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The Queen's Blade #3
The Anvil's Mark
A deadly power upends everything a Blade knows. The Queen’s Blade saga continues.
Zaren, steadily forging alliances in the bustling Busal City, finds solace in his growing network, a stark contrast to the oversight of his mentor. This newfound stability, however, is short-lived.
The unearthing of a mysterious and arcane ritual on the city's fringes catapults Zaren into action, exposing gaps in his preparedness.
A series of sinister events, marked by an escalating number of casualties, propels Zaren into a quest for clarity. In his search, he leans on his allies for insights, but unexpectedly, it's his enemies who shed light on the true magnitude of what's at stake. The conspiracy he’s long feared stretches deeper than he has known.
And the Queen’s Blade may be all that stands before a deadly power that threatens to consume the city.
Zaren, steadily forging alliances in the bustling Busal City, finds solace in his growing network, a stark contrast to the oversight of his mentor. This newfound stability, however, is short-lived.
The unearthing of a mysterious and arcane ritual on the city's fringes catapults Zaren into action, exposing gaps in his preparedness.
A series of sinister events, marked by an escalating number of casualties, propels Zaren into a quest for clarity. In his search, he leans on his allies for insights, but unexpectedly, it's his enemies who shed light on the true magnitude of what's at stake. The conspiracy he’s long feared stretches deeper than he has known.
And the Queen’s Blade may be all that stands before a deadly power that threatens to consume the city.
- GenresFantasy
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2024
618 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 27, 2024
Not Waleith! Really?? 😩 That’s a bummer and seriously need more Garridon.
March 8, 2026
4 Stars
The Anvil's Mark is the third book in The Queen's Blade series by D.K. Holmberg - which is a sweeping, character-driven fantasy series 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 Anvil's Mark is the third book in The Queen's Blade series by D.K. Holmberg - which is a sweeping, character-driven fantasy series 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 24, 2024
Disappointing read from this author
I've read this author before and minimally, he's readable when he focuses on character and sticks to the 'Sword' part. This series is focused on the sorcery, magic part and it's a few hairs shy from being awful.
Author was horribly Inconsistent whether it was plot, magic and character, didn't develop character and unable to covey an understandable magic system. Not only magic being Very confusing throughout but his MC wasn't someone you could embrace and cheer for as he bumbled his way through 1000+ pages.
KU is only reason I went further than book one. Starting to seriously consider dropping KU and get back to reading some good books. Life is too short.
Disappointing.
I've read this author before and minimally, he's readable when he focuses on character and sticks to the 'Sword' part. This series is focused on the sorcery, magic part and it's a few hairs shy from being awful.
Author was horribly Inconsistent whether it was plot, magic and character, didn't develop character and unable to covey an understandable magic system. Not only magic being Very confusing throughout but his MC wasn't someone you could embrace and cheer for as he bumbled his way through 1000+ pages.
KU is only reason I went further than book one. Starting to seriously consider dropping KU and get back to reading some good books. Life is too short.
Disappointing.
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April 7, 2024The Anvil’s Mark Review
This is the third book in the series but the story from the first and second books continues uninterrupted. Holmberg continues to add layer upon layer of detail and revelations. This story deals with magic, but is also a mystery/action/thriller story, with multiple surprises along the way. This is great storytelling without a bunch of fluff to pump up the page count.
This is the third book in the series but the story from the first and second books continues uninterrupted. Holmberg continues to add layer upon layer of detail and revelations. This story deals with magic, but is also a mystery/action/thriller story, with multiple surprises along the way. This is great storytelling without a bunch of fluff to pump up the page count.
March 12, 2024
exciting twists and turns
Joha has been a good blade but he has wanted the constables and the investigators to begin to work with him. The threat has grown and the anvil and the daughters of inkasa has increased. He learns that Waleith is really behind all of this. He wants to kill the queen.
Can’t wait to see what comes in the next book.
Joha has been a good blade but he has wanted the constables and the investigators to begin to work with him. The threat has grown and the anvil and the daughters of inkasa has increased. He learns that Waleith is really behind all of this. He wants to kill the queen.
Can’t wait to see what comes in the next book.
August 8, 2024
Great series
I love fantasy books and D.K. Holmberg has written a great series. The books are page turners, and the characters are great!
I love fantasy books and D.K. Holmberg has written a great series. The books are page turners, and the characters are great!
October 30, 2024
Great Series
Such a good read. I'm enjoying the twists and turns that are in this series. A great blend of fantasy and mystery!
Such a good read. I'm enjoying the twists and turns that are in this series. A great blend of fantasy and mystery!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews