Uptown Oracle Reads… Tempests and Slaughter

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Tempests and Slaughter
Tamora Pierce

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.

Tempests and Slaughter was a wonderful read but not for those who need action and adventure in their fantasy reads. The book is super slow and feels very much like a ‘foundation’ book for a series. Since reading it, I have found out that it is written in the same universe of other books by Pierce and Arram is in these books as an adult – so I’m guessing this read might be different for someone who’s read the other books too? However, I’m taking it as a standalone first book in a series.

We follow Arram as he goes to magic school. He grows into a powerful yet kind mage and there’s so much character depth we do see the possibilities for his future, and future books. We see him learn magic, excel, be given challenges by his teachers and attend more advanced lessons. Overall, this gives a really good basis for how good he is by showing the reader rather than the main character be told he’s so powerful.

As with any fantasy magic school, our main character feels like an outcast except for two of his closest friends, Prince Orzone and Varice. Their friendship was focused on a lot, and we do see it change and evolve as they grow up and situations happen. It’s written extremely well and feels true to life in how people react.

Going back to my point about the book being slow, I personally felt like not a lot happened. This book was very character focused and also focused on building magical lore I think. Which for me is great, because I love those high fantasy aspects of depth in the magic system, and understanding the details. However, I do think it could put of other readers who aren’t as interested in character and world building.

Tempests and Slaughter has a large rota of recurring characters throughout the book who have a huge impact on who Arram grows to be. Musenda, one of the gladiators, in particular was a wonderful addition and I can’t wait to see where the storyline goes with that. For those who love character building and world building, this is a book for you just like it was for me.

Positives

• Character depth
• World building

Negatives

• Slow pace

I received Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce from the publisher via Netgalley. This is an unbiased and honest review