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Sword Catcher

Chronicles of Castellane, Book 1

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Sword Catcher

By: Cassandra Clare
Narrated by: Christian Coulson, Fiona Hardingham
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About this listen

‘Everything I look for in fantasy’ – George R. R. Martin

Two outcasts find themselves caught in a web of dangerous magic and dark secrets that could change the world forever . . .

From the author of the Shadowhunter Chronicles, Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare is start of a riveting epic fantasy series with expert worldbuilding, political intrigue and swordplay

***

One was raised to rule. One was trained to die . . .

In the vibrant city-state of Castellane, Kel is an orphan, stolen from his old impoverished life to become Prince Conor Aurelian’s body-double. As his ‘Sword Catcher’, he and Conor will become as close as brothers. Yet Kel lives for one purpose: to die for Conor.

Lin Caster is an Ashkar physician, part of a community ostracized for its rare magical abilities. After a failed assassination attempt pulls her and Kel together, they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, who rules Castellane’s criminal underworld. But as long-kept secrets are uncovered and forbidden attractions blossom, will their discoveries plunge their land into war – and nations into chaos?

***

‘Spellbinding’ – Leigh Bardugo, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ninth House

‘A triumph of a book’ – Holly Black, No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Book of Night

‘Vivid and clever’ – Scott Lynch, bestselling author of the Gentleman Bastard sequence

Sword Catcher was a top ten Sunday Times bestseller w/c 5th October 2024.

©2023 Cassandra Clare (P)2023 Penguin Random House LLC Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Magic

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Critic reviews

A sumptuous feast of a book, vivid and delicious and heady. Cassandra Clare’s trademark skills are on full display here: epic worlds, wrenching romances, heart-slamming plot twists, Dickensian characters. I can’t wait to visit Castellane again (Kelly Link, bestselling author of White Cat, Black Dog)
Sweeping yet intimate, rich with romance and intrigue, Sword Catcher is Cassandra Clare at her magical best . . . This book will break your heart and leave you wanting more! (Helene Wecker, New York Times bestselling author of The Golem and the Jinni)
Cassandra Clare is a legend in fantasy . . . be warned you will be obsessed . . . a propulsive, layered, phenomenally imagined start to what promises to be an epic journey (Glamour Magazine)
All stars
Most relevant  
This new series has a lot of promise. It’s got more grit and appeal for fans of Claire who have continued to read or listen to her stories for over a decade.
The characters are well penned and many are slow burning - it will be interesting to see where they end up.
The swapping of readers is fine, and mostly works.
There are some sound editing issues that ought to have been tidied.

Entertaining listen!

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As a long-time fan of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter series in my youth, I had no idea what to expect from this new novel—but I was pleasantly surprised. The story unfolds slowly, taking up a significant portion of the book, leaving me with questions yet eager for more by the end.
I found Conor a bit immature, and him and his friends’ behaviour was… questionable at times! However, Kel and Lin showed great promise. The romance that emerged in the final part of the book completely caught me off guard—I didn’t see that coming at all! Can't wait for more 😊
The narration was well done, and I’ve already ordered the next book because I can’t wait to see what happens next.



A slow burn

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The two performers need to coordinate better, characters had different accents depending on who was speaking. Enjoyed it overall, interesting story and characters but there were not enough reveals at the end of this book to make me excited for the next - I’m basically just completely in the dark about 8 things and feel they could’ve clued us in about something.

Good world building, not enough reveals

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The start is painfully slow, but all becomes clear as to why with time. By the end of the book I was left wanting to hear the next instalment. It’s a good listen.

Slow start

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i never knew how much i needed this book in my life. excellent workd building in just one book the cultrures and mentalities of so many characters with such depth.
even to go as far as differnt languages, customs and traditions. so fascinating a new but a well travelled journey into this new world cassandra claire created ive got 6hr left on the book and i dont want it to end 😢
wondedful work hope there is book 2 the options are endless

a must have

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I apologize to Cassandra Clare for my previous review. There is a second book. It does not appear on the title details page unless you click on the one book appearing under included in the series. It is not yet available on Audible, perhaps soon 🙏

Re - review

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Great imagination creating characters you come to care about (& dislike). A kingdom of many cultures. Great depth to the story and I suspect, just the beginning of a great saga. I loved the Shadow Hunter books, but this is written to a whole other level. A really good and engaging listen.

Phenomenal story, just the beginning.

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The story was totally absorbing, amazing world building, wonderful characters, great plot. I couldn't stop listening! Do yourself a favour and get absorbed in this first book before the second one comes out.

Adored this book!

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Love all the plotting, scheming and intrigue. Excellent character building and fabulous narration.
So looking forward to the new book.

Captivating

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I have read all of Cassandra Clare's books. I like this is a different story. I like the description and the people, well some of the people. Can't wait for the next installment!

Amazing

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