Temper is a book that I am having a hard time writing a review for. Drayden is masterful in her world building. She crafts descriptions in a way that I can clearly imagine cities, homes, walls, and even what the characters look like which makes the story engaging. However, with Temper I think that I may need a second read to truly catch most of what Drayden is wanting her readers to get.
The main theme in Temper seems to be complex evolving relationships. Relationships with oneself, siblings, parents, extended family, and friendships. The main characters are all in the process of finding out who they are, how to create the person that they want to be against the odds and handicaps that they have individually, how to relate to people that they have actual physical requirements for, as well as fighting off outside forces that in some cases are literally an internal battle. The best that I can describe it is that Temper is similar to a coming of age story like I have never read before.
Drayden plays with gender pronouns that if I am being honest, took me a moment to catch on to! When I first saw it I thought was a typo! That's right, I was having a not too bright moment. Drayden also provided more than standard male and female gender which made for less restrictive character personalities. Sexuality in Temper is presented in a straight forward and nonchalant way that is positive, but is also so different that I was often a bit put off by it. I'm not quite sure why, it may be the age of the characters or simply the way that it is presented and used.
This book is definitely different than anything that I have read before and that is why I think that I need another read of it to determine how I really feel about it. I am honestly just left a little confused. I get the basic story, I just feel that I have missed the vital thing that makes the story work. So, did I enjoy this book? The best that I can say is that I think so. Would I recommend this one? I'm not sure because I don't think that I can recommend something that I don't really understand. Will I read the next release by Nicky Drayden in hopes that I will get it? Absolutely!
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
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 . . .
I was waiting on your review. Hmmmmm, I'll add it to my TBR but I'll take it on soon. I don't like being confused when I'm reading, I want to be able to grasp the story at some point during read.
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