Temper - by Nicky Drayden (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2018!

A Vulture Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book of 2018!

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

From the Back Cover

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

Auben Mtuze 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. Auben is intelligent and outgoing, and his 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

Review Quotes

Praise for The Prey of Gods:
"Drayden's delivery of all this is subtly poignant and slap-in-the-face deadpan -- perfect for this novel-length thought exercise about what kinds of gods a cynical, self-absorbed postmodern society really deserves. Lots of fun." - New York Times Book Review
"Fans of Nnedi Okorafor, Lauren Beukes and Neil Gaiman better add The Prey of Gods to their reading lists! This addicting new novel combines all the best elements of science fiction and fantasy" - RT Book Reviews (June 2017 Seal of Excellence, Best of the Month)
"Drayden has knocked it out of the park with this novel. . . . an excellent piece of fiction that is levels above any of the summer reads coming out." - New York Journal of Books
"A fantastic mix of science fiction, horror, fantasy, and humor, The Prey of Gods is a unique novel that defies categorization...Fun and engaging, The Prey of Gods is an unforgettable read." - Bustle, "13 Science Fiction Books Starring Women For Your Summer Reading List"
"Drayden is an amazing writer and deft plotter. The twists are unexpected and never feel contrived, just as the novel explores real-world issues without sounding preachy." - Library Journal
"Drayden (The Prey of Gods) crafts a tangled, fantastical African society as the setting for her spellbinding sophomore novel [...] Drayden takes speculative fiction in an exciting direction with a harrowing and impressive tale of twisted prophecy, identity, and cataclysmic change." - Publishers Weekly (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. " - Booklist (starred review)
"A thrilling and thrillingly weird book." - Vulture (The 10 Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books of 2018)
"Temper soars precariously, like a skyscraper made of playing cards, presenting a fast paced -- if occasionally messy -- reading experience." - Nerds of a Feather
"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." - B&N Sci-fi & Fantasy Blog