Tempests and Slaughter
The highly anticipated NEW Tortall Legend from TAMORA PIERCE, the #1 New York Times bestselling author who is legend herself, is a must-read for any fantasy lover!
Arram. Varice. Ozorne. In the first book in the Numair Chronicles, three student mages are bound by fate... fated for trouble.
Arram Draper is 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 realizes that one day — soon — he will have to decide where his loyalties truly lie.
In the Numair Chronicles, readers 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 talented young man with a knack for making vicious enemies.
“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. Cracking open one of her marvelous novels always feels like coming home.” — SARAH J. MAAS, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“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, #1 New York Times bestselling author
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Tamora Pierce
Tamora Pierce didn’t just open a door to fantasy for young readers—she forged a path, torch in hand, into realms where girls wield swords, speak with gods, and refuse to be silenced. Long before strong female protagonists became a trend, Pierce was crafting heroines who were bold, complex, and unapologetically themselves. Her stories didn’t just break molds; they reimagined what fantasy could be for generations of readers hungry for more than damsels and dragons.
Born in South Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and raised between the rolling hills of rural America and the buzz of city life, Pierce’s childhood was steeped in books and imagination. Her early fascination with mythology and medieval lore took root in her storytelling, where rich world-building and elemental magic breathe life into each saga. It was while working at a library and later studying at the University of Pennsylvania that she began shaping what would become the iconic Song of the Lioness quartet—a series that introduced the world to Alanna of Trebond, a girl who disguises herself as a boy to train as a knight.
The Numair Chronicles
Before he became one of the realm’s most powerful mages, Numair Salmalín was just a gifted boy named Arram Draper—a boy whose magic ran deeper, stranger, and more dangerous than anyone could have foreseen.
The Numair Chronicles isn’t just a prequel—it’s an origin story that pulses with youthful energy, raw ambition, and the undercurrent of something darker stirring beneath the surface. Set in the early days of the Tortall Universe, this fantasy series invites readers into the heart of the Imperial University of Carthak, where arcane study meets political peril, and where friendships are forged in fire.
The Numair Chronicles consists of one book and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Main series The Tortall Universe
