A stolen boy, a spoilt prince and a shunned girl come together in a dangerous city, caught in a web of magic and dark secrets.

Cassandra Clare is a beloved YA fantasy author, best known for her Shadowhunters Chronicles. Sword Catcher marks her debut in adult fantasy and it promises to be the beginning of many good things.

Clare has a true gift for worldbuilding, and she does not disappoint in her richly detailed portrayal of Castellane. Its layered history, intricate political system, powerful merchant families and the shadowy lords of the criminal underworld all come vividly to life.

Sword Catcher follows the story of Kel, an orphan taken in by the royal family of Castellane to serve as a unique protector to Prince Conor Aurelian.

As the “Sword Catcher” of the title, Kel is more than just a bodyguard, he becomes the prince’s double, stepping into his place at high-risk public appearances with the help of a magical amulet. Trained in swordsmanship and diplomacy, Kel is not only a shield but also a trusted confidant.

But when Conor’s reckless actions place him, and the kingdom’s fragile marriage negotiations, in jeopardy, Kel is forced to navigate Castellane’s criminal underworld. To uncover the truth and protect the prince, he must seek out the elusive and dangerous Ragpicker King.

His journey beyond the palace walls leads him to Lin Caster, a gifted physician from a community where magic still lingers. In a world that scorns women who defy convention, Lin fights to practise her craft with dignity. Yet despite her abilities, she cannot save her best friend, unless she dares to seek out forbidden knowledge.

As fate draws the two outcasts together time and again, they must learn to trust one another, before it’s too late.

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