November 27, 2017
In the intriguing first book of Pierce’s Numair Chronicles, set in the medieval fantasy world of her Tortall books, she provides an in-depth look into the magical education and youth of Arram Draper, who later becomes the powerful mage Numair Salmalín. At age 10, Arram is the youngest mage in his class at the Imperial University of Carthak. His raw talent or Gift is enormous and difficult for him to control; it both gets him into trouble and gets him noticed. He quickly makes friends with his roommate, prince Ozorne Tasikhe, and the lovely and kind Varice Kingsford. Although Pierce touches on weighty subjects including slavery and the environment, they’re balanced by the relatively lighthearted adventures of Arram and his new friends. She makes the most of the university setting, hinting at possible conflict ahead by way of Ozorne’s wish to avenge his father’s death. Pierce’s many fans will thrill to discover the backstory behind one of their favorite characters. Ages 12–up. Agent: Craig Tenney, Harold Ober Associates.

November 15, 2017
Pierce's new prequel series chronicles the beginnings of one of Tortall's greatest mages.At the Imperial University of Carthak, 10-year-old Arram (aka Numair Salmalin in later life) is brimming with power. When he accidentally floods a classroom with an unusually strong water spell, he is moved up to more advanced studies. He promptly makes two new friends, the charming Varice and the prince Ozorne. Pierce immerses readers in Arram's day-to-day life as he ages, builds relationships with powerful mage instructors, encounters gods, and awakens to the brutality around him--especially as it relates to slavery. Sometimes lagging, the novel never comes to much of a climax, but Pierce slowly builds tension throughout for future conflict. As Arram comes into his power and Ozorne begins a dark ascent to the throne, their destinies become more tightly intertwined, for better or for worse. Hailing from different regions, Pierce's characters are diverse (Arram is brown, and Varice and Ozorne are white). However, with his focus so deeply on his studies, Arram's tunnel vision makes it difficult to gain a good understanding of the world beyond the university's walls. Even as the theme of slavery is prominently woven throughout the novel, Arram's scope of it is limited. But, with more to come in the series, there is still room for development.Anyone can jump into the Numair Chronicles, but the novel will especially appeal to fans of the Tortall books. (Fantasy. 12-adult)

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December 1, 2017

Gr 9 Up-Arram Draper has a difficult time fitting in and being taken seriously at the School for Mages due to his young age. When he makes friends with sociable Varice and Orzone, the "leftover prince," he finally gains acceptance among his peers. The trio quickly become inseparable even as they advance in school and talent. While at times, Arram is concerned by the depth of his powers, they also provide him with opportunities (as well as trouble in the form of a stolen Sunbird). In a world where Gods talk to mortals and members of the royal family keep mysteriously dying, Arram has to figure out who he should and shouldn't trust. The first in the series, this is a lavish fantasy that provides a history of the previously established character, Numair Salmalin, when he was young and just learning his powers. Reoccurring themes of puberty and growing sexuality appear throughout the novel along with hints of romance. Taking place in Carthak at the Imperial University, the book's introductory map provides detail of Tortall and neighboring realms. Each chapter begins with the time period and sections are accompanied by class schedules to show what Arram is studying. Quick and detailed pacing keeps the story moving along while educating both Arram and readers. Pierce has created an elaborate world with characters who realistically grow, learn, and change based on experiences. VERDICT A must for readers who enjoy beautiful prose and well-developed fantasy; recommended for all fans of Pierce's previous work.-Rebecca Greer, Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, FL

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2017
Grades 7-10 Readers of the Immortals quartet, one of Pierce's earliest endeavors, are well aware of the mystery that surrounds Numair Salmalin, powerful mage and teacher-turned-lover of heroine Daine. But before he was Numair, he was 10-year-old Arram Draper, a promising mage student who, at school, befriends two other aspiring mages: Varice, whose beauty and kitchen-magic skills often cause her not to be taken seriously, despite her intelligence, and Ozorne, an ambitious prince with no real chance at inheriting the Carthaki throne. Over the first four years of their education, the three develop a strong friendship, and Arram learns magic, speaks with gods, and wrestles with his dislike of some Carthaki customs, like slavery and gladiator fights. Readers eager for action will have to wait for the next volume, as the tale of Arram's infamous exile is yet to come, but this slice-of-life examination of his early years does much to unravel the secrets of his history. For fans of Pierceand there are legionsit's not one to be missed. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Pierce has been penning best-sellers for decades, and this return to one of her most beloved series comes with a major national advertising campaign.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2018
Arram, a young and powerful mage student at the Imperial University of Carthak, befriends Varice and Ozorne, two similarly powerful students. But Ozorne's status as the "leftover prince" (third in line to the throne) means dark undercurrents swirl around them. This entertaining magic-school story, first in a series, mixes school high jinks with more sinister forces, making for a quick, engrossing read.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)