The Withered Boy - (Maradaine Saga: Story Shorts) by Marshall Ryan Maresca (Paperback)

About the Book

Dabugo should have died the day he was born, left on the beach to be taken by the waves. Instead he miraculously survived, is raised to face the destiny that he survived to fulfill.

Book Synopsis

Dabugo should have died the day he was born, left on the beach to be taken by the waves. Instead he miraculously survived, and his village decided his life must serve some greater purpose, and raised him out of obligation instead of love. As soon as they decided he was grown enough, he was cast out to survive on his own. With only a fugitive as a companion, Dabugo must face the harsh elements of his island, learn how to harness the power growing inside his twisted body, and face the destiny that he survived to fulfill.

Review Quotes

Praise for the Maradaine universe:

"Maresca's debut is smart, fast, and engaging fantasy crime in the mold of Brent Weeks and Harry Harrison. Just perfect." -Kat Richardson, national bestselling author of Revenant

"Veranix is Batman, if Batman were a teenager and magically talented.... Action, adventure, and magic in a school setting will appeal to those who love Harry Potter and Patrick Rothfuss' The Name of the Wind." ―Library Journal (starred)

"Marshall Ryan Maresca is some kind of mad genius.... Not since Terry Pratchett's Ankh Morpork have we enjoyed exploring every angle of an invented locale quite this much." -B&N Sci-fi & Fantasy Blog

"A well-conceived and well-written melange of popular fantasy sub-genres: there's a university with a magic department, there is some vigilante derring-do and thievery.... If you're looking for an action-and-adventure-filled new fantasy series, then The Thorn of Dentonhill will suit very well." -Civilian Reader

"The Thorn of Dentonhill is a light-hearted, fun read, and Maresca has introduced a hero with plenty of room to grow, a couple of villains who will provide plenty of conflict in upcoming books. And, most importantly, he's created a character that I care enough about to continue reading." -Relentless Reading

"Take the caped avenger of Batman, the teenage-superhero angst of Spiderman, the street-gang bravado of West Side Story, and toss in the magic of Harry Potter, and what have you got? Marshall Ryan Maresca's The Thorn of Dentonhill." -Kings River Life Magazine

"Maresca continues his expert expansion of his intricately-crafted world, introducing fascinating new locations and vibrant characters while serving up a high-energy, magic-laced plot. The Mystical Murders of Yin Mara is a clever, captivating adventure." - Cass Morris, Author of From Unseen Fire