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Sword Catcher

By: Cassandra Clare
Narrated by: Christian Coulson, Fiona Hardingham
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Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two outcasts find themselves caught in a web of dangerous magic and dark secrets that could change the world forever in the start of a riveting epic fantasy series from the author of The Shadowhunter Chronicles.

“Everything I look for in fantasy.”—George R. R. Martin

A POPSUGAR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

In the vibrant city-state of Castellane, the richest of nobles and the most debauched of criminals have one thing in common: the constant search for wealth, power, and the next hedonistic thrill.

Kel is an orphan, stolen from the life he knew to become the Sword Catcher—the body double of a royal heir, Prince Conor Aurelian. He and Conor are as close as brothers, but his destiny is to die for Conor. No other future is possible.

Lin Caster is a physician from a small community whose members still possess magical abilities. But despite her skills, she cannot heal her best friend without access to forbidden knowledge.

After a failed assassination attempt brings Lin and Kel together, they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, the ruler of Castellane’s criminal underworld. But as long-kept secrets begin to unravel and forbidden attractions arise, they must ask themselves: Is knowledge worth the price of betrayal? And will their discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?

©2023 Cassandra Clare (P)2023 Random House Audio
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Critic reviews

“Expert worldbuilding, swordplay, and politics, a colorful cast of characters, and a story that kept me reading from the first page to the last.” —#1 New York Times bestselling author George R. R. Martin

“A gorgeously built world of decadence, betrayal, and grand adventure. From the decadent and drunken parties of the nobles, to the dens of crime lords in the Warren and Maze, to the Sault, where the devotees of a lost goddess are penned, the city of Castellane makes the perfect backdrop for a delightful cast of characters to befriend, betray, and romance one another. This is Cassandra Clare at her cleverest, twistiest and most heart-stopping—a triumph of a book.” —Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Night

“Clare plunges us into a thrilling world built with precision and brimming with enchantment. Her spellbinding cast of outlaws, healers, royals, and rogues will have you questioning your allegiances with every delicious turn of the plot. This is fantasy at its finest.” —Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hell Bent

Editorial Review

The meaty adult fantasy we didn’t know we needed from Cassandra Clare
I’m so glad Cassandra Clare thought to pair up two of my favorite narrators for Sword Catcher. This is her adult fantasy debut after writing uber-popular and long-running young adult series for many years, and I found it to be a mesmerizing tale. Told through the dulcet tones of narrators Fiona Hardingham and Christian Coulson, this is a story about two overlooked members of a magical society who are nevertheless integral to its functioning. Sword Catcher Kel is a body double for the prince, and Ashkar Lin is a wielder of magic who is disdained by all. But being outcasts while also residing in the inner circles of society means these two characters have the unique ability to either wreak havoc or (possibly) save the kingdom. It’s one credit-worthy click away toward a 23-plus-hour adventure. —Melissa B., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Sword Catcher

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I LOVED IT!

Totally new & fresh storyline, Wonderful complicated and well developed characters, completely different from anything else I’ve read in a long time!

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Characters were well written

Great start to a new world! Enjoyed the characters and how the story flows together.

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A fantastic new world from Cassandra!

I love this new world and cannot wait to dive deeper with the next book!

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Wow!

Cassie has done it again! Starts off like a slow burn, building the world for us, laying the groundwork of complex characters. About half way through, the story picks up the pace and I was listening every possible chance I could. Intrigue, drama, action, with a dash of NA spice. When is book 2 being published?!

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Awesome!

Very cool world and interesting characters! Cannot wait for the second book. Cassandra Clare is such an incredible writer.

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Great storytelling…

Character development began immediately, continuing throughout. The story was well developed and VERY ENGAGING! I’m looking forward to this series. Cassandra Clare doesn’t disappoint.

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Sword Catcher

good story, the story lines will keep you interested. It is slow in some parts

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Can’t Wait For Book 2!

This is a great book, very well written. Much better than I’d expected from an author I’ve never read before. Grateful for the surprise. The narrators did a great job. The only complaint is that I have to wait for the next book. No idea what I’m going to listen to next. 😂

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great book 1

Action, mystery, suspense, hints of romance, lush language, and a bit of a cliffhanger with many mysteries left to solve. fascinating characters and wonderful world building. what's not to like?

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amazing story, even better performance

simply amazing! i cannot wait for the next book to come out. both voice actors did a stellar job, the lore and intrigue this book had was lovely.

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