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The Executioner's Song #3

The Executioner's Blade

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Executioners have never cared about the magic that lurks within the kingdom. Finn can no longer ignore it.

Finn has grown into the role of executioner, taking on more responsibility with each passing year. After thwarting another plot against the kingdom, he’s developed a reputation—and the attention that comes with it.

When attacked investigating missing women throughout the city, Finn finds his list of enemies growing. After another high profile abduction, Finn’s newfound skills are tested trying to find answers before it’s too late, but an imprisoned man speaking the strange language of the Alainsith forces Finn and Meyer to divide their work. Finn wants to focus on the missing women, but Meyer fears Alainsith involvement and has a different plan.

Finn must be the Hunter to save the missing women—and protect the kingdom once again. Only this time, the danger to the kingdom is something Meyer can’t prepare Finn to handle.

532 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2021

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D.K. Holmberg

329 books990 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Lana.
2,780 reviews59 followers
February 20, 2021
So Finn is taking on more and more responsibilities from Master Meyer, he has made great progress and has also earned himself the nickname of The Hunter due to the fact that once he set his sights on getting evidence he is like a dog with a bone and quite relentless. However, in this book he has been attacked, and Oscar, his friend has been left for dead. People he thought he could trust have turned against him and betrayed him to a new crew in Verendal. Master Meyer tells Finn he is ready for his next step to becoming an executioner, and sends him on his pilgrimage and even though Finn thought it was not the right time to leave, he obeys. On his travels he encounters magical forces which have nothing to do with the Hegen, and probably not even with the Alainsith, so what magic was this? Esmeralda tells him it is related to death magic and Finn was coming to the conclusion that this was the answer to the deaths and disappearances of the women in Verendal. Upon his return to the city he finds even more turmoil waiting for him, and it looks like Finn is going to act not only as an executioner as he faces the magical forces threatening to bring war upon the empire. There are those who would benefit from breaking the treaty between the King and the Alainsith and they were brutal and their magic was very powerful. Can Finn take on this new challenge, with his trusty sword in hand? Dying to go on reading this very exciting series which is now taking such a dark turn to the story making this ever more intriguing.
64 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2021
In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided a digital Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review. This author, as many do these days, just asks for a review on Amazon and similar platforms to give readers like you an honest feedback on the book.

First of all, this is the third installment in the series, of which I have read and reviewed all 3. I had not read the work of this author, D.K. Holmberg, until last year, and I have become a fast fan. (As a side note, I have also read and reviewed his separate series The Chain Breaker, which I also highly recommend, ESPECIALLY if you are an RPG fan). Holmberg is particularly effective at telling stories in complete installments, so that when you are done with a book, you feel like you've arrived at a destination or a sensible stop point. I hate books (and TV shows/movies) with cliffhangers, where you are left waiting for the next book (movie or show) to come out and resolve the action. Certainly, Holmberg seeds his works with hooks for the following books in his series, but his books each resolve the main plot points.

In this book, Holmberg concentrates on several established characters, while introducing a few new ones and developing some briefly introduced characters. The ongoing unrest due to conflicts with the country's neighbor, and the desire of some to personally profit from a resumption of hostilities, again becomes a focus of the book. Holmberg spends some more time discussing the natures of different magics, which becomes a significant detail within the book. As in the previous installments, Holmberg spends some time analyzing and describing the political and social differences within the society, and how that can impact professional and personal relationships and actions. As the primary character, Finn, has an impoverished and criminal background and has been elevated beyond his former station to an apprentice executioner, Holmberg has significant opportunity to show how conflicts may develop, including romantic relationships. Holmberg also shows how conflicts and perceptions of different types of magic, and the value with which society holds them, may complicate political and social interests.

Early in the book, Finn is faced with the fact that not everyone is happy with his elevation or his vocation, as he is attacked multiple times. Finn and his sponsor, Master Meyer, struggle with a host of crimes within the city, which at first glance, are unrelated, but which are found to be linked through magic. In the course of the book, Finn completes his journeyman pilgrimage, unexpectedly accompanied by Esmerelda, who is much further developed in the course of this book. During the pilgrimage, Finn learns more about his personal capabilities as well as more about the nature of the threat to himself and the entire kingdom. Finn, assisted by his family and friends, rises to face the threat.

This book, and series, is an excellent choice, for a Young Adult or Fantasy reader. There is plenty of action, intermixed with a variety of social interactions. While there is some romantic limited action, there is no graphic sexual content. While there are violent scenes, there is nothing gratuitous of the violence. There are scenes describing torture and death, which are necessary to the story, and are not gratuitous or excessive. I do not recall any strong language. I think there are excellent opportunities to discuss social activism, personal morality, justice, class differences, and religious differences and values, in the course of reading this series together. I would have no concerns about giving this series to a teenage family member to read.

I have two minor complaints about the book. One, especially since action takes place outside of the city, I think maps of the city, showing the different districts, and a map of the larger kingdom, would both benefit the reader. Second, an earlier book in the series described the apprenticeship test in much more detail. This book, while it involved the journeyman pilgrimage, did not at all discuss the journeyman test or subsequent ceremony installing Finn as a journeyman executioner. I hope very much that this is covered in the next book in the series.

To date, I have purchased all of the books in this series in paperback as they've become available, and will do the same with this book.
14 reviews
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February 20, 2021
In the third book of the Executioner’s Song Finn Jagger continues the transition from his old life while growing as an executioner’s apprentice. As a character he remains both believable and relatable - he doubts, makes mistake from which he sometimes has trouble learning as he strives to be a better person. This book leaves me waiting impatiently for book 4 of the series so that I can continue to follow Finn’s journey toward becoming a master executioner. D.K. Holmberg has taken a subject before I would have dismiss as boring and woven a tale that keeps us wanting more.
We find Finn about 5 years after Meyer’s fateful intervention. He now has sufficient knowledge of his trade that when combined with his growing freedom and independence we see him developing his own styles and methods by which he’ll be known - earning a a new nickname from the citizens of Verendal.
Violent crimes are on the rise and ladies have gone missing within Verendal - the latest being the daughter of the King’s chancellor. The city believes that they have the man responsible in jail but he just is not talking. During his investigation Finn uses all of the tools in toolbox. He even returns to the Wenderwolf where he finds himself burning bridges of his past life already weakened by his role in the execution of his former crew’s leader.
As events unfold, Finn experiences magic in a way that takes it from a thing of rumor and myth to something undeniable. In fact, now that its existence is indisputable Finn seems to also find it unavoidable, no matter how much he tries. When Esmeralda offers to answer some of his questions in return for telling his story, the veil of mystery surrounding the Hegen and their magic prove to be too tempting for his inquisitive mind’s now honed sleuthing skills to abstain from.
After multiple attempts on his life getting Oscar caught up in the crossfire - Meyer decides Finn must leave Verendal. He sends his apprentice on a pilgrimage outside of Verendal, the last step before being tested for advancement to Journeyman. How will Finn do on his own without Meyer at his side? Will he be able to save the chancellor’s daughter and figure out what is exactly happening in the city and the kingdom?
I received a copy of this book for free in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle Nelms.
135 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2021
Full disclosure, I received an Advanced Read Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third book in the series and it's my favorite so far. The first book introduced us to Finn, Meyer, and their world. The second book built on that, let us see Finn being capable and willing in his role, and introduced more political intrigue. This book further builds on the others, gives us more of the world and its magic, and really begins a larger adventure in earnest.

The Executioner's Blade takes place years after the Executioner's Apprentice. Finn has been doing more and more work on his own. He and his sister have been learning more about healing, as well.

Early in this book, Finn is attacked while investigating a case involving kidnapped women. Throughout the course of the investigation, Finn and people close to him are attacked multiple times, and the assailants are using magic.

Meyer sends Finn on a pilgrimage: partly because he believes Finn is ready to progress to Journeyman, partly for a chance to investigate from a different angle, and partly to protect him. Finn is joined by an unexpected companion partway through his journey and the pair encounter unusual circumstances, different magical attacks, and meet one of the mysterious Alainsith.

This book really ramps up the political intrigue, brings more of the magic in the world to the forefront, and felt more action-oriented. I can't wait to see where the series goes from here.
Profile Image for Beba Andric.
1,580 reviews110 followers
February 12, 2021
What a terrific continuation of a wonderful series! In this 3rd book in this series, we get to see how much Finn has grown into his role as the Executioner's Apprentice. His thirst for truth and justice, have him questioning everything and everyone. After a series of bizarre events, where women are disappearing and even more bizarre murders, that make no sense to Finn, he is determined to uncover the truth and find the missing girls. Yet he finds himself being hunted and attacked. Barely surviving the attack, Finn is sent on a pilgrimage, to take on the role as Executioner in 2 villages and to try uncover the mystery of the murders. He discovers that all is not as it appears and magic forces are at play, not anything he has encountered before. With the help of Esmeralda, Finn manages to prevent a disaster and understand what is happening. This book is full of delights as Finn becomes bolder and more comfortable in his role. It is, as always, a well written story that explores friendship, loyalty, politics and truth. Never predictable, always a twist, is what makes this a great read. Highly recommended
Profile Image for Lana Kamennof-sine.
831 reviews29 followers
February 27, 2021
I was fortunate to receive a free digital advanced copy of this book to review. You'll see my honest review here.
The third book in the series has a wonderful beginning...Confess I was inordinately proud that Finn has maintained his compassion for the less fortunate. Of course by the second chapter I was terrified that Finn had been had. The story is dark. A convoluted one that completely engrosses you. So many uncertainties. So many questions. It was a treat to see the nuances and some of the complexities of many of the long known characters, like Esmeralda, like Annie, like Oscar being revealed; sometimes quickly, other times in a tantalizing way. We finally get to meet a few Alainsith as well. Looking forward to the next in the series.

If you're wondering about comparative works think Patrick Rothfuss, think Andrzej Sapkowski, think well thought out, deep stories and characters.
431 reviews3 followers
December 17, 2022
Gripping story with magic coming more to the fore and Finn needs the help of the Hegen, Esmerelda in particular, to overcome the different kinds of magic which confront him. The blood magic which is the reason for the taking of young women throughout the city and also the Alainsith magic which it seems is also trying to support him in his quest as the Hunter seeking justice for the king against the new crew trying to destabilise the present system and promote war against the Alainsith. He is granted more autonomy and his own sword which needs a name to go with it's power. Master Meyer has chosen his apprentice well and Finn's sister is also showing her talent as a healer when Finn, Oscar (the Hand) and Meyer are all injured by the new crew who have no respect and are taking over the Archers and the prison staff but the magical power in Justice wielded by Finn saves the day and the kingdom.
Profile Image for Elda.
1,203 reviews6 followers
February 11, 2021
Powerful magic this way comes!
In this the third book in Holmberg’s The Executioner’s Song Series Finn goes on a pilgrimage outside the city and comes across a strange powerful magic that overtakes a town he was assigned to visit. He also learns to master his sword to help outwit the evil magic to a certain extent. With Esmeralda’s help to understand what type of magic they are dealing with they are able to beat feet back to Verendal. It’s enough to give you the ‘willies’, goosebumps, and gags. You might want to forget about eating popcorn or candy while reading this. The sad and bad news is, this ain’t over yet as far as the evil magic is concerned. The good news is, we get to read another book in this series. And if Mr. Holmberg is true to his unusually fast paced writing schedule then it won’t be long until we can get our clutches on the book. Watch me hold my breath until that time.
1,788 reviews15 followers
February 13, 2021
A few years on and Finn is now "The Hunter". It beats being "Shuffles", but maybe not the nickname that Finn would have picked.

We again see the everyday life of the Executioner. Then as events progress Finn becomes the hunted. He also finds himself more deeply indebted to magic and more surrounded by magic. While he knows it exists and appreciates what it can do, he doesn't understand magic - not yet. Events lead him to take a road trip to further his apprenticeship and ready for his journeyman's test.

When he returns home, all magic breaks loose. Verendahl is a mess and it's his job to fix it with all the help he can pull in. Everyone else has been laid low or sidelined. The end is clearly very gripping. An absolute must read if you have read the previous books. If you haven't then read them!
Profile Image for Bigred6126.
1,385 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2021
Wow, what an awesome novel. Though it's hard to believe even after all the ones before got 5 stars this one is even better. The others deserved their five stars. Arendal is a great kingdom and evil is trying to bring it to its knees. There are so many kinds of magic that we learn throughout. Each novel gives just a little more information. The bad guys are learning its harder to get around the Executioner and his journeyman. It's awesome to learn more and more about Finn and how his mind works. Time is flying but he's become an honorable man. He's truly embracing his station in life and making sure justice is served. No one is above the law and Finn is using Justice to carryout the punishments.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review
105 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2021
Really good pace to this one. We are back with Finn but way further a long in his training,for the squeamish there are more torture scenes here,although apart from a water boarding it's all mainly about the legs. Some inconsistencies in the narrative,for instance on a couple of occasions when Finn goes to Declan prison,he comes across or hears about a visitor yet that's against the rules & he never mentions this at any point to Meyer. I still think a map might be beneficial as Finn leaves Varendal to despence justice but whilst it takes days to get to these villages,he seems to manage to return in a day.
As a side not,I probably wouldn't have started reading these if I'd known that there was to be more than 3 of them!
Profile Image for Ron.
766 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2021
Another stirring adventure for Finn this time women are disappearing within the city. Finn must gets answers from his prisoner Holden plus there is a mysterious stranger accused of murder and rape. Finn has tried to question him but he speaks an unknown language. So Finn must become the hunter to solve what's happening and if it's a threat to the city and the whole kingdom. On a trip to 2 outlying villages to administer justice Finn encounters strange magic and creatures which he must overcome. This is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish with some startling revelations along the way. A great addition to the series definitely recommend
194 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2021
Finn is now known as “The Hunter”; the executioner’s right-hand man and a skilled interrogator. But danger is lurking in the kingdom. Women start disappearing, gruesome murders are reported, and dark magic is being used to disable anyone who comes too close to the truth. Even Finn and Meyer are no longer safe…
The Executioner's Blade is the third book in The Executioner's Song epic fantasy series. It’s a successful blend of historical fiction and fantasy, described with humour and suspense.
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.
4,488 reviews21 followers
February 17, 2021
Finn and Meyer are back and chasing down and investigating things as usual. Of course things heat up and Finn finds himself with a mystery that causes a lot of danger. I love this series and watching Finn become a better investigator and end up saving people is amazing. And this time around he is just amazing as usual. I love how the story lays out everything to keep me reading to the end to see what Finn must face and how he puts it all together and saves the day. And the magic component adds to it all. Just a good story that kept me entertained and reading to the end.
Profile Image for K Saju.
652 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2021
Third book of a four book series and the pace remains at fast and exciting as the earlier ones. Finn, now with a well earned tag, of The Hunter, is now involved in locating womens who are missing in the city. When one of the missing women is the chancellor's daughter the stakes become higher and the pressure to resolve the case also increases. His search for answer leads him to face magic as such that he had never faced and the fate of the city rests in his now capable hands.
247 reviews1 follower
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February 16, 2021
Finn is finally feeling like he has a grip on his work. Henry has him doing most things on his own when Finn is attacked and almost killed. What will happen to the ongoing investigations? This has been a wonderful series with complex characters and story lines. Great read. So ready for the next book.
Profile Image for Carole Eshenbaugh.
255 reviews
May 6, 2021
It continues

This story continues to develop nicely. Characters well developed. Magic and Finn coming into his own. Yet there is a part of him that must continue to learn. This is a most exciting story with just the right amount of twist. I even enjoyed the conversations between the characters. Fresh. Excellent writing. Excellent story.
191 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2021
Justice is served

This third book was a real page turner.
I like that Finn was coming into his own with being an excustioner. All the characters were finding their
Way in the story. They have all grown and are on their way to hopefully better lives
Profile Image for Palmi Palmason.
1 review
March 22, 2021
Another great story.

I have been reading his books for quite some time now and
Each time he comes with new story. What a amazing storytelling
He seems to have a lot of it in his head. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
143 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2021
The Executioners Song book 3

This book had the twist and turns that I like. It kept you interested to keep turning the page. Finn has came a long way from being a petty thief. On to book 4.
15 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2021
Thumbs up

I’m really enjoying this series. It’s different. It’s calm, sometimes disturbing but not to graphic, and overall pretty well thought out. I don’t read all this author’s work but I’m looking forward to the next and the next and the next book of this story.
596 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2021
Fantastic

Now I must say NNNOOOOOO I have pre ordered book 4 and Must wait. This is another great story. I hope it doesnot end in the next book!
Profile Image for David Nichols.
31 reviews5 followers
April 1, 2021
Really enjoyable read.

Great characters who you can empathise with and also a great storyline. Downloading the next book in the series now.
87 reviews
May 22, 2021
Finn Aka The Hunter

I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Finn is a very interesting character. I am looking forward to his continued journey
8 reviews
July 30, 2021
Great read

Excellent storyline and characters. Mystery within a mystery. Recommend to anyone who enjoys this genera. DK is masterful with bringing you into his world.
30 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2021
Some surprises I hadn't expected

Great growth in the main character and supporting characters with some interesting surprises along the way. Looking forward to book 4.
616 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2021
Excellent

A terrific next in the series. I'm going to continue through the collection. I like the character of Finn Jaguar
11 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2022
Excellent series

I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series and am about to start the fourth book and see what Finn is going to do next. READ THIS SERIES.
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