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City of Chains #1
Hand of the Executioner
All the heroes are dead.
The corrupt city of Adelstrad is full of blood, lies and shit. If an invading barbarian screaming prayers to unspeakable gods doesn't kill you, the thugs inside the walls will. Schemes breed like flies in a corpse. Even in death, there is no peace. The alchemists reanimate the fallen as enslaved automata.
Viktor is a defiant criminal. He angered the ruthless Baron and was given a choice: serve or die. Now he grudgingly acts as the state-sanctioned executioner. He carries out the tyrant's savage parody of justice, secretly fighting for those he can save.
Enter Milletra, a brutal smuggler bearing a hateful grudge against Viktor. She's hauling a hazardous alchemical cocktail into the city. The lunatic could murder thousands, so Viktor's superiors want her head. His reward is a pardon, but Milletra won't be easily dealt with. Even if he does succeed, there's something insidious lurking in the city, something that could be disastrous if not stopped...
He's the closest thing we have to a champion. Will he be enough? Buy now to find out!
If you enjoyed Game of Thrones and the Witcher, then you'll love Hand of the Executioner.
The corrupt city of Adelstrad is full of blood, lies and shit. If an invading barbarian screaming prayers to unspeakable gods doesn't kill you, the thugs inside the walls will. Schemes breed like flies in a corpse. Even in death, there is no peace. The alchemists reanimate the fallen as enslaved automata.
Viktor is a defiant criminal. He angered the ruthless Baron and was given a choice: serve or die. Now he grudgingly acts as the state-sanctioned executioner. He carries out the tyrant's savage parody of justice, secretly fighting for those he can save.
Enter Milletra, a brutal smuggler bearing a hateful grudge against Viktor. She's hauling a hazardous alchemical cocktail into the city. The lunatic could murder thousands, so Viktor's superiors want her head. His reward is a pardon, but Milletra won't be easily dealt with. Even if he does succeed, there's something insidious lurking in the city, something that could be disastrous if not stopped...
He's the closest thing we have to a champion. Will he be enough? Buy now to find out!
If you enjoyed Game of Thrones and the Witcher, then you'll love Hand of the Executioner.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 8, 2025
Adelstrad is a land where mercy goes to die. It is a brutal place ruled by opposing forces, a Baron and businessmen. Viktor is a criminal who has been tasked as an executioner. He's forced to wear a black hood the rest of his days and he enforces what the Baron decides is justice. The city is now facing an unexpected threat and it seems that the Executioner may be it's only hope.
My first impression regarding the Hand of the Executioner is it is an old world setting with modern dialogue. The main character Viktor is likely at best a prick. A total nuisance who gets under the skin of nearly everyone around him. He's shockingly capable and cunning though which begs the question what he did to get branded as an executioner. The plot of the story isn't very clear throughout, as events happen out of nowhere with little to no explanation of the events taking place. There were multiple moments when I wondered why a character didn't just do something, only to be met with an explanation to my thoughts shortly afterward.
The character work is pretty good, at least in regard to Viktor, Nikolas, and Heun. They were all distinct individuals by the end and it may have been worthwhile to see Nikolas or Heun join Viktor as a point of view character. Unsurprisingly, Viktor's perspective as an executioner was often a dark one. Not as dark as I would expect, but dark. Some additional perspective could've enhanced the story though. Outside of those three, the other characters would benefit from attention rather than having random tidbits about them pop up at opportune times.
Hand of the Executioner was only ok. Unfortunately it ends abruptly and unsatisfactory. I doubt I continue the series.
My first impression regarding the Hand of the Executioner is it is an old world setting with modern dialogue. The main character Viktor is likely at best a prick. A total nuisance who gets under the skin of nearly everyone around him. He's shockingly capable and cunning though which begs the question what he did to get branded as an executioner. The plot of the story isn't very clear throughout, as events happen out of nowhere with little to no explanation of the events taking place. There were multiple moments when I wondered why a character didn't just do something, only to be met with an explanation to my thoughts shortly afterward.
The character work is pretty good, at least in regard to Viktor, Nikolas, and Heun. They were all distinct individuals by the end and it may have been worthwhile to see Nikolas or Heun join Viktor as a point of view character. Unsurprisingly, Viktor's perspective as an executioner was often a dark one. Not as dark as I would expect, but dark. Some additional perspective could've enhanced the story though. Outside of those three, the other characters would benefit from attention rather than having random tidbits about them pop up at opportune times.
Hand of the Executioner was only ok. Unfortunately it ends abruptly and unsatisfactory. I doubt I continue the series.
June 28, 2025
I only got about 25% through this book and couldn't handle it anymore. The first thing is that the structure is wonky. It's just broken up into many small paragraphs. Also when 2 characters are talking back and forth to each other, it could go on for pages and after a while you lose track of who's saying what because the author doesn't add any phrases to differentiate on who's talking.
The 2nd thing is that the main character is edgy just to be edgy. And also he swore a lot at random times to maybe make the book seem more adult than it actually is. It almost felt like the author was going for a Joe Abercrombie approach to the writing and character, but missed completely.
The final thing that made me stop was when the author used the word "fugly" to describe something. Immediate closure of book after that.
The 2nd thing is that the main character is edgy just to be edgy. And also he swore a lot at random times to maybe make the book seem more adult than it actually is. It almost felt like the author was going for a Joe Abercrombie approach to the writing and character, but missed completely.
The final thing that made me stop was when the author used the word "fugly" to describe something. Immediate closure of book after that.
January 5, 2025
Bleak but fun
Viktor is a bastard but can keep the sewer system of justice going. With a very close focus on grim dark human emotion, not bad really.
The fantasy and magic is there, but it is dropped in your lap then it's gone that quickly. One complaint I have with most books is that it went on to long, not this though perfect pace and page count. The last complaint I did have was with victors knowing everything mentality, it was over done so much at times I rolled my eyes.
Still a solid book that deserves a read, and the sequel should be looked at as well.
Viktor is a bastard but can keep the sewer system of justice going. With a very close focus on grim dark human emotion, not bad really.
The fantasy and magic is there, but it is dropped in your lap then it's gone that quickly. One complaint I have with most books is that it went on to long, not this though perfect pace and page count. The last complaint I did have was with victors knowing everything mentality, it was over done so much at times I rolled my eyes.
Still a solid book that deserves a read, and the sequel should be looked at as well.
July 25, 2026
Interesting first book
3.5* A very good start to the series. Interesting story, a good sarcastic morally corrupt main character with a dark profession. I think I will be carrying on with the next book.
3.5* A very good start to the series. Interesting story, a good sarcastic morally corrupt main character with a dark profession. I think I will be carrying on with the next book.
August 7, 2026
Hand of the Executioner hooked me from the first page and never loosened its grip. Adelstrad is everything a grimdark fan secretly hopes for in a nightmare vacation: a brutal city where “heroes are dead,” barons and corpse alchemists run the show, and the snow feels as dangerous as the knives. It’s a fast, punchy 214-page plunge that reads like The Witcher wandered into a Game of Thrones back alley—with a dash of dark Ankh‑Morpork for good measure. No spoon-fed exposition here; Sebastian Priest trusts you to keep up, and that confidence pays off in momentum and immersion.
Viktor the Executioner is the reason to book your return trip. He’s weary, sardonic, and sharper than the axe he pretends to love. Instead of the usual edgelord grunt, we get a masked investigator with a gift for gallows humor and a talent for asking the wrong people the right questions. He’s shunned and blamed by half the city, which gives his dry wit real bite and his small mercies real weight. The dialogue crackles, the jokes land without feeling forced, and the character voice carries the book through alleys slick with mud, blood, and—occasionally—pixie dust.
Speaking of which, the world-building is vivid and a little wicked. Ships run on ground pixie wings (when addicts aren’t snorting them), the caste system squeezes everyone into their cruel little boxes, and politics hums beneath every footstep. This first City of Chains novel leans more into investigation and intrigue than constant combat (there are only a couple of major fights), which I liked—the mystery spine is sturdy, and the atmosphere does a lot of heavy lifting. A few early names blur together, but the confusion fades as the plot tightens.
Quibbles? Sure. The profanity sometimes sprays wider than a bar brawl, and one late anti-addiction sermon rang hollow given certain character choices. Also, pixie dust doing triple duty—as drug, fuel, and bomb ingredient—nudged my disbelief. But none of that outweighed the strengths: strong, natural dialogue; a protagonist with layers; and a city so grimy you’ll want to wipe your hands after each chapter.
With an average Goodreads rating around 4.1 and plenty of readers (me included) lining up for book two, Hand of the Executioner feels like a hidden gem at the start of a bigger saga. If you like your fantasy gritty, your humor dry, and your heroes morally scuffed, Viktor’s your man. Available on Goodreads, Amazon, and Audible—pick your poison and step into Adelstrad. Just don’t expect it to hold your hand. It’s too busy sharpening the axe.
Viktor the Executioner is the reason to book your return trip. He’s weary, sardonic, and sharper than the axe he pretends to love. Instead of the usual edgelord grunt, we get a masked investigator with a gift for gallows humor and a talent for asking the wrong people the right questions. He’s shunned and blamed by half the city, which gives his dry wit real bite and his small mercies real weight. The dialogue crackles, the jokes land without feeling forced, and the character voice carries the book through alleys slick with mud, blood, and—occasionally—pixie dust.
Speaking of which, the world-building is vivid and a little wicked. Ships run on ground pixie wings (when addicts aren’t snorting them), the caste system squeezes everyone into their cruel little boxes, and politics hums beneath every footstep. This first City of Chains novel leans more into investigation and intrigue than constant combat (there are only a couple of major fights), which I liked—the mystery spine is sturdy, and the atmosphere does a lot of heavy lifting. A few early names blur together, but the confusion fades as the plot tightens.
Quibbles? Sure. The profanity sometimes sprays wider than a bar brawl, and one late anti-addiction sermon rang hollow given certain character choices. Also, pixie dust doing triple duty—as drug, fuel, and bomb ingredient—nudged my disbelief. But none of that outweighed the strengths: strong, natural dialogue; a protagonist with layers; and a city so grimy you’ll want to wipe your hands after each chapter.
With an average Goodreads rating around 4.1 and plenty of readers (me included) lining up for book two, Hand of the Executioner feels like a hidden gem at the start of a bigger saga. If you like your fantasy gritty, your humor dry, and your heroes morally scuffed, Viktor’s your man. Available on Goodreads, Amazon, and Audible—pick your poison and step into Adelstrad. Just don’t expect it to hold your hand. It’s too busy sharpening the axe.
April 21, 2024
Because if you want to know a sewer, you ask the rats. If you want to know about a city, you ask its filth.
A dark and gritty fantasy? Well, that's right up my alley!
If I were to compare its vibes with something, that would be ‘Frieren: Beyond Jounery’s End’, especially as, the story starts right up in the aftermath of another major event that had taken place in the world of the book:
And yet, it would all be worth it soon. They were near the culmination point. Adelstrad would burn and he would be long gone from this wretched place.
It just gave me that deep sense of melancholic reflection that comes at the end of any epic journey - like a deep sigh that you take in preparation for the next stage, but while you are still burdened by the things you have seen and experienced in the final battle.
Overall, it’s an interesting concept. However, I found the first page a bit difficult to parse through. Don't get me wrong, the writing shows potential and kept me on the page, but I had to make a real effort to try to understand to whom and to what I should be paying attention.
I would have liked for the action scenes to have a bit more buildup, in order to give them the much-needed intensity to keep me on the edge of the seat.
One more point, I feel like there aren’t as many chapters with titles in the books published nowadays, so, that's something that I appreciate when I see it. I especially liked the ‘The Many-Faced Man’ title, but I wasn't a fan of the ‘Rat's Ass’.
May 9, 2024
The Hand of the Executioner (book one in the City of Chains series) presents a unique perspective on the fantasy genre, narrated by Viktor, the titular character who navigates the intricate web of the city he serves, fully aware of his lowly status within its hierarchy. Although I've delved into plenty of fantasy novels, this was my first experience with a narrative told from the perspective of an executioner.
Naturally, I was curious about how the author, Sebastian Priest, would approach the content. While the story is undeniably dark and gritty, I was pleasantly surprised to find moments of humor scattered throughout, providing much-needed balance and levity to the overall tone of the book.
The world building in Adelstrad is adequate, but the real strength lies in the fast-paced writing, which offers vivid descriptions and snappy dialogue that stick you right into action. To be sure, said action is violent and bloody – but then that’s how it advertises itself on the tin (it’s about an executioner after all).
I did come across the odd editorial mishap, but nothing too distracting that pulled me completely out of the story. Overall, a solid start, and I look forward to seeing where this series leads. I’d recommend this for fans of fantasy looking for a unique take on the genre.
Naturally, I was curious about how the author, Sebastian Priest, would approach the content. While the story is undeniably dark and gritty, I was pleasantly surprised to find moments of humor scattered throughout, providing much-needed balance and levity to the overall tone of the book.
The world building in Adelstrad is adequate, but the real strength lies in the fast-paced writing, which offers vivid descriptions and snappy dialogue that stick you right into action. To be sure, said action is violent and bloody – but then that’s how it advertises itself on the tin (it’s about an executioner after all).
I did come across the odd editorial mishap, but nothing too distracting that pulled me completely out of the story. Overall, a solid start, and I look forward to seeing where this series leads. I’d recommend this for fans of fantasy looking for a unique take on the genre.
April 5, 2024
I am giving this five stars because the writing in this is very good. You expect as much from any given book you might decide to purchase, but some books require a few chapters before you get absorbed. Not so with Hand of the Executioner: the narrative pulled me from the very beginning. This book tells you nothing, which I love—there are no enormous amounts of exposition to explain everything for you. The author trusts that you will figure things out, and that is absolutely the best way to experience this book: knowing as little as possible before you go in.
The violence is as well-written as anything else I could speak about: creatures die with suddenness and weight. Mud and snow and other things in the environment are written with such detail that you can feel and smell this world. It builds a world carefully over its chapters, but never at the expense of its entertaining cast of characters.
The dialogue is well-written. Characters bicker and make genuinely funny jokes. One says to another: “If I died to a giant frog in the haunted forest, who else would you b***h to about your stupid work problems?”
Read the plot if you like, but this is better to experience by diving in. Five stars for this hidden gem.
The violence is as well-written as anything else I could speak about: creatures die with suddenness and weight. Mud and snow and other things in the environment are written with such detail that you can feel and smell this world. It builds a world carefully over its chapters, but never at the expense of its entertaining cast of characters.
The dialogue is well-written. Characters bicker and make genuinely funny jokes. One says to another: “If I died to a giant frog in the haunted forest, who else would you b***h to about your stupid work problems?”
Read the plot if you like, but this is better to experience by diving in. Five stars for this hidden gem.
April 22, 2024
This book is not your typical hero's quest. The story takes you into the heart of Adelstrad, a brutal city constantly on the edge. The narrative wastes no time, throwing you into the life of Viktor, a condemned criminal offered a grim choice by the town's Baron: become the city's executioner, or face his own demise. As Viktor navigates a treacherous web of magic and deception, he finds himself thrust into the unlikely role of a hero in a world where trust and loyalty are very rare.
The narrative is well-paced, drawing you in from the outset without bogging you down in unnecessary backstory. The vivid descriptions bring Adelstrad to life—from its gritty streets to the chilling horrors that lurk in the shadows. The characters are multifaceted, with sharp dialogue and complex motivations that add depth to the story.
The book includes a fast-moving plot, surprising twists, and immersive world-building. The unique blend of dark fantasy and horror elements sets it apart, making it a standout. If there is one negative, it's that the pacing is a bit uneven at times. However, the witty dialogue and well-developed characters compensate for that, leaving room for your imagination as a reader. Overall, this is a good read choice for fans of dark fantasy.
The narrative is well-paced, drawing you in from the outset without bogging you down in unnecessary backstory. The vivid descriptions bring Adelstrad to life—from its gritty streets to the chilling horrors that lurk in the shadows. The characters are multifaceted, with sharp dialogue and complex motivations that add depth to the story.
The book includes a fast-moving plot, surprising twists, and immersive world-building. The unique blend of dark fantasy and horror elements sets it apart, making it a standout. If there is one negative, it's that the pacing is a bit uneven at times. However, the witty dialogue and well-developed characters compensate for that, leaving room for your imagination as a reader. Overall, this is a good read choice for fans of dark fantasy.
April 10, 2024
This is the first book I have read from this author and I must say it was quite a great, dark fantasy read, great for those that like action, adventure, sarcastic humor and dark fantasy
The story starts off with protagonist Viktor and his life sucks a lot. He is given a hard job with a low wage and is sometimes starving.
He is then tasked by a baron to unravel the conspiracy of a tyrant. He goes off on a dangerous adventure with a gang of people.
What I liked the most about this story is how well written the setting were. From the city of Adelstrad, the snow areas, the the dirt fields, everything was described well. Along with the ton of violence which is well described you can feel like your watching a fight scene.
This was a unique and interesting read and I would like to read more from the author.
The story starts off with protagonist Viktor and his life sucks a lot. He is given a hard job with a low wage and is sometimes starving.
He is then tasked by a baron to unravel the conspiracy of a tyrant. He goes off on a dangerous adventure with a gang of people.
What I liked the most about this story is how well written the setting were. From the city of Adelstrad, the snow areas, the the dirt fields, everything was described well. Along with the ton of violence which is well described you can feel like your watching a fight scene.
This was a unique and interesting read and I would like to read more from the author.
April 19, 2024
Original and Entertaining
This is a fantastic start to a fantasy series, and I enjoyed it very much. There are some really original ideas in here with some great world building too. It is pretty fast paced and gets right to the point - much like the roguish protagonist who is, of course, an executioner and a great perspective to bring to a book. Nice work.
There are a few places where this is a little rough around the edges including a few tiny editorial issues, but the journey carries you along nonetheless so they are easily overlooked. If you are a fan of grimdark (or a slightly violent story with lashings of political intrigue for that matter) then this is definitely worth a look.
This is a fantastic start to a fantasy series, and I enjoyed it very much. There are some really original ideas in here with some great world building too. It is pretty fast paced and gets right to the point - much like the roguish protagonist who is, of course, an executioner and a great perspective to bring to a book. Nice work.
There are a few places where this is a little rough around the edges including a few tiny editorial issues, but the journey carries you along nonetheless so they are easily overlooked. If you are a fan of grimdark (or a slightly violent story with lashings of political intrigue for that matter) then this is definitely worth a look.
July 15, 2025
Adelstrad is a very dark city. High on a mountain, corrupt, and divided into different areas ruled by more or less whoever pays the most, it's not a happy place.
Viktor is the official executioner, meaning he always wears a mask in public, can't leave the city, and is paid by the execution. The new Watch Commander seems to be an honorable, unbent man, and is confusing most of the darker elements of the city.
Viktor is in the midst of several plots, trying to find out where a very dangerous substance is coming from, and dealing with a clash in the underworld.
There's a dark humor throughout this that appealed to me. The book ended on a cliffhanger, and I may need to go track down the rest of the series.
Viktor is the official executioner, meaning he always wears a mask in public, can't leave the city, and is paid by the execution. The new Watch Commander seems to be an honorable, unbent man, and is confusing most of the darker elements of the city.
Viktor is in the midst of several plots, trying to find out where a very dangerous substance is coming from, and dealing with a clash in the underworld.
There's a dark humor throughout this that appealed to me. The book ended on a cliffhanger, and I may need to go track down the rest of the series.
September 2, 2024
Hand of the Executioner
I felt like dipping back into some fantasy & this book sounded dark and gritty enough to suit my tastes. What I wasn't expecting was for the main, Viktor, to basically be a medieval Batman who kills, lol.
Take away the foul language & such, you find yourself left with an intelligent man who knows it & uses it. The story was amazing and finished on a note I wasn't expecting!
If you are just wanting a laugh, there are very few, but exceptionally well done & unexpected when they do appear, so keep that in mind.
Go buy this book, I am off to buy book 2.
I felt like dipping back into some fantasy & this book sounded dark and gritty enough to suit my tastes. What I wasn't expecting was for the main, Viktor, to basically be a medieval Batman who kills, lol.
Take away the foul language & such, you find yourself left with an intelligent man who knows it & uses it. The story was amazing and finished on a note I wasn't expecting!
If you are just wanting a laugh, there are very few, but exceptionally well done & unexpected when they do appear, so keep that in mind.
Go buy this book, I am off to buy book 2.
March 24, 2026
This book was a nice surprise after all the slob i read recently. The plot is a kind of grimdark detective arc with only a few fights.
The story takes place in a sordid fortress town that is close to rebellion and is filled with coompeting factions that strive for dominance. The MC is quite an enigma as he doesn't show what kind of person he really is. A presumed drunkard that is in fact teetotaler, corrupt when necessary or helpful, a compassionate thief and witty conversationalist, a rebellious mind bound to duty and anonymity, a masterful liar and manipulator, an unlikely intellectual and a executioner who knows compassion at times.
Criticism and comments
I found the start a bit confusing as no one mentioned there played any role later on.
The story takes place in a sordid fortress town that is close to rebellion and is filled with coompeting factions that strive for dominance. The MC is quite an enigma as he doesn't show what kind of person he really is. A presumed drunkard that is in fact teetotaler, corrupt when necessary or helpful, a compassionate thief and witty conversationalist, a rebellious mind bound to duty and anonymity, a masterful liar and manipulator, an unlikely intellectual and a executioner who knows compassion at times.
Criticism and comments
I found the start a bit confusing as no one mentioned there played any role later on.
October 9, 2026
I liked the reality that the story was grounded in. Magic sounds like simple hearsay and having the church cracking down on any rumors is both believable and expected. The hints of unexplainable magic as the story progresses builds a unique world where magic is present but not common or attainable to most.
April 29, 2024
A fun story
Kinda dark with some interjections of humor. It's a great tale, but there was something about the writing style that kept me from really connecting & caring about the characters.
Kinda dark with some interjections of humor. It's a great tale, but there was something about the writing style that kept me from really connecting & caring about the characters.
May 15, 2024
This was the first book I read by this author and found it quite interesting. I liked the sarcasm throughout the writing and the dark humour was appreciated. Not your typical dark fantasy, would recommend to other readers.
May 20, 2024
Story of an executioner
This fantasy story shows the story of an executioner in an unlawful city. Shunned and blamed by many, he wears his mask with feigned indifference. Well written.
This fantasy story shows the story of an executioner in an unlawful city. Shunned and blamed by many, he wears his mask with feigned indifference. Well written.
July 17, 2024
While there are a lot of dark bits to this story, I really love the main character, Viktor. In general, I'm not a fan of humorous books, but Viktor is pretty funny. It doesn't seem forced, just part of his nature. I would be up for the next book in this series.
August 18, 2024
Grimdark fantasy at its finest!
Priest has written a gritty, dark fantasy with Victor the executioner as it’s protagonist. The dialogue, descriptors, plots, and intrigue combine perfectly to define this dark world of the city Adelstradia. Well worth the read!
Priest has written a gritty, dark fantasy with Victor the executioner as it’s protagonist. The dialogue, descriptors, plots, and intrigue combine perfectly to define this dark world of the city Adelstradia. Well worth the read!
February 8, 2026
I almost stopped reading at the prologue. after that the story picked up once we had a protagonist to root for. Book 1 is not a complete book - no resolution to anything and just left you hanging so you'll buy book 2.
May 14, 2023
Good book, want more
May 3, 2024
This book was ok. I enjoyed the fight scenes which were plenty. I wish there was more put into the mystery of Milletra’s death.
May 18, 2024
Decent read
A decent book with cool themes and and interesting perspective. The execution and and links between certain fantasy elements could be better written in my opinion.
A decent book with cool themes and and interesting perspective. The execution and and links between certain fantasy elements could be better written in my opinion.
April 16, 2026
Excellent.
April 21, 2026
One of the best series I have ever read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews