Book excerpt: #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! This must-read fantasy from an author who is legend herself--Tamora Pierce--is one Bustle calls "the perfect book for die-hard Pierce fans and newcomers alike." Discover the origin story of one of the realm's most powerful mages in the first book in the Numair Chronicles. 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 trouble. 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 a YA fantasy where a kingdom's future rests on the shoulders of a talented young man with a knack for making vicious enemies. BONUS! Don't miss Sarah J. Maas's interview with Tamora Pierce! "A beautiful, genuine exploration [of] friendship. . . . Unforgettable." --Hypable "Tamora Pierce is one of the queens of fantasy, and as a fan of the Immortals series most of all, I was happy to be reunited with the world of Tortall and literary crush Numair Salmalín." --The Mary Sue