Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare Review (Gifted)

Hello Readers,

Slight break in the Halloween Spirt today as it is the publication day for Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare. Thank you, Jamie, and Black Crow PR for giving me a physical ARC of Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Happy Publication Day 

Title: Sword Catcher

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: Fantasy Fiction, High fantasy, Adventure fiction, Coming-of-age story

Pages: 597

Cover Image:


Synopsis: In the vibrant city-state of Castellane, the richest of nobles and the most debauched of criminals have one thing in common: the constant search for wealth, power, and the next hedonistic thrill.

Kel is an orphan, stolen from the life he knew to become the Sword-Catcher—the body-double of a royal heir, Prince Conor Aurelian. He has been raised alongside the prince, trained in every aspect of combat and statecraft. He and Conor are close as brothers, but Kel knows he has one destiny: to die for Conor. No other future is possible.

Lin Caster is one of the Ashkar, a small community who still possess magical abilities. By law, they must live behind walls in the city, but Lin, a physician, ventures out to tend to the sick and dying of Castellane. Despite her skills, she cannot heal her best friend Mariam without access to forbidden knowledge.

After a failed assassination attempt brings Lin and Kel together, they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, the criminal ruler of Castellane’s underworld. He offers them each what they want most; but as they descend into his world of intrigue and shadow, they discover a conspiracy of corruption that reaches from the darkest gutters of Castellane to the highest tower of its palaces. As long-kept secrets begin to unravel, they must ask themselves: Is knowledge worth the price of betrayal? Can forbidden love bring down a kingdom? And will Lin and Kel’s discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?

Miniature Review

I was happy enough just helping with the cover reveal for this book and I was squealing like a giddy toddler on the phone to Mother Goose when I told her. Imagine the sound when Jamie messaged saying that an ARC was in the post. It was a thing dear Reader. Anyway, onto the review as its publication don’t worry there is no spoilers.

When I was a teenager, I read The Mortal Instruments series so knew Cassies writing style. It was enjoyable seeing Cassie write a completely different story as I’ve seen some murmurs about this book possibly being too similar to The Mortal Instruments series. This book feels quite different in case that was a little niggle you had before reading this book.

The first hundred pages of this book are mostly world building but in a way that does not feel information dumpy and overwhelming. The world building is vividly detailed and the magic system utterly fascinating. I also found myself becoming invested with the politics within the kingdom and I loved delving into the world’s lore.  I appreciated seeing how each of the different nations were diverse in character and political situations. I was also pleased to discover Cassie’s skill at creating the perfect backing characters continues here, as I adored getting to meet so many of the supporting cast.

There was a lot packed into the pages of this book its full of secrets, schemes, and corruption. Without giving too much away I liked the mysterious element within this book, and I thought they mixed nicely with more everyday elements. There is a little sprinkle of romance in this book, but I quite liked that it wasn't the overwhelming focus. This book is a great start to a new series, and I can’t wait to delve headfirst into the next book.

L x

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