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
The series
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.
Read full series description
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.
Arram’s journey through this elite institution is filled with wonder—magical creatures, elemental spells, and mind-bending lessons—but it’s also laced with the disquiet of knowing he doesn’t quite fit the mold. His powers are too volatile, his questions too bold. As he navigates the complexities of growing up gifted in a world where power is currency, the series quietly builds toward the moment when boyhood ends and destiny begins.
With rich world-building, sly humor, and the kind of emotional nuance that Tamora Pierce has long been celebrated for, this series casts a fresh light on a beloved character. It explores not just the making of a mage, but the shaping of a conscience in a society where the lines between justice and loyalty are often blurred.
Whether you’re new to Tortall or a lifelong reader, The Numair Chronicles offers a compelling new perspective on the universe’s lore—one that blends coming-of-age storytelling with high fantasy stakes. It’s a tale of magic, mentorship, and the quiet choices that echo louder than any spell.
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