Tempests and Slaughter

This is such a hard one to review because I absolutely LOVED it, but if I hadn't read the other Tortall books, I don't think I would have liked it as much.
See, there wasn't much of a plot or climax, I don't think. This felt more like a lead up to the second book where the climax will happen– it is like slice of life, in a way. We get to see Nu– cough cough Arram Draper grow up and into his powers. May I say that calling him Arram is so cute to me? Like, I'm able to separate his childhood with Arram, I guess so it isn't weird, but I still call him in my head and when I talk about him by his other name.

Again, because I've read the Immortals series, reading this book is bittersweet. It is hard to like the characters, when I know what will happen. I was pulled in though. Bittersweet, but it was fun seeing them as friends and reading all the little tidbits which will come out later between them.

I feel like there isn't much to comment on because I'm waiting for the second book. Hours after I had finished this book, when I was getting ready to sit down and read something, I thought “Oh, I can't wait to keep reading–” and then I remembered I had finished it... I wanted more!! But I also liked it so much I didn't want it to be over.
It does drag a bit, but I can't help but love it.

The romance... since he is growing up, it makes sense there is some romance and love involved. I won't say much because I feel everything I want to say is a spoiler sigh
As for the slice of life part, I did think it was interesting Tamora Pierce included things younger boys have to deal with in puberty. She does it with the girls, so it makes sense she does it for boys too. It made me chuckle, but I think it is something great that these things are addressed even in a fantasy novel, so young boys know what they are going through is normal.

Okay, I'll stop rambling about this book. I loved it and I want to recommend it, but I feel I'd always give the caveat that maybe they should read the Immortals series first??? I'm not sure...