Temper

In a reimagined South Africa, twins Auben and Kasim navigate a society where people are born with specific virtues and vices. Auben carries six vices while his brother Kasim has only one - a disparity that shapes their destinies and social standing. The twins begin experiencing supernatural phenomena as voices of ancient twin gods speak to them. Their search for answers leads them through exorcisms and spiritual revelations, forcing them to confront the true nature of their connection to these divine beings. This genre-bending novel combines elements of fantasy, horror, and African mythology. The story explores brotherhood, destiny, and spiritual possession against the backdrop of a complex social hierarchy based on moral attributes. The novel tackles themes of duality, free will, and the relationship between good and evil. Through its supernatural elements, the book examines how society's expectations and predetermined roles can shape or limit individual potential.

Readers describe Temper as a complex, unconventional fantasy that blends African mythology with steampunk elements. Many note the unique twin-based society and moral ambiguity of the characters. Liked: - Creative worldbuilding and magic system - Fast-paced plotting - Exploration of morality and human nature - LGBTQ+ representation - Unpredictable story turns Disliked: - Confusing plot developments in later chapters - Some found the ending rushed - Character motivations can be hard to follow - Writing style shifts between perspectives Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (50+ reviews) Review quotes: "Mind-bending and utterly original" - Goodreads reviewer "The world-building is phenomenal but I got lost in the last third" - Amazon reviewer "Unlike anything else in fantasy today, but requires careful reading" - Barnes & Noble review

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🔮 The novel's twin deities draw inspiration from various African mythologies, where divine twins often represent balance and duality in creation stories. 🌍 The book's setting reimagines South Africa with a complex social hierarchy based on inherited virtues and vices, reflecting real-world discussions about genetic determinism. ✍️ Author Nicky Drayden worked as a systems analyst before becoming a full-time writer, bringing a unique analytical perspective to her world-building. 🏆 "Temper" earned Drayden recognition as one of Barnes & Noble's Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog's Best Science Fiction Books of 2018. 🎭 The seven vices featured in the book (lust, greed, wrath, pride, gluttony, envy, and sloth) mirror the traditional Christian seven deadly sins, but are reframed as inherited traits rather than moral choices.