---

“Everyone wants to tell you that it isn’t so bad, but it is. You will be so sad that you will feel like you will die. But you won’t die. And with every day that passes, you will get back a little piece of yourself.”

What is the Book about?

Kel was a street child, parentless and seemingly destined to be a nobody with no future. However, his fate takes a drastic turn as he becomes a Sword Catcher – the double of the royal heir of Castellan, Prince Conor Aurelian. Kel grows up alongside Conor, their bond resembling that of brothers, yet a Sword Catcher has a singular purpose: to die in place of the heir to the throne. A thwarted assassination attempt brings Kel and the healer Lin to the court of the feared Ragpicker, the ruler of Castellan’s underworld. It is there that Lin and Kel uncover a conspiracy that could plunge their world into chaos.

For a forbidden love is on the verge of destroying the kingdom.

---

Rating
Plot ★★☆☆☆
Characters ★★★★☆
Excitement ★★★☆☆
Atmosphere ★★★★☆
Writing Style ★★★☆☆

Favourite Character
Antonetta

My thoughts while reading it

“Sword Catcher” by Cassandra Clare embarks on a literary journey that initially promises a harmonious blend of enchanting world-building, well-developed characters, and a gripping narrative. The author’s prowess in crafting a complex and immersive fantasy realm shines through from the very beginning, as just through the magnificent world-building, readers are transported into the intricate universe of Castellan.

With a comprehensive prologue, the book provides a beautifully detailed introduction to the story, setting the stage for what follows in the subsequent chapters. The concept of the Sword Catchers is intriguing, and the implementation is executed with finesse, drawing readers in with a sense of anticipation. The concept of the Sword Catchers, individuals who act as doubles for the Prince to protect him from danger, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. The world itself aligns seamlessly with the atmosphere and meticulous detailing, forming a cohesive and engaging narrative. However, some readers might find the writing style too straightforward for a vast fantasy world.

The characters, especially Kel and Lin, are masterfully developed, showcasing diverse personalities and backgrounds that contribute to the story’s richness. The chemistry between them and the other characters adds depth and complexity to the narrative, creating a dynamic interplay that keeps readers invested. Not least thanks to the multifaceted characters around whom the story revolves. Whether it’s Conor, the capricious Prince of Castellan; Kel, his loyal bodyguard, doppelgänger, and shield; Antonetta, his former childhood friend; or Lin from the Ashkar people, possessing magical healing powers and striving to save her gravely ill friend Miriam. All characters are intricately drawn and have ample room for development. The characters were well-crafted, and readers could easily follow their actions and behaviours. All characters were so different and multifaceted, yet they complemented each other wonderfully. What was a weakness for one character could be balanced by the strengths of another. I particularly liked Antonetta, born into the beautiful wealthy world but trapped like a beautiful bird in a cage. I believe she has a lot up her sleeve, and I think in the next instalments, her true nature will shine even more.

However, despite the strong foundation laid by the world-building, character development, the central narrative begins to falter as the story unfolds. After the initial immersion into the world, the plot fails to gain momentum, and the anticipated excitement remains elusive. The pacing becomes an issue, with too much focus on elements already revealed in the synopsis, leading to a lack of surprises and a sense of dragging throughout the roughly 800 pages. The direction the events take fails to inspire enthusiasm, leaving the overarching plot feeling flat and uneventful. The concluding chapters attempt to inject some urgency and excitement into the narrative, but it comes too late to salvage the overall reading experience. The story’s lack of depth and the feeling of underwhelming events persist, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential. While the multifaceted characters bring life to the novel, they cannot entirely compensate for the shortcomings of the plot.

In conclusion, “Sword Catcher” is a commendable effort that falls short of its potential. Despite the exceptional world-building, character intricacies, and okayish writing style, the narrative fails to maintain the initial promise, resulting in a story that lacks the gripping excitement expected from Cassandra Clare’s works. The book’s saving grace lies in its diverse characters, whose compelling stories offer glimpses of promise for future instalments. For those new to the fantasy genre, it serves as a decent introduction, but for seasoned readers , the experience may leave them yearning for the spark that seems to have dimmed in this particular tale.

Reading Recommendation? ✓✘
Favourite? ✘