This review is based on an eleven-chapter sampler e-arc.

There were many elements of this book that I liked: the two main characters made interesting differing points of view in terms of their similarities: both from under-privileged foreign (to the ruling and noble class) backgrounds, both orphans, both in some form of service, and in terms of their differences: one an outcast even among her own people, the other without a people, one working and striving for a living, one in a privileged yet servile position, one living in the city, the other on the 'Hill', one female, one male and all the differences that entails.

I cannot give this a more than neutral rating though because, firstly, it is just a sampler, and secondly, even though the beginning was slow, the introduction to the two main characters intrigued me, but the slightly faster pace as the novel got going belied the fact that not very much has happened yet, there are teases of under the surface tensions and political conflicts, but no specifics to really hook me. Most of the 11 chapters just confirmed the characters and perspectives of the main characters rather than giving them or the story much sense of development - again, this was just a sampler, so who knows what's to come, my problem is there's still not much that I feel I need to know, the sample text ended abruptly after a pretty standard conversation between an entitled prince and the healer main character talking sass at him, but it wasn't a page-turning end. I don't have any burning questions or need to read any more. I think that might be more on the decision of where to end the sample than the narrative iteself. I may well continue to read it, but I might not rush to do so given other upcoming releases.

I have not read any Cassandra Clare before, so not sure if existing fans see more in this than I do.

The world was interesting, with strong parallels drawn with real-world cultures, particularly Jewish culture, language, and Old Testament references.

⚔️ 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗-𝗔𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 ⚔️

Sword Catcher
Fantasy
Cassandra Clare
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•ᴀᴅ-ᴘʀ ᴘʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴛ•

I have enjoyed this readalong so much!

This book is a great start to a new series. The pacing was a little slow to begin with but I think that's due to the world building and the characters being introduced. The pacing does pick up speed and I kept telling myself "just one more chapter" but it was never just one more chapter 😂.

The world building itself was very intricate and everything was described beautifully, from the scenery to the clothing. I was completely immersed in the Sword Catcher world.

I loved the characters. They're well developed and the banter between certain characters was great. I think Lin was my favourite though, she's strong willed and not afraid to speak her mind!

I'm still curious about the Ragpicker King, his motives and what his next actions will be.

There were moments I laughed and there were moments that made me so angry with certain characters that I wanted to throw the book 😂.

The dual POVs were great and I really liked how Cassandra chose two characters that were from the opposite ends of society. I would've liked another POV mixed in from maybe Conor or someone on the outside watching everything happen.

I can't wait to learn more about these characters, the magic and The Sundering. I don't know how I'll cope having to wait until 2024 for the next book 😂.

*Thank you to Netgalley @Tandemcollectiveuk, @panmacmillan and @cassieclare1 for providing this book and including me in this read-along.*

This is the start of a new series, and I was totally sucked into Cassandra Clare's amazing new world. Even when I wasn't reading it, I couldn't stop thinking about it! I can't wait for the next book because there are so many storylines still hanging. It's a big book, around 600 pages, but what a fun read. I finished it just a few days. It's a 'fantasy' book, but even if you don't usually go for fantasy, you should give it a shot because it's easy to follow and you might discover a new favorite author and series.

The way everything is described is just beautiful. The palace, the clothes, the decorations, the food – it's all so vivid. The comparisons and descriptions are really unique. I even picked out a few lines from songs, though that might have been a coincidence!

The story is mostly told through the eyes of two characters, Kel and Lin. They're both orphans and they don't quite fit in. Kel has been living in the palace since he was taken from an orphanage at age 10 to be the body double for Prince Conor. He's sworn to protect the prince with his life, and he's totally committed to his role.

Lin is Ashkari, and she's a physician, even though it's rare for a woman to have that job. She's a strong and brave character. Her close friend is sick, and Lin is on a mission to heal them, trying everything she can. She's also got a magical stone from a trader, and she's determined to figure out its powers.

Magic and all magical creatures have disappeared from the world, leaving only the Ashkari people with their basic ancestral magic through talismans.

There are a bunch of characters to get to know, including the mysterious Ragpicker King, who rolls around in a black carriage with blood-red wheels and is feared in town. He crosses paths with both Kel and Lyn.

What made the story even more interesting was the little excerpts from 'The Tales of the Sorcerer Kings' between chapters. They explained the history of a time when the Goddess ruled and magic was all over the place, before it all disappeared, leaving only the Ashkari magic.

This book has something for everyone – a Goddess prophecy, royalty, politics, magic, healing, friendship, a touch of romance, and so much more!

As a big fan of Cassandra Clare’s many Shadowhunter novels, I was super excited to pick up her first adult fantasy novel. I always find it tricky to review teasers or samplers as I find they have a habit of finishing just when things get interesting, which is super frustrating as a reader but a genius tact from the publisher. This is doubly so with fantasy novels, especially first entries in a new series, as so much of the beginning tends to be world-building and establishing characters. Suffice to say I am thoroughly intrigued by both and I will be picking up the full novel soon!

I started this book a few days ago and unfortunately I haven’t been able to finish it. I can’t tell you why, maybe it jus wasn’t the right time for me but I wasn’t hooked. I will try again at some point.

This review was written upon finishing the entire book, following its release; to give a fully considered review of the whole novel.

Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters series defined my teen years, so it was exciting to see her write an adult fantasy novel. Sword Catcher captures Clare’s strengths, and while not perfect it’s entertaining and fun to read. The characters here really carry the novel. Both of the pov characters have so many interesting dynamics to explore. With some characters being purposefully frustrating, yet almost understandable in their motivations.

My main issues with the novel come from its pacing and worldbuilding. I found the middle third of the book was where it really shined. But, parts of the ending began to meander (setting up for the sequel) with the first part of the story taking a while to find the plot. I particularly found myself struggling with the prologue as establishing the titular sword catcher felt convoluted and illogical.

Before I began reading, I had worried about world building; transitioning from shadowhunter’s reality based world to a high fantasy one. While I do feel that many elements of this world were under-explained, with a range of places in the wider world mentioned but never really expanded upon, the story being set within a single city really helped the setting and kept the plot focused. As much as I wish I knew more about the history of the setting, additional exposition may have resulted in making the novel feel overloaded with information.

Even with these faults I still had a great time reading Sword Catcher! For anyone who enjoys Cassandra Clare’s writing style, and well constructed characters, I highly recommend giving this book a read. I’m very excited to see how this story develops in its sequel, and it’s exciting to see Clare take a step away from the Shadowhunters series and dive into a brand new cast of characters.

thank you pan macmillan for the sampler! casssandra clare has been an all time favourite author for the past ten years, so it's so exciting to see her branch out into adult fantasy. i've enjoyed every minute of my reading experience. the characters are so compelling, the world is so rich and easy to understand (clare has a way of writing world building into her stories in a way that isn't overwhelming to the reader) and now that the book is officially out, i'm excited to continue and see where the story takes us!

A very intriguing sample, but the pacing feels a little slow so far. More aggressive editing may have been useful. That being said, I've now purchased the full book and can't wait to read the rest!

Ahhhh soo good to read something not related to the shadow hunters universe don’t get m wrong I love it so much and this is so nice something different only read the first 500 pages and ahh I’m so intrigued

Thank you to Netgalley and Cassandra Clare for a sampler of Sword Catcher.

An interesting new world and change of style for her established brand. I enjoyed what I read of this sample version of the book, Sword Catcher. It’s a beautiful constructed fantasy world fleshed out in a lot of detail and vibrant new universe. The magic system and lore of the realm are cleverly worn into the story, without being dropped in informational overload to the reader with political intrigues of the world fed in.
The characters are evocative, rich and hold a lot of promise of what the full book might hold. I can’t judge the whole book on the sampler, but everything looks good so far. Definitely thinking of adding to my TBR.

I didn’t receive a full ARC, I think it’s just under half of the book - so this review is based on what I’ve read so far. I’ve been a huge Cassandra Clare fan for about a decade now, and the Shadowhunters series is one of my all time favourites, so I was really excited to see that she had a new work set in a new world coming out. Thankfully, it lived up to my expectations! I’m enjoying the world building, the hints of magic, and I really like the cast of characters - Cassandra Clare always goes big with how many characters she has which can take a while to wrap your head around but Lin and Kel are great. I appreciate that the protagonists are in their 20s rather than their teens, and I can’t wait to get a hold of a full copy and read the rest.

Having loved The Mortal Instruments, I had to see what else Cassandra Clare had up her sleeve.
She didn't disappoint. Set in a medievalesque time with castles, princes, horses and swords (duh!), I was prepared for epic battles and hot-headed hero/ines.
Cassandra has a way of drawing her characters - not quite perfect, easily imaginable - that brings them to brilliant life.
I was on that smelly horse, I felt the unamused sneers and cutting remarks, I was awed and scared and full of energy and.... just there. Right in the heart of the book.
But this isn't just a story of friendship and villainy and romance. It isn't a retelling of the Prince and the Pauper/Oliver Twist/Cinderella all kneaded into one. And you just know Cassandra is going to thread and twist in a bigger, more sinister picture.
And through it all there is magic.

I received the sampler of this and have ordered the book as I need to know what happens next! I was just getting into it when we left off and I am intrigued by the Ragpicker King and how he will come into play as well what direction the budding relationships between Lin, Kel and Connor are going to go.

I loved the concept of the Sword Catcher as role in the court as well as the relationship between Connor and Kel.. The majority of the sample has some pretty intense world building to start off with but once the storyline picks up I was hooked. I'm looking forward to the rest of the story once it's released.

I was very excited about this book and this sampler made me very excited to read the entire book. Obviously, my thoughts could change but it looks like this book is going to be one of my favourites of the year!

Anything Cassandra Clare and I will RUUUUN to read but a new world to dive into I can’t even explain my excitement !! Like any new book / new world I did have to really pay attention during the beginning of the book but once you get hooked that’s it. Clare paints a beautiful and vibrant world that is so easy and comforting to get lost into. And let me just say Kel has my entire heart. As this was a sampler I’m currently waiting for my hard copy to arrive in the post. I feel like I’m suffering from separation anxiety whilst I wait to dive back in.

Thank you to Pac Macmillan and NetGalley for a sampler ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is Cassandra Clare's first foray into adult fantasy, and I could not wait to read it.

Firstly, in case anyone was wondering, this is not set in the Shadowhunter’s universe at all.
This book has diverged from Clare's usual style in many ways but her skills in worldbuilding and creating endearing character certainly hold true.
Even though this is set in a new fantasy world with a new magic system, details are introduced at a steady pace throughout the book so as not to overwhelm.

This is first and foremost a political fantasy and the story so far has centred around learning the details of who holds power in court, who the important players are, and what their roles are, both officially and unofficially.
For fans of more political leaning fantasy this is sure to be a hit. Or, if perhaps you would like to try and adult political fantasy for the first time this would be a great place to start.

The worldbuilding is comprehensive and easy to understand, and the vernacular of the world is drip fed to you, meaning you do not get confused and frustrated early on as can tend to happen with fantasy.

Overall, I would definitely recommend to fans or newbies to Clare alike and I cannot wait to finish the book after its release.

I am so excited to read this full book, The introduction to this world was magical and I was just getting into the characters.

I can’t wait to see where Cassandra takes this story and this world. The majority of this sample that I received was world building which was a little bit difficult to get into but the last 30% flew by. I’m dying to get my hands on the full book.

Thank you NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and Cassandra Clare for the advanced excerpt in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was given an E-book sampler of 'Sword Catcher' courtesy of Net-Galley and found this to be a riveting read. In particular I enjoyed the worldbuilding. Geumjoseon is a clear reference to the Korean Joseon Dynasty, which I liked as a fan of Korean Drama's. The Ashkar motto, 'How shall we sing our Lady's song in a strange land?' is clearly reminiscent of the Book of Exodus's more famous saying, 'I have been a stranger in a strange land.' Jewish influence is not something I've ever encountered in a fantasy book before, and Cassandra Clare's ability to include it in her novel is something I find myself impressed by.
I despised Prince Conor towards the end of my reading, showing the author's ability to evoke strong feelings in her readers, a sure sign of her talent. I read her Shadowhunter's series in my younger years and I'm impressed by the evolution in Clare's writing. I would recommend this story if you enjoy plots that involve nobility (as in the upper-classes) and adventure.

This is hard to read. Sorry, CC, I’ve liked past books, but this one just… isn’t doing it for me. DNF at 15%.

A fast paced and intriguing start to Cassandra Clare’s adult debut. I thoroughly enjoyed the sample and can’t wait to read the rest of the book!