What do you think?
Rate this book
The Queen's Blade #1
The Queen's Blade
A soldier with a past meets a future he cannot ignore. The Queen’s Blade saga begins.
Zaren Joha, once a formidable soldier, now spends his days maintaining peace in a quiet tavern in Lavrun. No more military rigors. No more blind obedience. The job is uneventful, yet it allows him a semblance of normalcy.
But his tranquil life in Lavrun is about to change. An encounter with the mysterious Waleith, a man with deep connections to the queen, draws him into a world where his brawn is not enough. The tavern's usual hustle, the sailors' brawls, and the regulars are soon overshadowed by a brewing storm of magic and intrigue attempting to topple the throne.
As Zaren grapples with powers beyond his understanding and confronts the echoes of a magic-tainted past, survival in this new world demands more than physical strength. To protect those he has come to care for and to navigate the treacherous currents of royal politics and ancient magic, Zaren must embrace a role he never anticipated.
No longer a soldier, he must become the Queen’s Blade.
Zaren Joha, once a formidable soldier, now spends his days maintaining peace in a quiet tavern in Lavrun. No more military rigors. No more blind obedience. The job is uneventful, yet it allows him a semblance of normalcy.
But his tranquil life in Lavrun is about to change. An encounter with the mysterious Waleith, a man with deep connections to the queen, draws him into a world where his brawn is not enough. The tavern's usual hustle, the sailors' brawls, and the regulars are soon overshadowed by a brewing storm of magic and intrigue attempting to topple the throne.
As Zaren grapples with powers beyond his understanding and confronts the echoes of a magic-tainted past, survival in this new world demands more than physical strength. To protect those he has come to care for and to navigate the treacherous currents of royal politics and ancient magic, Zaren must embrace a role he never anticipated.
No longer a soldier, he must become the Queen’s Blade.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2024
1441 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this one and I liked both of the main characters quite a bit. I’m drawn to Waleith and wish there was more of a description of him. His age, hair color and length. Stuff like that. I found none except he’s fairly tall but small. I am one that needs full descriptions or it’s hard for me to picture them in my head. I can’t wait to read the next one and find out who this bard will be from the cover.
February 9, 2024
Not as good as expected
I enjoy most of D.K. Holmberg's books. However, this book doesn't feel as if he wrote it. The writing is stiff. The dialogue is stunted. This book reads more like a first try rather than a book published by an experienced author such as Holmberg. I gave Holmberg the benefit of the doubt by giving this three stars simply because I enjoy so many of his other books. I'll start the next book in the series in the hope that the writing improves. The story has great potential. But, if book two is as stilted as this book I will go with my instincts and drop it like a hot potato.
I enjoy most of D.K. Holmberg's books. However, this book doesn't feel as if he wrote it. The writing is stiff. The dialogue is stunted. This book reads more like a first try rather than a book published by an experienced author such as Holmberg. I gave Holmberg the benefit of the doubt by giving this three stars simply because I enjoy so many of his other books. I'll start the next book in the series in the hope that the writing improves. The story has great potential. But, if book two is as stilted as this book I will go with my instincts and drop it like a hot potato.
January 3, 2024
Zaren is a former soldier trying to find his path in life. He's stuck in a small town acting as the muscle in a tavern in case anyone gets out of line. One day he sees someone sitting in the tavern with his sword on the table. Someone else enters the tavern and Zaren gets a bad feeling about him. He takes action.
As the title hints at, the man sitting at the table is a Queen's Blade. And he thinks Zaren could be one as well, with some training. I thought there was a slight discordance between who Zaren was in the tavern versus the nervous nelly he is with the Queen's Blade. It passes quickly, though, and they head to the capital. When they get there they find unusual things are happening.
I'll stop the recap there. The last half of the book is taken up with Zaren honing his magical resistance abilities, while they try to figure out what is happening. I will admit that I didn't figure it out until near the end.
This is a fairly short book and an easy, enjoyable read. I had fun with it and will read book two when it comes out. The editing is very well done. I didn't notice any errors. 5/5*
As the title hints at, the man sitting at the table is a Queen's Blade. And he thinks Zaren could be one as well, with some training. I thought there was a slight discordance between who Zaren was in the tavern versus the nervous nelly he is with the Queen's Blade. It passes quickly, though, and they head to the capital. When they get there they find unusual things are happening.
I'll stop the recap there. The last half of the book is taken up with Zaren honing his magical resistance abilities, while they try to figure out what is happening. I will admit that I didn't figure it out until near the end.
This is a fairly short book and an easy, enjoyable read. I had fun with it and will read book two when it comes out. The editing is very well done. I didn't notice any errors. 5/5*
January 4, 2024
DNF 65%
Bored, bored, bored! I picked this up off Kindle Unlimited because I confused the author with Charlie Holmberg and I’m cross with myself for getting so far into it before checking. It’s not like I haven’t waded through other novels by this author.
Anyway, in brief we have a trainee Blade. The protagonist reminded me of Arthur Dent. Much as in the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a lot of the time you could replace his dialogue with “What? & I don’t understand!” and not substantially affect the overall story.
Dull.
Bored, bored, bored! I picked this up off Kindle Unlimited because I confused the author with Charlie Holmberg and I’m cross with myself for getting so far into it before checking. It’s not like I haven’t waded through other novels by this author.
Anyway, in brief we have a trainee Blade. The protagonist reminded me of Arthur Dent. Much as in the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a lot of the time you could replace his dialogue with “What? & I don’t understand!” and not substantially affect the overall story.
Dull.
March 8, 2026
4.5 Stars
The Queen’s Blade is the first book in The Queen's Blade series by D.K. Holmberg - and is a sweeping, character-driven fantasy that blends political intrigue, fast-paced action, and a touch of mystery that spans twelve books.
We follow Zaren Joha - the Queen’s Blade - a skilled and loyal protector whose life is bound to the crown, yet constantly tested by shifting alliances, dangerous magic, and moral dilemmas.
Again, Mr. Holmberg flexes his world-crafting expertise - creating a realm where every city, guild, and faction feels ‘alive’, with histories and rivalries that shape the plot/s in meaningful ways. The magic system is intriguing without being overcomplicated, and the political tension/s keep the stakes high.
The characters are layered and relatable. Zaren is not the typical invincible hero — cleverly crafted with vulnerabilities, doubts, and evolving relationships that make him all the more compelling. Supporting characters, from fellow Blades to cunning adversaries, are given enough depth to feel real, and their shifting loyalties definitely kept me guessing.
The series strikes a good balance between action and strategy. Sword fights and magical duels are vivid and cinematic, but the quieter moments — where characters wrestle with trust, duty, and sacrifice — are just as memorable.
If there’s a minor drawback, it’s that the middle books occasionally slow down with setup for later payoffs. However, the final books definitely deliver satisfying twists and emotional resolutions that make the journey worthwhile.
If you enjoy fantasy with loyalty, intrigue, and a hero who must navigate both blade and conscience, then you will find this series to be a rewarding read.
Happy Reading…
The Queen’s Blade is the first book in The Queen's Blade series by D.K. Holmberg - and is a sweeping, character-driven fantasy that blends political intrigue, fast-paced action, and a touch of mystery that spans twelve books.
We follow Zaren Joha - the Queen’s Blade - a skilled and loyal protector whose life is bound to the crown, yet constantly tested by shifting alliances, dangerous magic, and moral dilemmas.
Again, Mr. Holmberg flexes his world-crafting expertise - creating a realm where every city, guild, and faction feels ‘alive’, with histories and rivalries that shape the plot/s in meaningful ways. The magic system is intriguing without being overcomplicated, and the political tension/s keep the stakes high.
The characters are layered and relatable. Zaren is not the typical invincible hero — cleverly crafted with vulnerabilities, doubts, and evolving relationships that make him all the more compelling. Supporting characters, from fellow Blades to cunning adversaries, are given enough depth to feel real, and their shifting loyalties definitely kept me guessing.
The series strikes a good balance between action and strategy. Sword fights and magical duels are vivid and cinematic, but the quieter moments — where characters wrestle with trust, duty, and sacrifice — are just as memorable.
If there’s a minor drawback, it’s that the middle books occasionally slow down with setup for later payoffs. However, the final books definitely deliver satisfying twists and emotional resolutions that make the journey worthwhile.
If you enjoy fantasy with loyalty, intrigue, and a hero who must navigate both blade and conscience, then you will find this series to be a rewarding read.
Happy Reading…
June 9, 2024
Robuster
I’ve read a lot of this authors work. Some of it is very good some not so much.
This story is lacking . Good hook . The first ten to twenty pages are the best .
There are not enough back ground on the protagonist or his mentor to begin with. It’s like the subplot to a sup plot to another sub plot. Then there is the protagonist wondering his village bemoaning his size and how it has pigeonholed him to being nothing but muscle. He wanted more , to be more than just muscle. So he wonders the small village doing odd jobs silently complaining because the townspeople can’t see he is worth more than he is doing.
This went on for pages . It was unnecessary after the first time and DK just kept hammering at it like he was in a court room investigating a crime.
Why?
There are hints here and there a nugget tossed to us readers about the history of the protagonist, to keep the hook set , but the story feels incomplete all throughout the book.
Not to mention the absolute terrible dialogue between the protagonist and his mentor. The mentor asks a question and the protagonist, instead of giving an answer asks his own question. This is another on going part of the story that has no rhyme or reason.
I like most of DKs work. Some of it is outstanding.
This isn’t anywhere close to that. This looks like a story wrote by a junior editor trying their hand at writing. I can not get over how terrible the dialogue is . It’s atrocious.
It’s not terrible but it’s damn close. If you’re stranded at the beach or an airport without anything to read , this will do .
Other than that give it a pass for his better works.
Just my opinion.
I’ve read a lot of this authors work. Some of it is very good some not so much.
This story is lacking . Good hook . The first ten to twenty pages are the best .
There are not enough back ground on the protagonist or his mentor to begin with. It’s like the subplot to a sup plot to another sub plot. Then there is the protagonist wondering his village bemoaning his size and how it has pigeonholed him to being nothing but muscle. He wanted more , to be more than just muscle. So he wonders the small village doing odd jobs silently complaining because the townspeople can’t see he is worth more than he is doing.
This went on for pages . It was unnecessary after the first time and DK just kept hammering at it like he was in a court room investigating a crime.
Why?
There are hints here and there a nugget tossed to us readers about the history of the protagonist, to keep the hook set , but the story feels incomplete all throughout the book.
Not to mention the absolute terrible dialogue between the protagonist and his mentor. The mentor asks a question and the protagonist, instead of giving an answer asks his own question. This is another on going part of the story that has no rhyme or reason.
I like most of DKs work. Some of it is outstanding.
This isn’t anywhere close to that. This looks like a story wrote by a junior editor trying their hand at writing. I can not get over how terrible the dialogue is . It’s atrocious.
It’s not terrible but it’s damn close. If you’re stranded at the beach or an airport without anything to read , this will do .
Other than that give it a pass for his better works.
Just my opinion.
November 12, 2024
I have a lot to say about this book. On a positive note it has sooo much potential in the concept and like others have noted reads more like a first draft than a published book. I didn’t particularly enjoy the narration it felt like a constant stream of thoughts centred around Waleith, his bloody blade and his size insecurities? Weird. Was hard to finish though the last 20 pages were the best, the rest was the MC aimlessly wandering. I think with revisions in the style of ‘show not tell’ and perhaps a bit more character and world building this could really be something. Won’t be finishing the series but £10 if he is somehow the lost son of the should be ruling super magical family!!
January 17, 2025
Slow start.
To be fair, I just finished Imperfect Cathar which was witty and sharp. This however has started out a bit flat for me. No real highs, and no real lows. Just somewhere in the middle. Also, the character development has been a bit lack luster thus far. The introduction of Dara breathed a brief whiff of fresh air however and I am looking forward to her development. I am certain things will begin to deepen and fill out in the coming books since Mr. Holmberg is a very accomplished author.
To be fair, I just finished Imperfect Cathar which was witty and sharp. This however has started out a bit flat for me. No real highs, and no real lows. Just somewhere in the middle. Also, the character development has been a bit lack luster thus far. The introduction of Dara breathed a brief whiff of fresh air however and I am looking forward to her development. I am certain things will begin to deepen and fill out in the coming books since Mr. Holmberg is a very accomplished author.
March 15, 2024
Too wordy and slow, couldn't finish
There's probably a good story buried in here, but I couldn't endure the wordiness. An enormous amount of dialog that was a chore to get through, so I lost interest. I kept flipping forward several pages onto discover conversations were still I progress. There is a lot of telling versus showing. It's not my type of book. If you like a lot of detailed conversations, you might enjoy this
There's probably a good story buried in here, but I couldn't endure the wordiness. An enormous amount of dialog that was a chore to get through, so I lost interest. I kept flipping forward several pages onto discover conversations were still I progress. There is a lot of telling versus showing. It's not my type of book. If you like a lot of detailed conversations, you might enjoy this
January 22, 2024
magic is everywhere
The story was a bit slow in the beginning but then it picks up with waleith and Zaren.zaren is being trained to be a blade and has found that he can detect magic. He is the Queens blade and he is determined to find out where the magic is coming from and what it means
The story was a bit slow in the beginning but then it picks up with waleith and Zaren.zaren is being trained to be a blade and has found that he can detect magic. He is the Queens blade and he is determined to find out where the magic is coming from and what it means
March 16, 2024
A thriller with magic, mystery, and intrigue. Excellent world building by Holmberg and a great beginning to a new series. I totally enjoyed the story and heartily recommend as an addition to your reading list.
I purchased my digital copy. I was not given the book free in order to write a positive review.
I purchased my digital copy. I was not given the book free in order to write a positive review.
April 23, 2024
This is a captivating fantasy novel that kept me hooked from start to finish. The world-building is rich and vivid, and the characters are well-developed and compelling. The plot is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. While at times the pacing felt a bit slow, overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of epic fantasy novels.
May 3, 2024
Issues on clarity.
The main character fumbles through everything. The author made the main character seem dumb or not very intelligent for some reason. Feels like it is written by a twelve year old. The world is not fleshed out well enough, and a lot of holes in the story are everywhere.
The main character fumbles through everything. The author made the main character seem dumb or not very intelligent for some reason. Feels like it is written by a twelve year old. The world is not fleshed out well enough, and a lot of holes in the story are everywhere.
July 19, 2024
I’m in a rut of picking books where the author has this bizarre technique of writing a sentence & then repeating that sentence in another paragraph while only changing a couple words. Or they feel the need to remind the reader of an incident that occurred earlier in the same book!
This book had potential except for the poor writing.
This book had potential except for the poor writing.
December 7, 2024
A good start
Zaren, a former soldier unjustly discharged, is trying to find a new path for his life with no success until a stranger arrived in his small town. He is offered a unique opportunity to once again serve his queen.I
The story starts out slow but interesting enough to push through. I believe, from how this book ended, that the ongoing story will be well worth reading.
Zaren, a former soldier unjustly discharged, is trying to find a new path for his life with no success until a stranger arrived in his small town. He is offered a unique opportunity to once again serve his queen.I
The story starts out slow but interesting enough to push through. I believe, from how this book ended, that the ongoing story will be well worth reading.
June 20, 2025
Book 1
Book 1 was an interesting read and had errors throughout. The characters are well developed and the plot is also okay. There is a lot of information repeating throughout the book and is a bit predictable. It also is somewhat of a cliffhanger for the continuing of the series.
Book 1 was an interesting read and had errors throughout. The characters are well developed and the plot is also okay. There is a lot of information repeating throughout the book and is a bit predictable. It also is somewhat of a cliffhanger for the continuing of the series.
January 18, 2024
Entertaining Read
Zaren is a large powerful man. He is working odd jobs, but wants a purpose and a fulltime job. Discovery, training, skill improvement ensue. I like the action, humor, I look forward to the next book.
Zaren is a large powerful man. He is working odd jobs, but wants a purpose and a fulltime job. Discovery, training, skill improvement ensue. I like the action, humor, I look forward to the next book.
January 18, 2024
Good story
The flow of the narrative was smooth fun. The reader learns as the characters learn. By the end, all the loose ends are wrapped up and we are teased about the second book which I am looking forward to reading.
The flow of the narrative was smooth fun. The reader learns as the characters learn. By the end, all the loose ends are wrapped up and we are teased about the second book which I am looking forward to reading.
January 26, 2024
The Queen’s Blade
Very interesting book but seems it was missing something that should bridge a few scenes together. Everything happened too quickly…unless this was intended to be a short story. Other than that, it was enjoyable.
Very interesting book but seems it was missing something that should bridge a few scenes together. Everything happened too quickly…unless this was intended to be a short story. Other than that, it was enjoyable.
March 16, 2024
a bit short, and slow to get going, but has potential
This book didn’t last long. Very slow to get going and develop, but an interesting premise. Not sure I’ll invest in the follow-up stories, I like more to read for the price.
This book didn’t last long. Very slow to get going and develop, but an interesting premise. Not sure I’ll invest in the follow-up stories, I like more to read for the price.
March 27, 2024
Queen’s Blade
T this was a great story. The character Joha is built slowly from a lost soul trying to find his way in the world to a man with a purpose and a destiny worth making a sacrifice for. I look forward to the continuation of the series.
T this was a great story. The character Joha is built slowly from a lost soul trying to find his way in the world to a man with a purpose and a destiny worth making a sacrifice for. I look forward to the continuation of the series.
July 5, 2024
mushroom
There is a saying we have in the military for people who are kept in the dark and feed shit - mushroom
I felt the main character and the reader were mushroomed and it became so frustrating I didn’t end up past half way through:/
There is a saying we have in the military for people who are kept in the dark and feed shit - mushroom
I felt the main character and the reader were mushroomed and it became so frustrating I didn’t end up past half way through:/
November 17, 2024
very interesting story about a former soldier getting to be a Wueens’ blade
I enjoyed the way Joha became a capable Blade with skills he developed He made himself extremely capable and competent as a blade of the Queen.
I enjoyed the way Joha became a capable Blade with skills he developed He made himself extremely capable and competent as a blade of the Queen.
April 27, 2025
Holmberg?
Short & sweet but not much meat to the story line. For an author this good. I found this book to almost be an afterthought.character(s) not very interesting & not developed at all. Not sure that I will read any more of this series
Short & sweet but not much meat to the story line. For an author this good. I found this book to almost be an afterthought.character(s) not very interesting & not developed at all. Not sure that I will read any more of this series
August 21, 2025
Never finishers a thought
I was hoping to jump ahead to book 5 or so to see if he ever learns how to write But if he is going to charge me for them no way I'm going to pay to see if he learns how to write
I was hoping to jump ahead to book 5 or so to see if he ever learns how to write But if he is going to charge me for them no way I'm going to pay to see if he learns how to write
January 13, 2024
Boring
I have tried to read this author many times,this is the first time I have made it to the end.It is extremely dull, boring and sleepy.
I have tried to read this author many times,this is the first time I have made it to the end.It is extremely dull, boring and sleepy.
January 16, 2024
A journey of discovery and purpose. Surprisingly good!
Our author takes us on a new adventure and our hero learns about his place in the new wor of of magic.
Our author takes us on a new adventure and our hero learns about his place in the new wor of of magic.
Read
March 1, 2024Entertaining
Just what I needed something that I didn't have to think too much about. Sometimes I just want to be entertained without having to diagnose every sentence
Just what I needed something that I didn't have to think too much about. Sometimes I just want to be entertained without having to diagnose every sentence
March 7, 2024
A decent read
Zaren is a brute, and that's the story, or is it. Until he learns that he isn't just a brute. Then the story gets interesting.
Zaren is a brute, and that's the story, or is it. Until he learns that he isn't just a brute. Then the story gets interesting.
March 15, 2024
Very good
LIke all of D K Holmberg's books this series is filled with lots of action and intriguing characters. It is like you are actually their and involved.
LIke all of D K Holmberg's books this series is filled with lots of action and intriguing characters. It is like you are actually their and involved.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews