Sword Catcher

 

By- Cassandra Clare

    I've seen this book in the local target several times, the thick book with the bright cover and interesting name stuck out to me. Every time I read the title I pictured a court jester or some kind of performer that juggled knives or even an arena fighter. One day I finally picked up the book and read what it was about, boy I was wrong. Nevertheless, the book did sound interesting so I requested in from my local library, because of the popularity I was waiting a few weeks. 

    The book is the first in a possible series of books and is based on the main character Kel. Kel is an orphan of unknown origins and is plucked from an orphanage at age 10 and thrust into the political world of Castellane. I was surprised to learn the actual meaning of Sword Catcher is literal, Kel is a bodyguard to the Prince, Conor, meant to protect him and even take a sword for him. Prince Conor treats Kel like a brother sharing his life and even his room. The majority of the time Kel pretends to be the cousin of the prince, and occasionally when there is danger, Kel pretends to be the prince with the help of a magical amulet that makes him look like the prince. That is right magic exists in this world however it is in a diminished capacity after an event from history called the Sundering. Castellane is complicated with 12 families that control a specific trade, fight for power in secret and in political moves. The book follows the Royal family as unseen forces try to undermine the family and Kel and Prince Conor try to figure out who it is.       

    This large book is over 600 pages and everyone is filled with a vast world with a lot of characters. The author does a great job building the world and characters, however I was surprised that after reading the book the story is nowhere close to being told. I knew this book was the first of more but I expected to have a better understanding of what is happening. A great book will leave you wanting to know more and this book left me with many questions and I am looking froward to the next book and learning more. 

    Anyone looking for a new series about magic, royalty, and love, this is a great book to pick up. The author Cassandra Clare is not new to writing and already has a successful series of the Shadowhunter's Chronicles that has even been adapted for movie and tv show. This book looks to be another successful world for us to learn about.