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Sword Catcher  By  cover art

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

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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loved it

I really loved the story, it took me a couple of chapters to get hooked but once I was I couldn't stop listening. I can't wait for the next book to come out. the only thing I didn't like was the inconsistencies between the 2 narrators pronunciation and interpretations, but that is it.

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Cassandra Clare Has Done It Again :)

Cassandra Clare has a magical way of spinning stories of worlds that capture your reading soul and leave you wanting more! This is an another wonderful one, and I can't wait for the next one to be released! Wonderful narration, too! Hope they keep the same narrators for the rest of the series. :)

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Epic. Perfect.

This was so good! I had really been in a slump but this ticked all my boxes. I'm really picky so that's saying something! well worth the credit!

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Engrossing

I really enjoyed the pace of the plot and characters as they built. Clare’s storytelling style just sucks me in every time

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Did not expect this from Cassandra Clare

I loved it so much great world building as always. Totally unexpected from her and easy to read and become the characters

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Passionate Characters

Another wonderful story by Cassandra Clare. I love the worlds she weaves and this is as exciting as her previous creations. The characters are rich and full of depth which is the reason I come back for all her novels. Recommended!

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Great new story from Clare!

I’ve read everything Cassandra Clare has written, and this new series is going to be just as exciting and wonderful as her others (if not more so)! I grew up on her YA stuff, and I am so happy to be listening to her adult fantasy now!

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Great all around!

Love love love this story! Can’t wait for the next!! Cassandra Clare can just wrap you up in the story and take you on an incredible journey!

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Writing was brilliant ! !

How I was able to see everything so clear, as if I was watching a movie. This was a gem of a book find! I Most Have More!!

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“Good,” not spectacular

This was a good story, but wandered a bit aimlessly instead of having a clear cut goal until near the end.

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