Nov 29

Nov 29 Sword Catcher (Sword Catcher, #1)

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Del Rey
Goodreads | The StoryGraph

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Note: Content and trigger warnings are provided for those who need them at the bottom of this page. If you don’t need them and don’t want to risk spoilers, don’t scroll past the full review.

Cover Description

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 as close as brothers, but Kel knows that his destiny is to die for Conor. No other future is possible.

Lin Caster is one of the Ashkar, a small community whose members still possess magical abilities. By law, they must live behind walls within 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 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 their discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?

Full Review

This is Cassandra Clare’s first step away from her massive Shadowhunters universe, and while it’s not perfect, overall I call it a success. It’s definitely different from her previous work, and she’s succeeded in showing that she can write much more adult books.

High level, I enjoyed it and will surely be continuing with the series! The three main characters are excellent. I loved the politics of the world, especially the parts that echo and emphasize Jewish people’s historical oppression and status as outcasts. I also liked how there are clearly lots of tangly layers to uncover in terms of plot.

That said, she’s taking her time here. The Cassie Clare trend of too-long books continues. I think (hope) that this medium-paced book is setting us up for some truly gripping stuff in book two. (Plus, to set expectations for her Shadowhunters fans: there is definitely going to be romance here, but she’s only given us hints at who the OTPs are.)

Last thing: I’m still annoyed that she chose the name Kel for this adopted-royal-bodyguard main character (VE Schwab’s Shades of Magic readers get it). There is a whole universe of names out there for you to choose from, and when people have already accused you of plagiarism in the past, I would think you’d steer clear?? There’s also a magical stone, lol. But I’m happy to report that that’s where the similarities between books end — overall these are very different stories. But like, come on, lol.