The opening to my favorite fantasy series of all time begins with a city on fire. The Holver Alley Crew starts with a city on fire. This says absolutely nothing about the book, nor are there any comparisons to be made to The Color of Magic here, it is just an observation.
Maradaine is a city that has appeared in two series previous but The Holver Alley Crew is the start of its own series within the series; I had absolutely no previous experience with the author myself and this book felt like the start of something completely new.
Thrown right into the action we meet the Rynax brothers as they awaken to a fire threatening not just their homes and business but the entire neighborhood. When the smoke clears they come to the realization that all their previous plans are for naught. They are two old criminals who tried to go strait and now have nothing but debt to show for it. What is there to do? Go back to the old work of course.
Ultimately this is a buddy heist type of book complete with lovable misfit cast. The Rynax brothers are thieves with a heart of gold bronze tarnished tin. They may steal and kill but they have morals, damn it, rules on who is allowed to be killed passed on by their daddy. They are soon joined by a sharpshooter and the gentle giant, a plucky street kid with skills way beyond what a life of begging should allow, and finally Q from the James Bond films (a chemist with ALL the cool new toys). Together for a heist they learn together that they may have a larger purpose as it becomes clear the fire was deliberately set their plucky crew is the only one who can dole out appropriate justice!
Sadly, though fun, almost nothing was memorable enough to leave any kind of impression. If one is looking for a heist novel no matter what The Holver Alley Crew will suffice; it is entertaining in a way and absolutely has some highlight moments (the creative way a mage is taking out of the protection picture is genius). But it is a straight forward path with no real suspense or surprises. Nothing about the plans these brothers put together is particularly noteworthy, nor are any of the crew’s interactions. The banter is lacking, the emotional appeal is lacking, and the payoff is fairly unremarkable.
If fantasy literature got the respect it deserved this would be a novel found at the checkstand at the local grocery store. Not the novel that one would brag about reading to their friends but a novel one would have no problem grabbing before their next business trip for some easy reading. And in that capacity it absolutely works; it is almost certainly better than most the thriller of the month book options. Beyond that though there isn’t much to say; empty calories are ok sometimes but not what I am hoping for when grabbing a new treat.
3 Stars
Copy for review provided by publisher.
Darn, empty calories. I had high hopes for this one.
LikeLike
As is often the case many others liked it. But I am right of course.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the covers for these books and had high hopes for the series. Now I’m wondering if it is my kind of thing or not. Hmmm, really not sure about it one way or the other! I might pick it up if I find it free somewhere. Great review!
LikeLike
Mogsy is hosting a giveaway, I think it is still going over at Bibliosanctum.
LikeLike
This matches the vibes I’ve been getting from other reviews, though they usually rated it higher.
LikeLike
I think what surprises me is that I never heard about the over arching series when everyone else in the world has.
LikeLike
I haven’t heard of the series either. This book has just been reviewed a lot in the last month.
LikeLike
This book did catch my attention when it started appearing all over the ‘net, and I thought it would be a fun, interesting read. And “fun” does not necessarily mean that the book should be light on content… Now that I’ve read your comment about empty calories, my enthusiasm has cooled a little, although this could be the perfect book to read between heavier stories, much like a palate-clearing sherbet… 😀
LikeLike
MMMM, sherbet.
LikeLike
The character set sounds like they could really get up to some crazy stuff… pity it didn’t deliver on the banter nor emotional appeal. I think it’s most heartbreaking when there’s a whole lot of potential that isn’t being used… however, it seems the book wasn’t a complete writeoff 🙂
LikeLike
Not at all. Easy to read and finish. I just needed it to do something better; either up the comedy or the suspense.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know exactly the kind of novel you mean in your last paragraph. So far I think all the Maradaine novels have been like that, so on some level I might have had some inkling beforehand what to expect going into The Holver Alley Crew. For a popcorn book, it’s one of the better ones I’ve read though 🙂
LikeLike
I almost put a very specific author’s name in the review and back off. Wouldn’t have been nice. And I am ALWAYS nice.
LikeLike
I went into this review with hopes. I am okay with fun reads that do not always linger. Sometimes I just need something to pass the time 😉 But I have to admit, I need an element of surprise at some point. Something to up the ante. I may have to pass on this, but I am glad that it was not a total loss!
LikeLike
Obviously mileage may vary on what is scripted out as opposed to actually a surprise. But when I see where certain betrayal storylines are going then I know surprise isn’t in the picture for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah yes. It is often the same for me.
LikeLike
Brutal, haha. But I’m glad to know it. Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Brutal? I thought I was plenty nice. =) I have been much meaner, I actually semi-enjoyed it after all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh sorry, I’m not critiquing you! It’s a perfect review lol I had been looking forward to it, that’s what’s brutal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now I know not to fall behind on new releases just to devour this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m all for a straight up heist novel without bells and whistles, but I absolutely require top notch banter in all heist stories. Bummer…on to the next one!
LikeLike
Banter does seem to be a must in this style doesn’t it? I am trying to think of a more serious heist novel; I guess Death of the Necromancer by Martha Wells? That is the only one i am coming up with.
LikeLike
haha love how you put it about how this was “empty calories”! Sounds ok- shame it wasn’t too memorable!
LikeLike
I still may pick this one up but after reading your review, I’m not in a hurry. I’ve not read any of this author’s works though so maybe this isn’t the place to start.
LikeLike
If I’m having empty calories I’ll stick to wine! I had been keeping my eye on this series as a potential one to pick up once complete. I’ll keep an open mind on it for now but it’s a shame this one let you down a little.
Lynn 😀
LikeLike