Tempests and Slaughter

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.



Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

"Tamora Pierce and her brilliant heroines didn’t just break down barriers; they smashed them with magical fire." - Katherine Arden

"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

"Tamora Pierce’s bold, courageous heroines illuminate the journey to womanhood." - Callie Bates

"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

"Tamora Pierce is a seminal figure in the fantasy field of writing, turning out one terrific book after another." - Terry Brooks

"It’s impossible to overstate Tamora Pierce’s impact on children’s literature. Her tough, wise, and wonderful heroines have inspired generations of readers." - Rae Carson

"Tamora Pierce is the queen of YA fantasy, and we are all happy subjects in her court." - Jessica Cluess

"In the world of YA fantasy, there’s before Tamora Pierce, and then after her female heroes started kicking down the doors (and walls, and other barriers)!" - Bruce Coville

"Tamora Pierce is a trailblazer for so many fantasy writers, hacking through the old tropes with her narrative machete and showing us that girl-centered adventures are not just possible but amazing." - Rachel Hartman

"Tamora Pierce’s novels gave me a different way of seeing the world." - Alaya Dawn Johnson

"Few authors can slay so effectively with a single sentence—I mean fist-in-the-air, shouting-at-my-book slay—as Tamora Pierce. All these years later, I still draw strength from her words." - Marie Lu

"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

"Tamora Pierce’s writing is like water from the swiftest, most refreshingly clear, invigorating, and revitalizing river." - Garth Nix

"Tamora Pierce is gloriously unafraid to give her readers joy and laughter along with adventure and struggle, to let us love her characters wholeheartedly and find the best of ourselves in them." - Naomi Novik