The Thorn of Dentonhill

Vigilante justice meets magical mayhem in this lively fantasy series debut. Veranix Calbert leads a double life: by day he's a student of magic at the prestigious University of Maradaine, but at night, he becomes the Thorn, an avenger taking on dealers of the dangerous drug effitte%E2%80%94a drug that destroyed his family. When Veranix accidentally captures a sack full of magical artifacts bound for a shady group of powerful mages, he stirs up far more trouble than he ever expected. The story moves briskly, and Maresca's characters are well-rounded and believable. Maradaine is a fabulous city brimming with possibilities, with its streets filled with students and professors, street gangs, mages, merchants, and regular folk. Fans of tricky capers and intrigue will enjoy this colorful series opener. (Feb.)