Tempests and Slaughter (The Numair Chronicles, Book 1) Tamora Pierce 9780008304355

In Tempests and Slaughter, fans of Tamora Pierce will be rewarded with the never-before-told story of how Numair Salmalin 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.

Tamora Pierce is the New York Times bestselling author of the The Song of the Lioness series, The Numair Chronicles, The Immortals series and The Protector of the Small quartet.

Pierce was born in South Connellsville, Pennsylvania and her parents were originally going to call her 'Tamara', but the nurse who filled out her birth certificate had never heard of that name before and accidentally misspelled it.

A passionate reader from an early age, devouring encyclopaedias, Dr Seuss books and J.R.R. Tolkien, writing helped Pierce get through her parents' divorce. In her junior year at college, she sold her first story and went on to publish The Song of the Lioness in 1983: changing the landscape of fantasy fiction forever. An award-winning, multiple New York Times bestselling author whose books have been published all over the world, Pierce lives in New York with her husband.

'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