The Withered Boy

Maradaine Saga Story #3

by Marshall Ryan Maresca

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.

Genres: Fantasy

66 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2023

About the author

Marshall Ryan Maresca is a fantasy and science-fiction writer, author of sixteen novels, most of which are part of the Maradaine Saga: Four braided series set amid the bustling streets and crime-ridden districts of the exotic city called Maradaine. He is also the author of the standalone dieselpunk fantasy, The Velocity of Revolution. He is a four-time Hugo finalist as the co-host of the podcast Worldbuilding for Masochists, and has been a playwright, an actor and an amateur chef. He lives in Austin, Texas with his family.
For more information, visit Marshall’s website at www.mrmaresca.com.

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok in that it adds a little extra color to the whole Maradaine Saga and the world we're operating in, but otherwise a fairly forgettable coming of age story. not one of the characters I was particularly interested in learning more about, but still a decent enough story that fills in a little on some of the cultures that also operate within the city as they act outside of it nearly or in their own lands.

[Aldora · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and enjoyable story. Nice to see something in this universe exploring a new culture.