Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - Lo scudo del principe

A gorgeously rich and utterly immersive new epic fantasy, from bestselling author Cassandra Clare—whose signature blend of intrigue, magic and breathtakingly detailed world building takes on a darker, complex (and more mature) edge that adult fantasy lovers will definitely enjoy.

Set in the city of Castellane, we follow two outcasts: Kel, an orphan and body double for the kingdom’s crown prince, and Lin, an Ashkari healer desperate to cure her friend’s life threatening illness, despite the city’s discrimination of her people (due to their ability to use small amounts of magic) and the laws that prohibit her from searching for a magic-based remedy.

The two find their paths inextricably linked, after a failed assassination attempt brings them both into the clutches of The Ragpicker King (ruler of the City’s criminal underbelly.) Which sees them uncover a shadowy plot that could destroy the kingdom—and plunge Castellane into a devastating war.

As a longtime fan of Clare’s Shadowhunter books, I’ve been eagerly awaiting Sword Catcher since it was first announced; and never thought I’d be lucky enough to get my hands on a proof. But by some miracle I did and I’m happy to report that I loved every, deliciously intriguing second of it!

The world building was vividly detailed and the magic system utterly fascinating—I loved delving into the world’s lore, especially surrounding the Ashkari Queen-turned-Goddess, Adassa. But, it was the character-driven narrative that really drew me in with its well developed cast of characters and loveably in-depth protagonists I couldn’t help but root for.

Kel, our orphan turned royal body double was an incredibly complex character; still grappling with his own identity and sense of belonging amongst the city’s power hungry, political elite. His emotional journey—which sees him come to the slow realisation that his life and future will never be of his own—was incredibly compulsive, especially once his path intersects with our other MC, Lin (who I absolutely loved!)

Lin has worked tirelessly to become a healer, mostly in an effort save her friend from an illness normal medicine cannot heal. Her strength and continued compassion in the face of adversity, both because she’s a woman and Ashkari (an ethnic-religious group discriminated against due to their ability to craft and heal using magical amulets) was utterly awe-inspiring. And her confidence and drive had me rooting for her from the very start.

Her interactions with Kel were really entertaining but the sparks that fly (and the intensity that develops) between Lin and Prince Conor was spectacular, though incredibly slow-burn. However, the story itself isn’t focused on romance (in fact, familial and platonic relationships get the biggest focus) so don’t go into this expecting a full on, romantasy-esque love story.

Like Kel’s brotherly bond with Prince Conor which I really enjoyed. Conor, although rather selfish, with a laissez faire attitude that was detrimental at times. I did end up quite liking him and felt that (thanks to Lin’s no-nonsense approach to handling him) he had the potential to become a more self aware and empathetic person, given the right motivations.

I was also pleased that Cassie’s skill at creating loveable secondary characters continues here as I adored getting to meet soo many of the supporting cast. A few of my faves being Mariam ( Lin’s adorably sweet best friend), The Ragpicker King (a mysterious but surprisingly likeable crime Lord) who we definitely didn’t get to see enough of, and his associates Merren (who gave me Magnus Bane meets Wylan Hendriks vibes) and Ji-An (whose intriguing backstory gets a brief mention and has me desperate to know more.)

There’s not much else I can add without spoiling the plot but, I will say it’s a phenomenal series starter that fans of Samantha Shannon, Ariel Kaplan or Leigh Bardugo are going to absolutely love!

Also, a massive thank you to Black Crow PR & Pan Macmillan for the gorgeous proof.

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Out October 10, 2023 [Thank you so much to the publisher for the gifted copy for review!]

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

The first adult fantasy from Cassandra Clare, Sword Catcher is the story of Kel, a body double for the Crown Prince, and Lin, a physician and member of a diasporic race called the Ashkar—the last remaining practitioners of magic.

It’s no secret that Cassie Clare is my favorite author, so to say I was excited for this would be an understatement. Fortunately, it delivered in almost every way! My favorite thing about Cassie has always been her characters, and the characters here are INCREDIBLE—in particular, I’m obsessed with Conor, Lin, and Antonetta (honorable mentions for Mariam and Merren) and I cannot WAIT to see all of their stories develop as this series continues.

The world building here is also fantastic—everything from the politics to the lore to the setting feels so intricate and fascinating, and I’m so excited to learn even more (including more about the magic system itself!) Because this book is the first in a series there is a *lot* of world building and foundation laying here, so just be aware of that when you pick it up—but I have a feeling it is building to something absolutely incredible, so I’m already dying to see what will come next!

Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: high fantasy; multi-layered characters; early-Throne of Glass meets Six of Crows vibes

CW: Lots of violence/blood/injury/death, including death of parents; mentions of terminal illness; sexism/misogyny

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