Arram Draper is what you would call a child prodigy. He’s much younger than his fellow students, and every year he discovers new abilities. His magical talent – his Gift – is extraordinary. His teachers know that, one day, Arram will be a great mage. Of course, Arram doesn’t realise this. He’s just thrilled to be there, to be learning and to finally make two great friends: Ozorne, a royal, and Varice, a talented young lady. Perhaps destiny has a plan for these three; they might even change the world, if they can live long enough. They have enemies, especially Ozorne, and the world in which they live is vulnerable to plagues, war, and political turmoil. For now, Arram is absorbing as much as his teachers can give him, even when some of them turn his stomach. But, he’s also beginning to realise that one day he might have to make some difficult choices.

The title, Tempests and Slaughter, suggests far more ‘blood and guts’ than there is in the book, and perhaps another choice might have been better. However, Pierce has a knack of creating worlds that, despite magic and strange gods and goddesses, are consistent, logical and real. She gives us characters that are intriguing and engaging, and she takes the reader on a fascinating journey. Arram is shy and awkward at first, but he grows into a confident young man. Although we can sense that there will be trouble in the future, we believe – we hope – that the three young friends will find a way to conquer.

Reviewed by Wendy Noble
Age Guide 10+