Lady Henterman’s Wardrobe is second in the Streets of Maradaine series, and the first of Marasca’s many Maradaine books that I’ve read. This story follows Asti and Verci Rynax as their crew of thieves continue to look into those behind the Holver Alley fire that destroyed many homes. Though they’ve already taken care of those immediately responsible, with a nice monetary haul to boot, they know others are ultimately behind the fire. This tale opens with the crew attempting a break-in at offices in Pomoraine. Things go sideways quickly, and they barely escape, though not all were unscathed. They do get a few new leads, though- the Creston Group and the Andrendon Project, which lead to Lord and Lady Henterman.

I found Maresca’s writing style interesting. It didn’t mesh with me right off, but the opening sure hooked me. As the story went on, I really began to enjoy his style. I’m looking forward to reading other of the myriad Maradaine novels. Definitely going to check out the first Streets of Maradaine book, The Holver Alley Crew. I think I’m most interested in checking out the Maradaine Constabulary series next.

I found this a fast-paced adventure story, and an enjoyable, clever heist tale. Asti’s group and their elaborate heists so remind me of the Leverage crew! I enjoyed each of the characters, but I think my favourites were the two brothers, especially Verci. Asti gets him in so much trouble! Verci is very loyal to his brother, but seems he’d be happier just inventing things. I love reading stories where people in fantasy/etc settings are inventing things so common to us today, but brand-new to them. Another series I recently read like that is Michael J Sullivan’s Legends of the First Empire. I love Verci’s creating a wheeled chair to help him get around after he breaks his ankle.

Besides being an exciting adventure, it’s filled with emotional moments as well. I appreciated the strong themes of Loyalty and family, and the trouble with both standing by your loyalties, or when those loyalties are torn between people who want you to do two completely opposite things. Learning more about Asti and Verci’s pasts was neat, and there was enough subtle recap from the previous book that I didn’t feel I was missing too much from not having read it first.

I loved the cover to this book! That, and it’s title, are what drew me in. I’ve seen several reviews where people didn’t like the title, but I did. It’s similar to other fantasy books I’ve read with like titles that telegraphed to me exactly what sort of world I could expect, and I wasn’t disappointed.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Berkley/DAW for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.