Dive into the pulse-pounding world of the Executioner Knights, where medieval intrigue, forbidden romance, and high-stakes adventure collide in 13th century England! Penned by Kathryn Le Veque, a titan of historical romance, this gripping series follows a clandestine group of elite knights navigating political conspiracies, papal schemes, and matters of the heart. With richly drawn characters and meticulous historical detail, Executioner Knights sweeps readers into a realm of chivalry and danger.
Le Veque’s masterful storytelling blends the thrill of espionage with the passion of romance, making this series a must-read for fans of historical fiction. Whether you’re drawn to tales of loyalty, betrayal, or love against all odds, Executioner Knights delivers a saga that’s as emotionally captivating as it is action-packed.
How Executioner Knights Began
Kathryn Le Veque, a USA TODAY bestselling author with over 150 novels, launched the Executioner Knights series in 2019 with By the Unholy Hand. Inspired by the turbulent era following King Richard the Lionheart’s death, Le Veque crafted a world where William Marshal, England’s greatest knight, assembles a secret squad of spies and assassins. Her goal? To weave historical accuracy with heart-pounding drama, drawing from her deep research into medieval power struggles and knightly brotherhoods.
The series emerged from Le Veque’s fascination with the moral complexities of loyalty and duty. By focusing on the shadowy operatives of the time, she created a fresh lens on 13th century England, blending gritty realism with romantic idealism. The result is a saga that feels both epic and intimate.
The Heart of Executioner Knights
The Executioner Knights series spans seven core books, each spotlighting a knight’s perilous mission and tangled love story. By the Unholy Hand (2019) introduces Sir Maxton of Loxbeare, a ruthless mercenary entangled in a papal plot to assassinate King John. His unexpected bond with Lady Andressa, a convent-bound heiress, sets the tone for the series’ blend of suspense and romance. A Time of End (2020) follows Alexander de Sherrington and Lady Christin de Lohr, whose romance unfolds amid a royal scheme to undermine her powerful family.
The Splendid Hour (2021), the series’ finale, centers on Peter de Lohr, whose forbidden love with Liora, a Jewish jeweler’s daughter, defies societal norms and religious divides. Other titles like Starless and Lord of the Shadows explore themes of redemption, trust, and sacrifice, with knights facing both battlefield chaos and personal demons. Le Veque’s vivid prose and intricate plots bring 13th century England to life, from castle intrigues to war-torn landscapes, while her strong heroines challenge traditional roles, adding depth to the romance.
The series tackles themes of loyalty, honor, and forbidden love against a backdrop of political upheaval. Le Veque’s knack for blending historical events—like King John’s reign and the Magna Carta struggles—with fictional drama creates a world that feels authentic yet thrillingly unpredictable. Fans praise the series for its emotional depth, humor, and the camaraderie among the knights, making each book a page-turner.
Why Executioner Knights Resonates
Executioner Knights has carved a niche in historical romance, earning a loyal fanbase for its bold storytelling and unforgettable characters. Le Veque’s ability to humanize hardened warriors and empower her heroines resonates with readers seeking both escapism and substance. The series’ focus on lesser-known historical moments, like the shadowy dealings of William Marshal’s agents, offers a fresh take on medieval fiction, distinguishing it from more traditional knightly tales.
Beyond its narrative, the series underscores Le Veque’s influence as a trailblazer in indie publishing. As CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, she champions historical romance, nurturing new voices while delivering her own critically acclaimed works. Executioner Knights stands as a testament to her legacy, blending heart, history, and heroism in a way that lingers long after the final page.
- First Book Published: By the Unholy Hand (2019)
- Latest Book: The Splendid Hour (2021)
- Number of Books: 7 core novels
- Genre: Historical Romance
Ready to gallop into a world of knights, spies, and star-crossed lovers? Grab By the Unholy Hand and lose yourself in the thrilling saga of Executioner Knights!