The Imposters of Aventil

Maresca’s third Maradaine fantasy epic installment (after The Thorn of Dentonhill and The Alchemy of Chaos) brings together the vigilante called the Thorn and the steadfast officers of the Maradaine Constabulary. University of Maradaine magic student Veranix Calbert created the Thorn alter ego to get the dangerous drug effitte off the streets of his Dentonhill neighborhood, and his efforts have enjoyed success. But now a ruthless murderer is impersonating him, bringing the Maradaine Constabulary hot on his trail. With Aventil’s streets crowded by students visiting for the Grand Tournament of the High Colleges at the University, evidence of renewed effitte use on campus, and a price on his head, the Thorn will need to move fast to stay free and clear his name without revealing his true identity. As always, Maresca’s busy city of Maradaine and its multicultural denizens reveal his skill at creating lively, believable settings. Readers unfamiliar with the series will need to get up to speed with all the characters and subplots, but the effort is repaid by this fun, pulpy fantasy adventure. Agent: Mike Kabongo, OnyxHawke. (Oct.)