Date A Book YA Book Club discussion
Tempests and Slaughter
>
Tempests and Slaughter: Week 3
date
newest »
newest »
Mod
But it is a hot topic to discuss and it would definitely be uncomfortable for Arram, who was born in a northern realm that did not employ slavery. To then move and grow up around others that see slavery as both a luxury and a position of power, it would be hard to retain your childhood views that slave labour is not the way to go. Do you think this is going to form a big part of Arram's distance from native Carthaki residents?
I totally felt for Arram with his sympathy for the slaves, it is heartbreaking. I love when Tamora takes real world issues and puts them in this fantasy context. I really hope that Arram will stick around and change Ozone’s mind about it rather than just leaving Carthark, but that seems less and less likely. Musenda is my fav, the big-hearted hunk.As a massive fan of The Immortals series, I’m so happy we get more magical animals! I like that we don’t exactly know why Preet is here, but she has Arram’s back which I’m glad of. I also looove Enzi, the crocodile god. Such sass!
I’m keen to see Tristan get some comeuppance in the next book (do not like that boy), and worried about Ozone’s trajectory! So many unanswered questions – especially surrounding the crown and Chioke. Also, v v interested to see what happens with Arram and Varice..
Mod
Arram seems like someone who was always going to favour freeing slaves over keeping them locked up. Do you think Ozorne's opinions are purely based on his upbringing or do you genuinely get the feeling he's pro-slave or at least pro-extreme punishment to those that wrong the crown?
Are you curious to find out why Musenda was made a slave when his family lives nearby? He's obviously native to Carthak - so not taken from another nation - and the rest of his family were doing ok, until his brother passed away.
We're glad you love Preet as much as we do. She's an interesting little thing and we definitely get the impression she's there for a reason. We're just not sure what it might be.
Tristan is a bit of a strange character. He seems awfully jealous of both Arram's skills and of his friendship with Ozorne. He seems to be playing the game of being cosy with the group in order to jump up the ranks. It will be interesting to see if he has any sway over Ozorne in the next book based on their similar love of war craft and power.
Musenda's character was so lovely and gentle which was surprising given his gladiator status. Seeing the impoverished conditions, you feel as helpless as Arram feels. Ozorne is incredibly blasé about it, growing up in the kingdom that normalises slavery, it felt very well that's just how it is. You can feel Arram's sadness and frustration. Preet is adorable! She's far more than just a little feathered friend and I wonder if she's a cursed human. She's very in tuned to Arram's feelings and seems to help with his isolation. I can't wait to find out what her purpose is and who she is.
I haven't read the other series' as yet but I'm hoping the slaves begin to revolt in book two, rising up against their oppressors. I'm wondering if that's where the Sirajit people might be introduced, the ones responsible for killing Ozorne's father. We know they pushed back against the Monarch so it might be a case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Mod
It's that type of attitude that makes us lose a little respect for Ozorne. We understand his position and upbringing would have influenced his decision. But it makes us a little scared for the future of Carthak when its rulers can't see the value of human life.
Do you think Ozorne is open to changing his mind, or is he a bit too far gone to budge on his opinion of slaves and other races?
We like your theory about Preet, but we think it's more to do with her coming from the realm of the Gods. They're on a whole different level to other animals. She's definitely not a god - or else Enzi would never have been able to keep her in the mortal world. But she does appear to scheme the same way the gods do. We're sure there will be more to her revealed in the next book (or maybe that's just our wish to see more of the adorable darling!).
Date A Book wrote: "Kelly (Diva Booknerd) wrote: "Ozorne is incredibly blasé about it, growing up in the kingdom that normalises slavery, it felt very well that's just how it is."It's that type of attitude that make..."
He has the potential to change but he seems so blinded by avenging his father that he's not willing to see beyond his own privilege. Yet. I don't think it'll be Arram who helps offer a new perspective though. Maybe he'll meet someone new?
Mod
Do you think Arram is too close to him now, that perhaps Ozorne sees him too much as family and won't take his advice or opinions as hard truths? Or do you think he still sees Arram as young of mind and experience, so brushes off his arguments about slavery?
Date A Book wrote: "Kelly (Diva Booknerd) wrote: "He has the potential to change but he seems so blinded by avenging his father that he's not willing to see beyond his own privilege. Yet. I don't think it'll be Arram ..."Probably a little of both. I think mostly Arram's inexperience and that he has a much softer, compassionate heart. I can imagine Ozorne sees softness as a weakness considering his warmongering.
Mod
You have nailed Arram and Ozorne's core natures here - especially with where they are at the end of Tempests and Slaughter. Ozorne definitely values mages that use their abilities for war. He's not down on others, but he doesn't seem to understand that Arram isn't interested in learning ways to destroy people.
We'll be very curious to hear what you think of Arram and Ozorne when/if you read The Immortals series.
Date A Book wrote: "Kelly (Diva Booknerd) wrote: "Probably a little of both. I think mostly Arram's inexperience and that he has a much softer, compassionate heart. I can imagine Ozorne sees softness as a weakness con..."Most definitely when, really excited to see how their younger selves compare.
Mod
We're excited for you too. If you need to chat about The Immortals, you know where to find us!
Stalker mode will be activated 😂
We’re heading into the final week of the read-along!
This week we're discussing Chapter 17 – End – or pg. 297-455 in the Australian paperback edition.
Below are a couple of questions to get us started – but feel free to jump in where you like.
Remember this is an open discussion, but please be mindful of spoilers for new readers. Have fun!
p.s. don’t forget to jump on Twitter during the week as we have some Tamora Pierce and Tortall polls running!
6. Slavey and race are big themes throughout the novel – especially when it comes to the Gladiator arena events, use of slave labour during sickness and Ozorne’s growning obsession with the Sirajit nation. How does the use of slavery within the novel make you feel?
7. Can't have a discussion on Tempests and Slaughter without mentioning Preet. For those who have read Tamora Pierce books before, she often has an animal partner for her main characters - and sometimes it's the same animal across different series! - what did you think of Preet and her protective and inquisitive nature around Arram? Do you think there will be more God and Immortal interaction in the next books?
8. Anyone who has read The Immortals series might be able to guess what could happen next, but here's your chance to throw out some theories. What are you hoping will happen in book 2 and who would you like to see more of in the next book?
Happy posting!