In the vibrant city-state of Castellane, a young orphan named Kel is stolen from his old life to enter a new one of luxury and peril. He's to become Prince Conor Aurelian's body-double, shielding the Prince from all dangers. As his 'Sword Catcher,' he and Conor become close as brothers - yet Kel lives for one purpose: to die for Conor.
Lin Caster is an Ashkar physician, part of a community ostracised for its rare magical abilities. But events pull her and Kel together and into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King who rules Castellane's criminal underworld.
Together, they'll discover an extraordinary conspiracy. But can forbidden love bring down a kingdom? And will their discoveries plunge their nation into war and the world into chaos?
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(Tor, 10 October 2023, e-book, 616 pages, borrowed from North Ayrshire Libraries via BorrowBox)
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I'm a huge fan of the author. I started Sword Catcher at the end of last year but couldn't get into it. I'm glad I gave it another try. This is different from the author's usual YA fantasy. It does contain some fantasy elements but doesn't have a contemporary setting, more historical fantasy if there's such a thing. It's a rich, complex novel that reminds me of The Prince and the Pauper. I ended up really enjoying this book even though it took a while to get into. I'd recommend this and look forward to the sequel.
