- I loved the familiarity of the world and the style of writing with the new details and people that comes with this different setting. Carthak is a vibrant and nuanced city and the university and it's ways we're fascinating.

- Watching Numair and knowing how things eventually turn out for him was quite bittersweet. I loved his friendships and the relationships between him and his tutors, patients and, at some points, gods but equally know that something will happen that will change all this.

- Despite knowing there will be a point to the story, the narrative seems to lack driving force. We follow Arram's education and him working out how he fits into the world but there seems to be no defined end goal or point. I hope the next book makes this clearer.

Enjoyable for a long time fan. Would recommend to those already familiar with Pierce's writing and the world in which this book is set.

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I read Tamora Pierce a lot growing up, and still re-read them regularly as an adult. The story started well but only contains the build up for (I assume) the next in the series. With each book in her quartets having satisfying build up and pay off as well as advancing towards the overall goal, it was a let down.

Numair's powers are suitable for those that know him from the Wild Mage quartet, but there are one or two glaring continuity errors for those that know the stories well. I'd still probably listen to the next book but not up to the standard of Trickster's Choice, Trickser's Queen or The Circle Opens quartet.

Not her best work

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