Tempests and Slaughter - Tamora Pierce

[goodreads]

Title: Tempests and Slaughter
Author: Tamora Pierce
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4/5
# pages: Audiobook ~13hrs
Date read: July, 2021

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.


After a false start several years ago, I had no troubles finishing this the second time around. My initial impression still stands though - Tamora Pierce peaked with her "Protector of the Small" series, and her books since then haven't been as good.

That said, "Tempests and Slaughter" is closer to her old standards. She's brilliant at seeing the atmosphere in a "school" environment, and this is no exception. I enjoyed reading about Arram's classes and how he grew as a mage. It was bittersweet to read about his friendship with Ozorne though, as I know how that turns out from the "Wild Magic" quartet.