Sword Catcher

Immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of intrigue and adventure with Sword Catcher, the captivating first entry in a riveting epic fantasy series by Cassandra Clare, the renowned No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Shadowhunter Chronicles.

In the opulent city-state of Castellane, where the pursuit of wealth, power, and boundless pleasure unites both the noblest of aristocrats and the most debauched of criminals, two outcasts emerge at the heart of an impending transformation.

Kel’s life changed forever when he was orphaned and torn from his home to become the Sword-Catcher – the body double for Prince Conor Aurelian, the royal heir. Raised alongside the prince, Kel has been meticulously trained in the arts of combat and statecraft, his destiny entwined with Conor’s. Though they share a bond as strong as brothers, Kel's fate is singular and ominous: to sacrifice his life for Conor's, with no prospects for any other future.

Meanwhile, Lin Caster belongs to the Ashkar, a reclusive community blessed – and cursed – with magical abilities. Required by law to live segregated within the city walls, Lin defies these confines, venturing out to practise her craft as a physician, tending to Castellane’s afflicted. Despite her extraordinary skills, she faces an insurmountable challenge: to save her closest friend, Mariam, she needs access to forbidden knowledge.

When an assassination attempt gone awry thrusts Kel and Lin together, their paths intertwine under the dark shadow of the Ragpicker King, the enigmatic ruler of Castellane’s underworld. Promising to fulfil their deepest desires, he ensnares them into a treacherous world of deceit and danger. As they delve deeper into this realm of shadows, they uncover a conspiracy of staggering corruption that spans from the city's filthiest gutters to its most exalted towers.

As secrets long buried begin to surface, Kel and Lin are forced to confront profound questions. Is the pursuit of knowledge worth the ultimate betrayal? Can an illicit love spark the downfall of a kingdom? Their discoveries threaten not just the stability of their nation but the very fabric of their world, potentially igniting a conflict of catastrophic proportions.

In Sword Catcher, Cassandra Clare weaves a spellbinding narrative filled with intricate world-building, complex characters, and a story that propels you to the edge of your seat, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next instalment.