jbronderbookreviews

Lady Henterman’s Wardrobe (The Streets of Maradaine – 2) by Marshall Ryan Maresca

Mixing high fantasy and urban fantasy, the second novel of the Streets of Maradaine series follows the Rynax brothers’ crew of outlaws as they attempt their biggest heist yet and restore justice to the common people.

The neighborhood of North Seleth has suffered–and not just the Holver Alley Fire. Poverty and marginalization are forcing people out of the neighborhood, and violence on the streets is getting worse. Only the Rynax brothers–Asti and Verci–and their Holver Alley Crew are fighting for the common people. They’ve taken care of the people who actually burned down Holver Alley, but they’re still looking for the moneyed interests behind the fire.

The trail of breadcrumbs leads the crew to Lord Henterman, and they plan to infiltrate the noble’s house on the other side of the city. While the crew tries to penetrate the heart of the house, the worst elements of North Seleth seem to be uniting under a mysterious new leader. With the crew’s attention divided, Asti discovers that the secrets behind the fire, including ones from his past, might be found in Lady Henterman’s wardrobe.

Amazon     Barnes and Noble     Goodreads

Author’s Bio

Marshall Ryan Maresca grew up in upstate New York and studied film and video production at Penn State. He now lives Austin with his wife and son. His work appeared in Norton Anthology of Hint Fiction and Rick Klaw’s anthology Rayguns Over Texas. He also has had several short plays produced and has worked as a stage actor, a theatrical director and an amateur chef. His novels The Thorn of Dentonhill and A Murder of Mages each begin their own fantasy series, both set in the port city of Maradaine.

Website     Twitter

My Review

5 stars

Asti and Verci Rynax are still trying to find the person responsible for the Holver Alley fire. They have punished the culprits but there is more to this fire than those that set it. At the same time, someone is buying up all the burnt property. Who is it and why? And who is this new gang that think they can move into Holver Alley while the Rynax brothers are looking into the culprits for the fire?

I really enjoyed the Holver Alley Crew was a great story. I was very excited when I received a copy of Lady Henterman’s Wardrobe. Although I have to be honest, at first I thought it was a historical romance until I looked it up and realized it’s the sequel to Holver Alley Crew.

I loved coming back to the Rynax brothers. Both have their own issues, secrets and wanting to settle down, but both also are looking to protect their gang and homes. I really enjoyed how you have to be one your toes with everyone. It’s hard to figure out where someone is coming from, what they are planning, and if they are really good or bad or just trying to survive in their own ways.

This is a great sequel to Holver Alley Crew. I’m sad to see the sequel won’t be out for a couple years but I am going to keep my eyes out for it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank DAW, Berkley, Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and share this book.