The Thorn of Dentonhill

The Thorn of Dentonhill is a 2015 novel by Marshall Ryan Maresca, and is the first novel in the Maradaine series, as well as the overall Maradaine Sequence. It was nominated for the Compton Crook Award in 2016.

Description
Veranix Calbert leads a double life. By day, he’s a struggling magic student at the University of Maradaine. At night, he spoils the drug trade of Willem Fenmere, crime boss of Dentonhill and murderer of Veranix’s father. He’s determined to shut Fenmere down.

With that goal in mind, Veranix disrupts the delivery of two magical artifacts meant for Fenmere's clients, the mages of the Blue Hand Circle. Using these power-filled objects in his fight, he quickly becomes a real thorn in Fenmere's side.

So much so that soon not only Fenmere, but powerful mages, assassins, and street gangs all want a piece of “The Thorn.” And with professors and prefects on the verge of discovering his secrets, Veranix’s double life might just fall apart. Unless, of course, Fenmere puts an end to it first.

Plot Summary
Veranix Calbert, vigilante acrobat student mage, works to destroy Fenmere's effitte business and save the lives of addicts. He builds a network of friends and enemies in the process.

Veranix mistakenly steals a magical cloak and rope, intended for mages with illicit schemes, and these dramatically boost his abilities.

Kaiana and Alimen are ultimately victims in this secret war.

The book introduces readers to the world and city of Maradaine, particularly its Aventil and Dentonhill neighborhoods and the University of Maradaine. It explains the basics of the magic system of this world, at least as understood by the Druth magical establishment.

Characters
University of Maradaine Rose Street Princes Fenmere's Organization Blue Hand Circle Reverend Pemmick
 * Veranix Calbert
 * Delmin Sarren
 * Kaiana Nell
 * Professor Gollic Alimen
 * Colin Tyson
 * Hetzer
 * Tooser
 * Jutie
 * Willem Fenmere
 * Bell
 * Lord Sirath
 * Fenrich Kalas

Wells Harleydale, Circle of Light and Stone