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The Queen's Blade #5

The Delegate's Demise

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A trade delegation changes everything for the Queen’s Blade. The Queen’s Blade saga continues.

With a delegation from Ardem in the city to negotiate the sale of fabrications, Zaren is already on edge. The sense of magic is everywhere, and he doesn’t know where to focus.

Then one of the delegates dies under mysterious circumstances, and the Blade may be the only one to find those responsible.

Dangers begin to build. The queen grows sicker by the day, and attempts to heal her fail. Waleith knows something, but refuses to talk. And Zaren begins to fear the plot against the queen and the throne is closer to her than he’d ever imagined.

The Queen’s Blade may be the only one who can save the city from destruction, but can he save the queen in time?

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2024

435 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

D.K. Holmberg

333 books994 followers

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5 stars
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176 (41%)
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Bill Wethington.
17 reviews
August 25, 2024
A Page turner

Another great read by DK! I couldn't wait to finish one chapter before starting the next! Now quickly moving onto book #6!
Profile Image for Angela.
9,062 reviews124 followers
March 8, 2026
4 Stars

The Delegate's Demise is the fifth 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…
19 reviews
October 31, 2025
Badly written slow moving repetitive in need of a decemt editor

This series needs a decent editor it is so slow and dragged out. The story of one decent book has been spread out over several. Not able to write a convincing male character. Constantly repeating his size so boring. So much repetition it just is not crafted words are thrown down to fill the pages. The characters are 2 dimensional very very disappointing. At least it was free but excellent at putting me to sleep.
193 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2024
exciting and intriguing

Joha is the queens blade. He has been very concerned about the Queens health. The Armenian delegation has and Dorian’s part in it has Joha concerned. There is also Waleith to deal with.
Joha has many issues popping up but he is determined to solve it all.
He is also being send to Armenia to train further. He is determined to learn all he can.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews

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