Temper: A Novel

by Nicky Drayden Narrated by Mirron Willis

Overview

In a land similar to South Africa, twin brothers are beset by powerful forces beyond their understanding or control in this thrilling blend of science fiction, horror, magic, and dark humor-evocative of the works of Lauren Beukes, Ian McDonald, and Nnedi Okorafor-from the author of The Prey of Gods.

Two brothers.
Seven vices.
One demonic possession.
Can this relationship survive?

Auben Mutze has more vices than he can deal with-six to be exact-each branded down his arm for all the world to see. They mark him as a lesser twin in society, as inferior, but there's no way he'll let that define him. Intelligent and outgoing, Auben's spirited antics make him popular among the other students at his underprivileged high school. So what if he's envious of his twin Kasim, whose single vice brand is a ticket to a better life, one that likely won't involve Auben.

The twins' strained relationship threatens to snap when Auben starts hearing voices that speak to his dangerous side-encouraging him to perform evil deeds that go beyond innocent mischief. Lechery, deceit, and vanity run rampant. And then there are the inexplicable blood cravings. . . .

On the southern tip of an African continent that could have been, demons get up to no good during the time of year when temperatures dip and temptations rise. Auben needs to rid himself of these maddening voices before they cause him to lose track of time. To lose his mind. And to lose his . . .

TEMPER

Editorial Reviews

SEPTEMBER 2018 - AudioFile

Narrator Mirron Willis's eager tone and lyrical baritone capture a landscape ruled by vices and virtues, where secrets and magic transform the lives of a set of twins. Auben and Kasim have a deep bond but are near opposites—one is rife with vices and struggling with demonic possession; the other is a model of virtue and a promising young pupil. The imaginative world building, along with Willis's deft character portrayals and delivery of narrative, would be impressive on their own merits—but this is also a story of family, history, and identity enhanced by a powerful text. Willis's pacing reflects the rising urgency of Auben's struggle, while his consistent tone grounds the suspenseful storylines in the routines of school and home. K.S.B. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

Publishers Weekly

★ 07/16/2018
Drayden (The Prey of Gods) crafts a tangled, fantastical African society as the setting for her spellbinding sophomore novel. With immersive worldbuilding, Drayden showcases a culture where science and religion exist at odds, and the balance of virtue and vice in one’s nature controls one’s social identity. Humble Kasim is assured a prosperous future, as he has only a single vice. His charismatic twin brother, Auben, is forever hindered by the six vices branded down his arm. Auben envies Kasim as much as he loves him, and their twin bond threatens to snap under the strain of their swiftly diverging paths. Complicating their fate, Kasim and Auben become enthralled by violent mystical forces. Their entire society’s survival soon hinges on each defeating his demons and discovering his true nature. Drayden takes speculative fiction in an exciting direction with a harrowing and impressive tale of twisted prophecy, identity, and cataclysmic change. Agent: Jennifer Jackson, Donald Maass Literary. (Aug.)

Nerds of a Feather

Temper soars precariously, like a skyscraper made of playing cards, presenting a fast paced -- if occasionally messy -- reading experience.

B&N Sci-fi & Fantasy Blog  

It feels real in the ways of the best speculative fiction, as if we’re looking at ourselves in a funhouse mirror, noting the skewed beauty, the blemishes, and all.

Vulture (The 10 Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books of 2018)

A thrilling and thrillingly weird book.

Booklist (starred review)

[Drayden] excels at making every twist and turn of the plot meaningful to the story. Moreover, the world-building is deliciously lush and complex. “

School Library Journal

09/01/2018
In this futuristic story set in a land similar to South Africa, twins are born with a set of vices and virtues split between them. The vices are branded on their arms, and the twin with more vices is considered "lesser than." Narrator Auben and his twin, Kasim, are dedicated to each other, despite their strained relationship. Eventually, Auben, the so-called "lesser" twin, begins hearing voices trying to pull him in a negative direction, and grapples with whether Kasim can support him through his inner conflict. Fans of Afrofuturist titles by Nnedi Okorafor will dive right into this mystical world. The interactions between Auben and Kasim, their relationships with girlfriends and family members, and the exploration of issues such as identity will resonate with teens. VERDICT This genre-bending novel is a strong choice for those who enjoy dystopian tales with a mix of fantasy, horror, and humor.—April Sanders, Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170385591
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	08/07/2018
Edition description:	Unabridged

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