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The Queen's Blade #2
The Guild's Bard
A guardian reborn faces a destiny he cannot evade. The Queen’s Blade saga continues.
Zaren Joha, once a formidable soldier, now chases the arcane mysteries of Busal City. No longer just a warrior; his path has shifted. The relative calm is a welcome change, but it's a fragile peace.
In a world where his combat skills are secondary, he chases the hidden and often dangerous magic that pulsates within the city. The discovery of a strange—and powerful—powder leads him toward a discovery that forces him to reconsider everything he’s known.
He must navigate a realm where power shifts like the waves in the harbor, and where his journey to protect the queen thrusts him into the heart of a conspiracy that threatens the realm.
Zaren must rise as the Queen's Blade and embrace a destiny that intertwines his very essence with magic.
Zaren Joha, once a formidable soldier, now chases the arcane mysteries of Busal City. No longer just a warrior; his path has shifted. The relative calm is a welcome change, but it's a fragile peace.
In a world where his combat skills are secondary, he chases the hidden and often dangerous magic that pulsates within the city. The discovery of a strange—and powerful—powder leads him toward a discovery that forces him to reconsider everything he’s known.
He must navigate a realm where power shifts like the waves in the harbor, and where his journey to protect the queen thrusts him into the heart of a conspiracy that threatens the realm.
Zaren must rise as the Queen's Blade and embrace a destiny that intertwines his very essence with magic.
- GenresFantasy
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 1, 2024
I expected a lot more of the bard and not so late in the book. I have been looking forward to this for a while and I’m bummed there wasn’t more of Garridan. However it’s spelled 🥴 waiting for the next one again.
March 8, 2026
4 - 4.5 Stars
The Guild's Bard is the second 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 Guild's Bard is the second 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…
February 1, 2024
Never Disappoints
I always enjoy reading DK Holmberg’s books. He always has an interesting theme which is wholesome and enjoyable. I thoroughly recommend every book that he’s written or cowritten. Thank you for such wonderfully entertainment.
I always enjoy reading DK Holmberg’s books. He always has an interesting theme which is wholesome and enjoyable. I thoroughly recommend every book that he’s written or cowritten. Thank you for such wonderfully entertainment.
March 15, 2024
Great
D. K. Holmberg writes stories that grabs you from the first page. It is almost like you are compelled to find out what is going to happen next. You find out more about the main character in this book. What next revelation will you uncover as you continue the story!
D. K. Holmberg writes stories that grabs you from the first page. It is almost like you are compelled to find out what is going to happen next. You find out more about the main character in this book. What next revelation will you uncover as you continue the story!
April 3, 2024
Review For the Guild’s Bard
This is really becoming an intriguing and interesting story. Holmberg presents his story in a way that holds your interest while not becoming overly complicated or obtuse. This is storytelling at its best.
This is really becoming an intriguing and interesting story. Holmberg presents his story in a way that holds your interest while not becoming overly complicated or obtuse. This is storytelling at its best.
May 25, 2024
Stop saying the same thing over and over again
Repetitive. Opaque conversations with his mentor being so vague that it s painful. The main character talks about his feelings without really showing any feelings. I hope it gets better.
Repetitive. Opaque conversations with his mentor being so vague that it s painful. The main character talks about his feelings without really showing any feelings. I hope it gets better.
October 24, 2024
The Queen's Blade Series
Really good sleuth story set in a fantasy. This is a very interesting mystery with an impressive amount of twists. Add to this good mystery a very easy read and you have a really good series. One, I hope you read. Definitely worth your time!
Really good sleuth story set in a fantasy. This is a very interesting mystery with an impressive amount of twists. Add to this good mystery a very easy read and you have a really good series. One, I hope you read. Definitely worth your time!
December 16, 2024
Filler
Although this continuation of the Queen's Blade furthers the story, it is a bit of a slog at times which made for some slow going. I truly hope the next book is more entertaining to read and less of a chore.
Although this continuation of the Queen's Blade furthers the story, it is a bit of a slog at times which made for some slow going. I truly hope the next book is more entertaining to read and less of a chore.
February 2, 2026
It’s starting to get really interesting, still in the word building phase so moving a bit slow still but things are starting to pick up!! Super excited to read more of this series and see where this world takes me.
Read
March 4, 2024Entertaining
It's an entertaining story but I don't think I'm going to continue with the next book. For the right person it's a good series
It's an entertaining story but I don't think I'm going to continue with the next book. For the right person it's a good series
March 15, 2024
Excellent
Fast paced plot and great characters. I really enjoyed reading this.I look forward to reading the next volume. Thank you, D K. Holmberg
Fast paced plot and great characters. I really enjoyed reading this.I look forward to reading the next volume. Thank you, D K. Holmberg
June 24, 2024
Guild’s Bard
The second book is more interesting in terms of plot and writing style. Looking forward to the third book and the direction of the horse clan.
The second book is more interesting in terms of plot and writing style. Looking forward to the third book and the direction of the horse clan.
Read
June 27, 2024Drawn out
A bit slow in developing the story despite the introduction of some new interesting characters. Not giving up on the series yet but I expected more.
A bit slow in developing the story despite the introduction of some new interesting characters. Not giving up on the series yet but I expected more.
July 31, 2024
DK does it again!
Another great read by DK! A good story that kept me turning the pages! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy.
Another great read by DK! A good story that kept me turning the pages! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy.
August 19, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I like the way that new aspects of magic is revealed. I do think that the books feel more like part of a book rather than the whole. But maybe that’s just me.
July 27, 2026
Powder
The roads all lead back to the money. How far up the political ladder does the conspiracy travel to threaten the Queen?
The roads all lead back to the money. How far up the political ladder does the conspiracy travel to threaten the Queen?
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews