Temper is a 2018 speculative‑fiction novel by South African writer Nicky Drayden. It was published by Harper Voyager, an imprint of HarperCollins, on 7 August 2018. The first edition comprises 400 pages and bears the ISBN 978‑0‑06‑249305‑7.
Publication
- Author: Nicky Drayden
- Country: South Africa
- Language: English
- Genre: Fantasy / Speculative fiction
- Publisher: Harper Voyager (HarperCollins)
- Release date: 7 August 2018
- Format: Hardcover, later paperback and ebook editions
Plot
Set in a contemporary South African village, Temper follows twin brothers Kasim and Auben, who are believed to embody contrasting moral attributes: Kasim is associated with virtue, while Auben is linked to multiple vices. As the narrative unfolds, both twins begin to hear internal voices that they later identify as the remnants of ancient twin deities—Icy Blue and Grace—who once possessed them. The brothers initially seek exorcism, but ultimately allow the gods to assume full control of their bodies, leading to a series of supernatural and existential crises that explore themes of identity, prophecy, and the interplay between technology and myth.
Reception
Temper received mixed to positive reviews from genre critics:
- Publishers Weekly praised the novel as “a harrowing and impressive tale of twisted prophecy, identity, and cataclysmic change,” noting Drayden’s innovative take on speculative fiction.
- Tor.com reviewer Liz Bourke highlighted the book’s complexity, stating that it “requires more from its readers than a more conventional SFF novel.”
- Locus Magazine offered a more tempered assessment, describing the work as uneven but acknowledging its ambitious world‑building.
The novel was also reviewed by Kirkus Reviews, Den of Geek, and other outlets, contributing to its visibility within the speculative‑fiction community.
References
- “Temper (Drayden novel).” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temper_(Drayden_novel).
- “Fiction Book Review: Temper by Nicky Drayden.” Publishers Weekly.
- Bourke, Liz (10 August 2018). “Inventively Weird: Temper by Nicky Drayden.” Tor.com.
- “TEMPER | Kirkus Reviews.” Kirkus Reviews.
Note: The information presented reflects verified sources available as of the knowledge cutoff date.