✨Intrigue is a constant in court life, the Aurelians are kings over glittering city , the Ragpicker King rules over the darker side. Alliances, trade routes, unrest, and power are all negotiated, whether with money, promises or blood.

The Hill . A glittering temple to wealth and power. The royal family and palace crowning the very top. Surrounded by the mansions and estates of the charter houses. Kel is taken from his life, a destitute child in an orphanage, and thrust into this world of wealth and power. His new life, is sworn to protect the crown prince, and take any wound, any danger, so he does not have to. Conner, Prince of Castellane, a boy with a kings power. As delusional as anyone would be given his life. But in desperate need of a friend. So they grow together, friends in most ways.

As the years has past, and danger seems to be mounting in every corner, Kel, now an adult, must protect his prince, his friend. But that’s hard to do when danger could come from every quarter

A people with no land. Tolerated in some places, persecuted in other. The Ashkars in Castellane are sequestered away in a walled section of the city. Distrusted as they have the only magic, small magic though it be, since the sundering. Lin is a healer, a physician. She has fought for her place in the world, her want to heal, her need to heal her friend before it’s too late. Her search for knowledge may take her further than she ever thought. It may take her to the door of the palace.

This book was quite fun, Once you got past the first two hundred pages that is. For awhile after the prologue, everything is just meant to prove to the reader that “this is not a YA book tm” though oddly it makes it feel more ya. Over and over we have scenes with no plot points except to show us how morally grey and adult the characters are. Which is fine, just a bit boring for 200 odd pages.

After this the intrigue and mystery take hold. Castellane is a city of wonders. Being a prosperous port the city is like a creature unto itself. The markets, the academic quarter, even the narrow dangerous alleys of the Maze, to the wealth and power of the palace and the hill. There are a lot of name drops though, hopefully in the finished copy there’s both a map and a dramatis personne. I got quite confused at some points.

While I don’t feel particularly qualified to talk about this, part of the culture and description of the Ashkari people feel like a very thinly veiled use of Jewish culture. A lot of world building seems very loosely based on our world, and some stereotypes are involved in that. So with that I’d say please be aware there’s some discrimination towards the Ashkari which may be triggering.

Intrigue, friendship, mystery, magic, and politics. Lead a dance through the glittering halls of court and equally through the muddy streets of the Warrens and the Maze. While this book has a lot of adult themes, I was still left thinking “where are the adults in this” a couple of times (even though all the protagonists are over 20) so it definitely still has a YA feel.

I LOVE LOVE LOVED this sample, the story had me gripped from the get go. I am planning to buy a special edition copy soon so I can have a physical copy to admire.

This is my first Cassandra Clare book and after reading this sample I will definitely be picking up a copy of the book to read the full story. There’s lots of world building to start which I hope sets up nicely for the rest of the story. Looking forward to seeing what happens next

A very intriguing sample, I'm very much looking forward to reading the full book. There seems to be a lot of world building which should make for a fun read

As a huge Cassandra Clare and Shadowhunter fan, Sword Catcher was easily my most anticipated book of the year. I’m so grateful to have been granted an advanced teaser to read ahead of its release date.

After a ton of world building (not all of which I followed - there are a bunch of words I’m unsure of and it felt a bit heavy in the beginning) the plot is finally getting interesting, with heated interactions between characters and a few mysteries I’m intrigued by.

I was worried at how slow the start felt for me, as it can be overwhelming starting a new fantasy series with so much emphasis on world building right from the start, and I must admit this wasn’t the easiest of Clare’s books that I’ve read, but I am thoroughly invested.

That last chapter??? *sigh* I can’t wait for more of Lin and Conor, even if it doesn’t go the way I’m hoping, the intensity and fire between them is electric!

“I am the prince’s shield,” he said. “I am his unbreakable armor. I bleed that he might not bleed. I suffer that he might never suffer. I die that he might live forever.”
“But you will not die,” said Connor realising his hand. It was what he always said — not part of the ritual, but a habit nonetheless.

Sword Catcher by @cassieclare1
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

I shouldn’t be surprised that I loved this book. This is the first book (I am not sure how many but the next book would come around March 2025, but don’t quote me on it). This first book is the introduction to Castellane, and the world-building is honestly amazing, it really puts you in there. You have two different POVs Kel (our MMC) and Lin (our FMC), both outcasts in their own right, but not at the same time. We also have three other MC (at least I consider them) Antonneta, Connor, and the Ragpicker King.

In Castellane, there is a king on the hill and a king in the city (king of the criminals). You don’t get romance in this book, but you get the subtle hints of who and who might get together. This is an Adult high fantasy book. Full of political intrigue, secrets, and schemes. I honestly loved every minute of this book, the way they all start separate, but start weaving together and all their destinies are now entwined.

As always Cassandra Clare, gave us an amazing world, relatable characters, incredible friendships, a big mystery, drama, and plotting and scheming. And of course really hot morally grey MMC, and a badass FMC!✨

Read if you like:
🗡️ Royalty
🗡️ Political intrigue
🗡️ Dual POV
🗡️ Morally grey characters
🗡️ Strong friendship
🗡️ Slow burn romance
🗡️ Enemies to lovers
🗡️ Friends to lovers
🗡️ Amazing world building
🗡️ An interesting magic system
🗡️ A deadly mystery

I'll be honest, I can't remember the last time I picked up a Cassandra Clare book, and whilst the first half felt a little slow in places (which is totally expected - when we are introduced to a whole new fantasy world), I enjoyed Sword Catcher and will definitely be picking up the next instalment.

The characters MADE this book for me! We follow two main POV's both whom I adore! I loved that at the beginning of the book each of our POV's had their own storyline, enabling me to grow to love their personalities, understand their situations and discover what made them tick and the way in which they were brought together was genius. These characters are just so well rounded and I care about them immensely! Romance? Possibly, Many romances could happen, but whilst we can all make guesses at this point. Kel, DESERVES HAPPINESS.

The world itself, THE POLITICS, I still don't know who the real villains are?! and I'm loving it. The mystery of the loss of magic and if it could return, who's really trying to take down the royals and what are our main POV'S gonna have to do to keep those we care about safe!
Basically, if you were thinking about giving this Adult Fantasy series a go, you should. It has everything you want, characters you would die for, political intrigue, magic and mystery!

I got this sampler from NetGalley, however I did also end up getting a physical copy of this book also.

Cassandra Clare has really stepped it up in terms of creating deep, complex, morally grey characters and relationships. I particularly liked Lin and the Ashkari,i felt Luisa and her storyline were very impactful, and am very intrigued by Antonetta as a character. Themes of choices and consequences really hit hard.

Read if you like:
✨Thorough world building
✨Dual POV
✨Royal fantasy
✨Bannished magic
✨politics

I will say the start was a little meaty for me, and took me a while to get into the story. But I'm not a "fantasy, fantasy "reader so that may be why.

Sword Catcher has a slow start and gradual build, laying a solid foundation for what is going to be an epic series. And with that ending, I am very keen to read the next instalment! And you will be too!

Just a sneak peek!

I’ve completed the book now and it’s slow to start but I’m excited to see where the series goes…

Sword Catcher is new, adult fantasy series by the author of the Shadowhunters books. Clare is obviously very keen to draw a line under the shadowhunters and embark on a new venture. Having loved her YA books I was really keen to get into this and see how she branched out. The concept is very intriguing; a sword catcher is someone who takes the place of the prince, who guards them if danger is around. I liked the characters, but not enough time was spent with Kel, Lin and Conor. I never really felt like I got to know them properly and the plot came second to the vast worldbuilding that dominated this book.
I get that she wants to set this book apart, but the amount of staggering world building that went on, just distracted me from the narrative. I found it didn't actually add to the main plot and I found myself skimming huge sections in order to get back to the story.
That said, I think this has the potential to be a strong and interesting fantasy series and I will certainly continue to see what happens. Hopefully book 2 won't be plagued with masses of info dumping as I really want to like this series.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for providing a sampler in return for an honest review.

ery slow build up but I am enjoying the characters and world building so far. Already have two copies of this book so hopefully I'll enjoy the rest of it as well!

"Sword Catcher" by Cassandra Clare is a thrilling read, characterized by robust character development and intricate plot progression. The establishment of magical elements seamlessly immerses readers into a vivid world of supernatural wonders. The tone, marked by a perfect blend of wit and darkness, keeps the pages turning. Pacing is relentless, making it hard to put down. This book is a must for fans of fantasy and action – an enchanting journey you won't want to end.

Loved it, loved it, loved it.
As everythig as Clare wrote, this was soooo good 4.5 stars read Thanks to netgalley

This was quite a slow read. It was quite difficult to get into this book and I’m not entirely sure where the storyline is headed which I think is one of the bigger issues with this book. It lacks substance and a definitive storyline. The characters don’t have a specific goal that they are working towards and the premise is quite vague. I think the relationships between the characters also lacks depth as there isn’t strong enough connections for any romance to be built upon.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my arc sampler of this book!

I loved this sampler so much I’m so excited to read the rest of it. It has started off very very strong and I can’t wait to see what the boys get up to!

I have read many Cassandra Clare books growing up, so I was super excited to find that she is creating a whole new fantasy world.

I loved this book! Cassandra Clare successfully wove two different points of views together to make a wondrous story. I was so excited for when Kel and Lin finally meet.

I loved Kels point of view specifically seeing what it’s like to constantly live in someone else’s shadow to eventually be the fall guy because it’s your only job, but also actually liking the person he was trying to protect.

Lin is also a brilliant fiesty main character and the two stories pull different emotions from the reader.

I loved the world but found some of it kind of confusing because there were too many families and people to keep track of.

I’m excited to see what else Cassandra Clare will write!

Thank you to Pan Macmillan, Cassandra Clare and NetGalley for providing me with a ARC sampler of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In "Sword Catcher" by Cassandra Clare, the acclaimed author ventures into a vibrant and complex new adult fantasy world. The book introduces us to Kel, a young orphan who becomes the body-double for Prince Conor Aurelian, and Lin Caster, an Ashkar physician with unique magical abilities. As the two characters' lives intertwine, they become entangled in a web of political intrigue, conspiracies, and forbidden love. Clare's signature storytelling prowess shines through in her intricate world-building, vivid descriptions, and well-developed characters. While the narrative is rich and layered, the pacing can be a bit slow at times, but it gradually picks up, leading to a compelling and engaging story. The dual perspectives offer a well-rounded view of a world teetering on the brink of change, and the complex dynamics between the characters add depth to the plot. "Sword Catcher" is a promising start to what is sure to be an epic new fantasy series, filled with power, magic, intrigue, and the timeless theme of forbidden love, making it a must-read for fans of Cassandra Clare.

Cassandra Clare's "Sword Catcher" marks her foray into the world of adult fantasy, and it's a captivating and promising beginning to a new series. The novel's strength lies in its well-drawn characters and the fascinating dynamics between them. Clare's writing excels in vividly describing the intricacies of the world she has created, allowing readers to immerse themselves in its rich tapestry. The story is replete with political intrigue, magic, and the undeniable allure of forbidden love. However, it's important to note that the pacing can be somewhat slow in the beginning, as the narrative takes its time to build the world and introduce the characters. As the story progresses, it gains momentum, leading to an enthralling and complex plot. Overall, "Sword Catcher" offers readers a vibrant and magical world to explore, and it sets the stage for an epic new fantasy series that is bound to capture the imaginations of Cassandra Clare's dedicated fans and newcomers alike.

Thank you for this sampler copy for a review in return, considering this was only a sampler I wanted to read on! I loved every single second and have purchased a special edition copy already! Think this a great start to a new adult fantasy from my favourite author of my youth! And I can’t wait to continue the series!

This got me so excited to read the book. I love it already and cannot wait to finish it! I was immediately swept away into this brand-new world. As usual Clare is able to capture me within the first few pages.

Absolutely adored this. My first Cassandra Clare novel. I will now be going back and reading the Shawn hunter series as I need more from her!