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The Streets of Maradaine #1
The Holver Alley Crew
Mixing high fantasy and urban fantasy, The Holver Alley Crew is the first novel of Maresca’s third interconnected series set in the fantasy city of Maradaine-- The Streets of Maradaine
The Rynax brothers had gone legit after Asti Rynax's service in Druth Intelligence had shattered his nerves, and marriage and fatherhood convinced Verci Rynax to leave his life of thievery. They settled back in their old neighborhood in West Maradaine and bought themselves a shop, eager for a simple, honest life. Then the Holver Alley Fire incinerated their plans. With no home, no shop, and no honest income—and saddled with a looming debt—they fall back on their old skills and old friends.
With a crew of other fire victims, Asti and Verci plan a simple carriage heist, but the job spirals out of control as they learn that the fire was no accident. Lives in Holver Alley were destroyed out of a sadistic scheme to buy the land. Smoldering for revenge, burdened with Asti's crumbling sanity, the brothers lead their crew of amateurs and washouts to take down those responsible for the fire, no matter the cost.
The Rynax brothers had gone legit after Asti Rynax's service in Druth Intelligence had shattered his nerves, and marriage and fatherhood convinced Verci Rynax to leave his life of thievery. They settled back in their old neighborhood in West Maradaine and bought themselves a shop, eager for a simple, honest life. Then the Holver Alley Fire incinerated their plans. With no home, no shop, and no honest income—and saddled with a looming debt—they fall back on their old skills and old friends.
With a crew of other fire victims, Asti and Verci plan a simple carriage heist, but the job spirals out of control as they learn that the fire was no accident. Lives in Holver Alley were destroyed out of a sadistic scheme to buy the land. Smoldering for revenge, burdened with Asti's crumbling sanity, the brothers lead their crew of amateurs and washouts to take down those responsible for the fire, no matter the cost.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published March 7, 2017
33 people are currently reading
1080 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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March 7, 2017
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/03/06/...
UPDATE: US/Can Giveaway for The Holver Alley Crew March 6, 2017 to March 16, 2017 https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/03/06/...
Yes, Marshall Ryan Maresca is back with a third series set in Maradaine, the great city that features at the center of his fantasy universe. But even with all these novels under his belt, Maresca is keeping things interesting; each one of his series brings something different, retaining their own individual flavor. They’re also headed up by their respective casts of unique and diverse characters. Already, we’ve embarked on several adventures through the eyes of a vigilante magic student in Maradaine and patrolled the crime-ridden streets with a pair of resolute detectives in The Maradaine Constabulary.
And now, we get our chance to see yet another side of the city with The Holver Alley Crew, the fantastic opener to The Streets of Maradaine starring a group of plucky thieves who are just burning to exact their own brand of justice. Oh, and did I mention that this is a heist book?
The Rynax brothers were raised by their conman father, who taught his sons the tricks of the trade. But now the boys are all grown up and are ready to go legit. Recently returned from his service in Druth Intelligence with his mind broken and fragile, Asti is ready to settle down, and getting married and becoming a new father has convinced Verci that he needs to set aside a life of thievery and do the same. After taking out loans and using up all their savings, the brothers were able to buy a shop in their old neighborhood of Holver Alley where they have plans to set up a business selling gadgets and trinkets.
But then, the great fire happened. It spared nothing on Holver Alley, incinerating everything in its path including the Rynaxes’ shop and home. That night, Asti and Verci saw their entire future go up in flames, and with nothing left to their name, the brothers are forced back into their old life of crime. Along with a crew made up of other victims of the fire, they agree to take on a job involving a carriage robbery—a situation that quickly blows up when Asti stumbles upon information proving that the inferno that gutted all their lives was in fact no accident. Soon, what began as a simple smash-and-grab escalates to become a full-blown heist planned on a gambling house owned by the powerful man behind the conspiracy. It’s a dangerous job which, if skunked, could cost them all their lives. But the risks are worth it, in Asti and Verci’s mind. For the Holver Alley crew, it’s not even about the money. It’s personal.
Reading The Holver Alley Crew made me realize it’s been a while since I read a heist novel, which happens to be one of my favorite sub-genres. It was also the perfect book to get me back into the action. Every page was packed with fast-moving plot developments with plenty of twists and turns, made even more exciting by the presence of a large and interesting cast. At the heart of the story is of course Asti and Verci Rynax, our masterminds. Next we have Helene and her cousin Julien, the crew’s sharpshooter and muscle, respectively. Then we have Kennith, the driver and designer of specialized carriages; Mila, the scrappy young urchin who knows the streets inside and out, making her the perfect scout; Almer Cort, the chemist who cooks up helpful (albeit sometimes unstable) creations for the Rynax brothers to use; Gin, an actor and make-up artist who joins the crew later in the novel; and finally, we have Win the locksmith, so naturally he is also our resident safe-cracker.
It’s true that we have a big crew here—ten members in all, if you include the Old Lady, their shadowy benefactor who funds their activities from behind the scenes. Books with a large number of characters are often problematic, but to my surprise, I didn’t run into any issues here. In part, this has to do with the story’s flawless pacing. Maresca didn’t introduce the whole gang all at once, but instead broke his novel up into several stages. First we had the Holver Alley fire, then we had the carriage job, and ultimately the events that led up to the big heist. Each section flowed into the next, and as the plot grew in scope and complexity, so too did our cast of characters.
I also thought the author did a great job jazzing up the traditional heist story elements to fit his fantasy world. Think Ocean’s 11 set in Maradaine, complete with magic, violence, and plenty of double dealing. Of our diverse group of characters, many of them have roles that will probably be familiar to fans of heist fiction, but others will also have more innovative, specialized skills to get them past certain obstacles. Levels of intensity are through the roof because the stakes are so high and failure is not an option. Along with great banter and humor to break up the tense scenes of planning and carrying out the job, the overall result is a novel that’s lots of fun to boot.
Certainly, fans of caper stories should be making The Holver Alley Crew their number one priority. A strong start right out of the gate, this series opener is a well-written and brilliantly executed example of the fantasy heist genre, and of all the novels written by Marshall Ryan Maresca so far, this might be my favorite one yet! The Rynax brothers and their crew are so good at their jobs that they will steal your heart from the very first page, and I simply can’t wait to see what the gang will be up to next.
UPDATE: US/Can Giveaway for The Holver Alley Crew March 6, 2017 to March 16, 2017 https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/03/06/...
Yes, Marshall Ryan Maresca is back with a third series set in Maradaine, the great city that features at the center of his fantasy universe. But even with all these novels under his belt, Maresca is keeping things interesting; each one of his series brings something different, retaining their own individual flavor. They’re also headed up by their respective casts of unique and diverse characters. Already, we’ve embarked on several adventures through the eyes of a vigilante magic student in Maradaine and patrolled the crime-ridden streets with a pair of resolute detectives in The Maradaine Constabulary.
And now, we get our chance to see yet another side of the city with The Holver Alley Crew, the fantastic opener to The Streets of Maradaine starring a group of plucky thieves who are just burning to exact their own brand of justice. Oh, and did I mention that this is a heist book?
The Rynax brothers were raised by their conman father, who taught his sons the tricks of the trade. But now the boys are all grown up and are ready to go legit. Recently returned from his service in Druth Intelligence with his mind broken and fragile, Asti is ready to settle down, and getting married and becoming a new father has convinced Verci that he needs to set aside a life of thievery and do the same. After taking out loans and using up all their savings, the brothers were able to buy a shop in their old neighborhood of Holver Alley where they have plans to set up a business selling gadgets and trinkets.
But then, the great fire happened. It spared nothing on Holver Alley, incinerating everything in its path including the Rynaxes’ shop and home. That night, Asti and Verci saw their entire future go up in flames, and with nothing left to their name, the brothers are forced back into their old life of crime. Along with a crew made up of other victims of the fire, they agree to take on a job involving a carriage robbery—a situation that quickly blows up when Asti stumbles upon information proving that the inferno that gutted all their lives was in fact no accident. Soon, what began as a simple smash-and-grab escalates to become a full-blown heist planned on a gambling house owned by the powerful man behind the conspiracy. It’s a dangerous job which, if skunked, could cost them all their lives. But the risks are worth it, in Asti and Verci’s mind. For the Holver Alley crew, it’s not even about the money. It’s personal.
Reading The Holver Alley Crew made me realize it’s been a while since I read a heist novel, which happens to be one of my favorite sub-genres. It was also the perfect book to get me back into the action. Every page was packed with fast-moving plot developments with plenty of twists and turns, made even more exciting by the presence of a large and interesting cast. At the heart of the story is of course Asti and Verci Rynax, our masterminds. Next we have Helene and her cousin Julien, the crew’s sharpshooter and muscle, respectively. Then we have Kennith, the driver and designer of specialized carriages; Mila, the scrappy young urchin who knows the streets inside and out, making her the perfect scout; Almer Cort, the chemist who cooks up helpful (albeit sometimes unstable) creations for the Rynax brothers to use; Gin, an actor and make-up artist who joins the crew later in the novel; and finally, we have Win the locksmith, so naturally he is also our resident safe-cracker.
It’s true that we have a big crew here—ten members in all, if you include the Old Lady, their shadowy benefactor who funds their activities from behind the scenes. Books with a large number of characters are often problematic, but to my surprise, I didn’t run into any issues here. In part, this has to do with the story’s flawless pacing. Maresca didn’t introduce the whole gang all at once, but instead broke his novel up into several stages. First we had the Holver Alley fire, then we had the carriage job, and ultimately the events that led up to the big heist. Each section flowed into the next, and as the plot grew in scope and complexity, so too did our cast of characters.
I also thought the author did a great job jazzing up the traditional heist story elements to fit his fantasy world. Think Ocean’s 11 set in Maradaine, complete with magic, violence, and plenty of double dealing. Of our diverse group of characters, many of them have roles that will probably be familiar to fans of heist fiction, but others will also have more innovative, specialized skills to get them past certain obstacles. Levels of intensity are through the roof because the stakes are so high and failure is not an option. Along with great banter and humor to break up the tense scenes of planning and carrying out the job, the overall result is a novel that’s lots of fun to boot.
Certainly, fans of caper stories should be making The Holver Alley Crew their number one priority. A strong start right out of the gate, this series opener is a well-written and brilliantly executed example of the fantasy heist genre, and of all the novels written by Marshall Ryan Maresca so far, this might be my favorite one yet! The Rynax brothers and their crew are so good at their jobs that they will steal your heart from the very first page, and I simply can’t wait to see what the gang will be up to next.
September 29, 2020
La saga de Maradaine es como la comida basura: la primera vez te sabe a rayos, pero cuanto más devoras, mejor te sabe. Y cada novela va mejorando más y más. Esta, en particular, me ha encantado y me la he comido en una sentada. Veamos cómo va la cosa con la última saga, La Senda del Escudo.
April 23, 2017
Review from Tenacious Reader: http://www.tenaciousreader.com/2017/0...
Holver Alley Crew is the first book in a new series by Marshall Ryan Maresca. I have to say, I find this publishing schedule a bit fascinating. Keep in mind, all of his series are executed in a way that (at least so far), they can be read in any order and can be read independently of each other. This is the third series Maresca is publishing, and the other two trilogies are not yet complete. But, that’s not because he writes slow, on the contrary! These books are being released at a pretty good pace. I love the idea that this third one will keep the story going after the other two finish. It’s just interesting, and I’m not sure I’ve seen concurrent series quite like this before.
Now, for those unfamiliar with Maresca’s other two series, Maradaine and Maradaine Constabulary, despite being concurrent and in the same city, they can easily be read independently of one another. The first starts with The Thorn of Dentonhill which is set in a magic school, but also gives a view of the city’s crime through the eyes of a vigilante (who happens to also be a student at the magic school). I find this series incredibly fun. The second series starts with A Murder of Mages and is the perspective from detectives working in the city. This is one is also really good, I love the lead female character, who manages to juggle a demanding career and also be the sole provider for her family, but personal reading preferences that bias me a bit against detective stories means it is not my favorite.
This new series, The Streets of Maradaine, gives eyes inside the criminal element in Maradaine. Can I just say, it’s about time! I mean, not that I really noticed we didn’t have it before, but now that I do have it, I love it. Who doesn’t love rooting for the bad guys, right? Sometimes its fun to break rules, and since I am not much of a rule breaker, I love living vicariously through my books. And these “criminals” are the best kind as they are just likable. The Rynax brothers are really good guys that just happened to be born into a life of crime, compliments of their father. He taught his sons all the tricks of his trade, from how to spot a con to using and concealing weapons. They really didn’t see many other options growing up in this gang infested, harsh city.
However, despite all this, Asti and Verci Rynax both found ways to clean up their act and rise above their life of crime and establish legal professions. But when someone burns their entire block and they lose everything, opportunity means they may just have to use what they know from their former lives to get back on their feet and regain what they lost. And they are motivated not just for themselves, but also for their community and all their neighbors that have also lost everything. There is a great sense of standing by one another in this. I think Maresca’s execution of this was very important. He chose the right type of character to really let us still root for this crew, but not be turned against them from the other series that are more focused on fighting crime. The criminals in this crew are more victims of circumstance than really bad guys. I am very curious if in the future, Maresca will have the characters of one series pitted against characters of another. It could actually make an extremely interesting scenario if you have background and connections with both sides of the story, it will make everything much more complex than a simple black and white, good versus evil.
The story covers the brothers as they formulate a plan to pull off what begins as a challenging mission to steal a well guarded statue as it is being transported through the city. But instead of being a one and done job as they expected, Asti gets information that turns their job into a mission of vengeance and what could very well turn out to be the biggest heist the city has ever seen. Provided they can pull it off.
What can I say, heists are fun and exciting! And Maresca crafted a fresh and thrilling heist story that moves at a great pace. This is the type of book you just fell the need to read cover to cover, looking/wishing for the pause button on real life until you finish. And this story earns added bonus points as when the job gets more complicated after Asti’s discovery, it also requires growing the team. In response, Maresca includes a great mix of varied characters, each bringing their own strengths and skills to the job. They also each have their own story that helps flesh out what it is like to live in Maradaine. Every character adds something. There was one young female character, Mila, who I particularly enjoyed. She is fierce and independent and very bright. Everything I love.
Overall, this may be my favorite of his series so far. It’s a tough call, as I loved The Thorn of Dentonhill as well, but this one may squeak just past that one. If you have not read Maresca’s work yet, I definitely encourage you to give one of his series a try, and personally, this one if my favorite yet.
Holver Alley Crew is the first book in a new series by Marshall Ryan Maresca. I have to say, I find this publishing schedule a bit fascinating. Keep in mind, all of his series are executed in a way that (at least so far), they can be read in any order and can be read independently of each other. This is the third series Maresca is publishing, and the other two trilogies are not yet complete. But, that’s not because he writes slow, on the contrary! These books are being released at a pretty good pace. I love the idea that this third one will keep the story going after the other two finish. It’s just interesting, and I’m not sure I’ve seen concurrent series quite like this before.
Now, for those unfamiliar with Maresca’s other two series, Maradaine and Maradaine Constabulary, despite being concurrent and in the same city, they can easily be read independently of one another. The first starts with The Thorn of Dentonhill which is set in a magic school, but also gives a view of the city’s crime through the eyes of a vigilante (who happens to also be a student at the magic school). I find this series incredibly fun. The second series starts with A Murder of Mages and is the perspective from detectives working in the city. This is one is also really good, I love the lead female character, who manages to juggle a demanding career and also be the sole provider for her family, but personal reading preferences that bias me a bit against detective stories means it is not my favorite.
This new series, The Streets of Maradaine, gives eyes inside the criminal element in Maradaine. Can I just say, it’s about time! I mean, not that I really noticed we didn’t have it before, but now that I do have it, I love it. Who doesn’t love rooting for the bad guys, right? Sometimes its fun to break rules, and since I am not much of a rule breaker, I love living vicariously through my books. And these “criminals” are the best kind as they are just likable. The Rynax brothers are really good guys that just happened to be born into a life of crime, compliments of their father. He taught his sons all the tricks of his trade, from how to spot a con to using and concealing weapons. They really didn’t see many other options growing up in this gang infested, harsh city.
However, despite all this, Asti and Verci Rynax both found ways to clean up their act and rise above their life of crime and establish legal professions. But when someone burns their entire block and they lose everything, opportunity means they may just have to use what they know from their former lives to get back on their feet and regain what they lost. And they are motivated not just for themselves, but also for their community and all their neighbors that have also lost everything. There is a great sense of standing by one another in this. I think Maresca’s execution of this was very important. He chose the right type of character to really let us still root for this crew, but not be turned against them from the other series that are more focused on fighting crime. The criminals in this crew are more victims of circumstance than really bad guys. I am very curious if in the future, Maresca will have the characters of one series pitted against characters of another. It could actually make an extremely interesting scenario if you have background and connections with both sides of the story, it will make everything much more complex than a simple black and white, good versus evil.
The story covers the brothers as they formulate a plan to pull off what begins as a challenging mission to steal a well guarded statue as it is being transported through the city. But instead of being a one and done job as they expected, Asti gets information that turns their job into a mission of vengeance and what could very well turn out to be the biggest heist the city has ever seen. Provided they can pull it off.
What can I say, heists are fun and exciting! And Maresca crafted a fresh and thrilling heist story that moves at a great pace. This is the type of book you just fell the need to read cover to cover, looking/wishing for the pause button on real life until you finish. And this story earns added bonus points as when the job gets more complicated after Asti’s discovery, it also requires growing the team. In response, Maresca includes a great mix of varied characters, each bringing their own strengths and skills to the job. They also each have their own story that helps flesh out what it is like to live in Maradaine. Every character adds something. There was one young female character, Mila, who I particularly enjoyed. She is fierce and independent and very bright. Everything I love.
Overall, this may be my favorite of his series so far. It’s a tough call, as I loved The Thorn of Dentonhill as well, but this one may squeak just past that one. If you have not read Maresca’s work yet, I definitely encourage you to give one of his series a try, and personally, this one if my favorite yet.
February 18, 2017
My reading list for 2017 is awash in glorious, top-notch fantasy and The Holver Alley Crew is one of them. I’ve loved each and every one of MRM’s books and I was pleased to find that this might be my favorite yet! In addition to stories about police and a vigilante crimefighter, we now have a story about a group of dispossessed individuals that have turned back to crime in order to make a living.
The Rynax brothers were going clean, preparing to open a legitimate business in Holver Alley. Asti got kicked out of Druth Intelligence and Verci had a new family, so time to kick crime to the curb and leave the associated dangers behind. Easier said than done. Someone set Holver Alley ablaze, killing innocents and destroying Asti and Verci’s plans of becoming upstanding citizens. Now they, along with their crew of wayward neighbors, are seeking revenge on the man behind the blaze that turned their lives upside down.
Every second of this book was a gripping thrill ride that kept me up late into the night. I only sacrifice precious sleep for the best adventures and The Holver Alley Crew was well worth a day of dark circles and yawns for the entertainment it provided. The story is a fantastic heist story (of which I’m terribly fond) and rather than focusing on a single big job, there’s actually two heists in a single book! Every character on the crew is a bundle of issues and they’re as vibrant as the city of Maradaine itself. Asti has a traumatic past that shows up to haunt him at the most inopportune moments. Verci has to worry about providing for his wife and daughter (and deal with his in-laws). Helene and Julien Kessler used to get all the good work, but things have gone downhill after a failed job, plus Julien can’t take much more damage to his brain. Kennith is out for revenge for stolen carriage plans. Almer Cort- well he’s a bit difficult to figure out, but he was impacted by the Holver Alley fire as well.
The neighborhood of North Seleth and Holver Alley are well-written and thoroughly described environments that I could visualize being in any city. The alley is a close-knit community where the neighbors help each other out and everybody knows everybody else. The Rynax brothers demonstrate this closeness when they risk their lives to pull other from their burning homes and Almer Cort demonstrates this when he conveniently disposes of some bodies for the brothers. The reader gets to be immersed in this little segment of Maradaine- bars, churches, sewers, the chemist shop, a bakery… you name it. This whole world has depth equivalent to the most well-known and loved fantasy works on offer.
The final verdict: You’ve GOT to read this book! You can jump into the world of Maradaine starting with this book or with A Murder of Mages or The Thorn of Dentonhill without feeling lost or that you’re missing out on anything. This book is my favorite to date, though not by much, as everything by MRM is of the highest caliber and I would recommend them without reservation. Again, I still wish that these were available in a larger paperback or hardcover format for optimum display on my shelves, but maybe one day! Fans of Scott Lynch or Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows will be head over heels for The Holver Alley Crew, so be sure to check it out once it’s released on March 7, 2017!
The Rynax brothers were going clean, preparing to open a legitimate business in Holver Alley. Asti got kicked out of Druth Intelligence and Verci had a new family, so time to kick crime to the curb and leave the associated dangers behind. Easier said than done. Someone set Holver Alley ablaze, killing innocents and destroying Asti and Verci’s plans of becoming upstanding citizens. Now they, along with their crew of wayward neighbors, are seeking revenge on the man behind the blaze that turned their lives upside down.
Every second of this book was a gripping thrill ride that kept me up late into the night. I only sacrifice precious sleep for the best adventures and The Holver Alley Crew was well worth a day of dark circles and yawns for the entertainment it provided. The story is a fantastic heist story (of which I’m terribly fond) and rather than focusing on a single big job, there’s actually two heists in a single book! Every character on the crew is a bundle of issues and they’re as vibrant as the city of Maradaine itself. Asti has a traumatic past that shows up to haunt him at the most inopportune moments. Verci has to worry about providing for his wife and daughter (and deal with his in-laws). Helene and Julien Kessler used to get all the good work, but things have gone downhill after a failed job, plus Julien can’t take much more damage to his brain. Kennith is out for revenge for stolen carriage plans. Almer Cort- well he’s a bit difficult to figure out, but he was impacted by the Holver Alley fire as well.
The neighborhood of North Seleth and Holver Alley are well-written and thoroughly described environments that I could visualize being in any city. The alley is a close-knit community where the neighbors help each other out and everybody knows everybody else. The Rynax brothers demonstrate this closeness when they risk their lives to pull other from their burning homes and Almer Cort demonstrates this when he conveniently disposes of some bodies for the brothers. The reader gets to be immersed in this little segment of Maradaine- bars, churches, sewers, the chemist shop, a bakery… you name it. This whole world has depth equivalent to the most well-known and loved fantasy works on offer.
The final verdict: You’ve GOT to read this book! You can jump into the world of Maradaine starting with this book or with A Murder of Mages or The Thorn of Dentonhill without feeling lost or that you’re missing out on anything. This book is my favorite to date, though not by much, as everything by MRM is of the highest caliber and I would recommend them without reservation. Again, I still wish that these were available in a larger paperback or hardcover format for optimum display on my shelves, but maybe one day! Fans of Scott Lynch or Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows will be head over heels for The Holver Alley Crew, so be sure to check it out once it’s released on March 7, 2017!
October 5, 2023
I just felt okay about this one! I enjoyed the found family situation and there was a lot of fun dialogue between the characters. Overall.. I just feel fine about it!
March 21, 2017
Fantasy Review Barn
The opening to my favorite fantasy series of all time begins with a city on fire. The Holver Alley Crew starts with a city on fire. This says absolutely nothing about the book, nor are there any comparisons to be made to The Color of Magic here, it is just an observation.
Maradaine is a city that has appeared in two series previous but The Holver Alley Crew is the start of its own series within the series; I had absolutely no previous experience with the author myself and this book felt like the start of something completely new.
Thrown right into the action we meet the Rynax brothers as they awaken to a fire threatening not just their homes and business but the entire neighborhood. When the smoke clears they come to the realization that all their previous plans are for naught. They are two old criminals who tried to go strait and now have nothing but debt to show for it. What is there to do? Go back to the old work of course.
Ultimately this is a buddy heist type of book complete with lovable misfit cast. The Rynax brothers are thieves with a heart of gold bronze tarnished tin. They may steal and kill but they have morals, damn it, rules on who is allowed to be killed passed on by their daddy. They are soon joined by a sharpshooter and the gentle giant, a plucky street kid with skills way beyond what a life of begging should allow, and finally Q from the James Bond films (a chemist with ALL the cool new toys). Together for a heist they learn together that they may have a larger purpose as it becomes clear the fire was deliberately set their plucky crew is the only one who can dole out appropriate justice!
Sadly, though fun, almost nothing was memorable enough to leave any kind of impression. If one is looking for a heist novel no matter what The Holver Alley Crew will suffice; it is entertaining in a way and absolutely has some highlight moments (the creative way a mage is taking out of the protection picture is genius). But it is a straight forward path with no real suspense or surprises. Nothing about the plans these brothers put together is particularly noteworthy, nor are any of the crew’s interactions. The banter is lacking, the emotional appeal is lacking, and the payoff is fairly unremarkable.
If fantasy literature got the respect it deserved this would be a novel found at the checkstand at the local grocery store. Not the novel that one would brag about reading to their friends but a novel one would have no problem grabbing before their next business trip for some easy reading. And in that capacity it absolutely works; it is almost certainly better than most the thriller of the month book options. Beyond that though there isn’t much to say; empty calories are ok sometimes but not what I am hoping for when grabbing a new treat.
3 Stars
Copy for review provided by publisher.
The opening to my favorite fantasy series of all time begins with a city on fire. The Holver Alley Crew starts with a city on fire. This says absolutely nothing about the book, nor are there any comparisons to be made to The Color of Magic here, it is just an observation.
Maradaine is a city that has appeared in two series previous but The Holver Alley Crew is the start of its own series within the series; I had absolutely no previous experience with the author myself and this book felt like the start of something completely new.
Thrown right into the action we meet the Rynax brothers as they awaken to a fire threatening not just their homes and business but the entire neighborhood. When the smoke clears they come to the realization that all their previous plans are for naught. They are two old criminals who tried to go strait and now have nothing but debt to show for it. What is there to do? Go back to the old work of course.
Ultimately this is a buddy heist type of book complete with lovable misfit cast. The Rynax brothers are thieves with a heart of gold bronze tarnished tin. They may steal and kill but they have morals, damn it, rules on who is allowed to be killed passed on by their daddy. They are soon joined by a sharpshooter and the gentle giant, a plucky street kid with skills way beyond what a life of begging should allow, and finally Q from the James Bond films (a chemist with ALL the cool new toys). Together for a heist they learn together that they may have a larger purpose as it becomes clear the fire was deliberately set their plucky crew is the only one who can dole out appropriate justice!
Sadly, though fun, almost nothing was memorable enough to leave any kind of impression. If one is looking for a heist novel no matter what The Holver Alley Crew will suffice; it is entertaining in a way and absolutely has some highlight moments (the creative way a mage is taking out of the protection picture is genius). But it is a straight forward path with no real suspense or surprises. Nothing about the plans these brothers put together is particularly noteworthy, nor are any of the crew’s interactions. The banter is lacking, the emotional appeal is lacking, and the payoff is fairly unremarkable.
If fantasy literature got the respect it deserved this would be a novel found at the checkstand at the local grocery store. Not the novel that one would brag about reading to their friends but a novel one would have no problem grabbing before their next business trip for some easy reading. And in that capacity it absolutely works; it is almost certainly better than most the thriller of the month book options. Beyond that though there isn’t much to say; empty calories are ok sometimes but not what I am hoping for when grabbing a new treat.
3 Stars
Copy for review provided by publisher.
January 10, 2017
*copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review*
The Holver Alley Crew is the first in a new fantasy series from Marshall Ryan Maresca. It’s set in his ‘Maradaine’ world, which already has a few other series running inside it. Rather than detectives or vigilantes, however, this book is focused on, well, thieves, and a fantasy-style heist.
Maradaine is a large, multi-districted city, and it has the energy and diversity on the page to back that up. There’s chemists shops, bars, restaurants, and all of the apparatus of civic life. Up to a point, anyway. We’re not in Maradaine to see the civic buildings or scenic police headquarters this time though – here, we’re in Holver Alley. It is, to be kind about it, not the nicest place in the city.
The law doesn’t show up much in Holver, perhaps because it’s been paid not to, and perhaps because it’s indifferent. Instead, there’s a combination of people organising for themselves, and a more criminal element sitting over the top, skimming whatever cream is available. Maresca makes it at once fantastic and familiar – the urban issues faced in the Alley are those common to large conurbations everywhere, but in this case the gangs have crossbows and mages. The alley succeeds in feeling like a neighbourhood – one where everyone knows everyone else. They may not like everyone else, but that’s hardly the point. This is a relatively small, close-knit community, used to being ignored or acted upon by those above it in the social food chain – and that closeness and strength give the book its heart – personified by the links between the characters.
Before talking about the characters though, I wanted to mention something else done well in the background – the stratification of society, even in Holver Alley. There’s a sense of the regular people, and those just getting by, dipping in and out of the fringes of the extra-legal. Then there’s the wealthy, whose immense influence allows them to break into communities, to buy influence and wellbeing, to set their own needs above the community – their own goals over the whole. It’s a quiet thread this, running beneath angry dialogue and the occasional brawl within the text, but it’s an important and powerful one.
Our protagonists are the Rynax brothers – once professional thieves. Now, after the war that has shaped Maradaine has come to a close, one of them is a settled family man – and the other is suffering from combat strain. Their relationship is close, and friendly, and the effort they put into sustaining the link between them, even when they appear to be poles apart, is obvious. Watching the one interact with his family, his love for his life and his baby is clearly balanced closely with concern for his brother, a man who believes he might lash out with lethal force at any moment. Here is a Rynax everyman, a voice for the reader.
The other Rynax, damaged by the war, is something else entirely. He’s tortured by his concern for his brother and their family, and the feeling that he’s only one poorly placed word away from catastrophic levels of violence. There’s the sense of a man on the boil, struggling to drag himself back from the brink. But he’s also quick on his feet, mentally and physically – watching him throw a plan together is breathtaking, and often highly entertaining. Watching him take on groups of antagonists singlehanded is similar – but emotionally leavened by the possibility that this wrath could be turned on his friends. Still, combat shock is being looked at here in the raw, treated sensitively, with a string feeling of the impact it has on both the individuals suffering from it, and those close to them. There’s emotional heft here, rawness and a sense of understanding, which makes, at times, for a heartbreaking read – but at the same time, one which feels genuine. I’d recommend the book for this portrayal alone.
The Rynax boys are backed up by a cast of misfits – from street urchins with a bad attitude, to crossbow-snipers with a bad attitude, to carriage drivers and strongmen. As each has a role in the crimes shown off here, each gets their time on the page, and a little more room to shine – but together, in gestalt, they’re a charming, entertaining and prickly mob, whom you’d be happy to buy a round for – with an eye on your wallet.
The same can’t really be said for the antagonists. Much of the text, their composition and goals seem mysterious. I’d like to have seen a little more from them, to give them a modicum of the depth and emotional connection that we have with the Rynax boys and their team. On the other hand, the more the enemy present themselves, the more unpleasant they obviously are – and so on that basis, they serve their purpose perfectly well. There’s a few moments where villainy is laid bare – it would be nice to have seen it seeping off the pages.
The plot – well, no spoilers, but this is basically a heist novel. The Rynaxes get a team together to investigate why their lives are suddenly in turmoil, and this calls for a certain amount of breaking, entering, and indeed looting. There’s some fantastic planning scenes, as the team pieces together exactly what they’re going to do and when. Then there’s the tension of the job, and this is something which is brought out to perfection – each action is watchmaker-precise, and each failure can lead to a cascade of other failures – watching the team anticipate and deal with these (or not) is agonising and wonderful. The whole narrative is tightly plotted, and each page makes you want to turn to the next – it’s got fires, knife fights, brawls, daring escapes, explosions, and a lot of heart – and as such, I’m looking forward to seeing what adventures the Holver Alley Crew go onto from here.
The Holver Alley Crew is the first in a new fantasy series from Marshall Ryan Maresca. It’s set in his ‘Maradaine’ world, which already has a few other series running inside it. Rather than detectives or vigilantes, however, this book is focused on, well, thieves, and a fantasy-style heist.
Maradaine is a large, multi-districted city, and it has the energy and diversity on the page to back that up. There’s chemists shops, bars, restaurants, and all of the apparatus of civic life. Up to a point, anyway. We’re not in Maradaine to see the civic buildings or scenic police headquarters this time though – here, we’re in Holver Alley. It is, to be kind about it, not the nicest place in the city.
The law doesn’t show up much in Holver, perhaps because it’s been paid not to, and perhaps because it’s indifferent. Instead, there’s a combination of people organising for themselves, and a more criminal element sitting over the top, skimming whatever cream is available. Maresca makes it at once fantastic and familiar – the urban issues faced in the Alley are those common to large conurbations everywhere, but in this case the gangs have crossbows and mages. The alley succeeds in feeling like a neighbourhood – one where everyone knows everyone else. They may not like everyone else, but that’s hardly the point. This is a relatively small, close-knit community, used to being ignored or acted upon by those above it in the social food chain – and that closeness and strength give the book its heart – personified by the links between the characters.
Before talking about the characters though, I wanted to mention something else done well in the background – the stratification of society, even in Holver Alley. There’s a sense of the regular people, and those just getting by, dipping in and out of the fringes of the extra-legal. Then there’s the wealthy, whose immense influence allows them to break into communities, to buy influence and wellbeing, to set their own needs above the community – their own goals over the whole. It’s a quiet thread this, running beneath angry dialogue and the occasional brawl within the text, but it’s an important and powerful one.
Our protagonists are the Rynax brothers – once professional thieves. Now, after the war that has shaped Maradaine has come to a close, one of them is a settled family man – and the other is suffering from combat strain. Their relationship is close, and friendly, and the effort they put into sustaining the link between them, even when they appear to be poles apart, is obvious. Watching the one interact with his family, his love for his life and his baby is clearly balanced closely with concern for his brother, a man who believes he might lash out with lethal force at any moment. Here is a Rynax everyman, a voice for the reader.
The other Rynax, damaged by the war, is something else entirely. He’s tortured by his concern for his brother and their family, and the feeling that he’s only one poorly placed word away from catastrophic levels of violence. There’s the sense of a man on the boil, struggling to drag himself back from the brink. But he’s also quick on his feet, mentally and physically – watching him throw a plan together is breathtaking, and often highly entertaining. Watching him take on groups of antagonists singlehanded is similar – but emotionally leavened by the possibility that this wrath could be turned on his friends. Still, combat shock is being looked at here in the raw, treated sensitively, with a string feeling of the impact it has on both the individuals suffering from it, and those close to them. There’s emotional heft here, rawness and a sense of understanding, which makes, at times, for a heartbreaking read – but at the same time, one which feels genuine. I’d recommend the book for this portrayal alone.
The Rynax boys are backed up by a cast of misfits – from street urchins with a bad attitude, to crossbow-snipers with a bad attitude, to carriage drivers and strongmen. As each has a role in the crimes shown off here, each gets their time on the page, and a little more room to shine – but together, in gestalt, they’re a charming, entertaining and prickly mob, whom you’d be happy to buy a round for – with an eye on your wallet.
The same can’t really be said for the antagonists. Much of the text, their composition and goals seem mysterious. I’d like to have seen a little more from them, to give them a modicum of the depth and emotional connection that we have with the Rynax boys and their team. On the other hand, the more the enemy present themselves, the more unpleasant they obviously are – and so on that basis, they serve their purpose perfectly well. There’s a few moments where villainy is laid bare – it would be nice to have seen it seeping off the pages.
The plot – well, no spoilers, but this is basically a heist novel. The Rynaxes get a team together to investigate why their lives are suddenly in turmoil, and this calls for a certain amount of breaking, entering, and indeed looting. There’s some fantastic planning scenes, as the team pieces together exactly what they’re going to do and when. Then there’s the tension of the job, and this is something which is brought out to perfection – each action is watchmaker-precise, and each failure can lead to a cascade of other failures – watching the team anticipate and deal with these (or not) is agonising and wonderful. The whole narrative is tightly plotted, and each page makes you want to turn to the next – it’s got fires, knife fights, brawls, daring escapes, explosions, and a lot of heart – and as such, I’m looking forward to seeing what adventures the Holver Alley Crew go onto from here.
February 21, 2018
This is not my first time out with this author, I've read all of his other series except for one, so obviously I'm inclined to like his work. So gladly, I can say that this book didn't disappoint me. I like the world Maresca created, but I also like heist fantasy, so I was just happy all over. Maresca is pretty good at slightly switching genres for his different series, and that's also impressive, proving he isn't just one note in his writing.
The crew is pretty decent, even if one of them is a teenager which is itself kind of anathema to me, and they weren't assembled in an unrealistic way, which I also appreciate. I also think that for the most part they play well off each other. I suppose I wasn't absolutely in love with the antagonists, though, they did seem a bit flat and unsympathetic, but it wasn't a huge deal breaker for me.
Overall, the plot was interesting, the pacing was pretty well done, and I am looking forward to a sequel.
The crew is pretty decent, even if one of them is a teenager which is itself kind of anathema to me, and they weren't assembled in an unrealistic way, which I also appreciate. I also think that for the most part they play well off each other. I suppose I wasn't absolutely in love with the antagonists, though, they did seem a bit flat and unsympathetic, but it wasn't a huge deal breaker for me.
Overall, the plot was interesting, the pacing was pretty well done, and I am looking forward to a sequel.
June 11, 2020
3.5/5
https://delivreenlivres.home.blog/202...
Une petite fantasy sympathique et agréable à lire qui m’a fait passer un bon moment, mais qui ne restera pas dans mes annales car je me suis aperçu en le lisant que je commence sérieusement à me lasser de ce genre de livres. Les Salauds Gentilshommes, Frey, Dark Run, Le Magicien quantique … que ça soit en fantasy ou en science-fiction, ils abondent et ça devient de moins en moins mon truc de suivre des criminels sympathiques qui tentent des arnaques ou des vols.
Comme son nom l’indique, ce tome commence une nouvelle série dans l’univers Maradaine de Marshall Ryan Maresca. Univers toujours en pleine activité car l’auteur rajoute encore des tomes intermédiaires dans l’ordre chronologique (ce qui complique l’ordre de lecture, j’avoue).
Le principe est qu’on suit différents personnages dans la ville qui nous offrent une tapisserie de ce qu’il s’y passe, des nobles aux gangs des rues, en passant par les mages, ou la police. Toutes les sous-séries ont plus ou moins un lien en commun qui se dévoile petit à petit au fil de la découverte de cette ville et de ce qu’il s’y passe en secret.
Dans cette série ci, on va suivre les deux frères Rynax. Ceux sont sont d’anciens voleurs qui avaient raccroché pour reprendre une vie normale. L’un des deux c’est même marié et a maintenant un enfant.
Mais un incendie détruit l’entièreté de la Holver Alley et met à mal l’avenir qu’ils s’étaient fabriqués. En effet leur maison et leur nouvelle boutique étaient toutes les deux dans cette rue, et donc toutes leurs économies ont disparu en fumée alors qu’ils avaient à peine commencé à rembourser leur emprunt à l’un des boss de le la mafia locale.
Les deux frères n’ont pas d’autre choix que de reprendre leur anciennes habitudes histoire de survivre. Justement on leur propose un gros coup qui leur permettrait de passer le cap en attendant de pouvoir essayer de reprendre une vie différente à nouveau.
Surtout qu’ils commencent à soupçonner le fait que cet incendie ai été criminel et ce coup leur permettrait de farfouiller un peu partout pour pour enquêter …
Les personnages sont très sympathiques. Tous ont leur petite personnalité qui donne un piquant à l’ensemble. Certains dialogues étaient délicieux et m’ont bien fait sourire. J’ai apprécié de les suivre et de les voir tenter de survivre dans la jungle qu’est devenu leur vie depuis l’incendie.
Mais comme je l’ai dis au dessus, l’intrigue m’est passée un peu au dessus de la tête.
Je l’ai terminé sans problème car il s’agit d’une lecture très fluide et qui se lit limite toute seule. C’est juste qu’elle n’a pas su vraiment attirer mon attention.
Je suis consciente que le problème vient de moi et pas du fait que le livre était mauvais. D’ailleurs j’aurais même tendance à dire que si ça n’avait pas été aussi fluide à lire je ne l’aurais surement pas terminé.
Il est juste très mal tombé.
Je n’abandonne pas l’univers, bien sur, surtout que la très grande majorité de l’ensemble ne suis pas ces personnages la, on est sur d’autres types de fantasy que j’apprécie plus. J’attendrais juste un peu plus longtemps avant de lire la suite de celle ci en particulier.
https://delivreenlivres.home.blog/202...
Une petite fantasy sympathique et agréable à lire qui m’a fait passer un bon moment, mais qui ne restera pas dans mes annales car je me suis aperçu en le lisant que je commence sérieusement à me lasser de ce genre de livres. Les Salauds Gentilshommes, Frey, Dark Run, Le Magicien quantique … que ça soit en fantasy ou en science-fiction, ils abondent et ça devient de moins en moins mon truc de suivre des criminels sympathiques qui tentent des arnaques ou des vols.
Comme son nom l’indique, ce tome commence une nouvelle série dans l’univers Maradaine de Marshall Ryan Maresca. Univers toujours en pleine activité car l’auteur rajoute encore des tomes intermédiaires dans l’ordre chronologique (ce qui complique l’ordre de lecture, j’avoue).
Le principe est qu’on suit différents personnages dans la ville qui nous offrent une tapisserie de ce qu’il s’y passe, des nobles aux gangs des rues, en passant par les mages, ou la police. Toutes les sous-séries ont plus ou moins un lien en commun qui se dévoile petit à petit au fil de la découverte de cette ville et de ce qu’il s’y passe en secret.
Dans cette série ci, on va suivre les deux frères Rynax. Ceux sont sont d’anciens voleurs qui avaient raccroché pour reprendre une vie normale. L’un des deux c’est même marié et a maintenant un enfant.
Mais un incendie détruit l’entièreté de la Holver Alley et met à mal l’avenir qu’ils s’étaient fabriqués. En effet leur maison et leur nouvelle boutique étaient toutes les deux dans cette rue, et donc toutes leurs économies ont disparu en fumée alors qu’ils avaient à peine commencé à rembourser leur emprunt à l’un des boss de le la mafia locale.
Les deux frères n’ont pas d’autre choix que de reprendre leur anciennes habitudes histoire de survivre. Justement on leur propose un gros coup qui leur permettrait de passer le cap en attendant de pouvoir essayer de reprendre une vie différente à nouveau.
Surtout qu’ils commencent à soupçonner le fait que cet incendie ai été criminel et ce coup leur permettrait de farfouiller un peu partout pour pour enquêter …
Les personnages sont très sympathiques. Tous ont leur petite personnalité qui donne un piquant à l’ensemble. Certains dialogues étaient délicieux et m’ont bien fait sourire. J’ai apprécié de les suivre et de les voir tenter de survivre dans la jungle qu’est devenu leur vie depuis l’incendie.
Mais comme je l’ai dis au dessus, l’intrigue m’est passée un peu au dessus de la tête.
Je l’ai terminé sans problème car il s’agit d’une lecture très fluide et qui se lit limite toute seule. C’est juste qu’elle n’a pas su vraiment attirer mon attention.
Je suis consciente que le problème vient de moi et pas du fait que le livre était mauvais. D’ailleurs j’aurais même tendance à dire que si ça n’avait pas été aussi fluide à lire je ne l’aurais surement pas terminé.
Il est juste très mal tombé.
Je n’abandonne pas l’univers, bien sur, surtout que la très grande majorité de l’ensemble ne suis pas ces personnages la, on est sur d’autres types de fantasy que j’apprécie plus. J’attendrais juste un peu plus longtemps avant de lire la suite de celle ci en particulier.
March 8, 2017
Asti and Verci Rynax were raised by a conman and have been surviving with those skills. But they want to turn legitimate and start their own business. Both brothers invest everything they have for their little shop. But a fire destroys the street, including their shop and house. They create a gang with several other shop owners and intend on robbing a carriage. But Asti stumbles upon some information that the fire was set intentionally so the land could be bought out. Now all bets are off as the crew plans a heist against the gambling house that took everything from them.
Ten people come together to heist a carriage initially then the gambling house. All ten are introduced in a way that you are not overwhelmed and all pay a specific role in the heists. I love how between the seriousness of the heists they all joke around and mesh well together. But I really enjoyed the locations. There is almost a shop for anything you could think of and the neighbors and willing to help out each other.
This is my first book from Marshall Ryan Maresca and I loved it. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next books in the series. I will be on the lookout for Maresca’s other books too.
I receive The Holver Alley Crew from the publisher for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Ten people come together to heist a carriage initially then the gambling house. All ten are introduced in a way that you are not overwhelmed and all pay a specific role in the heists. I love how between the seriousness of the heists they all joke around and mesh well together. But I really enjoyed the locations. There is almost a shop for anything you could think of and the neighbors and willing to help out each other.
This is my first book from Marshall Ryan Maresca and I loved it. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next books in the series. I will be on the lookout for Maresca’s other books too.
I receive The Holver Alley Crew from the publisher for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
March 24, 2017
Die drei Reihen von M. Maresca sind grad meine Lieblingsliteratur, wenn es um was schnelles für zwischendurch geht. Leicht weg zu lesen, unterhaltsam und flott geschrieben, aber dabei nicht zu simpel. Die Bücher sind nie dicker als 350 Seiten und damit sehr gut geeignet für S-Bahn-Fahrten zur Arbeit.
Die Qualität eines Martin oder Sanderson erreichen die Bücher nicht, aber auf die epische Breite sind sie auch nicht angelegt und das macht sie mir auch sehr sympathisch. Es sind keine große Weltenrettungen, sondern relativ alltägliche Abenteuer in einer klassischen Fantasy-Stadt.
Ich kann alle drei Reihen empfehlen.
Die Qualität eines Martin oder Sanderson erreichen die Bücher nicht, aber auf die epische Breite sind sie auch nicht angelegt und das macht sie mir auch sehr sympathisch. Es sind keine große Weltenrettungen, sondern relativ alltägliche Abenteuer in einer klassischen Fantasy-Stadt.
Ich kann alle drei Reihen empfehlen.
September 26, 2017
I am taking a HUGE leap of faith and am giving this novel a 5-star rating before I even get to read it.
I love everything Mr Maresca writes and, as far as I'm concerned, he is almost as talented as Terry Pratchett in his ability to write multiple genres within a single location.
So yes, I am awarding 5 stars in advance because I believe that I will not be disappointed with this latest offering. I will update this review once I have read the book.
26 Sept 2017: Okay, this is a first for me. I have just discovered that I have submitted TWO different reviews for the same book!!!
I love everything Mr Maresca writes and, as far as I'm concerned, he is almost as talented as Terry Pratchett in his ability to write multiple genres within a single location.
So yes, I am awarding 5 stars in advance because I believe that I will not be disappointed with this latest offering. I will update this review once I have read the book.
26 Sept 2017: Okay, this is a first for me. I have just discovered that I have submitted TWO different reviews for the same book!!!
February 16, 2017
The third series set in Maradaine and it the praise continues. The beginning was a little sparse and a bit too quick paced for my liking but it steamrolled into an amazing conclusion and enough of a question for the future to make you want to see how it ends up. Glad to see Maresca continue to expand his world.
I received this book from the publisher as an EARC through Netgalley.
I received this book from the publisher as an EARC through Netgalley.
March 15, 2017
Nice addition to the Maradaine world. I liked the Rynax brothers and the other characters. I hope there will be some connection that ties all these novels together at some point. I could even see it Asti has connection to Satrine through Intelligence and Minox has connection to Veranix as they're both mages.
It'll be interesting to see how it all pans out.
It'll be interesting to see how it all pans out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2017
The action stops on page 1 and doesn't let up. The characters and plot are engaging. Looking forward to seeing more in this series!
April 1, 2017
A good read.
A nice solid caper case. Well flushed out characters, an interesting world and a fine story. I'll be sticking around for any sequels.
A nice solid caper case. Well flushed out characters, an interesting world and a fine story. I'll be sticking around for any sequels.
March 8, 2017
I am not a fan of Mr. Maresca's Maradaine novels. I have liked them; I've read every one of them (except for the latest constabulary - I bought it but it was a defect (half way through a bunch of the pages are cut off) and, having lost the receipt can't return it). It's just that there is something that prevents me from LOVING them....
.... until now.
This is hands down the best work he's done in my opinion. A couple years ago, there was a TV show called Leverage. It was about a team of grifters and thieves working to take down the bad guys. Well, this book is the fantasy version of that TV show... and I loved that TV show. If anything, the Holver Alley Crew is even better. The main protagonists, a pair of brothers with "interesting" histories are forced back into the life of crime they had abandoned as a result of a lethal case of arson that destroyed their home, their livelihood and the lives of people they knew. This novel is the story of how they find out who was involved in that arson and set out to gain revenge.
One interesting element in the morality of the protagonists.... killing guardsmen? it's part of the job, they're paid to do it and know the risks (sort of like 19th century occupational health and safety), harming "innocent" by-standers? not going to happen.
There are a number of interesting characters in this books - some of whom received short-shift but expect more from; instead of describing them by their names (too many for me to remember), I'll describe them by their role:
the Mastermind - one of the main characters - a former spy; tortured to the point of insanity. I am curious to see what Mr. Maresca does with his 'beserker' rages;
the Thief - other main character - spy's brother, married with child and gone straight - dragged back into the life by the fire -strangely enough, I felt he was one of the less well-drawn characters;
the Driver - not much is done with him although there is potential there;
the Archer - she's the tough guy of the crew; lots of room for growth and conflict given her personality;
the Strong-guy - Archer's brain-addled brother - more needs to be done with him;
the Con - one of the last character's introduced - picture a gone-to-seed Shakespearean thespian (in my mind's eye, I pictured Sir Alex Guinness around the time of Star Wars);
the urchin - one of the best characters and the one with the most potential for growth.
All in all I strongly recommend this novel, whether you've read the previous novels or not. It is currently in the running for my Best of 2017.
.... until now.
This is hands down the best work he's done in my opinion. A couple years ago, there was a TV show called Leverage. It was about a team of grifters and thieves working to take down the bad guys. Well, this book is the fantasy version of that TV show... and I loved that TV show. If anything, the Holver Alley Crew is even better. The main protagonists, a pair of brothers with "interesting" histories are forced back into the life of crime they had abandoned as a result of a lethal case of arson that destroyed their home, their livelihood and the lives of people they knew. This novel is the story of how they find out who was involved in that arson and set out to gain revenge.
One interesting element in the morality of the protagonists.... killing guardsmen? it's part of the job, they're paid to do it and know the risks (sort of like 19th century occupational health and safety), harming "innocent" by-standers? not going to happen.
There are a number of interesting characters in this books - some of whom received short-shift but expect more from; instead of describing them by their names (too many for me to remember), I'll describe them by their role:
the Mastermind - one of the main characters - a former spy; tortured to the point of insanity. I am curious to see what Mr. Maresca does with his 'beserker' rages;
the Thief - other main character - spy's brother, married with child and gone straight - dragged back into the life by the fire -strangely enough, I felt he was one of the less well-drawn characters;
the Driver - not much is done with him although there is potential there;
the Archer - she's the tough guy of the crew; lots of room for growth and conflict given her personality;
the Strong-guy - Archer's brain-addled brother - more needs to be done with him;
the Con - one of the last character's introduced - picture a gone-to-seed Shakespearean thespian (in my mind's eye, I pictured Sir Alex Guinness around the time of Star Wars);
the urchin - one of the best characters and the one with the most potential for growth.
All in all I strongly recommend this novel, whether you've read the previous novels or not. It is currently in the running for my Best of 2017.
November 9, 2017
Possibly my favorite Maradaine novel yet! I love a good heist story.
This one works well in the world that Maresca has already established, while also standing up on its own with a great cast of characters and a lot of action. Some of them will seem familiar even though they're all ostensibly new, as they tend to rely heavily on genre tropes, but they're nonetheless endearing. It's a good crew; each and every member has a place, variable amounts of backstory, and a solid motivation besides money.
I enjoyed the plot, though a few whiffs of Deus Ex Machina arguably came in towards the end. That's not to say everything doesn't tie together, only that a few elements felt just slightly more loosely tied, so to speak. The writing in general is workmanlike, but in a good way; Maresca more than gets the job done. Though with a larger cast of characters than in previous books, the "head-hopping" line does get crossed on occasion. Also, while Maresca does an admirable job with diversity here, I do still wish that the Maradaine world had less built-in, unexamined sexism. It's the same with plenty of other series in the genre (Michael Sullivan, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, and GRRM on and on). Maresca's Maradaine women are awesome, and treated fairly by the narrative here, but do still exist in a storyworld in which systemic, rigid gender roles are the norm. The male characters get more depth, while the women get more archetyping.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, and any book in Maradaine. These books make me miss my subway stops, seriously!
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
This one works well in the world that Maresca has already established, while also standing up on its own with a great cast of characters and a lot of action. Some of them will seem familiar even though they're all ostensibly new, as they tend to rely heavily on genre tropes, but they're nonetheless endearing. It's a good crew; each and every member has a place, variable amounts of backstory, and a solid motivation besides money.
I enjoyed the plot, though a few whiffs of Deus Ex Machina arguably came in towards the end. That's not to say everything doesn't tie together, only that a few elements felt just slightly more loosely tied, so to speak. The writing in general is workmanlike, but in a good way; Maresca more than gets the job done. Though with a larger cast of characters than in previous books, the "head-hopping" line does get crossed on occasion. Also, while Maresca does an admirable job with diversity here, I do still wish that the Maradaine world had less built-in, unexamined sexism. It's the same with plenty of other series in the genre (Michael Sullivan, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, and GRRM on and on). Maresca's Maradaine women are awesome, and treated fairly by the narrative here, but do still exist in a storyworld in which systemic, rigid gender roles are the norm. The male characters get more depth, while the women get more archetyping.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, and any book in Maradaine. These books make me miss my subway stops, seriously!
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
May 24, 2017
Brothers Asti and Verci Rynax had turned their backs to their old life of crime, returning to the neighbourhood they grew up in to open a shop and do legitimate business - until the Holver Alley Fire destroyed their shop and homes along with those of many of their neighbours, leaving lives ruined and people homeless or dead. To make up for their massive loss and pay off debt, they see no choice but to return to their old skills to make some money. In the course of planning and executing a well-paid and seemingly simply heist with the crew of misfits they've drummed up, they stumble upon evidence that the fire was set deliberately in a sinister scheme to buy up land in Holver Alley. It doesn't take long for them to decide to turn all the criminal genius and resources at their command to exacting revenge for the lives lost and broken by an unscrupulous businessman's greed.
Audacious heists, a ragtag group of misfits, a fast-paced fantasy adventure filled with fun and action - what's not to like? I thoroughly enjoyed my second excursion into Maresca's Maradaine Universe and am looking forward to returning to it as soon as I get my hands on another book.
Audacious heists, a ragtag group of misfits, a fast-paced fantasy adventure filled with fun and action - what's not to like? I thoroughly enjoyed my second excursion into Maresca's Maradaine Universe and am looking forward to returning to it as soon as I get my hands on another book.
March 14, 2017
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
The Holver Alley Crew is the first installment in author Marshall Ryan Maresca's The Streets of Maradine series. For those who are new to this author, this is the third series which is set in a place called Maradine. The first series is called Maradine, while the second is called The Maradine Constabulary. The one constant that pretty much remains the same no matter what series you choose to read, is that the settings are dark, dreary, while the characters are unique, fascinating, and you can definitely follow the struggles of each of the primary characters.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
The Holver Alley Crew is the first installment in author Marshall Ryan Maresca's The Streets of Maradine series. For those who are new to this author, this is the third series which is set in a place called Maradine. The first series is called Maradine, while the second is called The Maradine Constabulary. The one constant that pretty much remains the same no matter what series you choose to read, is that the settings are dark, dreary, while the characters are unique, fascinating, and you can definitely follow the struggles of each of the primary characters.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
July 23, 2017
Meh. Superficial plot and characters.
May 15, 2017
I don't read very many books involving a ragtag band of thieves and elaborate heists. Usually this scenario falls more under the contemporary spectrum -- which is not a genre that I enjoy reading. However, when you add a bit of fantasy into the mix - you've got my attention.
I did not realize that this series is one of three written by Maresca, all of which take place within the same universe. From what I've heard, though, they don't have to be read in any particular order, so it was perfectly okay for me to begin with this third series - The Streets of Maradine. I have to say that I was hooked from the first chapter and because of the relationship that Asti and Verci possess. However, before I get into the whole brother relationship, I want to take a moment to appreciate the fact that Maresca is entirely capable of constructing a whole world with unique countries, peoples, customs, and magic without making things overly complicated. I would not call this a high fantasy series, and I was extremely happy with the fact that I could easily follow, for a lack of a better term, the ways of this world.
Maresca also included a wonderful diverse range of characters (both in terms of ethnicity, personality, and skill):
1. Asti and Verci Rynax: Two young men and brothers who have left behind their life of crime and attempt to use their skills for the greater good. However, they are slowly pulled back into their old ways when Holver Alley is set aflame and they lose their entire livelihoods.
2. Helene and Julien: Cousins who have been blacklisted in the underground crime community for Helene's temper and argumentative personality. However, Helene possesses excellent marksman skills with a bow, and Julien is well-known for his brawn, rather than his brains.
3. Kennith: Inventor of some very interesting carriages and the driver of the getaway vehicle.
4. Almer Cort: The quirky chemist and all around mad scientist.
5. Mila: A teenage girl whose street smarts and talent make her the perfect scout for all missions.
Honestly, I was drawn to this book via the official summary's mention of two brothers, particularly Asti and his "crumbling sanity." For some reason I just love stories that are capable of bringing to life a heartfelt relationship resulting from familial bonds. Asti and Verci have a great chemistry between them. Their banter is hilarious and their strengths and weaknesses offset one another -- making them the perfect team. I also appreciate the fact that they were both intelligent in their own right, rather than one brother solely being the brains of the operation. Asti is a great tactician and his previous occupation as a spy also brings quite a few more talents to the table. On the other hand, Verci is extremely gifted with inventing all sorts of amazing devices. Also, I love the fact that they often address one another as "brother." Consequently, I was constantly reminded of my love for anime and how boys and girls often address their male siblings as "brother" instead of their given name.
I love to read stories involving broken characters, too. For some reason, I find it interesting to view a world through their eyes and witness the challenges they must face. Asti was betrayed and captured by the enemy when he was a spy. During his incarceration, he was subjected to unimaginable torment, especially mentally. In the end, this resulted in Asti developing blackouts when he becomes extremely enraged. He describes it as releasing the chains of a beast and allowing the red to take over. However, he never remembers what happens during these episodes, and only awakens to dead bodies and bloody hands. This side of Asti was intriguing and had good development throughout the novel. You are left hanging a bit when more information is discovered about how Asti escaped imprisonment after he had let the beast's chain loose, and I hope that the next book explores this mysterious aspect of him further.
Overall, I found the story to be intriguing and entertaining. One might think that reading about tactics and plans to pull off a large heist to get a bit tedious and boring as the story progresses. However, I did not feel bored in the slightest, and I was fascinated by the technical aspects of the Rynax brothers' plans. Maresca knows how to keep a reader's attention, and he crafted the conclusion in such a manner that the plot was leading up to a far more sinister plot. Thus, I will definitely be picking up the next volume when it comes out!
For more reviews, please visit: http://knightingalereviews.blogspot.com/
I did not realize that this series is one of three written by Maresca, all of which take place within the same universe. From what I've heard, though, they don't have to be read in any particular order, so it was perfectly okay for me to begin with this third series - The Streets of Maradine. I have to say that I was hooked from the first chapter and because of the relationship that Asti and Verci possess. However, before I get into the whole brother relationship, I want to take a moment to appreciate the fact that Maresca is entirely capable of constructing a whole world with unique countries, peoples, customs, and magic without making things overly complicated. I would not call this a high fantasy series, and I was extremely happy with the fact that I could easily follow, for a lack of a better term, the ways of this world.
Maresca also included a wonderful diverse range of characters (both in terms of ethnicity, personality, and skill):
1. Asti and Verci Rynax: Two young men and brothers who have left behind their life of crime and attempt to use their skills for the greater good. However, they are slowly pulled back into their old ways when Holver Alley is set aflame and they lose their entire livelihoods.
2. Helene and Julien: Cousins who have been blacklisted in the underground crime community for Helene's temper and argumentative personality. However, Helene possesses excellent marksman skills with a bow, and Julien is well-known for his brawn, rather than his brains.
3. Kennith: Inventor of some very interesting carriages and the driver of the getaway vehicle.
4. Almer Cort: The quirky chemist and all around mad scientist.
5. Mila: A teenage girl whose street smarts and talent make her the perfect scout for all missions.
Honestly, I was drawn to this book via the official summary's mention of two brothers, particularly Asti and his "crumbling sanity." For some reason I just love stories that are capable of bringing to life a heartfelt relationship resulting from familial bonds. Asti and Verci have a great chemistry between them. Their banter is hilarious and their strengths and weaknesses offset one another -- making them the perfect team. I also appreciate the fact that they were both intelligent in their own right, rather than one brother solely being the brains of the operation. Asti is a great tactician and his previous occupation as a spy also brings quite a few more talents to the table. On the other hand, Verci is extremely gifted with inventing all sorts of amazing devices. Also, I love the fact that they often address one another as "brother." Consequently, I was constantly reminded of my love for anime and how boys and girls often address their male siblings as "brother" instead of their given name.
I love to read stories involving broken characters, too. For some reason, I find it interesting to view a world through their eyes and witness the challenges they must face. Asti was betrayed and captured by the enemy when he was a spy. During his incarceration, he was subjected to unimaginable torment, especially mentally. In the end, this resulted in Asti developing blackouts when he becomes extremely enraged. He describes it as releasing the chains of a beast and allowing the red to take over. However, he never remembers what happens during these episodes, and only awakens to dead bodies and bloody hands. This side of Asti was intriguing and had good development throughout the novel. You are left hanging a bit when more information is discovered about how Asti escaped imprisonment after he had let the beast's chain loose, and I hope that the next book explores this mysterious aspect of him further.
Overall, I found the story to be intriguing and entertaining. One might think that reading about tactics and plans to pull off a large heist to get a bit tedious and boring as the story progresses. However, I did not feel bored in the slightest, and I was fascinated by the technical aspects of the Rynax brothers' plans. Maresca knows how to keep a reader's attention, and he crafted the conclusion in such a manner that the plot was leading up to a far more sinister plot. Thus, I will definitely be picking up the next volume when it comes out!
For more reviews, please visit: http://knightingalereviews.blogspot.com/
December 31, 2019
So, in The Thorn of Dentonhill, Maresca combined fantasy with superhero stories, and in A Murder of Mages he did police procedurals, and here he tackles the heist. And it's fabulous.
This one launches into action with Asti and Verci Rynax, brothers who have had checkered pasts, but are now trying to live good, clean lives. Except that good, clean life gets burned down in a fire, destroying the store they were getting ready to open. So they fall back on those checkered pasts to make ends meet.
Asti, the ex-spy with the broken mind, is the planner and the fighter, but he also has black-out rages whenever he loses control. Verci, the new father and husband, is the builder and the fixer, making all sorts of gadgets to help on the heists. They go to Josie Holt, their old boss, and they get a new job to pull. That means they've got to get a crew, which includes Kennith, the black carriage driver; Helene, the smart-mouther crossbow sniper; Julien, Helene's brain-damaged strongman cousin; and Mila, the street smart beggar girl with good eyes and fast hands.
These characters are so much fun and their interactions delightful and genuine, and you get a sense of the real history some of them share, as well as the whole neighborhood-- another section of Maradaine-- feeling real and lived in.
Of course the first job goes wrong, but then reveals to them the truth about the fire that destroyed their lives. It was set deliberately, and knowing that, their plans switch from pure survival to revenge.
So much fun.
This one launches into action with Asti and Verci Rynax, brothers who have had checkered pasts, but are now trying to live good, clean lives. Except that good, clean life gets burned down in a fire, destroying the store they were getting ready to open. So they fall back on those checkered pasts to make ends meet.
Asti, the ex-spy with the broken mind, is the planner and the fighter, but he also has black-out rages whenever he loses control. Verci, the new father and husband, is the builder and the fixer, making all sorts of gadgets to help on the heists. They go to Josie Holt, their old boss, and they get a new job to pull. That means they've got to get a crew, which includes Kennith, the black carriage driver; Helene, the smart-mouther crossbow sniper; Julien, Helene's brain-damaged strongman cousin; and Mila, the street smart beggar girl with good eyes and fast hands.
These characters are so much fun and their interactions delightful and genuine, and you get a sense of the real history some of them share, as well as the whole neighborhood-- another section of Maradaine-- feeling real and lived in.
Of course the first job goes wrong, but then reveals to them the truth about the fire that destroyed their lives. It was set deliberately, and knowing that, their plans switch from pure survival to revenge.
So much fun.
December 30, 2017
Another fun Maradaine adventure from Marshall Ryan Maresca. The two series he previously set in this world came from the points of view of a magical vigilante and a pair of cops. This new series comes through the perspective of what might be called the righteous criminal element.
It’s another fun adventure, but a little harder to take than the other books, in that the “righteousness” of these criminals is limited by their willingness to kill guards (and theoretically cops) who get in the way of their thieving. They’re such likable characters otherwise, that that adds an unexpected and annoying taste of bitterness to them – those guards and cops are just doing their jobs, honest jobs for honest people, and have families who are going to be devastated when they turn up murdered by thieves. It makes the thieves a whole lot harder to like, especially since we’re well acquainted with a couple of cops in this world, and we would have no sympathy whatever for any group of thieves that murdered them. And at the end of the book (SPOILER ALERT – STOP HERE IF YOU HAVEN’T READ IT) they cause the same sort of cold, casual, thoughtless, destruction of a building, housing many innocent employees -- including prostitutes probably held against their wills on upper floors-- as the fire that started the book by destroying their own homes and families. The whole book – both characters and the narrative voice of the book – simply ignore this fact. That’s very hard to take in a story powered by righteous vengeance.
But… I still enjoyed this novel. My initial gut feeling was to give it four stars. I nearly dropped it to three because of that final wanton act… But I don’t think the author actually intended us to believe the whole building was destroyed – imprisoned prostitutes and all. So I’m dropping it only half a star to 3.5, and that rounds up to 4.
It’s another fun adventure, but a little harder to take than the other books, in that the “righteousness” of these criminals is limited by their willingness to kill guards (and theoretically cops) who get in the way of their thieving. They’re such likable characters otherwise, that that adds an unexpected and annoying taste of bitterness to them – those guards and cops are just doing their jobs, honest jobs for honest people, and have families who are going to be devastated when they turn up murdered by thieves. It makes the thieves a whole lot harder to like, especially since we’re well acquainted with a couple of cops in this world, and we would have no sympathy whatever for any group of thieves that murdered them. And at the end of the book (SPOILER ALERT – STOP HERE IF YOU HAVEN’T READ IT) they cause the same sort of cold, casual, thoughtless, destruction of a building, housing many innocent employees -- including prostitutes probably held against their wills on upper floors-- as the fire that started the book by destroying their own homes and families. The whole book – both characters and the narrative voice of the book – simply ignore this fact. That’s very hard to take in a story powered by righteous vengeance.
But… I still enjoyed this novel. My initial gut feeling was to give it four stars. I nearly dropped it to three because of that final wanton act… But I don’t think the author actually intended us to believe the whole building was destroyed – imprisoned prostitutes and all. So I’m dropping it only half a star to 3.5, and that rounds up to 4.
August 9, 2017
I've never read a book by this author before. I spent the first couple of chapters wondering if this book was the first in a series or not--it looked like one, but the character backstory was so rich I wondered if I was missing something.
Fortunately, I was not! Judging by the other reviews and what happened as I continued reading, the author has two tangential series taking place around the same time in the same city, but not with the same characters or anything.
Since this was the first book I've read by this author, I feel like the main goal here was to get me to read the next one. I'm definitely planning to! The other series, I don't know yet. We'll see.
Only not five-stars because of some weirdness with the economics and such like that. It was a bit distracting, since major plot points hinged around the fact that the main characters need to pay back a debt. Money is an important factor here.
Fortunately, I was not! Judging by the other reviews and what happened as I continued reading, the author has two tangential series taking place around the same time in the same city, but not with the same characters or anything.
Since this was the first book I've read by this author, I feel like the main goal here was to get me to read the next one. I'm definitely planning to! The other series, I don't know yet. We'll see.
Only not five-stars because of some weirdness with the economics and such like that. It was a bit distracting, since major plot points hinged around the fact that the main characters need to pay back a debt. Money is an important factor here.
September 26, 2017
Not a review, yet, but a "please-hurry-up-I-can't-stand-the-wait"!
I love MR Maresca's writing, and 7 March (probably longer, as I'm in South Africa and we are usually towards the back of the queue) really is still too distant for my liking. I will give a REAL review once I have absorbed this story.
26 Sept: Finally, I am putting fingers to keyboard to write my review. Yet again, Mr Maresca has cunningly demonstrated how talented he is at pulling multiple genres out of his hat! This time, a wonderful blend of Ocean's Eleven, seasoned with a liberal dash of Wolverine, kept me trying to guess what would happen next right up until the last few paragraphs. Best of all, the story ended on quite a high note, with the promise of a lot more to come.
I love MR Maresca's writing, and 7 March (probably longer, as I'm in South Africa and we are usually towards the back of the queue) really is still too distant for my liking. I will give a REAL review once I have absorbed this story.
26 Sept: Finally, I am putting fingers to keyboard to write my review. Yet again, Mr Maresca has cunningly demonstrated how talented he is at pulling multiple genres out of his hat! This time, a wonderful blend of Ocean's Eleven, seasoned with a liberal dash of Wolverine, kept me trying to guess what would happen next right up until the last few paragraphs. Best of all, the story ended on quite a high note, with the promise of a lot more to come.
September 8, 2018
Hmm, Barely a four star.
First of a another series by Marshall Supposedly all three series will be connected. This one is different, could be another city except for the names and slang. Starts with action but not so much violence. Characters are real people or act like real people under those conditions. The action is well developed. Good descriptions of scenes and settings.
The story follows along with the pilot well enough.
I said descriptions are good but at the same time not great. For me the story is not one of my favorites. This is personal, others may think it's the best of the year.
I do recommend it. It is a worthy read despite what I think of as flaws. You get to know the characters and what they face, which is good.
First of a another series by Marshall Supposedly all three series will be connected. This one is different, could be another city except for the names and slang. Starts with action but not so much violence. Characters are real people or act like real people under those conditions. The action is well developed. Good descriptions of scenes and settings.
The story follows along with the pilot well enough.
I said descriptions are good but at the same time not great. For me the story is not one of my favorites. This is personal, others may think it's the best of the year.
I do recommend it. It is a worthy read despite what I think of as flaws. You get to know the characters and what they face, which is good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2021
The heist plot is quite fun and it moves at a good pace. I liked the detail of the world, and that the major characters of the novel could seem quite well realized at times. Scenes often felt grounded and vivid. This strong point of the novel gets undermined by over the top action movie style fights that feel like encounters in a D&D game. It's not that I minded reading a D&D style fantasy story about thieves with hearts ofgold (I play a lot of D&D, so reading D&D adventures is fun for me), but it the undermines the realness that Maresca brings to his world and characters.
June 18, 2019
A solidly fine read. Pretty light, despite the murders, torture, PTSD, etc. The story was entertaining, especially after the 50% mark, and I enjoyed the characters and the world enough that I kept going. But I had to keep checking because I was so surprised that this ISN'T a debut novel. A fair amount of the story is cliche and predictable, the dialogue is super inconsistent, and I never felt too worried about any of the characters. That being said, it kept me turning pages.
June 2, 2017
This book started a bit slow for me, but just kept getting better and better.
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