What do you think?
Maradaine Elite #1
The Way of the Shield
The first novel in the Maradaine Elite series blends fast-paced high fantasy and political intrigue.
Dayne Heldrin always dreamed of being a member of the Tarian Order. In centuries past, the Elite Orders of Druthal were warriors that stood for order, justice, and the common people. But now, with constables, King's Marshals, and a standing army, there is little need for such organizations, and the Tarian Order is one of the last remnants of this ancient legacy. Nevertheless, Dayne trained his body and mind, learned the arts of defense and fighting, to become a candidate for the Tarian Order.
When a failed rescue puts Dayne at fault for injuring the child of a powerful family, his future with the Tarians is in jeopardy. The Parliament controls the purse strings for the Order, and Dayne has angered the wrong members of Parliament. He returns to the capital city of Maradaine in shame, ready to be cast out of the Order when the period of his candidacy ends.
Dayne finds Maradaine in turmoil, as revolutions and dark conspiracies brew around him, threatening members of Parliament and common people alike. Dayne is drawn into the uproar, desperate not to have one more death or injury on his conscience, but the Order wants him to stay out of the situation. The city threatens to tear itself apart, and Dayne must decide between his own future and his vow to always stand between the helpless and harm.
Dayne Heldrin always dreamed of being a member of the Tarian Order. In centuries past, the Elite Orders of Druthal were warriors that stood for order, justice, and the common people. But now, with constables, King's Marshals, and a standing army, there is little need for such organizations, and the Tarian Order is one of the last remnants of this ancient legacy. Nevertheless, Dayne trained his body and mind, learned the arts of defense and fighting, to become a candidate for the Tarian Order.
When a failed rescue puts Dayne at fault for injuring the child of a powerful family, his future with the Tarians is in jeopardy. The Parliament controls the purse strings for the Order, and Dayne has angered the wrong members of Parliament. He returns to the capital city of Maradaine in shame, ready to be cast out of the Order when the period of his candidacy ends.
Dayne finds Maradaine in turmoil, as revolutions and dark conspiracies brew around him, threatening members of Parliament and common people alike. Dayne is drawn into the uproar, desperate not to have one more death or injury on his conscience, but the Order wants him to stay out of the situation. The city threatens to tear itself apart, and Dayne must decide between his own future and his vow to always stand between the helpless and harm.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2018
About the author
Marshall Ryan Maresca
24 books352 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 3, 2020
QUE HE LEIDO: La Senda del Escudo, de Marshall Ryan Maresca
QUE ME ESPERABA: Caballeros y muchos God Wills It
QUE HE OBTENIDO: El Capitán América teniendo que salvar al Congreso de los Diputados.
Nota: Estoy metiendo este libro en "middle ages politics", pero este posiblemente sea el libro cuya política más se asemeja a la nuestra. Quiero decir, hemos asistido a una sesión parlamentaria de dos horas donde lo único en lo que coincidieron los parlamentarios era que no estaban de acuerdo en nada xD Me lo he pasado bien, pero madre mía, los enredos entre partidos políticos se hacen muy difíciles de tragar.
QUE ME ESPERABA: Caballeros y muchos God Wills It
QUE HE OBTENIDO: El Capitán América teniendo que salvar al Congreso de los Diputados.
Nota: Estoy metiendo este libro en "middle ages politics", pero este posiblemente sea el libro cuya política más se asemeja a la nuestra. Quiero decir, hemos asistido a una sesión parlamentaria de dos horas donde lo único en lo que coincidieron los parlamentarios era que no estaban de acuerdo en nada xD Me lo he pasado bien, pero madre mía, los enredos entre partidos políticos se hacen muy difíciles de tragar.
March 18, 2019
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
The Way of the Shield is the first installment in author Marshal Ryan Maresca's Maradaine Elite series. The fourth series of the Maradaine universe tells the story of Dayne Heldrin, an elite warrior and protector of the city of Maradaine. This is a series set to the back drop of high fantasy, which means lots of characters, political machinations, with the introduction of the grand ten, as well as plenty of action, magic and adventure.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
The Way of the Shield is the first installment in author Marshal Ryan Maresca's Maradaine Elite series. The fourth series of the Maradaine universe tells the story of Dayne Heldrin, an elite warrior and protector of the city of Maradaine. This is a series set to the back drop of high fantasy, which means lots of characters, political machinations, with the introduction of the grand ten, as well as plenty of action, magic and adventure.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
October 22, 2018
*copy from the publisher in exchange for a review*
The Way of the Shield is the start of a new fantasy series from Marshall Ryan Maresca. It shares a setting with his other series – the sprawling metropolis of Maradaine, populated by mages, vigilantes, police investigators, criminals, cults, politicians – and now, knights.
The centre of the narrative is Dayne. Dayne is a member of the Tarian order, a group of heavily armed individuals with a code. There used to be more of these orders, but they’ve been slowly subsumed into the army and other government initiatives over the years, and now only the Tarians and one of the others are left. Dayne is an exemplar of Tarian values – keen to help those who can’t help themselves, and to protect lives. He has a degree of guilt for his inability to stop the deaths of those tht he’s protected in the past – but the Tarians demand he gets up in the morning, picks up his shield, and goes on to see what’s text.
Dayne is almost worryingly wholesome. He’s perpetually self-deprecating and self-punishing, at the same time as he lvies up to all the higher ideals of his order. A nice guy, but stern – a paladin in the making. Fortunately, perhaps, he’s backed up by a posse of other characters with their own flaws, I particularly enjoyed his friendship with a group of newspaper-folk, which provided the opportunity for exposition, some charmingly sharp witty banter, and a chance to explore the subtext of the role of the press in a less-than-free society.
Because that’s what Maradaine is, to be sure. It’s a metropolis, a city whose economy is thriving, whose people are surging through the streets. But it’s a city whose body politic is moribund. There’s a king who seems absent, and a parliament populated by the rich, the venal, the power hungry, or some combination of all three. Parliament represents the people, as long as the people are people like themselves – and that leaves those outside their circle fuming and aware of the injustice. If you can vote, but your vote will bring in one of two identical candidates – then where’s the choice? The Maradaine electorate is on the boil; the air of the city thick with tension.
Into thishotpot of havoc slides a conspiracy – I won’t get into details here, but they plan to change Maradaine’s politics, they would claim for the better. If the detailed, in-depth world-building is one of this book’s strengths, another is its antagonists; their goals are, if not laudable, at least understandable in a world of realpolitik. If their means are unpleasant, involving riots, deaths, assassinations, they’re backed by the pragmatic service of an achievable goal. These are not villains in their own minds, and we get some exposure to their point of view.
In another book, they might even serve as the heroes; here though, they are reflected in Dayne’s moral certitude, and found wanting. That said, Dayne’s not on his own; he’s backed by a Tarian trainee, and her attitude can mostly be described a stubborn and fierce. In between debates with the press-gang, seeing her work with Dayne is a joy. The fights are gloriously choreographed and kinetically hefty; you’ll taste the iron in the back of your throat, and slip on the blood on the floor from the drawn blades.
This is an adventure story. Dayne throws himself into righting wrongs, almost by accident. If he carries his own guilt, that just makes him more genuine. Despite his competence, his relative youth seems to leave him emotionally vulnerable in a city filled with movers and shakers with less moral rectitude and more emotional armour. But Dayne does right wrongs, and does so with a force of personality which you can feel pervading every word on the page. This is a story of heroes. Dayne, for sure, the moral beacon. But his friends bear him up, and keep hom facing in the right direction. His trainee – well, she’s amazing. Stubborn, forceful, confident in her own capability, refusing to take any crap from anyone. If Dayne is the centre, the spine of the story, she and his other friends are the muscles.
It's a poitical story, one which both demands and rewards your attention. It’s a personal story, dealing with pain, loss, heartbreak and forgiveness. It’s a story about morality, about sacrifice, about what people want from life. It’s a fun story – there’s quips, swordfights, chases through the streets. It’s a compelling, convincing work of fantasy, and a worthy addition to the rich tapestry that is the works of Maradaine. Pick it up, give it a try – you won’t be disappointed.
The Way of the Shield is the start of a new fantasy series from Marshall Ryan Maresca. It shares a setting with his other series – the sprawling metropolis of Maradaine, populated by mages, vigilantes, police investigators, criminals, cults, politicians – and now, knights.
The centre of the narrative is Dayne. Dayne is a member of the Tarian order, a group of heavily armed individuals with a code. There used to be more of these orders, but they’ve been slowly subsumed into the army and other government initiatives over the years, and now only the Tarians and one of the others are left. Dayne is an exemplar of Tarian values – keen to help those who can’t help themselves, and to protect lives. He has a degree of guilt for his inability to stop the deaths of those tht he’s protected in the past – but the Tarians demand he gets up in the morning, picks up his shield, and goes on to see what’s text.
Dayne is almost worryingly wholesome. He’s perpetually self-deprecating and self-punishing, at the same time as he lvies up to all the higher ideals of his order. A nice guy, but stern – a paladin in the making. Fortunately, perhaps, he’s backed up by a posse of other characters with their own flaws, I particularly enjoyed his friendship with a group of newspaper-folk, which provided the opportunity for exposition, some charmingly sharp witty banter, and a chance to explore the subtext of the role of the press in a less-than-free society.
Because that’s what Maradaine is, to be sure. It’s a metropolis, a city whose economy is thriving, whose people are surging through the streets. But it’s a city whose body politic is moribund. There’s a king who seems absent, and a parliament populated by the rich, the venal, the power hungry, or some combination of all three. Parliament represents the people, as long as the people are people like themselves – and that leaves those outside their circle fuming and aware of the injustice. If you can vote, but your vote will bring in one of two identical candidates – then where’s the choice? The Maradaine electorate is on the boil; the air of the city thick with tension.
Into thishotpot of havoc slides a conspiracy – I won’t get into details here, but they plan to change Maradaine’s politics, they would claim for the better. If the detailed, in-depth world-building is one of this book’s strengths, another is its antagonists; their goals are, if not laudable, at least understandable in a world of realpolitik. If their means are unpleasant, involving riots, deaths, assassinations, they’re backed by the pragmatic service of an achievable goal. These are not villains in their own minds, and we get some exposure to their point of view.
In another book, they might even serve as the heroes; here though, they are reflected in Dayne’s moral certitude, and found wanting. That said, Dayne’s not on his own; he’s backed by a Tarian trainee, and her attitude can mostly be described a stubborn and fierce. In between debates with the press-gang, seeing her work with Dayne is a joy. The fights are gloriously choreographed and kinetically hefty; you’ll taste the iron in the back of your throat, and slip on the blood on the floor from the drawn blades.
This is an adventure story. Dayne throws himself into righting wrongs, almost by accident. If he carries his own guilt, that just makes him more genuine. Despite his competence, his relative youth seems to leave him emotionally vulnerable in a city filled with movers and shakers with less moral rectitude and more emotional armour. But Dayne does right wrongs, and does so with a force of personality which you can feel pervading every word on the page. This is a story of heroes. Dayne, for sure, the moral beacon. But his friends bear him up, and keep hom facing in the right direction. His trainee – well, she’s amazing. Stubborn, forceful, confident in her own capability, refusing to take any crap from anyone. If Dayne is the centre, the spine of the story, she and his other friends are the muscles.
It's a poitical story, one which both demands and rewards your attention. It’s a personal story, dealing with pain, loss, heartbreak and forgiveness. It’s a story about morality, about sacrifice, about what people want from life. It’s a fun story – there’s quips, swordfights, chases through the streets. It’s a compelling, convincing work of fantasy, and a worthy addition to the rich tapestry that is the works of Maradaine. Pick it up, give it a try – you won’t be disappointed.
October 10, 2018
The blazes, Mr Maresca? This story almost didn't make it to 4 stars in my estimation!!!!
For almost 70% of the narrative, we have a main character who is a seemingly insipid mix of Dudley-do-Right and Done-it-Duncan, parked in the middle of a somewhat confusing and almost boring explanation of the Maradaine political system (which is actually rather complex, as it turns out). I had to put the story aside for a bit and read something else, just to give myself a break.
However, my faith in this AMAZING writer's capabilities won through, and when I picked the book up again (with a heavy sigh, I might add), the story COMPLETELY turned on its head and produced political shenanigans worthy of Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy.
Wow, I did NOT expect that oh-so-nasty twist in this tale!!!!!!
For almost 70% of the narrative, we have a main character who is a seemingly insipid mix of Dudley-do-Right and Done-it-Duncan, parked in the middle of a somewhat confusing and almost boring explanation of the Maradaine political system (which is actually rather complex, as it turns out). I had to put the story aside for a bit and read something else, just to give myself a break.
However, my faith in this AMAZING writer's capabilities won through, and when I picked the book up again (with a heavy sigh, I might add), the story COMPLETELY turned on its head and produced political shenanigans worthy of Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy.
Wow, I did NOT expect that oh-so-nasty twist in this tale!!!!!!
December 31, 2019
For some reason, Maresca's fourth Maradaine series, The Maradaine Elite, seems to be getting the least attention, which is a damned shame, because Dayne Heldrin is such a unique character, the kind we don't see enough of in fantasy.
We always see the Big Hulking Strong Guy With A Sword, sure, and Dayne IS that, but he's also a pacifist warrior. He has a sword, but he also has a shield, and thats the thing that really matters to him. It's not just a defense weapon, it's a philosophy. Dayne will fight, but he always fights to protect, to save lives. That's why he's a Candidate of the Tarian Order
And he failed to do that once. His teacher died, a young noble boy was injured, and because of that, Dayne made powerful enemies and won't advance beyond Candidate. He comes to Maradaine and falls right into a plot against the Parliament, and immediately does everything he can to stop it, even if it means disobeying orders and getting into more trouble with the Order.
Along the way, he becomes close friends with Jerinne Fendall, an Initiate in the Order who feels she is destined to fail, and with Dayne she see someone who she can really look up to. But she's also fabulous in her own right, getting drawn into the same events and having to learn how to stand and what matters to her. Plus she seems to be Maresca's first explicitly gay main character. She gets flirty with a few female characters and clearly has a crush on one of her fellow initiates, but she doesn't go further than that here.
On top of that, there's a lot here with the antagonists and other conspirators, showing us their point of view, and Maresca does a really interesting job with showing characters who, in a slightly different narrative, might have been the heroes. Very good!
We always see the Big Hulking Strong Guy With A Sword, sure, and Dayne IS that, but he's also a pacifist warrior. He has a sword, but he also has a shield, and thats the thing that really matters to him. It's not just a defense weapon, it's a philosophy. Dayne will fight, but he always fights to protect, to save lives. That's why he's a Candidate of the Tarian Order
And he failed to do that once. His teacher died, a young noble boy was injured, and because of that, Dayne made powerful enemies and won't advance beyond Candidate. He comes to Maradaine and falls right into a plot against the Parliament, and immediately does everything he can to stop it, even if it means disobeying orders and getting into more trouble with the Order.
Along the way, he becomes close friends with Jerinne Fendall, an Initiate in the Order who feels she is destined to fail, and with Dayne she see someone who she can really look up to. But she's also fabulous in her own right, getting drawn into the same events and having to learn how to stand and what matters to her. Plus she seems to be Maresca's first explicitly gay main character. She gets flirty with a few female characters and clearly has a crush on one of her fellow initiates, but she doesn't go further than that here.
On top of that, there's a lot here with the antagonists and other conspirators, showing us their point of view, and Maresca does a really interesting job with showing characters who, in a slightly different narrative, might have been the heroes. Very good!
March 10, 2019
A great addition to the Maradaine world, this book is also pretty satisfying on its own. Maresca has invented a complex political bureaucracy for his characters to get stuck in and/or run up against. In the case of this book's particular (and new) main character, Dayne, a sort of Knight-in-Training who is so morally upright as to be a pillar, the bureaucracy becomes such an obstacle that it's like a character in itself. The crux of the matter is basically how Dayne and co. handle it, versus how the ostensible Bad Guys handle it, and how easy it can be to manipulate people. Especially when they feel they've been wronged by a political system. Parallels to real life, anyone?
Maresca's plotting here is deft, though sometimes a little repetitive, and his writing defter than in the last Maradaine book I read (with this many books in four years and counting, he's been honing his craft). Assuming you don't dislike political thrillers, whether you like this book/subseries as much as the others in the Maradaine world will depend on how much you like this set of characters. Dayne himself can be a little too do-good, and not very complicated, but this book also gives us Jerinne -- Yay, Jerinne!! She is a younger initiate in Dayne's knightly order, and she is awesome. I think she's the first outright LGBTQ character in the Madaraine world too, though I can't really tell if she's "out" because these books have been SO straight up to now, and it's never been stated whether homosexuality is legal in Maradaine. (Speaking of textual unclarity, I find it a little weird that in this world, women can't vote but can be knights, and constables and such, but hey, slow progress is still progress... like in real life...)
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
Maresca's plotting here is deft, though sometimes a little repetitive, and his writing defter than in the last Maradaine book I read (with this many books in four years and counting, he's been honing his craft). Assuming you don't dislike political thrillers, whether you like this book/subseries as much as the others in the Maradaine world will depend on how much you like this set of characters. Dayne himself can be a little too do-good, and not very complicated, but this book also gives us Jerinne -- Yay, Jerinne!! She is a younger initiate in Dayne's knightly order, and she is awesome. I think she's the first outright LGBTQ character in the Madaraine world too, though I can't really tell if she's "out" because these books have been SO straight up to now, and it's never been stated whether homosexuality is legal in Maradaine. (Speaking of textual unclarity, I find it a little weird that in this world, women can't vote but can be knights, and constables and such, but hey, slow progress is still progress... like in real life...)
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
October 12, 2018
I’ve greatly enjoyed all of the other Maradaine series that Mr Mareska has written and had been waiting for his new one to drop with baited breath.
I was not disappointed. While the bulk of the book is broken in to finding a place for an order of paladins in a more urban and sophisticated society, the remainder focuses on the conspiracy to do away with Druth’s nascent democracy and return to the good old days where the nobility could do whatever it wanted. And we’ve seen some early pieces of this conspiracy scattered around the earlier books, right? Or am
I just seeing connections where there aren’t any?
Some of it is a bit subtly hidden, but I feel like this is a book that will benefit from a couple reads before you really feel like you’ve seen all the pieces moving. That’s a bit of a downer for some, but it gives me something to do while I’m waiting for the next book.
It’s a good start for the Maradaine Elite series. I look forward to more books in this series.
I was not disappointed. While the bulk of the book is broken in to finding a place for an order of paladins in a more urban and sophisticated society, the remainder focuses on the conspiracy to do away with Druth’s nascent democracy and return to the good old days where the nobility could do whatever it wanted. And we’ve seen some early pieces of this conspiracy scattered around the earlier books, right? Or am
I just seeing connections where there aren’t any?
Some of it is a bit subtly hidden, but I feel like this is a book that will benefit from a couple reads before you really feel like you’ve seen all the pieces moving. That’s a bit of a downer for some, but it gives me something to do while I’m waiting for the next book.
It’s a good start for the Maradaine Elite series. I look forward to more books in this series.
October 4, 2018
Maresca continues to produce intricate fantasy. This latest book in Maradaine is the first of a new series and was quite good. We've had a view of Maradaine from the following viewpoints: student/magician's, policeman's perspective and thief. Now we get the military perspective-or maybe the Templar perspective as I think that's the closest analogy we have.
As usual, great characterization and lots of surprising reveals and plot twists. I keep thinking I need to go back and read them all in order because I'm sure I'm missing clues to the overarching plot that is clearly woven between all of these books.
Recommended!
As usual, great characterization and lots of surprising reveals and plot twists. I keep thinking I need to go back and read them all in order because I'm sure I'm missing clues to the overarching plot that is clearly woven between all of these books.
Recommended!
October 8, 2018
Intrigue
Storyline had a judicious taste of current events which actually made the plot believable. But I have reservations - I like the make up of Dayne (MC) but do not think I like him. He is a Paladin...almost to a fault.
Storyline had a judicious taste of current events which actually made the plot believable. But I have reservations - I like the make up of Dayne (MC) but do not think I like him. He is a Paladin...almost to a fault.
June 30, 2019
these books just keep getting better as they go along.
January 9, 2026
Way of the Shield reads like a confident recalibration of the Maradaine Saga (Book 4 overall, yet a clean and welcoming entry point for the Elite arc). The pacing is brisk but never rushed, the prose refreshingly clean, and the plot pleasingly circuitous, trusting the reader to keep up as threads of duty, politics, and violence braided together. Maresca’s control is evident in how effortlessly revelations arrive: you dont see all of the twists coming all the time, and that's what makes this so enjoyable.
What truly elevates the novel is its sense of civic life and culture. Maradaine feels fully inhabited here, its sociopolitical tensions shaping every clash and conversation. The characters are competent, principled, and deeply likable, while the action is sharp and purposeful with, what I feel are nods to some very specific heroes in popculture... (That scene with the chains got me!)
There’s a palpable affection for fantasy here. And homages to archetypes that I feel like we have lost somewhere in the inundation of AI-Slop and poorly written pieces. The end result is yours truly, finding himself reaching for the sequel in equal parts comfort and excitement.
Here is Maresca announcing just how much more this world can hold....and we are only a third in to the first act.
You can bet this book is getting 5 out for 5 stars.
What truly elevates the novel is its sense of civic life and culture. Maradaine feels fully inhabited here, its sociopolitical tensions shaping every clash and conversation. The characters are competent, principled, and deeply likable, while the action is sharp and purposeful with, what I feel are nods to some very specific heroes in popculture... (That scene with the chains got me!)
There’s a palpable affection for fantasy here. And homages to archetypes that I feel like we have lost somewhere in the inundation of AI-Slop and poorly written pieces. The end result is yours truly, finding himself reaching for the sequel in equal parts comfort and excitement.
Here is Maresca announcing just how much more this world can hold....and we are only a third in to the first act.
You can bet this book is getting 5 out for 5 stars.
September 7, 2025
It was ok. I guess I am not overly satisfied or impressed. The story was adequate and it passed the time, and in the end I do not regret reading the story. I just do not think it wins much accolade. It is fine, and that is just about it.
January 2, 2020
The latest series by Maresca goes in a very different direction than the others so far. The first 3 series are definitely taking a "street level" view of things and working the dirty end of the field. This one has some touches of that, but the tone and style are different here, mostly because the primary POV is from Dayne who is basically an example of a D&D paladin.
Dayne is a different kind of idealist than say, The Thorn. He's more high-minded and dedicating himself not just to his order but the deeper principles that the Tarian Order is founded on. He's incredibly hard on himself, even though he's a better person than almost any of us and his heart is almost certainly in the right place. He's also a historian, which gives him a good excuse to play Basil Exposition at need and hand out plenty of detail on the Maradaine political structure and things like the Tarian Order.
Having never seen the Tarians before, I'm definitely intrigued. I'm a little less enthusiastic of the political dancing with the Parliament and it's obvious parallels to the current US legislative structure/challenges. That's a bit more heavy-handed, or least it read that way to me. (it's certainly possible Maresca isn't doing a parable on the US gridlock in DC, but I suspect most people would have a similar takeaway)
Dayne's generally saintliness can be a bit tiresome at times: in addition to being a paragon of virtue, he's also a man of tremendous physical gifts, martial skill, and learning as well. He's excruciatingly polite and decent and it can be a bit much. The contrast with the much more cynical Jerinne, the Initiate he ends up mentoring helps leaven it out a bit and keeps him from getting too obnoxious...but just barely. And his semi-friendly rivalry with his ex-lover and classmate Amaya (who has been promoted above him) adds a little edge that's needed too.
The story revolves around a plot against the Parliament and possibly the throne, where a rag-tag group of revolutionaries are being manipulated by a powerful group with a deeper design of their own into causing greater unrest, and it's pretty good, in part because it shows them fail badly at times. It's partly because they're being manipulated, but partly because they have the arrogance of the fanatic, certainly that "the people" will rally behind them immediately and be as outraged as they are. It's harder than that to build a real movement, and that's good recognition.
There's a couple of twists in this towards the end, one of which I think is telegraphed a little too much to have all that much impact, another of which lands better. There's some excellent setup for the next book, which I think boosts it up above 3 stars, but 3.5 is probably the better ranking. But I like these books so I'd rather land it on 4 than 3. :)
Dayne is a different kind of idealist than say, The Thorn. He's more high-minded and dedicating himself not just to his order but the deeper principles that the Tarian Order is founded on. He's incredibly hard on himself, even though he's a better person than almost any of us and his heart is almost certainly in the right place. He's also a historian, which gives him a good excuse to play Basil Exposition at need and hand out plenty of detail on the Maradaine political structure and things like the Tarian Order.
Having never seen the Tarians before, I'm definitely intrigued. I'm a little less enthusiastic of the political dancing with the Parliament and it's obvious parallels to the current US legislative structure/challenges. That's a bit more heavy-handed, or least it read that way to me. (it's certainly possible Maresca isn't doing a parable on the US gridlock in DC, but I suspect most people would have a similar takeaway)
Dayne's generally saintliness can be a bit tiresome at times: in addition to being a paragon of virtue, he's also a man of tremendous physical gifts, martial skill, and learning as well. He's excruciatingly polite and decent and it can be a bit much. The contrast with the much more cynical Jerinne, the Initiate he ends up mentoring helps leaven it out a bit and keeps him from getting too obnoxious...but just barely. And his semi-friendly rivalry with his ex-lover and classmate Amaya (who has been promoted above him) adds a little edge that's needed too.
The story revolves around a plot against the Parliament and possibly the throne, where a rag-tag group of revolutionaries are being manipulated by a powerful group with a deeper design of their own into causing greater unrest, and it's pretty good, in part because it shows them fail badly at times. It's partly because they're being manipulated, but partly because they have the arrogance of the fanatic, certainly that "the people" will rally behind them immediately and be as outraged as they are. It's harder than that to build a real movement, and that's good recognition.
There's a couple of twists in this towards the end, one of which I think is telegraphed a little too much to have all that much impact, another of which lands better. There's some excellent setup for the next book, which I think boosts it up above 3 stars, but 3.5 is probably the better ranking. But I like these books so I'd rather land it on 4 than 3. :)
October 9, 2018
The Way of the Shield is the first book in the final series from Marshall Ryan Maresca.. We've been previously introduced to a vigilante college student, some exceptional if odd constabulary folks, and a crew of misfits from Holver Alley. This book introduces us to the more powerful among the Druthal nation - we meet the Parliament and the various orders of protection for the nation. I enjoyed the Maradain Series, really enjoyed the Maradaine Constabulary series, and loved the Streets of Maradaine. I wanted to enjoy the Maradaine Elite, but it just didn't hold the same appeal.
The Way of the Shield is action packed and full of intrigue and interesting characters, but we don't really get much development of the characters. There is a lot of potential here, but I felt like character development was sacrificed in order to bring the big overarching plot of intrigue. There are even interludes within the book that switch the point of view of events to those ultimately planning to orchestrate a large-scale coup. I realize all of the other books and series were hinting at this, but they did so without rushing.
The main character, Dayne, has the affections of two women. But this never seems to come into play for him (though it does for the women - which is frustrating). We don't really know Dayne. I found myself wanting more of the newspapermen than those of the Tarian Order most involved in the book.
This book is clearly laying more threads to pull everything together, but I think it did so sacrificing an individual story that made all the other series and books so enjoyable. That said, I will keep reading because I am dying to see how it all comes together (particularly the crash between the Holver Alley boys and Satrine and the potential importance of Satrine and her daughter).
The Way of the Shield is action packed and full of intrigue and interesting characters, but we don't really get much development of the characters. There is a lot of potential here, but I felt like character development was sacrificed in order to bring the big overarching plot of intrigue. There are even interludes within the book that switch the point of view of events to those ultimately planning to orchestrate a large-scale coup. I realize all of the other books and series were hinting at this, but they did so without rushing.
The main character, Dayne, has the affections of two women. But this never seems to come into play for him (though it does for the women - which is frustrating). We don't really know Dayne. I found myself wanting more of the newspapermen than those of the Tarian Order most involved in the book.
This book is clearly laying more threads to pull everything together, but I think it did so sacrificing an individual story that made all the other series and books so enjoyable. That said, I will keep reading because I am dying to see how it all comes together (particularly the crash between the Holver Alley boys and Satrine and the potential importance of Satrine and her daughter).
Read
January 30, 2019Interview now up with Marshall Ryan Maresca: https://bit.ly/2MFp5yg
Dayne has the highest respect for the order he’s joined, the Tarians. The Tarian warriors adhere to a chivalrous code of honor, though they live in a time period vaguely suggestive of post-Renaissance Europe during the Age of Discovery. When Dayne, a Candidate, returns to the order’s home in the city of Maradaine, he finds events of the past year prevent him from advancing to the level of Adept. Despite Dayne’s best effort, the boy he was to rescue from a criminal’s trap died when Dayne failed to protect him. Now the boy’s relatives are determined to block his ascent in the Tarian order, which means that Dayne will not be allowed to stay for good.
Though Dayne is saddened about his pending departure, he still takes the way of the shield and sword seriously. The shield, which appears in the title of the book, symbolizes protection, while the sword should only be drawn as a last resort. Dayne believes that protecting lives doesn’t mean taking other lives, though he is always willing to sacrifice himself, if needed.
His ideals will be challenged as he is drawn into events orchestrated by a conspiracy featuring ten masked men and women, most of them highly placed. What appears at first to be a movement to give more power to the commoners is actually a secret conspiracy to replace the King and achieve new alliances in the Parliament to further the aims of the Traditionalist Party, the political arm of the nobility. The plot is set into motion through pawns that are unaware of the true goal.
As Dayne rushes forth, despite the Tarian Grandmaster’s injunction, to save the day, he’s helped by another Candidate, Jerinne, as well as the daughter of his lordly sponsor, the Lady Mirianne, and an assortment of politically-radicalized writers.
Dayne has the highest respect for the order he’s joined, the Tarians. The Tarian warriors adhere to a chivalrous code of honor, though they live in a time period vaguely suggestive of post-Renaissance Europe during the Age of Discovery. When Dayne, a Candidate, returns to the order’s home in the city of Maradaine, he finds events of the past year prevent him from advancing to the level of Adept. Despite Dayne’s best effort, the boy he was to rescue from a criminal’s trap died when Dayne failed to protect him. Now the boy’s relatives are determined to block his ascent in the Tarian order, which means that Dayne will not be allowed to stay for good.
Though Dayne is saddened about his pending departure, he still takes the way of the shield and sword seriously. The shield, which appears in the title of the book, symbolizes protection, while the sword should only be drawn as a last resort. Dayne believes that protecting lives doesn’t mean taking other lives, though he is always willing to sacrifice himself, if needed.
His ideals will be challenged as he is drawn into events orchestrated by a conspiracy featuring ten masked men and women, most of them highly placed. What appears at first to be a movement to give more power to the commoners is actually a secret conspiracy to replace the King and achieve new alliances in the Parliament to further the aims of the Traditionalist Party, the political arm of the nobility. The plot is set into motion through pawns that are unaware of the true goal.
As Dayne rushes forth, despite the Tarian Grandmaster’s injunction, to save the day, he’s helped by another Candidate, Jerinne, as well as the daughter of his lordly sponsor, the Lady Mirianne, and an assortment of politically-radicalized writers.
October 23, 2020
This is a very satisfying novel in the Maradaine series. Like all the books (so far, anyway) in the series, it has interesting, round characters, a well imagined setting, an engaging plot, and lots of good action.
My favorite thing in books--which I've said elsewhere--is seeing awesome characters be awesome. Other people may like novels where the main character is a sad sack getting kicked around for the first 100,000 words, making everybody miserable, but I don't. I like to see the good guys using their gifts to do amazing things, which is how this novel works. That doesn't mean anything's easy here; Dayne's got real troubles, and things aren't going right for him. But he's an upstanding guy who uses his exceptional skill to protect and save those around him, and it's great fun to cheer for him and his allies.
With lots of action and sympathetic characters, this is a quick, fun read. Part of a group of interconnected series, the novel has a longer story arc that is not resolved here, but the central plot of this one has a satisfying ending with a hint toward future developments. That works for me.
Keeping it real, I only have one criticism. (A matter of personal preference.) I don't care for spending much time in the POV of the bad guys. I don't like them; I don't want to hang out with them. I know that's necessary to some degree, but it was the only thing that I didn't enjoy here. A little of that goes a long way.
Overall, though, it was a lot of fun, a pleasure to sit down with for half an hour here and there, and I'm encouraged to get the rest of the novels. Recommended.
My favorite thing in books--which I've said elsewhere--is seeing awesome characters be awesome. Other people may like novels where the main character is a sad sack getting kicked around for the first 100,000 words, making everybody miserable, but I don't. I like to see the good guys using their gifts to do amazing things, which is how this novel works. That doesn't mean anything's easy here; Dayne's got real troubles, and things aren't going right for him. But he's an upstanding guy who uses his exceptional skill to protect and save those around him, and it's great fun to cheer for him and his allies.
With lots of action and sympathetic characters, this is a quick, fun read. Part of a group of interconnected series, the novel has a longer story arc that is not resolved here, but the central plot of this one has a satisfying ending with a hint toward future developments. That works for me.
Keeping it real, I only have one criticism. (A matter of personal preference.) I don't care for spending much time in the POV of the bad guys. I don't like them; I don't want to hang out with them. I know that's necessary to some degree, but it was the only thing that I didn't enjoy here. A little of that goes a long way.
Overall, though, it was a lot of fun, a pleasure to sit down with for half an hour here and there, and I'm encouraged to get the rest of the novels. Recommended.
July 23, 2020
This series digs a bit more into the world, as there's a fair amount of politics here. Bits of how Maradaine and Druth function have been there in the background of other books, but the Parliament and various dissatisfied groups are much more front and center here. So we get a better look at the worldbuilding.
(And one thing that I'm finding increasingly baffling in it is the inconsistent sexism. Women are - and as far as I can tell, have historically been - members of the elite orders, yet somehow the military and the constabulary either bar or limit women, and women don't have the right to vote. But they can be in the highly trained (if less regarded now) elite, in the Marshalls (at least as mages), are accepted in the universities, and seem to have equal odds of having magic ability. How did this on again off again sexism develop? It feels a bit too much like our world's sexism projected into a world that wouldn't necessarily have had the same views, but only where it's useful plot-wise. Like being another hurdle for Satrine in the constabulary books.)
That minor quibble - and the fact that the country seems to mostly be running on inertia (perhaps because no big decisions are necessary at present?) - aside, the series continues to be flawed, but fun. And very readable.
(And one thing that I'm finding increasingly baffling in it is the inconsistent sexism. Women are - and as far as I can tell, have historically been - members of the elite orders, yet somehow the military and the constabulary either bar or limit women, and women don't have the right to vote. But they can be in the highly trained (if less regarded now) elite, in the Marshalls (at least as mages), are accepted in the universities, and seem to have equal odds of having magic ability. How did this on again off again sexism develop? It feels a bit too much like our world's sexism projected into a world that wouldn't necessarily have had the same views, but only where it's useful plot-wise. Like being another hurdle for Satrine in the constabulary books.)
That minor quibble - and the fact that the country seems to mostly be running on inertia (perhaps because no big decisions are necessary at present?) - aside, the series continues to be flawed, but fun. And very readable.
May 13, 2019
Another one with four stars. Maresca is a masterful storyteller. His world in this book is well thought out and inventive. However remember that even though this is the first in a series it is part of a larger tale involving the city of Maradiane. Something very large is afoot there, we still aren't sure about.
This book introduces two new characters who will have a part to play. Maresca does a good job with the plot, characters and story here. He does a good job with the actions scenes gets into his character's psychic deeply and his descriptions are well done. He comes up with new events and combines certain characters from the other two series concerning Maradiane. All are worthy reads.
I fully recommend the whole series of novels. But read "Thorne of Dentonhill" first even though it is possible to read it after this one and still get the gist.
This book introduces two new characters who will have a part to play. Maresca does a good job with the plot, characters and story here. He does a good job with the actions scenes gets into his character's psychic deeply and his descriptions are well done. He comes up with new events and combines certain characters from the other two series concerning Maradiane. All are worthy reads.
I fully recommend the whole series of novels. But read "Thorne of Dentonhill" first even though it is possible to read it after this one and still get the gist.
January 9, 2019
Dayne Heldrin believed in The Way of the Shield (paper from DAW) and the Tarian Order. He wanted to protect people with his sword and shield and mostly save lives. But Parliament decides who will advance. He and his mentor had been sent to rescue a kidnaped noble child. Alas the child was hurt and his mentor killed. Returning to Maradaine, the city in which all Marshall Ryan Maresca fun tales are set, the master of the order informs him that he will never advance to adept. Then a group of wannabe revolutionaries decide to try to kill members of Parliament, and he and Jerinne, one of the initiates become involved in trying to stop the plotters, whose real leaders are very high in status. Lots of fun and very enjoyable. Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press
July 19, 2020
Looks cheesy, but actually a super interesting read! The storyline and themes in this book are pretty hard to find in fantasy, surprisingly, so kudos to the author on that. Could use an editor for a couple of grammatical errors, and perhaps a table of characters with brief descriptions; with the amount of characters in this book just popping in and out, even I had trouble keeping them all straight.
That being said, I’ve ordered the next book in the series, and am excitedly awaiting its arrival!
That being said, I’ve ordered the next book in the series, and am excitedly awaiting its arrival!
November 16, 2021
Of the 4 story lines coming together, this has been my least favorite. I think because it has to do more with political intrigue and maneuvering and I'm not as big of a fan of that. BUT that said, I enjoy the characters and the way the different archduchies coming together can be analogous to different regions of a country trying to come together peacefully (mostly). Overall, am very interested to see how these story lines intersect and resolve.
May 25, 2024
WELL, I was not expecting the end of this one. Marshall just can't leave well enough alone can he!? No! And I like that.
I was struggling to think how Dayne, as a pacifist, would deal with the action thrown at him, but the clever planning and the amazing side characters allowed it to be pulled off.
I'm both looking forward to seeing Dayne again, but am also so worried for his poor little gentle pacifist heart. Oh dear Dayne, you have no idea do you?
Reread: July 2025.
I was struggling to think how Dayne, as a pacifist, would deal with the action thrown at him, but the clever planning and the amazing side characters allowed it to be pulled off.
I'm both looking forward to seeing Dayne again, but am also so worried for his poor little gentle pacifist heart. Oh dear Dayne, you have no idea do you?
Reread: July 2025.
April 25, 2019
I didn't think I'd like this book as much based on other reviews, but I liked it just as much as the other books!
The author writes characters that you'd like to have as friends and so you want to see what's next for them.
And I loved the twist in the end just as I thought things were winding up!
The author writes characters that you'd like to have as friends and so you want to see what's next for them.
And I loved the twist in the end just as I thought things were winding up!
November 6, 2018
This author’s books are just plain fun. Multiple interlocking series set in the same fantasy city from different perspectives.
They aren’t great classics of literature but I’ve had a good time reading all of them so far and I look forward to the next book.
They aren’t great classics of literature but I’ve had a good time reading all of them so far and I look forward to the next book.
March 10, 2019
Not as good as the others. We're given the names of most of the Grand Ten, but since almost every name is new, I feel like I should be writing them down to remember. Also, the Grand Ten seem like good guys in this book.
The Taurian stuff was pretty cool though.
The Taurian stuff was pretty cool though.
April 20, 2025
Dayne is just an exceptionally boring character. And while in theory people trying to resolve fantasy conspiracies is interesting, it's not when the people doing it are so boring (and the conspiracies so easy to see through).
November 29, 2018
I enjoyed it. But it was missing humor. And the big reveal at the end was a huge shock and really out of character for 2 characters, in my opinion.
December 26, 2018
Good book.
February 19, 2019
An excellent mix of political intrigue, conspiracy theories, and medieval court action that one expects from a sword and sorcery fantasy novel.
January 2, 2021
A really enjoyable adventure
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews