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The Executioner's Song #5
The Master Executioner
A dangerous power returns to the city, and only the master executioner can stop it.
Finn has served the king as journeyman executioner, but the time has come for a testing with the executioner court. Regardless of the outcome, he will no longer serve in Verendal.
Strange attacks in the city lead Finn to believe that witchcraft has returned, but he’s the only one who suspects. He must find the answers before his testing, and fears that Master Meyer does not understand the truth.
He must be the Hunter one last time to save the city—and the kingdom—but he faces an insidious power that’s been active for far longer than he ever imagined.
The thrilling conclusion of The Executioner’s Song fantasy series.
Finn has served the king as journeyman executioner, but the time has come for a testing with the executioner court. Regardless of the outcome, he will no longer serve in Verendal.
Strange attacks in the city lead Finn to believe that witchcraft has returned, but he’s the only one who suspects. He must find the answers before his testing, and fears that Master Meyer does not understand the truth.
He must be the Hunter one last time to save the city—and the kingdom—but he faces an insidious power that’s been active for far longer than he ever imagined.
The thrilling conclusion of The Executioner’s Song fantasy series.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 29, 2021
this was a late Christmas present and it was AWESOME. I really loved this series and this was a very nice end to a beautiful story. The only problem with this, is that it could have been so much more, the relationships, the other races, the magic all could have been developed to an even greater story, but as it is it's fantastic.
December 30, 2021
The series has been entertaining and have kept my interest for each release. While I am disappointed that this has ended with some of the other mysteries still open and unexplained, it was a good read.
Overall rating 3.5
Overall rating 3.5
June 4, 2022
Mi è capitato, e sicuramente mi ricapiterà, di leggere libri brutti, libri che mi hanno fatto arrabbiare, libri talmente scritti male o ridicoli da farmi alzare gli occhi al cielo parecchie volte durante la lettura.
Questa particolare serie, invece no. Questo non significa che sia una bella pentalogia, tutto il contrario. E' brutta e c'è ben poco che salverei. Ma è brutta in una maniera così mediocre che non ha generato in me nemmeno una sensazione che fosse di arrabbiatura, fastidio o altro. Nemmeno noia (che è la ragione della stellina in più).
Letteralmente, è come se fosse un non libro, o la bozza di un libro che avrebbe bisogno di una revisione pesante fino a diventare irriconoscibile.
Potrei starvi ad elencare i problemi che questo libro ha (dal worldbuilding inesistente e contradditorio, alla caratterizzazione inesistente, dal fatto che dovrebbe essere un mezzo giallo e il colpevole è sempre l'unico personaggio che viene presentato all'inizio, dai dialoghi ripetitivi e didascalici, fino ad arrivare alla mancanza di conclusione del punto di trama del padre del protagonista) ma sarebbe inutile, perché anche questi difetti sono mediocri.
Esistono, ma la mediocrità della narrazione impedisce qualunque sentimento effettivamente negativo nei suoi confronti.
Ed è questo il difetto maggiore.
In un certo senso, molti dei libri che ho recensito di peggio sono migliori di questo, perché almeno non erano mediocri.
Se vi state chiedendo perché abbia letto tutti i libri quando già dal primo avevo capito l'andazzo... che vi devo dire, ho chiaramente un problema. Ne sono consapevole, ma mi dà fastidio non terminare le cose.
Questa particolare serie, invece no. Questo non significa che sia una bella pentalogia, tutto il contrario. E' brutta e c'è ben poco che salverei. Ma è brutta in una maniera così mediocre che non ha generato in me nemmeno una sensazione che fosse di arrabbiatura, fastidio o altro. Nemmeno noia (che è la ragione della stellina in più).
Letteralmente, è come se fosse un non libro, o la bozza di un libro che avrebbe bisogno di una revisione pesante fino a diventare irriconoscibile.
Potrei starvi ad elencare i problemi che questo libro ha (dal worldbuilding inesistente e contradditorio, alla caratterizzazione inesistente, dal fatto che dovrebbe essere un mezzo giallo e il colpevole è sempre l'unico personaggio che viene presentato all'inizio, dai dialoghi ripetitivi e didascalici, fino ad arrivare alla mancanza di conclusione del punto di trama del padre del protagonista) ma sarebbe inutile, perché anche questi difetti sono mediocri.
Esistono, ma la mediocrità della narrazione impedisce qualunque sentimento effettivamente negativo nei suoi confronti.
Ed è questo il difetto maggiore.
In un certo senso, molti dei libri che ho recensito di peggio sono migliori di questo, perché almeno non erano mediocri.
Se vi state chiedendo perché abbia letto tutti i libri quando già dal primo avevo capito l'andazzo... che vi devo dire, ho chiaramente un problema. Ne sono consapevole, ma mi dà fastidio non terminare le cose.
March 8, 2026
4 - 4.5 Stars
The Master Executioner is the fifth book in The Alainsith Saga (The Executioner's Song Book #5) by D.K. Holmberg. This is a gripping, epic fantasy that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven adventures with a sharp edge.
The series follows the Executioners - figures tasked not with solving crimes, but with delivering justice in a world where magic, politics, and personal loyalties constantly collide. Mr. Holmberg crafts fully realised settings that come with layered histories, dangerous secrets, and a constant tension between order and chaos.
The Executioners are bound by duty, yet the line between justice and vengeance blurs as the stakes rise. Mr. Holmberg doesn’t shy away from showing the cost of power - both magical and political - and how it shapes those who wield it.
I recommend reading the series in the correct sequence, as ach book builds on the last - keeping the momentum alive, which is a ride you will definitely want to take. Action scenes are vivid without being Ott, and quieter moments carry emotional weight. While the series leans heavily into its central themes of justice, loyalty, and sacrifice, it also offers enough twists to keep even us seasoned fantasy readers guessing.
Happy Reading…
The Master Executioner is the fifth book in The Alainsith Saga (The Executioner's Song Book #5) by D.K. Holmberg. This is a gripping, epic fantasy that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven adventures with a sharp edge.
The series follows the Executioners - figures tasked not with solving crimes, but with delivering justice in a world where magic, politics, and personal loyalties constantly collide. Mr. Holmberg crafts fully realised settings that come with layered histories, dangerous secrets, and a constant tension between order and chaos.
The Executioners are bound by duty, yet the line between justice and vengeance blurs as the stakes rise. Mr. Holmberg doesn’t shy away from showing the cost of power - both magical and political - and how it shapes those who wield it.
I recommend reading the series in the correct sequence, as ach book builds on the last - keeping the momentum alive, which is a ride you will definitely want to take. Action scenes are vivid without being Ott, and quieter moments carry emotional weight. While the series leans heavily into its central themes of justice, loyalty, and sacrifice, it also offers enough twists to keep even us seasoned fantasy readers guessing.
Happy Reading…
January 2, 2022
3.5/5. I liked how things ended for Finn. He's got a good, albeit off-putting job, his family that is still alive is safe and healthy, and there's a hint of romance for him. He's changed a lot since the first book and has finally come into having his own opinions and being able to use them in his day to day life, and still manages to follow the lessons that Meyer has taught him along the way. There were some story threads that never get resolved such as what happened to Finn's dad, and a handful of others but on the whole we don't always get such resolutions in life and Finn's life is far from over although the series for us is over so we can imagine, if we want to, that Finn will eventually get those answers. The series as a whole was an unexpected one for me. I'd never heard of this book and suddenly there was already a sequel out and then I could anticipate the next one being released quicker then most authors get their books published. I'm curious to see what the author will release next and hope its one that I'm interested in.
April 19, 2022
As always, a great story from D.K. Holmberg
This story was great, but there were a number of misspellings and mistakes that became somewhat jarring as you read. In addition to that, the author kept certain characters repeating the same conversation over and over again. I don’t know if it was to boost the word count or just not realizing it but it was tiring to read.
This story was great, but there were a number of misspellings and mistakes that became somewhat jarring as you read. In addition to that, the author kept certain characters repeating the same conversation over and over again. I don’t know if it was to boost the word count or just not realizing it but it was tiring to read.
October 19, 2022
Simply amazing
As i started reading the first chapter of the executioners song, i started to wonder what i had in my hands ,not my normal reading material ,thats for sure,I have been pleasently supprised at how much i enjoyed the stories within and the comaraderie of all the characters within.I would certainly recommend it
As i started reading the first chapter of the executioners song, i started to wonder what i had in my hands ,not my normal reading material ,thats for sure,I have been pleasently supprised at how much i enjoyed the stories within and the comaraderie of all the characters within.I would certainly recommend it
June 19, 2023
After finishing this last book of The Executioner's Song series I am feeling a bit sad there isn't more :)
When I got my first book of the series I was not sure what to expect and had the idea it would not fully fit my taste. I was wrong!! I got hooked rather quick and could not stop reading.
I have been reading a lot of series / books, but this one is something different and VERY entertaining.
Highly recommended!
When I got my first book of the series I was not sure what to expect and had the idea it would not fully fit my taste. I was wrong!! I got hooked rather quick and could not stop reading.
I have been reading a lot of series / books, but this one is something different and VERY entertaining.
Highly recommended!
Read
December 24, 2021Engaging
From the beginning of the series Finn the lead character grew stronger. Developing a hidden strength. Unrelenting in his desire to seek truth leading to an serving justice.
From the beginning of the series Finn the lead character grew stronger. Developing a hidden strength. Unrelenting in his desire to seek truth leading to an serving justice.
December 26, 2021
Excellent departure from dragons
This series has been a great change of pace from typical dragons and mind control magics. The characters grow but are not rushed but develop at a believable pace. Very much enjoyed the conclusion.
This series has been a great change of pace from typical dragons and mind control magics. The characters grow but are not rushed but develop at a believable pace. Very much enjoyed the conclusion.
January 6, 2022
Excellent series, highly recommend.
A different type of series mingling detective work and magic in a most interesting way. Hard books to put down. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
A different type of series mingling detective work and magic in a most interesting way. Hard books to put down. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
January 8, 2022
Exceptional Journey
What a wonderful and exciting ride with Fin and his troupe. Recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy with some real life hero’s who evolve throughout the series. Looking forward to the future chapters to be written
What a wonderful and exciting ride with Fin and his troupe. Recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy with some real life hero’s who evolve throughout the series. Looking forward to the future chapters to be written
January 18, 2022
The Master Executioners series
This series has been a pleasure to read. From when the story first started by helping a young thief to be more to the final where he has became more. I would recommend this book to others that like these types of books.
This series has been a pleasure to read. From when the story first started by helping a young thief to be more to the final where he has became more. I would recommend this book to others that like these types of books.
February 28, 2022
Entertaining
Great story with perfect characters. I would like to say not so much this book but others you can't cool the sausage or beacon at the same time as eggs cos they take very different times to cook. Just saying.
Great story with perfect characters. I would like to say not so much this book but others you can't cool the sausage or beacon at the same time as eggs cos they take very different times to cook. Just saying.
March 1, 2022
a great conclusion
This was the fifth book in the series and was a great conclusion to the story. Finn becomes a master executioner and Master Meyer retires.
Finn is determined to solve deaths and save a man. Finn also
Gets Esemeralda.
This was the fifth book in the series and was a great conclusion to the story. Finn becomes a master executioner and Master Meyer retires.
Finn is determined to solve deaths and save a man. Finn also
Gets Esemeralda.
November 5, 2023
Awesome book awesome seriesAwesome book awesome series
This book was compelling an exciting read a hard book to put down and don't finish the whole series has been one of extreme excitement and mystery can't wait for the next 1
This book was compelling an exciting read a hard book to put down and don't finish the whole series has been one of extreme excitement and mystery can't wait for the next 1
December 27, 2021
Nice finale to the series. Easy and fun read. Recommended.
January 2, 2022
Praise for the book[
Great ending 😃
Looking forward to more adventures with the executioner and Esmeralda, I would also like to see more of Oscar and Lena
Great ending 😃
Looking forward to more adventures with the executioner and Esmeralda, I would also like to see more of Oscar and Lena
January 9, 2022
The whole series was great. Will read again and recommend to all torsad.
January 16, 2022
System of justice
This is a fabulous series I recommend it highly, well written characters, thoughtful social setting, judicious use of magic. Enjoy!
This is a fabulous series I recommend it highly, well written characters, thoughtful social setting, judicious use of magic. Enjoy!
January 27, 2022
Excellent
A great mystery. Well written and a fun read. I loved it and had trouble putting it down. Super job?!
A great mystery. Well written and a fun read. I loved it and had trouble putting it down. Super job?!
February 1, 2022
A Complete Story
I have enjoyed reading this series. It has held true to it’s story line and has entertained throughout each book. Thank you for a different adventure.
I have enjoyed reading this series. It has held true to it’s story line and has entertained throughout each book. Thank you for a different adventure.
February 7, 2022
This book was entertaining and I hope it doesn't herald the end of "The Master Executioner" series. Really feel Holmberg has a great concept here and can't wait to see what he does next.
February 22, 2022
interesting story love the charactered
Though this draft needed more editing it was a very enjoyable read. I want more of these characters, this world!
Though this draft needed more editing it was a very enjoyable read. I want more of these characters, this world!
March 30, 2022
Absolutely brilliant series with great storytelling. Magnificent characters and amazing scene settings
Definitely recommend this book and the whole series
Definitely recommend this book and the whole series
April 16, 2022
Fun read
It was a lot of fun reading this
trilogy . Finn and his friends are colorful characters. I hope there will be more written.
It was a lot of fun reading this
trilogy . Finn and his friends are colorful characters. I hope there will be more written.
May 30, 2022
Loved the whole series
Good story with a good wrap of information for the ending. I can see future stories set in this world and will definitely read them.
Good story with a good wrap of information for the ending. I can see future stories set in this world and will definitely read them.
September 14, 2022
Goid read
Magic and darkness, overcome by hard work and a strong sense of what is right. Good young adult, but really good for any age.
Magic and darkness, overcome by hard work and a strong sense of what is right. Good young adult, but really good for any age.
November 25, 2022
wonderful
Another great read by DKH. They seem to only get better with all the twists and diabolical schemes. Thoroughly recommend this book.
Another great read by DKH. They seem to only get better with all the twists and diabolical schemes. Thoroughly recommend this book.
April 26, 2023
Hunter
Series was hard to put down. Audible option provided a nice touch to an already good read. Would recommend this and others from this author.
Series was hard to put down. Audible option provided a nice touch to an already good read. Would recommend this and others from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews