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A review by marcyjmf
The Executioners Three by Susan Dennard
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Thank you to Tor Teen for providing an Advanced Reading Copy of this book via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
As an elder millennial, I couldn’t get enough of the 90s references sprinkled throughout The Executioners Three. Susan Dennard crafts a story that feels both nostalgic and fresh, weaving in nods to an era that shaped so many of us. The moment I realized that I graduated high school the same year as Freddie, I felt an instant connection—honestly, I think we would have been friends in real life. Her quirky, offbeat personality was one of the highlights of the book for me. She’s smart, a little awkward, and endlessly determined, making her a protagonist I couldn’t help but root for.
That said, I was completely unprepared for how scary this book would actually be. The supernatural elements were incredibly well done, setting a creepy and unsettling tone that lingered long after I put the book down (which, to be fair, wasn’t often). Once the mystery started unraveling, I found myself unable to stop reading—I even read straight through my lunch and barely noticed my stomach growling.
One of the strongest elements of the book was the loyalty between Freddie and her best friend, Divya. Their friendship felt so authentic, with its mix of unwavering support, inside jokes, and the kind of fierce devotion that can only come from years of shared experiences. It’s rare to find female friendships in fiction that are this well-developed, and I absolutely loved seeing their dynamic unfold.
And then, of course, there’s Theo. The interactions between Freddie and Theo were an absolute delight—filled with tension, humor, and just the right amount of heart. Their chemistry jumped off the page, making every scene between them something to look forward to.
With the quirkiness of the characters, the Buffy-esque dialogue, and the cozy yet terrifying mystery, The Executioners Three felt, in the very best way, like the early books of Sarah Rees Brennan. The blend of humor, horror, and heart made for a truly immersive reading experience. If you love books with smart, quirky protagonists, strong friendships, and a touch of 90s flair, this one is definitely worth picking up!
As an elder millennial, I couldn’t get enough of the 90s references sprinkled throughout The Executioners Three. Susan Dennard crafts a story that feels both nostalgic and fresh, weaving in nods to an era that shaped so many of us. The moment I realized that I graduated high school the same year as Freddie, I felt an instant connection—honestly, I think we would have been friends in real life. Her quirky, offbeat personality was one of the highlights of the book for me. She’s smart, a little awkward, and endlessly determined, making her a protagonist I couldn’t help but root for.
That said, I was completely unprepared for how scary this book would actually be. The supernatural elements were incredibly well done, setting a creepy and unsettling tone that lingered long after I put the book down (which, to be fair, wasn’t often). Once the mystery started unraveling, I found myself unable to stop reading—I even read straight through my lunch and barely noticed my stomach growling.
One of the strongest elements of the book was the loyalty between Freddie and her best friend, Divya. Their friendship felt so authentic, with its mix of unwavering support, inside jokes, and the kind of fierce devotion that can only come from years of shared experiences. It’s rare to find female friendships in fiction that are this well-developed, and I absolutely loved seeing their dynamic unfold.
And then, of course, there’s Theo. The interactions between Freddie and Theo were an absolute delight—filled with tension, humor, and just the right amount of heart. Their chemistry jumped off the page, making every scene between them something to look forward to.
With the quirkiness of the characters, the Buffy-esque dialogue, and the cozy yet terrifying mystery, The Executioners Three felt, in the very best way, like the early books of Sarah Rees Brennan. The blend of humor, horror, and heart made for a truly immersive reading experience. If you love books with smart, quirky protagonists, strong friendships, and a touch of 90s flair, this one is definitely worth picking up!