Temper

June 1, 2018

In a richly constructed world that resembles South Africa, everyone is born as a set of twins with seven vices and virtues divided unevenly between them. Those possessing more vices are considered to be the inferior twin, poorer, less respected and successful than their more virtuous sibling. One such twin, Auben Mutze, fights against this destiny--but when a demon possesses him, it may prove he is nothing more than the sum of his vices. VERDICT Drayden is an amazing writer and deft plotter. The twists are unexpected and never feel contrived, just as the novel explores real-world issues without sounding preachy.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from July 16, 2018
Drayden (The Prey of Gods) crafts a tangled, fantastical African society as the setting for her spellbinding sophomore novel. With immersive worldbuilding, Drayden showcases a culture where science and religion exist at odds, and the balance of virtue and vice in one’s nature controls one’s social identity. Humble Kasim is assured a prosperous future, as he has only a single vice. His charismatic twin brother, Auben, is forever hindered by the six vices branded down his arm. Auben envies Kasim as much as he loves him, and their twin bond threatens to snap under the strain of their swiftly diverging paths. Complicating their fate, Kasim and Auben become enthralled by violent mystical forces. Their entire society’s survival soon hinges on each defeating his demons and discovering his true nature. Drayden takes speculative fiction in an exciting direction with a harrowing and impressive tale of twisted prophecy, identity, and cataclysmic change. Agent: Jennifer Jackson, Donald Maass Literary.

September 1, 2018

In this futuristic story set in a land similar to South Africa, twins are born with a set of vices and virtues split between them. The vices are branded on their arms, and the twin with more vices is considered "lesser than." Narrator Auben and his twin, Kasim, are dedicated to each other, despite their strained relationship. Eventually, Auben, the so-called "lesser" twin, begins hearing voices trying to pull him in a negative direction, and grapples with whether Kasim can support him through his inner conflict. Fans of Afrofuturist titles by Nnedi Okorafor will dive right into this mystical world. The interactions between Auben and Kasim, their relationships with girlfriends and family members, and the exploration of issues such as identity will resonate with teens. VERDICT This genre-bending novel is a strong choice for those who enjoy dystopian tales with a mix of fantasy, horror, and humor.-April Sanders, Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2019
Drayden (The Prey of Gods, 2017) follows twin brothers struggling with destiny in a fantastical Africa. In this world, nearly all children are twins, and all twins are designated one greater and one lesser via a ceremony that discerns which child has more of the seven virtues and fewer vices. A four-three split is common, five-two not unknown...but Auben has six vices and his brother, Kasim, only one. Their futures are as plain as the vice-marks on their skin--Kasim is destined for prosperity while Auben won't leave the ghetto of their birth. Refusing to accept this, Auben prays to Grace, the god of virtues. But it's Grace's dark opposite, Icy Blue, who answers him--and possesses him. Icy Blue brings Auben strange powers--healing and shape-shifting--but also temptations much darker than mere vice-driven mischief. When Kasim is also possessed (by Grace), the two brothers determine to learn how to conduct an exorcism by enrolling at an exclusive religious academy. Once there, Kasim catches the high priest's eye and rises in popularity, leading Auben to feel abandoned, alone with Icy Blue. The twists and revelations come at breakneck speed, leaving both characters' and readers' heads spinning. Auben must discover harsh familial truths to right a cosmic wrong if he's to save himself, Kasim, and everyone else. Wildly imaginative worldbuilding mixes with a convoluted plot and sharp changes in tone for a strange brew.

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Starred review from July 1, 2018
Drayden's latest is a dark, riveting tale about two brothers at odds that explores what it truly means to possess virtues, what it truly means to possess vices, and what it truly means to be brothers. Auben Mutze is a twin. His lesser status as the inferior twin is marked by six brands down his arm, and each brand symbolizes a vice he possesses. In contrast, Auben's twin brother, Kasim, possesses only one vice. The single vice marks Kasim as the supposedly superior twin. The twins' different stations in life and Auben's jealousy morph their brotherly relationship into one steeped in rivalry. Their brotherly bond is threatened to the point of breaking when Auben begins to hear dangerous voices that whisper of evil, heinous deeds, encouraging him to walk a dark path. If Auben doesn't rid himself of the voices, he could completely lose himself to them. Drayden (The Prey of Gods, 2017) excels at making every twist and turn of the plot meaningful to the story. Moreover, the world-building is deliciously lush and complex; any possible initial confusion becomes part of the thrill of puzzling this world out.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)