Thank you to Sammie for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Review: Clare’s departure from the Shadowhunter world is sure to make its mark in the adult fantasy genre. 

 

“Sword Catcher” follows Kel, an orphan turned Sword Catcher (the body double of the Prince of Castellane) and Lin Caster, a physician and one of the Ashkar possessing magical abilities. After a failed assassination attempt brings the two outcasts together—they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, the criminal ruler of Castellane’s underworld—and find themselves at the center of world-altering change. 

 

The element of romance takes a backseat to Clare’s immersive world-building. She provides the reader with detailed descriptions surrounding the region of Castellane—the walled city of the Ashkar, the Ragpicker King’s Black Mansion, Marivent from which the royal family rules, and the mountains and ocean bordering the kingdom—as well as neighboring regions she makes distinctive from one another. Additionally, she goes into depth about the role of the charter families of Castellane in relation to the monarchy, the beliefs of the Ashkar, the kingdom’s rich history and politics, and the diverse cultures making up the diverse populace. I especially like how she used excerpts from ancient texts at the beginning of each chapter as a means of foreshadowing and filling in any gaps in understanding. While I must admit that I was overwhelmed at times, I am more so impressed by how elaborate and intricate Clare’s world is. 

 

Of the two points-of-view the story alternates between, I really enjoyed Lin’s perspective the most. Because she is one of the Ashkar, she gives the reader great insight on Clare’s magic system, which is fascinating in and of itself. I found myself rooting for her in her aims because of her selfless nature, fierce determination, and inner strength. Kel, on the other hand, was less compelling to me as a character. While his role as a Sword Catcher is certainly intriguing, I was more interested in the narratives of side characters like the Ragpicker King and brooding Prince Conor. 

 

The ending, however, more than makes up for my criticisms. In true Cassandra Clare fashion, my jaw was on the floor and I have been left to suffer until book two comes out.