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Maradaine #1
The Thorn of Dentonhill
Veranix Calbert leads a double life. By day, he’s a struggling magic student at the University of Maradaine. At night, he spoils the drug trade of Willem Fenmere, crime boss of Dentonhill and murderer of Veranix’s father. He’s determined to shut Fenmere down.
With that goal in mind, Veranix disrupts the delivery of two magical artifacts meant for Fenmere's clients, the mages of the Blue Hand Circle. Using these power-filled objects in his fight, he quickly becomes a real thorn in Fenmere's side.
So much so that soon not only Fenmere, but powerful mages, assassins, and street gangs all want a piece of “The Thorn.” And with professors and prefects on the verge of discovering his secrets, Veranix’s double life might just fall apart. Unless, of course, Fenmere puts an end to it first.
With that goal in mind, Veranix disrupts the delivery of two magical artifacts meant for Fenmere's clients, the mages of the Blue Hand Circle. Using these power-filled objects in his fight, he quickly becomes a real thorn in Fenmere's side.
So much so that soon not only Fenmere, but powerful mages, assassins, and street gangs all want a piece of “The Thorn.” And with professors and prefects on the verge of discovering his secrets, Veranix’s double life might just fall apart. Unless, of course, Fenmere puts an end to it first.
388 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 3, 2015
61 people are currently reading
2471 people want to read
About the author
Marshall Ryan Maresca
23 books340 followersMarshall Ryan Maresca is a fantasy and science-fiction writer, author of sixteen novels, most of which are part of the Maradaine Saga: Four braided series set amid the bustling streets and crime-ridden districts of the exotic city called Maradaine. He is also the author of the standalone dieselpunk fantasy, The Velocity of Revolution. He is a four-time Hugo finalist as the co-host of the podcast Worldbuilding for Masochists, and has been a playwright, an actor and an amateur chef. He lives in Austin, Texas with his family.
For more information, visit Marshall’s website at www.mrmaresca.com.
For more information, visit Marshall’s website at www.mrmaresca.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
June 16, 2015
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2015/02/16/b...
Marshall Ryan Maresca introduces us to the world of Maradaine with his new novel The Thorn of Dentonhill, transporting us to a vibrant and diverse city where powerful mages, university students, assassins and street gangs all call home. Our protagonist is Veranix Calbert, a magic student by day and vigilante by night. When the sun goes down, Veranix ventures out into the streets, disrupting the local drug trade in the hopes of bringing down the notorious crime boss Fenmere, the man who killed Veranix’s father and destroyed his mother’s mind.
One night, Veranix intercepts a delivery in progress, absconding with a major shipment worth forty thousand crowns. But instead of finding the mother lode of drugs in the satchel, he finds…a cloak and a coil of rope?! What’s so special about these mundane objects, and what could Fenmere want with them? What follows is a highly entertaining tale of mystery and adventure as we learn more about circumstances behind this botched trade.
There’s also the intriguing details when it comes to Veranix’s double life. The idea of an average everyman moonlighting as a crime-fighter/vigilante certainly isn’t a new one, but the novel feels unique nonetheless, thanks to the author bringing his own fresh twist to the story. For example, it turns out that Veranix isn’t just your typical mage-in-training, and his tragic history and his family ties to the street gangs make him an irresistible hero.
One of the key strengths here are the characters. At times, even the indomitable Veranix is outshined by the supporting cast, with his friend and roommate Delmin standing out as one of my favorites. Another character who ended up growing on me is Veranix’s cousin Colin, street captain of the Rose Street Princes. This also brings me to how much I loved Maresca’s portrayal of the different street gangs, painting most of them as a lovable bunch of guys rather than just your typical two-bit delinquents. Above all else, the Princes are family and united against the “true” bad guys, who are Fenmere and his buddies at the top. It’s really refreshing to see support within a gang rather than the usual power-struggles.
I also love the world Maresca has created. It’s surprisingly rich, featuring a long and complex history and populated by many cultures. Other than a couple of awkward information dumps near the beginning of the novel, most of the world-building is revealed to us organically over the course of the story. In retrospect, I find it quite impressive that the author was able to work in so much information without overwhelming the reader or distracting from the plot.
Maresca brings the whole package, complete and well-constructed. If you’re looking for something fun and adventurous for your next fantasy read, look no further than The Thorn of Dentonhill, an incredible start to a new series, from an author who is clearly on his way to great things. I liked its balance between drama and action, and was pleasantly surprised at the amount of world building and character development. I’m looking forward to seeing more!
Marshall Ryan Maresca introduces us to the world of Maradaine with his new novel The Thorn of Dentonhill, transporting us to a vibrant and diverse city where powerful mages, university students, assassins and street gangs all call home. Our protagonist is Veranix Calbert, a magic student by day and vigilante by night. When the sun goes down, Veranix ventures out into the streets, disrupting the local drug trade in the hopes of bringing down the notorious crime boss Fenmere, the man who killed Veranix’s father and destroyed his mother’s mind.
One night, Veranix intercepts a delivery in progress, absconding with a major shipment worth forty thousand crowns. But instead of finding the mother lode of drugs in the satchel, he finds…a cloak and a coil of rope?! What’s so special about these mundane objects, and what could Fenmere want with them? What follows is a highly entertaining tale of mystery and adventure as we learn more about circumstances behind this botched trade.
There’s also the intriguing details when it comes to Veranix’s double life. The idea of an average everyman moonlighting as a crime-fighter/vigilante certainly isn’t a new one, but the novel feels unique nonetheless, thanks to the author bringing his own fresh twist to the story. For example, it turns out that Veranix isn’t just your typical mage-in-training, and his tragic history and his family ties to the street gangs make him an irresistible hero.
One of the key strengths here are the characters. At times, even the indomitable Veranix is outshined by the supporting cast, with his friend and roommate Delmin standing out as one of my favorites. Another character who ended up growing on me is Veranix’s cousin Colin, street captain of the Rose Street Princes. This also brings me to how much I loved Maresca’s portrayal of the different street gangs, painting most of them as a lovable bunch of guys rather than just your typical two-bit delinquents. Above all else, the Princes are family and united against the “true” bad guys, who are Fenmere and his buddies at the top. It’s really refreshing to see support within a gang rather than the usual power-struggles.
I also love the world Maresca has created. It’s surprisingly rich, featuring a long and complex history and populated by many cultures. Other than a couple of awkward information dumps near the beginning of the novel, most of the world-building is revealed to us organically over the course of the story. In retrospect, I find it quite impressive that the author was able to work in so much information without overwhelming the reader or distracting from the plot.
Maresca brings the whole package, complete and well-constructed. If you’re looking for something fun and adventurous for your next fantasy read, look no further than The Thorn of Dentonhill, an incredible start to a new series, from an author who is clearly on his way to great things. I liked its balance between drama and action, and was pleasantly surprised at the amount of world building and character development. I’m looking forward to seeing more!
August 24, 2020
Nota actual: 3,5/5 estrellas
Veranix Calbert lleva una doble vida. Por una parte es Harry Potter. Por otra es Arrow.
Hacia mucho tiempo que le tenía ganas a la Saga de Maradaine. Soy un fan acérrimo de la baja fantasía y llevaba bastante tiempo escuchando cosas muy buenas sobre el universo que había creado Marshall Ryan Maresca. ¿Fantasía de justicieros? ¿De polis? ¿Bandas callejeras, mundillo criminal, todo el percal? ¡METERME TODA ESA MIERDA EN VENA! Y a instancias del propio autor, decidí introducirme con el primer libro que ha escrito en este universo, La Espina de Dentonhill.
Y me ha decepcionado ligeramente.
A ver, no es malo. Pero creo que yo venía con demasiado hype de casa. Aunque era muy consciente de que no me iba a encontrar nada revolucionario (la historia es el típico chaval justiciero que emprende una cruzada contra un capo de las drogas que destruyó a su familia) a veces me golpeaba con demasiada fuerza lo predecible que podía ser la historia. Luego había secciones, como las de las bandas callejeras, que aunque aportaban tono al mundo, se sentían casi como relleno, y las descripciones de las peleas en ocasiones hacían más mal que bien.
Pero lo que salva la historia son los personajes. Veranix es un personaje agradable, tiene los chascarrillos y la chulería de un personaje del Universo Cinematográfico de Marvel y seguirle es en general divertido. Otros secundarios (Kaiana, Delmin, y si, incluso tu, Rellings) también están bien hechos y dan muy buen tono. Y aunque resulte curioso, mi favorito de todos ellos ha resultado ser el gran antagonista de la saga, Fenmere. Ver un villano que trataba de forma respetuosa a sus hombres (se conoce el nombre de todos sus esbirros xD) y que está claramente en desventaja en la situación en la que el mismo se ha metido es muy refrescante.
En general: me lo he pasado bien. No era lo que yo me esperaba, pero lo he pasado bien. De todas formas todo el mundo dice que la siguiente novela, Una Muerte de Magos, es mucho mejor. Lo comprobaremos.
Veranix Calbert lleva una doble vida. Por una parte es Harry Potter. Por otra es Arrow.
Hacia mucho tiempo que le tenía ganas a la Saga de Maradaine. Soy un fan acérrimo de la baja fantasía y llevaba bastante tiempo escuchando cosas muy buenas sobre el universo que había creado Marshall Ryan Maresca. ¿Fantasía de justicieros? ¿De polis? ¿Bandas callejeras, mundillo criminal, todo el percal? ¡METERME TODA ESA MIERDA EN VENA! Y a instancias del propio autor, decidí introducirme con el primer libro que ha escrito en este universo, La Espina de Dentonhill.
Y me ha decepcionado ligeramente.
A ver, no es malo. Pero creo que yo venía con demasiado hype de casa. Aunque era muy consciente de que no me iba a encontrar nada revolucionario (la historia es el típico chaval justiciero que emprende una cruzada contra un capo de las drogas que destruyó a su familia) a veces me golpeaba con demasiada fuerza lo predecible que podía ser la historia. Luego había secciones, como las de las bandas callejeras, que aunque aportaban tono al mundo, se sentían casi como relleno, y las descripciones de las peleas en ocasiones hacían más mal que bien.
Pero lo que salva la historia son los personajes. Veranix es un personaje agradable, tiene los chascarrillos y la chulería de un personaje del Universo Cinematográfico de Marvel y seguirle es en general divertido. Otros secundarios (Kaiana, Delmin, y si, incluso tu, Rellings) también están bien hechos y dan muy buen tono. Y aunque resulte curioso, mi favorito de todos ellos ha resultado ser el gran antagonista de la saga, Fenmere. Ver un villano que trataba de forma respetuosa a sus hombres (se conoce el nombre de todos sus esbirros xD) y que está claramente en desventaja en la situación en la que el mismo se ha metido es muy refrescante.
En general: me lo he pasado bien. No era lo que yo me esperaba, pero lo he pasado bien. De todas formas todo el mundo dice que la siguiente novela, Una Muerte de Magos, es mucho mejor. Lo comprobaremos.
July 20, 2015
Dear Mr Maresca,
Please write faster, because I am addicted to your books.
Thanks!
-Carly
I enjoyed Maresca's other book, A Murder of Mages, so much that I immediately picked up this one. While The Thorn of Dentonhill falls much more into the realm of traditional fantasy, it was still a lot of fun. The TL;DR version: if you're thinking of trying Maresca, I definitely recommend A Murder of Mages over The Thorn of Dentonhill, but if you've already read the former, then this is the story behind Minox's 25th (or was it the 26th?) unsolved case. That alone should be enough to sell you on this one.
Why do I recommend Murder of Mages over Thorn? Well, while the protagonists of the former are refreshingly nontraditional--a non-romantically-interested male/female copper pair, both with large and living families, one with kids and a husband, and with no distressed damsels in sight--Thorn has a far more standard setup. Veranix is an orphan (with technicalities), and has dedicated his life to revenge against the man who destroyed his family. Not only is he a powerful mage, but he is also an expert archer and a peerless acrobat. He goes to a school for mages, where he both excels and gets into trouble, and is aided in his endeavors by a studious roommate, a kindly professor, and a beautiful, exotic, equally tragically orphaned girl. Add in a war on drugs, a society of street gangs, a set of powerfully enchanted objects, and a constantly-injured hero protagonist, and things start sounding a bit too familiar. Okay, so the setup isn't going to win any originality points. But even so, Maresca is an incredibly entertaining writer, with snappy, amusing dialogue, constant action, and plenty of comic relief. A few of my favourites:
If you're looking for a lighthearted high-fantasy adventure with nary a quest or Great Destiny in sight, I'd definitely recommend Maresca, although I'd strongly suggest taking a look at Murder of Mages and coming back to this one when you realize you may be addicted. The bad news: apparently there won't be a new book for a while. Darn. I may just have to go back and reread Murder of Mages while I wait.
Please write faster, because I am addicted to your books.
Thanks!
-Carly
"Thief!" a heavy voice shouted from the door.So starts The Thorn of Dentonhill, and when Veranix gets the chance to live up to his nickname, he has no idea how much trouble he's about to start.
That's rich, one of them calling me thief, Veranix Calbert thought. He had only arrived seconds before. He hadn't had a chance to steal anything yet.
I enjoyed Maresca's other book, A Murder of Mages, so much that I immediately picked up this one. While The Thorn of Dentonhill falls much more into the realm of traditional fantasy, it was still a lot of fun. The TL;DR version: if you're thinking of trying Maresca, I definitely recommend A Murder of Mages over The Thorn of Dentonhill, but if you've already read the former, then this is the story behind Minox's 25th (or was it the 26th?) unsolved case. That alone should be enough to sell you on this one.
Why do I recommend Murder of Mages over Thorn? Well, while the protagonists of the former are refreshingly nontraditional--a non-romantically-interested male/female copper pair, both with large and living families, one with kids and a husband, and with no distressed damsels in sight--Thorn has a far more standard setup. Veranix is an orphan (with technicalities), and has dedicated his life to revenge against the man who destroyed his family. Not only is he a powerful mage, but he is also an expert archer and a peerless acrobat. He goes to a school for mages, where he both excels and gets into trouble, and is aided in his endeavors by a studious roommate, a kindly professor, and a beautiful, exotic, equally tragically orphaned girl. Add in a war on drugs, a society of street gangs, a set of powerfully enchanted objects, and a constantly-injured hero protagonist, and things start sounding a bit too familiar. Okay, so the setup isn't going to win any originality points. But even so, Maresca is an incredibly entertaining writer, with snappy, amusing dialogue, constant action, and plenty of comic relief. A few of my favourites:
"I can't get the rope off the tree," Pendall said. "So I'll get the tree off the rope."
"How bad was it?"
"Three real pros," Veranix said. "An arrow almost missed my leg."
"You want to do some crazy magic thing and you need your crazy magic things on a day when the crazy magic is right. Great."The only part that really bothered me was the inclusion of a rather uncreative racial angle; apparently the citizens of Maradaine are light-skinned and prejudiced against those of darker skin. Really? With a whole world to play with, Maresca had to go with that? The problem, to my mind, is that when you invoke such a powerful issue, you need to actually engage it. Maresca really doesn't, and the treatment of racism is superficial and glancing. Even so, however, the whole story is just plain, pure fun. Added bonus points: you learn a ton about the city and the world of Murder of Mages, and just how clueless Minox and the constabulary actually are.
If you're looking for a lighthearted high-fantasy adventure with nary a quest or Great Destiny in sight, I'd definitely recommend Maresca, although I'd strongly suggest taking a look at Murder of Mages and coming back to this one when you realize you may be addicted. The bad news: apparently there won't be a new book for a while. Darn. I may just have to go back and reread Murder of Mages while I wait.
February 14, 2015
The Thorn of Dentonhill: A Novel of Maradaine. by Marshall Ryan Maresca is a first reads win and I'm giving my honest opinion. This story starts out of the University of Maradaine in the city of Maradaine. A mage student is out to avenge his father's death and his mom's condition. He's affiliated with the Prince's gang thru blood. He doesn't have the tattoos. He's after Fenmere who sells the drugs thru his underlings. He attacks Fenmeres sellers destroys the drugs and gives the money to charity. He intercepts a big deal going down by the docks. A $40,000 deal. When he attacks the middlemen he grabs the satchel. it has a rope and a cape both of which have magical properties. Fenmere is beside himself with rage. He goes after all the gangs putting pressure on the thorn, Veranix.
February 17, 2015
Full review at Tenacious Reader: http://www.tenaciousreader.com/2015/0...
I see so many reviews slamming books for not having “something new” in them. Books like this one make me question why. I mean honestly, if there wasn’t fun in reading certain tropes or types of storylines, we wouldn’t see them so often. I think the more important thing is how it’s executed. This book may not be without its flaws, but it was a fun and exciting read. Yes, it had a magic student with somewhat mysterious and curious background, one that is on a mission of revenge, a kind vigilante in the night, breaking laws to enforce the ones that the constables are not able or willing to do themselves. So much of this sounds familiar, but so much of it is terribly exciting and fun, I just don’t care. Especially since Maresca made it feel fresh through his characters and world.
The book reminded me a bit of the show Arrow (yes, I know it’s based on comics, but having not read them, the show is my reference :) ) The book’s protagonist works in secret to try and take down what is essentially the drug overlord of their city. The drug effite is a nasty thing, overuse can fry people out, leave them as shells of themselves in what is pretty much a vegetative state. Veranix is seeking vengeance for personal tragedy that has hit him and so many others as a result of this drug. Using stealth, a staff, arrows and a bit of magic, he fights and beats the odds many times in some pretty intense action scenes. Complimenting all of this, there is a street gang culture that really adds to the personality of the book.
By day, when Veranix is not traveling by roof tops, trying to make whatever small dents he can into the drug trade, he attends the University of Maradaine where he studies magic. He is evidently quite a talented mage in the making, but is not real keen on the theory behind it. As for the magic system, mages must draw energy from numina, some sort of magical force or material that flows around us. Other than having to draw numina to fuel their spells/magic, I’m not sure I saw much structure to what could or could not be done. I’m sure there’s some deus-a-machine here, but once again, I don’t really care. There were eventually costs to the magic, there were limits and I could understand when he might be able to do more or less magic. Sounds good enough to me!
My main point is, books like this are just fun to read. Finally, while not giving anything away, I will mention that I loved how this book ended. It had a clear ending, but what I really liked about the ending was how it set up relationships and possibilities for the next book (which I definitely plan on reading).
I see so many reviews slamming books for not having “something new” in them. Books like this one make me question why. I mean honestly, if there wasn’t fun in reading certain tropes or types of storylines, we wouldn’t see them so often. I think the more important thing is how it’s executed. This book may not be without its flaws, but it was a fun and exciting read. Yes, it had a magic student with somewhat mysterious and curious background, one that is on a mission of revenge, a kind vigilante in the night, breaking laws to enforce the ones that the constables are not able or willing to do themselves. So much of this sounds familiar, but so much of it is terribly exciting and fun, I just don’t care. Especially since Maresca made it feel fresh through his characters and world.
The book reminded me a bit of the show Arrow (yes, I know it’s based on comics, but having not read them, the show is my reference :) ) The book’s protagonist works in secret to try and take down what is essentially the drug overlord of their city. The drug effite is a nasty thing, overuse can fry people out, leave them as shells of themselves in what is pretty much a vegetative state. Veranix is seeking vengeance for personal tragedy that has hit him and so many others as a result of this drug. Using stealth, a staff, arrows and a bit of magic, he fights and beats the odds many times in some pretty intense action scenes. Complimenting all of this, there is a street gang culture that really adds to the personality of the book.
By day, when Veranix is not traveling by roof tops, trying to make whatever small dents he can into the drug trade, he attends the University of Maradaine where he studies magic. He is evidently quite a talented mage in the making, but is not real keen on the theory behind it. As for the magic system, mages must draw energy from numina, some sort of magical force or material that flows around us. Other than having to draw numina to fuel their spells/magic, I’m not sure I saw much structure to what could or could not be done. I’m sure there’s some deus-a-machine here, but once again, I don’t really care. There were eventually costs to the magic, there were limits and I could understand when he might be able to do more or less magic. Sounds good enough to me!
My main point is, books like this are just fun to read. Finally, while not giving anything away, I will mention that I loved how this book ended. It had a clear ending, but what I really liked about the ending was how it set up relationships and possibilities for the next book (which I definitely plan on reading).
February 5, 2022
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC
I started the book yesterday and just finished it this morning. Would’ve finished it all in one day if I wasn’t doing so many other things at once.
I could barely put it down!!!
There are more in this series, right?? RIGHT??
I started the book yesterday and just finished it this morning. Would’ve finished it all in one day if I wasn’t doing so many other things at once.
I could barely put it down!!!
There are more in this series, right?? RIGHT??
April 13, 2015
An excellent first book from an unknown (as yet, but likely to become known) author. A young-adult fantasy book, the first in a series. The author draws you in immediately from an action standpoint. There is a lot going on to keep the attention of readers, and turns this into a page turner from an action-adventure standpoint. As others have noted, this book is sort of a Batman story - about a young man who by day is a talented magician attending a mage university, but at night a crusader fighting for justice in a corrupted, gang-controlled world. There is plenty of back story, sprinkled with varying personalities and complicating ties within the various social stratas. Yes, it's fantasy, so one will take leaps of faith at times, but it's an enjoyable romp, and an excellent diversion from life. This is the type of book that I would have really enjoyed as a middle-school to high-school reader, yet as an adult, I still love reading them.
A page turner that was difficult to put down, as I was always wanting to see what happens next. I carried it with me to read between ferrying my kids around. Beyond the action, I thought the descriptions gave me plenty of information about the world, settings, and other to help me use my imagination to fill in the rest. I could really see the dark tavern, the creepy old mages, and more. Heck, I even dreamed about the world one night.
Quite enjoyable. I look forward to the rest of the series, and more from this author.
A page turner that was difficult to put down, as I was always wanting to see what happens next. I carried it with me to read between ferrying my kids around. Beyond the action, I thought the descriptions gave me plenty of information about the world, settings, and other to help me use my imagination to fill in the rest. I could really see the dark tavern, the creepy old mages, and more. Heck, I even dreamed about the world one night.
Quite enjoyable. I look forward to the rest of the series, and more from this author.
March 2, 2015
An excellent romp that blends street-level superheroics (think Batman, Green Arrow, or Nightwing) with a renaissance-style fantasy world. Batman Begins by way of Final Fantasy, if you will. Characters are well drawn and the world bleeds off the page, leaving the reader with a taste of what else is out there in the world of Maradaine - enough to make me look forward to visiting again.
May 2, 2018
„Der Zirkel der blauen Hand „ ist der Auftakt zu den Chroniken von Maradaine und das Debüt von Marshall Ryan Maresca. In der Reihe geht es um die Stadt Maradaine und was dort in den Straßen passiert.
In „Der Zirkel der blauen Hand“ begleiten wir den Universitätsschüler und Magier Veranix auf seinem Kampf gegen den Abschaum der Stadt und der Droge Effite. Doch nebenbei muss er natürlich auch weiter studieren. Also wenn man es sehr grob sieht,ist es eine Mischung aus Harry Potter und Robin Hood.
Sein Feldzug gegen Effite und dessen Drogenboss Fenmere ist nicht ganz uneigennütz, denn Veranix Familie hat eine schlimme Vergangenheit. Doch mit Hilfe von seiner Freudin Kaiana, die ein ähnliches Schicksal teilt, läuft er im Dunkeln durch die Stadt, vermumt und hilft den Armen gegen die Straßenbanden und Fenmeres Leute. Doch plötzlich geht es nicht mehr nur um die Drogen, sondern er gerät in ein Handel mit einem Magierzirkel.
Die Geschichte ist hauptsächlich aus Veranix Sicht geschrieben, doch wir lesen auch aus der Sicht von Fenmere, Colin (Veranix Vetter und oss der Straßebande der Prinzen) und anderen Mitgliedern der Bande. Man wird direkt in die Welt von Maradaine reingeworfen, was mich eine Karte im Buch vermissen lässt. Auch bei den Straßenbanden fehlte mir länger der Überblick. Auch hier wäre ein Glossar über Personen sinnig. (Wobei ich das Manuskript hatte und nicht weiß, wie das Endprodukt dann aussieht).
Maradaine ist eine Stadt, wie man sich eine Stadt im Mittelalter vorstellt, nur dass es eben auch Magier gibt. Diese sind sehr selten und werden dann auf den Universitäten ausgebildet um später einem Zirkel beizutreten. Die Atmosphäre wird durch Marshall Ryan Marescas Schreibstil und bildlicher Darstellung der Umgebung gut erzeugt. Die Ausdrucksweise der Personen ist der Zeit angepasst und man taucht wirklich ab in die Welt.
Die Geschichte ist spannend geschrieben, denn es passiert immer wieder etwas und Veranix muss ganz schön kämpfen. Und gerade die Kampfszenen sind wirklich nachvollziehbar und fesselnd geschrieben. Doch auch wenn Veranix mal verletzt wird, zieht er immer wieder flott in den Kampf und auch wenn er selber weiß, dass es ein Hinterhalt ist, zieht er trotzdem los. Er handelt manchmal sehr unbedacht, was gerade bei seiner Vergangenheit doch verwunderlich ist.
Zum Ende bleiben ein paar Fragen offen und es gibt noch weitere Teile über Veranix. Laut Goodreads gibt es noch 3 Spin Offs und wie es scheint, ist der zweite Band der im deutschen erscheint, der zweite in der empfohlenen Lesereihenfolge des Autors, aber auch der erste des 1. Spin Offs –The Maradaine Constabulary#1- A Murder of Mages – „Die Fehde der Magier“. Erscheint bei uns am 27. Juli 2018 bei Bastei Lübbe. Heißt wenn alle übersetzt werden, werden wir noch viel aus Maradaine lesen können.
Fazit:
„Der Zirkel der blauen Hand“ ist wirklich ein spannender Auftakt, der Lust auf mehr macht. Der Weltenaufbau, eher gesagt der Stadtaufbau, ist gut gelungen und man kann dank dem Schreibstil gut in die Geschichte abtauchen. Die Charaktere sind vielfältig und interessant, doch gerade Veranix handelt manchmal sehr unbedacht. Insgesamt war es ein gutes Leseerlebnis und ich bin auf Band 2 gespannt.
In „Der Zirkel der blauen Hand“ begleiten wir den Universitätsschüler und Magier Veranix auf seinem Kampf gegen den Abschaum der Stadt und der Droge Effite. Doch nebenbei muss er natürlich auch weiter studieren. Also wenn man es sehr grob sieht,ist es eine Mischung aus Harry Potter und Robin Hood.
Sein Feldzug gegen Effite und dessen Drogenboss Fenmere ist nicht ganz uneigennütz, denn Veranix Familie hat eine schlimme Vergangenheit. Doch mit Hilfe von seiner Freudin Kaiana, die ein ähnliches Schicksal teilt, läuft er im Dunkeln durch die Stadt, vermumt und hilft den Armen gegen die Straßenbanden und Fenmeres Leute. Doch plötzlich geht es nicht mehr nur um die Drogen, sondern er gerät in ein Handel mit einem Magierzirkel.
Die Geschichte ist hauptsächlich aus Veranix Sicht geschrieben, doch wir lesen auch aus der Sicht von Fenmere, Colin (Veranix Vetter und oss der Straßebande der Prinzen) und anderen Mitgliedern der Bande. Man wird direkt in die Welt von Maradaine reingeworfen, was mich eine Karte im Buch vermissen lässt. Auch bei den Straßenbanden fehlte mir länger der Überblick. Auch hier wäre ein Glossar über Personen sinnig. (Wobei ich das Manuskript hatte und nicht weiß, wie das Endprodukt dann aussieht).
Maradaine ist eine Stadt, wie man sich eine Stadt im Mittelalter vorstellt, nur dass es eben auch Magier gibt. Diese sind sehr selten und werden dann auf den Universitäten ausgebildet um später einem Zirkel beizutreten. Die Atmosphäre wird durch Marshall Ryan Marescas Schreibstil und bildlicher Darstellung der Umgebung gut erzeugt. Die Ausdrucksweise der Personen ist der Zeit angepasst und man taucht wirklich ab in die Welt.
Die Geschichte ist spannend geschrieben, denn es passiert immer wieder etwas und Veranix muss ganz schön kämpfen. Und gerade die Kampfszenen sind wirklich nachvollziehbar und fesselnd geschrieben. Doch auch wenn Veranix mal verletzt wird, zieht er immer wieder flott in den Kampf und auch wenn er selber weiß, dass es ein Hinterhalt ist, zieht er trotzdem los. Er handelt manchmal sehr unbedacht, was gerade bei seiner Vergangenheit doch verwunderlich ist.
Zum Ende bleiben ein paar Fragen offen und es gibt noch weitere Teile über Veranix. Laut Goodreads gibt es noch 3 Spin Offs und wie es scheint, ist der zweite Band der im deutschen erscheint, der zweite in der empfohlenen Lesereihenfolge des Autors, aber auch der erste des 1. Spin Offs –The Maradaine Constabulary#1- A Murder of Mages – „Die Fehde der Magier“. Erscheint bei uns am 27. Juli 2018 bei Bastei Lübbe. Heißt wenn alle übersetzt werden, werden wir noch viel aus Maradaine lesen können.
Fazit:
„Der Zirkel der blauen Hand“ ist wirklich ein spannender Auftakt, der Lust auf mehr macht. Der Weltenaufbau, eher gesagt der Stadtaufbau, ist gut gelungen und man kann dank dem Schreibstil gut in die Geschichte abtauchen. Die Charaktere sind vielfältig und interessant, doch gerade Veranix handelt manchmal sehr unbedacht. Insgesamt war es ein gutes Leseerlebnis und ich bin auf Band 2 gespannt.
February 12, 2015
So there's this mage named Veranix Calbert (I know, crazy name, but don't let that dissuade you!) who spends his nights trying to bring down the crime boss who killed his father.
One of his nightly excursions pays off, and he comes across the time and place for a "delivery" that he assumes is a drug shipment. Only when he goes to bust the delivery, he finds that the goods are a lot more magical in nature. Now he has an enchanted rope and cloak to help him in his quest. Awesome!
Of course he also has one ticked off crime boss on his trail who is making life difficult for the local street gangs as he assumes they can lead him to this "thorn in his side." And that's a bit of a problem, because Veranix's cousin, a gang captain, is half tempted to give him up just to stop the man from harassing his crew.
Tension! Dun dun dun.
As it turns out, the amount of tension in this book is just right. I was hooked from the first scene, and at the end of every chapter I was always eager to start the next one. Some days that's all I'm really looking for in a book.
But this one has a lot more to offer. It's got adventure! excitement! heroic deeds! The magic is interesting and worked smoothly within the plot. The fight scenes were choreographed well. I'm a big fan of action stories, and this one delivered.
Maresca does a really good job of writing atypical good guys. A street gang isn't usually the place you'd look for goodness and heroism, but his characters are convincing in their roles as heroes and are even a little bit charming. As for the main character, Veranix is fun to follow. He's got his heart in the right place, and he's easy to root for. I grinned with every victory and cringed at every defeat. (And there were plenty of each.)
One of the ways the book really shines is in its world-building. If you're ever curious about ways to come up with a believable world, check out Maresca's blog. He has a lot to say about getting the details right, and it's clear from this book that he knows what he's talking about. There were some excellent tidbits sprinkled throughout the book that really added flavor to the story. While the entire book takes place between two sectors of a single city, you come away from the story feeling like you have a sense of the whole world.
My one complaint was the lack of female characters. There is one female lead who is a great character and whose friendship with Veranix is a highlight of the book. Unfortunately, all other male characters besides Veranix treat her as a sex object. And this isn't an isolated occurrence: most of the women mentioned in the book are either prostitutes or are assessed based on their desirability.
Given Veranix's behavior and attitudes, I think Maresca may have been trying to create a forward-thinking main character living in a sexist place and time. However, despite the decency of the hero, I still found the sexism to be a negative mark on an otherwise very positive and fun story.
Nevertheless, it wasn't so rampant that it spoiled the book for me. I had a wonderful time reading it, and I think anyone who enjoys a good adventure story would say the same.
One of his nightly excursions pays off, and he comes across the time and place for a "delivery" that he assumes is a drug shipment. Only when he goes to bust the delivery, he finds that the goods are a lot more magical in nature. Now he has an enchanted rope and cloak to help him in his quest. Awesome!
Of course he also has one ticked off crime boss on his trail who is making life difficult for the local street gangs as he assumes they can lead him to this "thorn in his side." And that's a bit of a problem, because Veranix's cousin, a gang captain, is half tempted to give him up just to stop the man from harassing his crew.
Tension! Dun dun dun.
As it turns out, the amount of tension in this book is just right. I was hooked from the first scene, and at the end of every chapter I was always eager to start the next one. Some days that's all I'm really looking for in a book.
But this one has a lot more to offer. It's got adventure! excitement! heroic deeds! The magic is interesting and worked smoothly within the plot. The fight scenes were choreographed well. I'm a big fan of action stories, and this one delivered.
Maresca does a really good job of writing atypical good guys. A street gang isn't usually the place you'd look for goodness and heroism, but his characters are convincing in their roles as heroes and are even a little bit charming. As for the main character, Veranix is fun to follow. He's got his heart in the right place, and he's easy to root for. I grinned with every victory and cringed at every defeat. (And there were plenty of each.)
One of the ways the book really shines is in its world-building. If you're ever curious about ways to come up with a believable world, check out Maresca's blog. He has a lot to say about getting the details right, and it's clear from this book that he knows what he's talking about. There were some excellent tidbits sprinkled throughout the book that really added flavor to the story. While the entire book takes place between two sectors of a single city, you come away from the story feeling like you have a sense of the whole world.
My one complaint was the lack of female characters. There is one female lead who is a great character and whose friendship with Veranix is a highlight of the book. Unfortunately, all other male characters besides Veranix treat her as a sex object. And this isn't an isolated occurrence: most of the women mentioned in the book are either prostitutes or are assessed based on their desirability.
Given Veranix's behavior and attitudes, I think Maresca may have been trying to create a forward-thinking main character living in a sexist place and time. However, despite the decency of the hero, I still found the sexism to be a negative mark on an otherwise very positive and fun story.
Nevertheless, it wasn't so rampant that it spoiled the book for me. I had a wonderful time reading it, and I think anyone who enjoys a good adventure story would say the same.
September 27, 2015
Posted on Powder & Page
I decided to pick up the Thorn of Dentonhill after reading Maresca’s second published book, A Murder of Mages. Both titles are set in the city of Maradaine, but the stories do not overlap as they focus of entirely different character in (mostly) different areas of the city. This particular novel is a fantastic mash-up of the Name of the Wind, the Lies of Locke Lamora, and the Dresden Files. These happen to be three of my favorite books, so I absolutely loved reading the about Veranix Calbert, who is the Thorn by night and a magic student at the University of Maradaine by day.
I liked Veranix quite a lot- he had honorable intentions and actually knew how to get himself out of a scrap without relying on anyone to rescue him. He has a solid friendship with Kaiana and Delmin, who he relies on to get him out of other uncomfortable situations, like knife wounds to the shoulder and being caught out after curfew. His past starts out as somewhat mysterious, but the reader is eventually let in on it and we begin to understand why Veranix is provoking big-time gang bosses by trashing their drug pick-ups and making off with magical items. Okay, well the magical item thing seems to have been a onetime affair, but the drugs busts(?) are a regular thing. I’m going to try not to go around spoiling things willy-nilly, so you’re just going to have to go buy the book to find out what I’m talking about.
I enjoyed learning more about Maradaine in this novel- the cities neighborhoods have all sorts of subtle differences. The descriptions of the gangs and their allegiances/politics were also really cool to read about and I was very fond of the Rose Street Princes. Maresca is slowly building a richly detailed portrait of Maradaine by focusing on different neighborhoods and castes of characters in each of his books. I am very curious to see what he will write about the locals in North Maradaine, where the more affluent are said to live.
In short, Maresca has wrought an exceedingly fine story with a vibrant setting and multi-layered characters. He is on my list of auto-buy authors now and I dearly wish his books came in hardcover. The cover art is great, and I prefer hardcover copies of my very favorite books. Go buy this because reading it is totally worth your time!
I decided to pick up the Thorn of Dentonhill after reading Maresca’s second published book, A Murder of Mages. Both titles are set in the city of Maradaine, but the stories do not overlap as they focus of entirely different character in (mostly) different areas of the city. This particular novel is a fantastic mash-up of the Name of the Wind, the Lies of Locke Lamora, and the Dresden Files. These happen to be three of my favorite books, so I absolutely loved reading the about Veranix Calbert, who is the Thorn by night and a magic student at the University of Maradaine by day.
I liked Veranix quite a lot- he had honorable intentions and actually knew how to get himself out of a scrap without relying on anyone to rescue him. He has a solid friendship with Kaiana and Delmin, who he relies on to get him out of other uncomfortable situations, like knife wounds to the shoulder and being caught out after curfew. His past starts out as somewhat mysterious, but the reader is eventually let in on it and we begin to understand why Veranix is provoking big-time gang bosses by trashing their drug pick-ups and making off with magical items. Okay, well the magical item thing seems to have been a onetime affair, but the drugs busts(?) are a regular thing. I’m going to try not to go around spoiling things willy-nilly, so you’re just going to have to go buy the book to find out what I’m talking about.
I enjoyed learning more about Maradaine in this novel- the cities neighborhoods have all sorts of subtle differences. The descriptions of the gangs and their allegiances/politics were also really cool to read about and I was very fond of the Rose Street Princes. Maresca is slowly building a richly detailed portrait of Maradaine by focusing on different neighborhoods and castes of characters in each of his books. I am very curious to see what he will write about the locals in North Maradaine, where the more affluent are said to live.
In short, Maresca has wrought an exceedingly fine story with a vibrant setting and multi-layered characters. He is on my list of auto-buy authors now and I dearly wish his books came in hardcover. The cover art is great, and I prefer hardcover copies of my very favorite books. Go buy this because reading it is totally worth your time!
February 12, 2015
Disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
This book was so much fun! I love the idea of Veranix being a regular college student by day and a vigilante by night. The author did a great job giving Veranix a balance life between the two, which in turn made it easy for readers to follow and understand the world-building. There are a lot of different factions that make up Dentonhill like crime lord Fenmere who is just a regular mafia-guy, the street gangs that run different part of the cities and mages; like Veranix who are able to wield magic. Readers get an inside look on all the different street gangs (the other main players besides Fenmere). Fenmere controls one side of the area, while multiple street gangs control the other side. We also see a bit of the mages, and an influential mage group, The Blue Hand who is smuggling magical artifacts into Maradaine. The magical systems and Mage’s energy (Numina) was very interesting, and I can’t wait to learn more about it. While we saw some of the Blue Hand’s key players, we didn’t really learn much about them; so I hope that changes in future books too. Especially with how the book ended!
I love all of the characters. Everyone was well developed with their own distinct personality. While I liked Veranix, I was more smitten with another group of guys…the Rose Street Princes! They may be a gang but they’re not intrinsically bad or good; all they care about is protecting one another and the Waterpath people.
The Thorn of Dentonhill was a fast paced read with action from start to finish. I loved every minute of it. The world building is unique; even the street gang’s lingo is original! I don’t read many fantasy fictions, but this will appeal to audiences of all genres and age as there’s a little of everything. It definitely makes me want to read more fantasy novels. This was a great debut novel and I can’t wait to see more of Maresca’s work and what he has in store for Veranix and the gang.
This book was so much fun! I love the idea of Veranix being a regular college student by day and a vigilante by night. The author did a great job giving Veranix a balance life between the two, which in turn made it easy for readers to follow and understand the world-building. There are a lot of different factions that make up Dentonhill like crime lord Fenmere who is just a regular mafia-guy, the street gangs that run different part of the cities and mages; like Veranix who are able to wield magic. Readers get an inside look on all the different street gangs (the other main players besides Fenmere). Fenmere controls one side of the area, while multiple street gangs control the other side. We also see a bit of the mages, and an influential mage group, The Blue Hand who is smuggling magical artifacts into Maradaine. The magical systems and Mage’s energy (Numina) was very interesting, and I can’t wait to learn more about it. While we saw some of the Blue Hand’s key players, we didn’t really learn much about them; so I hope that changes in future books too. Especially with how the book ended!
I love all of the characters. Everyone was well developed with their own distinct personality. While I liked Veranix, I was more smitten with another group of guys…the Rose Street Princes! They may be a gang but they’re not intrinsically bad or good; all they care about is protecting one another and the Waterpath people.
The Thorn of Dentonhill was a fast paced read with action from start to finish. I loved every minute of it. The world building is unique; even the street gang’s lingo is original! I don’t read many fantasy fictions, but this will appeal to audiences of all genres and age as there’s a little of everything. It definitely makes me want to read more fantasy novels. This was a great debut novel and I can’t wait to see more of Maresca’s work and what he has in store for Veranix and the gang.
September 12, 2020
Odličan izbor za fanove Skota Linča i Brandona Sandersona - uz sjajno korišćenje D&D-a. Pravi primer da ne mora sve da bude grimdark.
December 29, 2019
I found this book a couple years ago and became obsessed. OBSESSED! Veranix Calbert is a magic student who moonlights (moonslights? there are two moons in this world) as a vigilante going after a drug cartel. He's daring and fun and sometimes breathtakingly stupid in all the best ways. He's got good friends helping him out, Kaiana and Delmin, and a cousin who is a gang leader in the street in the Rose Street Princes, one of the several gangs that is opposing the drug lord.
He's constantly fighting the drug dealers and using his magic to fight, and getting in trouble in the street and at school and it's delightful and intense and GO READ IT ALREADY.
It's also the beginning of several fantasy novels in the same world that all braid together which just makes everything that more exciting.
He's constantly fighting the drug dealers and using his magic to fight, and getting in trouble in the street and at school and it's delightful and intense and GO READ IT ALREADY.
It's also the beginning of several fantasy novels in the same world that all braid together which just makes everything that more exciting.
December 16, 2014
If you like Harry Potter and Superheros you will love this book. Fast paced read, couldn't put it down. Has a lot of action. Maresca is a wonderful writer, I can't wait to read the rest of his books. 5 stars.
November 15, 2017
*Source* Library
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
The Thorn of Dentonhill is the first installment in the Maradaine series by author Marshall Ryan Maresca. Protagonist Veranix Calbert has been compared to Batman and Harry Potter. I disagree. I think he's more like Robin Hood. Here's why. Veranix is a vigilante as well as a struggling magic student. His father was murdered, his mother was poisoned with a drug called effitte that has left her more of a zombie than alive, and the man who is responsible, Willem Fenmere, has been attempting to push his product into the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Maradaine which Vee attends.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
The Thorn of Dentonhill is the first installment in the Maradaine series by author Marshall Ryan Maresca. Protagonist Veranix Calbert has been compared to Batman and Harry Potter. I disagree. I think he's more like Robin Hood. Here's why. Veranix is a vigilante as well as a struggling magic student. His father was murdered, his mother was poisoned with a drug called effitte that has left her more of a zombie than alive, and the man who is responsible, Willem Fenmere, has been attempting to push his product into the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Maradaine which Vee attends.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
September 4, 2016
This book wasn't for me and I won't be continuing with the series. I'll put that down to personal taste and age, i.e., my own. I found the plot predictable, the characters stereotypical, and some of the narrative devices clumsily employed. But since it seems to fall under the ambit of YA, I'm willing to cut it some slack because younger readers who've never been interested in gritty urban detective-like fiction might find something they like in this fantasy offshoot of that genre.
The good
Pacing: I think the writer really shines in the action and fight sequences and in the unfolding of the story. The sense of claustrophobia and desperation created when the protagonist finds himself in situations where there's seemingly no escape comes across quite viscerally.
The bad
Narrative devices: There seem to be nods to other YA and comic series that instead of being nods just turn out to be a lifting of paraphernalia, such as the Hogwart's-esque uniforms, Wonder Woman's lasso (here a rope); Katniss's bow; and any other super hero's cloak. The exposition of place, back-history, context, etc., was a bit ham-handed and maybe tighter editing could have fixed that, but then again, this is likely just age talking.
The Madonna-whore complex: Most of the women encountered are literally whores. The two significant women who feature (Kaiana and Veranix's mother) are not, but Kaiana is constantly fighting aspersions on her character. Maybe this is meant to convey a misogynistic society, which is a perfectly legit setting. But then, at a significant point, Kaiana falls back on her sexuality as a first resort instead of her (established) smarts and strength to help Veranix, thus leading me to think this is a series written with a male reader in mind, which would be quite ridiculous seeing the amount of young women who read fantasy just on Goodreads, if not in general. Perhaps Kaiana develops as a strong female character in later books. I don't know. She should.
The good
Pacing: I think the writer really shines in the action and fight sequences and in the unfolding of the story. The sense of claustrophobia and desperation created when the protagonist finds himself in situations where there's seemingly no escape comes across quite viscerally.
The bad
Narrative devices: There seem to be nods to other YA and comic series that instead of being nods just turn out to be a lifting of paraphernalia, such as the Hogwart's-esque uniforms, Wonder Woman's lasso (here a rope); Katniss's bow; and any other super hero's cloak. The exposition of place, back-history, context, etc., was a bit ham-handed and maybe tighter editing could have fixed that, but then again, this is likely just age talking.
The Madonna-whore complex: Most of the women encountered are literally whores. The two significant women who feature (Kaiana and Veranix's mother) are not, but Kaiana is constantly fighting aspersions on her character. Maybe this is meant to convey a misogynistic society, which is a perfectly legit setting. But then, at a significant point, Kaiana falls back on her sexuality as a first resort instead of her (established) smarts and strength to help Veranix, thus leading me to think this is a series written with a male reader in mind, which would be quite ridiculous seeing the amount of young women who read fantasy just on Goodreads, if not in general. Perhaps Kaiana develops as a strong female character in later books. I don't know. She should.
May 7, 2024
I am so glad I picked this book up.
Veranix is a magic student with a secretive past who is supremely talented with numina (magic) but a pretty terrible student. He, with the help of his friend Kai, have a goal to rid the streets of drugs. So in a vigilante justice sort of way, Veranix sets out at night to find drugs and drug sellers, destroy them, and donate the money he steals back to charities. Meanwhile, the local street gangs aren’t sure whether they are for or against this guy who is so strongly against the major crime lord that they, too, want to protect their people from. After disrupting a magical item hand off and acquiring the items for himself, Veranix needs to figure out who wanted the magical items and what exactly they are.
This book was awesome! I started it earlier this week and had to put it down until the work week was over because I wasn’t getting anything else done. The really bad news…none of my local libraries have any more in this series 😦
This is definitely set up to be a series because there is so much that isn’t explained yet. We don’t know either Veranix or Kai’s past, we aren’t sure what the relationship between Veranix and his Professor Aliman are, who exactly was his father? I just want to read more!
The characters are well done and the magic system, while not well fleshed out, was interesting. There’s an interesting sense of Robin Hood-esqe justice going on. Even some of the street gangs are incredibly likable. I’m really hoping I can find more in this series – and I highly recommend you check this book out!
Veranix is a magic student with a secretive past who is supremely talented with numina (magic) but a pretty terrible student. He, with the help of his friend Kai, have a goal to rid the streets of drugs. So in a vigilante justice sort of way, Veranix sets out at night to find drugs and drug sellers, destroy them, and donate the money he steals back to charities. Meanwhile, the local street gangs aren’t sure whether they are for or against this guy who is so strongly against the major crime lord that they, too, want to protect their people from. After disrupting a magical item hand off and acquiring the items for himself, Veranix needs to figure out who wanted the magical items and what exactly they are.
This book was awesome! I started it earlier this week and had to put it down until the work week was over because I wasn’t getting anything else done. The really bad news…none of my local libraries have any more in this series 😦
This is definitely set up to be a series because there is so much that isn’t explained yet. We don’t know either Veranix or Kai’s past, we aren’t sure what the relationship between Veranix and his Professor Aliman are, who exactly was his father? I just want to read more!
The characters are well done and the magic system, while not well fleshed out, was interesting. There’s an interesting sense of Robin Hood-esqe justice going on. Even some of the street gangs are incredibly likable. I’m really hoping I can find more in this series – and I highly recommend you check this book out!
May 5, 2015
An utterly fascinating read! Grown up fans of the Harry Potter series are going to love this. This book has a well developed system of magic and doesn't pull out convenient magical props to help the lead like many others.
Loved the unique setting with various gangs, their signs and how they control different parts of town. The story also hits upon the current climate with the war on drugs and the one man mission The Thorn is on to stamp out the drug trade is fleshed out so wonderfully by the author that you feel his pain and root for him throughout his fight.
We all know book 1 of a series is always the most difficult with the world building, introducing the characters to the reader while somehow advancing the story plot but Maresca juggles all these with aplomb and leaves you craving for more!
Can't wait for book 2!
I'd like to thank NetGalley for providing me with a advance review copy.
Loved the unique setting with various gangs, their signs and how they control different parts of town. The story also hits upon the current climate with the war on drugs and the one man mission The Thorn is on to stamp out the drug trade is fleshed out so wonderfully by the author that you feel his pain and root for him throughout his fight.
We all know book 1 of a series is always the most difficult with the world building, introducing the characters to the reader while somehow advancing the story plot but Maresca juggles all these with aplomb and leaves you craving for more!
Can't wait for book 2!
I'd like to thank NetGalley for providing me with a advance review copy.
September 7, 2018
Fun, light young-adult fiction novel.
It's basically a wish-fulfilment novel. Veranix Calbert is a magic student by day, batman-vigilante by night. His enemy is the drug trade and the drug lord in charge of it. One day, he disrupts the wrong deal, and walks away with two magic objects.
Supporting him is a cast of characters: his cousin, Colin (a street captain of the Rose Street Princes); Kaiana, a half-Napa half-Druth staff member; and his friend and roommate Delmin. There's also his Professor Alimen, who tutors him in magic.
There are hints of a more complicated world - Kaiana's islands were invaded and colonised, the drug trade exists, racism exists, and I wonder Colin's street rats appear semi-sanitised with their own code of honour. But this book does a good job at keeping it light (despite mooks being killed).
It's basically a wish-fulfilment novel. Veranix Calbert is a magic student by day, batman-vigilante by night. His enemy is the drug trade and the drug lord in charge of it. One day, he disrupts the wrong deal, and walks away with two magic objects.
Supporting him is a cast of characters: his cousin, Colin (a street captain of the Rose Street Princes); Kaiana, a half-Napa half-Druth staff member; and his friend and roommate Delmin. There's also his Professor Alimen, who tutors him in magic.
There are hints of a more complicated world - Kaiana's islands were invaded and colonised, the drug trade exists, racism exists, and I wonder Colin's street rats appear semi-sanitised with their own code of honour. But this book does a good job at keeping it light (despite mooks being killed).
September 17, 2015
I enjoyed every minute of this story, reading until 3am this morning. The last time that happened was when I discovered the Dresden Files!
The author has created a perfect blend of adventure, magic and villains, with a liberal seasoning of young superhero that is sure to satisfy fans of this genre.
I found some of the colloquialisms a bit confusing at first, and had to re-read a few sentences to understand the meanings.
The author has created a perfect blend of adventure, magic and villains, with a liberal seasoning of young superhero that is sure to satisfy fans of this genre.
I found some of the colloquialisms a bit confusing at first, and had to re-read a few sentences to understand the meanings.
January 27, 2015
I won this book through a contest by the publisher and I'm so glad that I entered that contest!! Wow!! The book is fantastic! I loved the story - magic student by day, crime fighter at night - , the writing, the dialogue, and the snippets of "history." I'm so excited to discover Marshall Maresca and I can't wait to read more from him!
December 21, 2014
I received this book from the GoodReads First Reads program and I must say that this book kept me intrigued from the first sentence to the last sentence! It is a fast paced book that captures you with its exciting adventures and original lingo. I will be looking for the next book in this series.
February 22, 2015
The Thorn of Dentonhill written by Marshall Ryan Maresca is a book worth reading. It is action packed and well worded. I love it. It recently came out and has proven itself to last a good 2 or 3 days if you read it quickly. Read this book because it's cool!
February 24, 2015
As a reader, I’m always looking for that little something extra: a kind of spark, a bit of bite, a touch of richness, that makes a book really stand out for me. For the most part, I’ve been lucky: many of the books I’ve read in the past few years since I started actively writing and posting reviews have had that little bit extra, and I can usually compile a nice long list of them at the end of every year.
However, it’s also true that there are plenty of books that don’t quite get there, either. Some are just bad, or boring: still worth reviewing, but with varying degrees of venom laced into the words. There are also some books that are so bad, I don’t bother reviewing them at all, because they aggravate me so much I’d just wind up writing in long, complicated circles that don’t make any sense at all. In those cases, I leave it up to others to do the writing, though if I’m asked, in person, what I think of a book I really don’t like, I’m more than happy to act the part of windbag and keep talking about how much I hate it till the cows come home. (Making sense is not always required in such instances, but I do try.)
Having just come off of a rather bad read, I was looking for something a bit more pleasant, something that would help me forget the fiasco I’d just read and put me in a better mood. Some restless flicking through my Kindle reminded me that I’d acquired a copy of Marshall Ryan Maresca’s The Thorn of Dentonhill not too long after its release, and I thought it was as good a book as any to (hopefully) start an upswing in my reading.
The Thorn of Dentonhill is the first book in Maresca’s Maradaine series, and is also his debut novel. Set in the fantasy city of Maradaine, it tells the story of Veranix Calbert, who by day is a magic student at the University of Maradaine, but by night is a vigilante who goes out and tries to break the drug trade headed by the infamous Willem Fenmere, one deal at a time. However, when Veranix spoils a trade and finds not drugs, but a pair of magical items, he realises that he now has the power to really put the hurt on Fenmere—and in doing so, draws the ire of an even more powerful and dangerous enemy.
The first thing I noticed about this novel—and the first thing that really lifted my spirits—was the world-building, though it could use some work. For example: the city of Maradaine. On the surface, it reads like an actual city: people engage in commerce, go to see shows, and street gangs work their territories according to unspoken rules. However, there is a certain lack of life, of vibrancy to the descriptions of the city that would actually make it live, so to speak, in the reader’s mind. I’ve said before that cities are characters in their own right (like Scott Lynch’s Camorr, for instance, or Ben Aaronovitch’s version of London in the Peter Grant novels), but Maradaine just isn’t quite that. It’s clear that it functions as a city, but it lacks a certain unique character of its own, something that really makes a city, a city. Hopefully that’s something that will change in later books, because Maradaine clearly has the potential to become a unique and interesting city, and I hope Maresca gives it its own character further down the line.
Another aspect of the world-building that worked, but not quite, is the magic system. For the most part, it makes sense, operating on a system that appears, for the most part, to be coherent: not everyone is born with the ability to use magic (or numina, as it’s called in the novel), but those who can, can both wield it and sense it—to varying degrees of skill. Some people are better at sensing numina than wielding it, while others are the reverse, capable of doing some wondrous things with numina while not being very good at sensing it. Working with numina, however, isn’t without its downsides: mages deplete their own physical energy when they work with numina, and if they push themselves too far, the results could be deadly. It’s not clear in the book if one can be good at both drawing and wielding numina, though it’s hinted that hard work and dedication can improve the weaker ability over time.
All of the above makes sense—and, more importantly, actually works in the context of the world itself. However, I do feel like the system could have been made a bit deeper, a touch more complex, in order to make it more interesting. I think this lack of depth has more to do with the general “smallness” of the setting, since there’s plenty of talk about how other people use numina in places outside of Maradaine, but the reader is never really shown what that kind of magic looks like. Hopefully that will change in later novels.
As for the characters, they’re a charming-enough bunch, and fit into their world remarkably well. Veranix is just fine as a character, for the most part, but he’s not as interesting as I think he could be. While his temper and impulsiveness are quite fun to read about, especially when they get him to scrapes, he didn’t feel as well-rounded as I think he ought to be. He’s not totally intolerant to read about, but I did find myself wishing he was more than just the charming student/vigilante with a dark past.
Fortunately, the other characters are interesting to read about—sometimes more so than Veranix.
As for the plot, like everything else mentioned so far it’s quite fun, but it could do with some improvement. It starts out somewhat slow, but doesn’t take long to pick up speed as the novel progresses, with Veranix’s temper and impulsiveness powering the whole thing along until the climax. There were a few twists thrown in there, but I found myself wishing that there were more, or that the ones that already existed were even more twisted and unexpected in their outcomes. As they stand, they aren’t all that bad, but I keep getting the sense that they could be more, somehow, that if Maresca had pushed just a bit harder, just a bit farther, then the end result would be something spectacular indeed.
Overall, <>The Thorn of Dentonhill is a charming, easy fantasy read, and altogether not a bad debut novel. There’s plenty of things that I think could be tweaked—richer world-building; better character development; and deeper plot—but as things stand, it isn’t bad at all. At the very least, it makes me look forward to the other Maradaine book coming out later this year, which promises to show more aspects of the city through the eyes of a new cast of characters. I look forward to reading about Veranix and his companions though, and I hope that when we next meet, things will have taken a turn for the better.
However, it’s also true that there are plenty of books that don’t quite get there, either. Some are just bad, or boring: still worth reviewing, but with varying degrees of venom laced into the words. There are also some books that are so bad, I don’t bother reviewing them at all, because they aggravate me so much I’d just wind up writing in long, complicated circles that don’t make any sense at all. In those cases, I leave it up to others to do the writing, though if I’m asked, in person, what I think of a book I really don’t like, I’m more than happy to act the part of windbag and keep talking about how much I hate it till the cows come home. (Making sense is not always required in such instances, but I do try.)
Having just come off of a rather bad read, I was looking for something a bit more pleasant, something that would help me forget the fiasco I’d just read and put me in a better mood. Some restless flicking through my Kindle reminded me that I’d acquired a copy of Marshall Ryan Maresca’s The Thorn of Dentonhill not too long after its release, and I thought it was as good a book as any to (hopefully) start an upswing in my reading.
The Thorn of Dentonhill is the first book in Maresca’s Maradaine series, and is also his debut novel. Set in the fantasy city of Maradaine, it tells the story of Veranix Calbert, who by day is a magic student at the University of Maradaine, but by night is a vigilante who goes out and tries to break the drug trade headed by the infamous Willem Fenmere, one deal at a time. However, when Veranix spoils a trade and finds not drugs, but a pair of magical items, he realises that he now has the power to really put the hurt on Fenmere—and in doing so, draws the ire of an even more powerful and dangerous enemy.
The first thing I noticed about this novel—and the first thing that really lifted my spirits—was the world-building, though it could use some work. For example: the city of Maradaine. On the surface, it reads like an actual city: people engage in commerce, go to see shows, and street gangs work their territories according to unspoken rules. However, there is a certain lack of life, of vibrancy to the descriptions of the city that would actually make it live, so to speak, in the reader’s mind. I’ve said before that cities are characters in their own right (like Scott Lynch’s Camorr, for instance, or Ben Aaronovitch’s version of London in the Peter Grant novels), but Maradaine just isn’t quite that. It’s clear that it functions as a city, but it lacks a certain unique character of its own, something that really makes a city, a city. Hopefully that’s something that will change in later books, because Maradaine clearly has the potential to become a unique and interesting city, and I hope Maresca gives it its own character further down the line.
Another aspect of the world-building that worked, but not quite, is the magic system. For the most part, it makes sense, operating on a system that appears, for the most part, to be coherent: not everyone is born with the ability to use magic (or numina, as it’s called in the novel), but those who can, can both wield it and sense it—to varying degrees of skill. Some people are better at sensing numina than wielding it, while others are the reverse, capable of doing some wondrous things with numina while not being very good at sensing it. Working with numina, however, isn’t without its downsides: mages deplete their own physical energy when they work with numina, and if they push themselves too far, the results could be deadly. It’s not clear in the book if one can be good at both drawing and wielding numina, though it’s hinted that hard work and dedication can improve the weaker ability over time.
All of the above makes sense—and, more importantly, actually works in the context of the world itself. However, I do feel like the system could have been made a bit deeper, a touch more complex, in order to make it more interesting. I think this lack of depth has more to do with the general “smallness” of the setting, since there’s plenty of talk about how other people use numina in places outside of Maradaine, but the reader is never really shown what that kind of magic looks like. Hopefully that will change in later novels.
As for the characters, they’re a charming-enough bunch, and fit into their world remarkably well. Veranix is just fine as a character, for the most part, but he’s not as interesting as I think he could be. While his temper and impulsiveness are quite fun to read about, especially when they get him to scrapes, he didn’t feel as well-rounded as I think he ought to be. He’s not totally intolerant to read about, but I did find myself wishing he was more than just the charming student/vigilante with a dark past.
Fortunately, the other characters are interesting to read about—sometimes more so than Veranix.
As for the plot, like everything else mentioned so far it’s quite fun, but it could do with some improvement. It starts out somewhat slow, but doesn’t take long to pick up speed as the novel progresses, with Veranix’s temper and impulsiveness powering the whole thing along until the climax. There were a few twists thrown in there, but I found myself wishing that there were more, or that the ones that already existed were even more twisted and unexpected in their outcomes. As they stand, they aren’t all that bad, but I keep getting the sense that they could be more, somehow, that if Maresca had pushed just a bit harder, just a bit farther, then the end result would be something spectacular indeed.
Overall, <>The Thorn of Dentonhill is a charming, easy fantasy read, and altogether not a bad debut novel. There’s plenty of things that I think could be tweaked—richer world-building; better character development; and deeper plot—but as things stand, it isn’t bad at all. At the very least, it makes me look forward to the other Maradaine book coming out later this year, which promises to show more aspects of the city through the eyes of a new cast of characters. I look forward to reading about Veranix and his companions though, and I hope that when we next meet, things will have taken a turn for the better.
April 10, 2021
3.5 stars
This is an interesting starter for a good series. I enjoyed the characters, Veranix is a good MC, and we have a lot of secondary characters that are quite interesting too. I think that Delmin is my favorite here, but Kai and Colin are pretty good in their own right!
This is a fast-paced book, with revenge as the main focus for the plot, but it moves along nicely and it kept you entertained. My only complaint is that I wanted more scenes at the school. I love magical school, and this one was pretty good. So I want more of it!
This is an interesting starter for a good series. I enjoyed the characters, Veranix is a good MC, and we have a lot of secondary characters that are quite interesting too. I think that Delmin is my favorite here, but Kai and Colin are pretty good in their own right!
This is a fast-paced book, with revenge as the main focus for the plot, but it moves along nicely and it kept you entertained. My only complaint is that I wanted more scenes at the school. I love magical school, and this one was pretty good. So I want more of it!
May 6, 2018
Veranix, Magiestudent der Universität Maradaine führt des nachts ein geheimes Leben. Während seine Kommilitonen friedlich in ihren Betten schlafen, macht er sich auf den Weg, um Maradaine von Effite zu befreien. Die gefährlichste Droge, der schon zu viele willenlos zum Opfer fielen. Doch hat er es auf einen bestimmten Mann abgesehen: Fenmere, der mit seiner Bande den Großteil der Stadt beherrscht. Doch einer dieser nächtlichen Ausflüge nimmt eine überraschende Wendung, als Veranix zwei wertvolle Dinge in die Hand fallen. Und schon hat er nicht mehr nur die Banden am Hals, die ihn als gesichtslosen Räuber von ihnen „der Dorn“ genannt jagen, sondern auch einen der mächtigsten Magier Zirkel von Maradaine: Den Zirkel der blauen Hand.
Der Einstieg in das Buch fiel mir sehr leicht. Mit rasantem Tempo und spannender Handlung setzt die Geschichte sofort ein und als Leser wird man sofort in den Bann gezogen.
Dies liegt an den wirklich tollen Charakteren, einem sehr durchdachten Plot und einem dazu passenden Schreibstil.
Veranix gefiel mir richtig gut als Protagonist. Er verfolgte ein nobles Ziel, war dennoch nicht überheblich, hatte seine Ecken und Kanten und machte Fehler. Kurzum, er wurde sehr menschlich und nicht heldenhaft und makellos dargestellt.
Manches Mal liefen brenzlige Situationen vielleicht etwas zu gut für ihn, doch löste der Autor Konfliktsitautionen immer gekonnt, sodass es nie unglaubwürdig wurde.
Neben Veranix gefielen mir die Nebencharaktere sehr gut. Seine Freunde Delmin und Kaiana hatten Tiefe und waren neben Veranix keine blassen Schatten. Viel zu oft gehen Nebencharaktere einfach unter, dies war in diesem Buch definitv nicht der Fall.
Auch das Setting gefiel mir sehr gut, ich mochte die Unterrichtsstunden an der Universität vor allem sehr gerne und hätte mir hier noch ein paar mehr Schilderungen gewünscht. Vielleicht wird in einem Folgeband ja noch näher auf die Universität eingegangen.
Sehr interessant fand ich das Konzept der Magie in Form von Numina, das verständlich erklärt wurde und sehr viel Potential bietet, in den Folgebänden noch weiter ausgebaut zu werden. Nicht jeder ist dazu fähig, Numina zu benutzen. Des Weiteren kann der Gebrauch von Numina durch Metalle beeinflusst werden. Ich bin nun sehr gespannt, was der Autor in den Folgebänden noch an Einfallsreichtum bereithält.
Der zweite Band, der Ende Juli 2018 erscheinen soll, wird im selben Universum spielen, jedoch nicht die Geschichte um Veranix und seine Freunde weitererzählen.
Das Cover finde ich nicht so gut gelungen, doch es ist immer noch um Längen besser als das Originalcover. Also bitte nicht vom Cover abschrecken lassen!
Ich ging mit Neugier jedoch ohne Erwartungen an dieses Buch heran und wurde schon nach wenigen Kapitel absolut positiv überrascht. Dass mir dieses Buch so gut gefallen würde, hätte ich anfangs wirklich nicht erwartet.
Ich vergebe 5 Sterne. Sowohl Worldbuilding als auch Plot ist dem Autor sehr gut gelungen und die Charaktere waren einfach toll. Empfehlen kann ich das Buch Liebhabern von Kvothes Universitätszeit oder auch Liebhabern vom Aufbau der Magie im Stil von Mistborn von Brandon Sanderson. Ansonsten natürlich auch jedem anderen Fantasyliebhaber!
Der Einstieg in das Buch fiel mir sehr leicht. Mit rasantem Tempo und spannender Handlung setzt die Geschichte sofort ein und als Leser wird man sofort in den Bann gezogen.
Dies liegt an den wirklich tollen Charakteren, einem sehr durchdachten Plot und einem dazu passenden Schreibstil.
Veranix gefiel mir richtig gut als Protagonist. Er verfolgte ein nobles Ziel, war dennoch nicht überheblich, hatte seine Ecken und Kanten und machte Fehler. Kurzum, er wurde sehr menschlich und nicht heldenhaft und makellos dargestellt.
Manches Mal liefen brenzlige Situationen vielleicht etwas zu gut für ihn, doch löste der Autor Konfliktsitautionen immer gekonnt, sodass es nie unglaubwürdig wurde.
Neben Veranix gefielen mir die Nebencharaktere sehr gut. Seine Freunde Delmin und Kaiana hatten Tiefe und waren neben Veranix keine blassen Schatten. Viel zu oft gehen Nebencharaktere einfach unter, dies war in diesem Buch definitv nicht der Fall.
Auch das Setting gefiel mir sehr gut, ich mochte die Unterrichtsstunden an der Universität vor allem sehr gerne und hätte mir hier noch ein paar mehr Schilderungen gewünscht. Vielleicht wird in einem Folgeband ja noch näher auf die Universität eingegangen.
Sehr interessant fand ich das Konzept der Magie in Form von Numina, das verständlich erklärt wurde und sehr viel Potential bietet, in den Folgebänden noch weiter ausgebaut zu werden. Nicht jeder ist dazu fähig, Numina zu benutzen. Des Weiteren kann der Gebrauch von Numina durch Metalle beeinflusst werden. Ich bin nun sehr gespannt, was der Autor in den Folgebänden noch an Einfallsreichtum bereithält.
Der zweite Band, der Ende Juli 2018 erscheinen soll, wird im selben Universum spielen, jedoch nicht die Geschichte um Veranix und seine Freunde weitererzählen.
Das Cover finde ich nicht so gut gelungen, doch es ist immer noch um Längen besser als das Originalcover. Also bitte nicht vom Cover abschrecken lassen!
Ich ging mit Neugier jedoch ohne Erwartungen an dieses Buch heran und wurde schon nach wenigen Kapitel absolut positiv überrascht. Dass mir dieses Buch so gut gefallen würde, hätte ich anfangs wirklich nicht erwartet.
Ich vergebe 5 Sterne. Sowohl Worldbuilding als auch Plot ist dem Autor sehr gut gelungen und die Charaktere waren einfach toll. Empfehlen kann ich das Buch Liebhabern von Kvothes Universitätszeit oder auch Liebhabern vom Aufbau der Magie im Stil von Mistborn von Brandon Sanderson. Ansonsten natürlich auch jedem anderen Fantasyliebhaber!
April 28, 2018
Fantastisches Debüt, das Lust auf mehr macht
Der Klappentext allein hat mich ja schon wahnsinnig neugierig gemacht, aber die Leseprobe hat mich dann wirklich überzeugt. "Der Zirkel der blauen Hand" ist wirklich ein gelungenes Debüt, das viel Spaß macht beim Lesen. Die Charaktere sind toll und immer wieder für eine Überraschung gut, die Handlung ist spannend und baut sich langsam aber sicher zu einem fesselnden Finale auf und das alles ist verpackt in einen klasse Schreibstil, in den man sich einfach fallen lassen kann, weil man sofort von der ersten Seite an in Veranix' Abenteuer gezogen wird. Der Lesefluss ist sehr gut und man findet sich sehr schnell in der vom Autor erschaffenen Welt zurecht.
Kurz zum Buch: Veranix ist Magiestudent am Tag und Rächer in der Nacht. Er folgt seinem eigenen Kreuzzug, um dem bösen Oberboss, Fenmere, das Handwerk zu legen. Die von Fenmere verübten dunklen Geschäft haben nämlich einen hohen Preis von Veranix' Familie und vieler anderer abverlangt, wofür er Rache geschworen hat, aber auch um andere unschuldige Opfer zu beschützen. Auf einem seiner nächtlichen Streifzüge erbeutet er eine Lieferung für Fenmere, wobei er eher dachte, dass es sich dabei um die üble Droge Effitte handelt, die er aus dem Verkehr ziehen und vernichten will. Was er aber in die Finger bekommt, ist mehr als überraschend. Die eigentlichen Besitzer wollen ihr Hab und Gut natürlich wieder haben und ein gefährliches Katz und Maus Spiel nimmt seinen Lauf. Wird Veranix es schaffen, Fenmere das Handwerk zu legen und dem teuflischen Unterfangen des Zirkels der blauen Hand ein Ende bereiten?
Mir hat das Lesen sehr viel Spaß gemacht. Die Charaktere wachsen einem schnell ans Herz, vor allem Veranix. Er steckt immer wieder voller Überraschungen, die man ihm erst nach und nach während des Lesens entlocken kann. Dann versteht man schnell seine, manchmal doch fast selbstzerstörerischen Handlungen und nächtlichen Auseinandersetzungen im Kampf gegen die Droge Effitte und Fenmere, die ihm seine Familie geraubt hat. Gelegentlich will man Veranix einfach nur ein wenig Verstand in seinen sturen Dickschädel hämmern, dann wiederum einfach nur tröstend in den Arm nehmen. Aber auch Kai und Sarren sind mir ans Herz gewachsen und Veranix' Professor, der mehr zu wissen scheint über den lieben Veranix' als es scheint. Kurzum, ich bin begeistert. Ich kann dieses spannende, humorvollen, actiongeladene und fesselnde Fantasyabenteuer nur empfehlen, es ist ein wundervolles Debüt und ich hoffe der Auftakt einer vielversprechenden Reihe um Veranix' und seinen Freunden.
Der Klappentext allein hat mich ja schon wahnsinnig neugierig gemacht, aber die Leseprobe hat mich dann wirklich überzeugt. "Der Zirkel der blauen Hand" ist wirklich ein gelungenes Debüt, das viel Spaß macht beim Lesen. Die Charaktere sind toll und immer wieder für eine Überraschung gut, die Handlung ist spannend und baut sich langsam aber sicher zu einem fesselnden Finale auf und das alles ist verpackt in einen klasse Schreibstil, in den man sich einfach fallen lassen kann, weil man sofort von der ersten Seite an in Veranix' Abenteuer gezogen wird. Der Lesefluss ist sehr gut und man findet sich sehr schnell in der vom Autor erschaffenen Welt zurecht.
Kurz zum Buch: Veranix ist Magiestudent am Tag und Rächer in der Nacht. Er folgt seinem eigenen Kreuzzug, um dem bösen Oberboss, Fenmere, das Handwerk zu legen. Die von Fenmere verübten dunklen Geschäft haben nämlich einen hohen Preis von Veranix' Familie und vieler anderer abverlangt, wofür er Rache geschworen hat, aber auch um andere unschuldige Opfer zu beschützen. Auf einem seiner nächtlichen Streifzüge erbeutet er eine Lieferung für Fenmere, wobei er eher dachte, dass es sich dabei um die üble Droge Effitte handelt, die er aus dem Verkehr ziehen und vernichten will. Was er aber in die Finger bekommt, ist mehr als überraschend. Die eigentlichen Besitzer wollen ihr Hab und Gut natürlich wieder haben und ein gefährliches Katz und Maus Spiel nimmt seinen Lauf. Wird Veranix es schaffen, Fenmere das Handwerk zu legen und dem teuflischen Unterfangen des Zirkels der blauen Hand ein Ende bereiten?
Mir hat das Lesen sehr viel Spaß gemacht. Die Charaktere wachsen einem schnell ans Herz, vor allem Veranix. Er steckt immer wieder voller Überraschungen, die man ihm erst nach und nach während des Lesens entlocken kann. Dann versteht man schnell seine, manchmal doch fast selbstzerstörerischen Handlungen und nächtlichen Auseinandersetzungen im Kampf gegen die Droge Effitte und Fenmere, die ihm seine Familie geraubt hat. Gelegentlich will man Veranix einfach nur ein wenig Verstand in seinen sturen Dickschädel hämmern, dann wiederum einfach nur tröstend in den Arm nehmen. Aber auch Kai und Sarren sind mir ans Herz gewachsen und Veranix' Professor, der mehr zu wissen scheint über den lieben Veranix' als es scheint. Kurzum, ich bin begeistert. Ich kann dieses spannende, humorvollen, actiongeladene und fesselnde Fantasyabenteuer nur empfehlen, es ist ein wundervolles Debüt und ich hoffe der Auftakt einer vielversprechenden Reihe um Veranix' und seinen Freunden.
July 8, 2016
For me this tale was wonderful. I’m addicted to superhero stories. Be they in print or film form, no matter the media I gravitate towards them with zeal. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself involved with when I purchased this book. What a pleasant surprise. I was ready to get back into reading a fantasy novel (a genre I love by the way) only to discover I now get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Now I’m not going to use any names here, for in reality I know I will miss type them, screwing everything up. So, I will simply give a brief synopsis.
This is a tale about a young man in college whose family…Wait scratch that.
Let’s make this even easier to understand, so you can see it the way I did, if that’s at all possible?
You all know the story about Batman and Robin correct? Also about Robin Hood? Well this is a mash up of both those tales, only when it comes to Batman and Robin, there’s no Batman. Yeah, that’s right, this would be more of a story about Robin (Dick Grayson to be accurate) that had no Batman or Bruce Wayne to mentor him and teach him how to combat crime or properly hide his identity and utilize resources.
Not to mention a Robin that’s also a college student. Now also throw in that our young hero is a mage, or mage in training, a dash of Robin Hood, and a debilitating and destructive drug that destroys the lives of those addicted to it and you have this story.
Also instead of our superhero being named…well, not named Robin, he’s been given the name of Thorn. Trust me this makes so much sense and works beautifully. It’s the perfect name for this character.
This is the best way I could supply you with a ton of information regarding this fabulous story, without giving away any spoilers. I could not put this book down and actually lost sleep over it.
If this sounds like it could be your type of book, then please run out and get a copy, be it physical print or digital, it really doesn’t matter.
I loved it and now have a new, magic using superhero to enjoy further adventures with.
Now I’m not going to use any names here, for in reality I know I will miss type them, screwing everything up. So, I will simply give a brief synopsis.
This is a tale about a young man in college whose family…Wait scratch that.
Let’s make this even easier to understand, so you can see it the way I did, if that’s at all possible?
You all know the story about Batman and Robin correct? Also about Robin Hood? Well this is a mash up of both those tales, only when it comes to Batman and Robin, there’s no Batman. Yeah, that’s right, this would be more of a story about Robin (Dick Grayson to be accurate) that had no Batman or Bruce Wayne to mentor him and teach him how to combat crime or properly hide his identity and utilize resources.
Not to mention a Robin that’s also a college student. Now also throw in that our young hero is a mage, or mage in training, a dash of Robin Hood, and a debilitating and destructive drug that destroys the lives of those addicted to it and you have this story.
Also instead of our superhero being named…well, not named Robin, he’s been given the name of Thorn. Trust me this makes so much sense and works beautifully. It’s the perfect name for this character.
This is the best way I could supply you with a ton of information regarding this fabulous story, without giving away any spoilers. I could not put this book down and actually lost sleep over it.
If this sounds like it could be your type of book, then please run out and get a copy, be it physical print or digital, it really doesn’t matter.
I loved it and now have a new, magic using superhero to enjoy further adventures with.
June 21, 2018
If you're a fan of fantasy in general, or urban fantasy in particular, you owe it to yourself to read this book.
If you love unique magic systems, highly detailed worldbuilding, and rich characterizations, you NEED to read this book.
And if you're one of those people that prefers to read books that are part of a series? Holy cow, this is the series for you! There are 7 books out so far, an 8th due later this year, and I think published plans for publication of 12 books through 2020.
Mr. Maresca has crafted a very interesting world set in his city of Maradaine, and it's almost a character in its own right. Not one with speaking lines, but rather as a consistent setting across four different storylines and character arcs spread across numerous books. This book, The Thorn of Dentonhill, sets everything off and is thus an ideal place to start.
I won't share any spoilers, but Thorn is a fun, engaging read that draws you deeper into the story with great action scenes, great interpersonal exchanges, and clear character voices + motivations. It definitely feels like you're experiencing just a few days in the life of the main character, and in a small part of the city ... in a GOOD WAY. Meaning, it's clear there's a ton of backstory to the character and the world, and you're just scratching the surface in a thoroughly enjoyable way By the end, I promise you'll be left fulfilled with the conclusion of this story but also hankering for more. And to my point above, good news: there's a lot more out there from Mr. Maresca. This book is highly recommended, go read it now!
If you love unique magic systems, highly detailed worldbuilding, and rich characterizations, you NEED to read this book.
And if you're one of those people that prefers to read books that are part of a series? Holy cow, this is the series for you! There are 7 books out so far, an 8th due later this year, and I think published plans for publication of 12 books through 2020.
Mr. Maresca has crafted a very interesting world set in his city of Maradaine, and it's almost a character in its own right. Not one with speaking lines, but rather as a consistent setting across four different storylines and character arcs spread across numerous books. This book, The Thorn of Dentonhill, sets everything off and is thus an ideal place to start.
I won't share any spoilers, but Thorn is a fun, engaging read that draws you deeper into the story with great action scenes, great interpersonal exchanges, and clear character voices + motivations. It definitely feels like you're experiencing just a few days in the life of the main character, and in a small part of the city ... in a GOOD WAY. Meaning, it's clear there's a ton of backstory to the character and the world, and you're just scratching the surface in a thoroughly enjoyable way By the end, I promise you'll be left fulfilled with the conclusion of this story but also hankering for more. And to my point above, good news: there's a lot more out there from Mr. Maresca. This book is highly recommended, go read it now!
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