Temper (novel)

Temper is a 2018 historical fiction novel by Australian author Nicky Drayden. Set in a fictional city called Dioscuras, heavily influenced by ancient Rome and gladiatorial culture, the story follows twin brothers, Auben and Kasim, who share a single soul.

Auben is considered the "temper" of the soul, impulsive and prone to rage, while Kasim is the calm and controlled half. The rigid social structure of Dioscuras is based on the tela, a magical system tied to emotions, and the twins' unstable shared soul makes them social outcasts.

The novel explores themes of identity, brotherhood, societal prejudice, and the nature of self-control. Auben and Kasim struggle to navigate a world that fears their unique condition, leading them down different paths that ultimately test their bond and their understanding of themselves and the tela. The narrative follows their individual journeys as they become entangled in the political machinations of Dioscuras and are forced to confront the source of their shared soul and its potential to either save or destroy their society. The book is known for its vivid world-building, complex characters, and exploration of the complexities of human emotions within a fantastical framework.