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Sword Catcher

The Chronicles of Castellane #1 / 3
by Cassandra Clare
Sword Catcher (The Chronicles of Castellane #1) by Cassandra Clare
  ★ 9.00 / 4
1★2★3★4★15★6★17★38★9★210★

Two outcasts find themselves at the center of world-altering change in the start of a riveting epic fantasy series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Shadowhunter Chronicles.

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 has been raised alongside the prince, trained in every aspect of combat and statecraft. He and Conor are close as brothers, but Kel knows he has one destiny: to die for Conor. No other future is possible.

Lin Caster is one of the Ashkar, a small community who still possess magical abilities. By law, they must live behind walls in the city, but Lin, a physician, ventures out to tend to the sick and dying of Castellane. Despite her skills, she cannot heal her best friend Mariam 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 criminal ruler of Castellane’s underworld. He offers them each what they want most; but as they descend into his world of intrigue and shadow, they discover a conspiracy of corruption that reaches from the darkest gutters of Castellane to the highest tower of its palaces. As long-kept secrets begin to unravel, they must ask themselves: Is knowledge worth the price of betrayal? Can forbidden love bring down a kingdom? And will Lin and Kel’s discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?

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Updated 05/08/2025
Category: Fantasy, High Fantasy
Release date: October 10, 2023

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Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare is the name behind some of the most beloved and thrilling fantasy novels of the 21st century. Her Shadowhunter Chronicles—a series set in a shadowy, magical world where demons, angels, and other creatures lurk just beneath the surface of our own—has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Known for her immersive world-building, complex characters, and heart-pounding action, Clare's books are a portal to a universe where danger and romance intertwine, and where the stakes are always life or death.

Read more ...

Born in 1973 in Tehran, Iran, Clare’s early life was marked by travel, as her family moved frequently due to her father’s job. This nomadic childhood, spanning cities from Switzerland to France to England, gave Clare a unique perspective on the world and a deep love for storytelling. It was in these years of constant change that her passion for writing took root. Inspired by the many different cultures and myths she encountered, Clare began crafting stories that drew on everything from ancient legends to modern-day struggles, blending the fantastical with the deeply human.

Her breakthrough came with City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments series, which introduced readers to Clary Fray, a seemingly ordinary girl who discovers she’s part of a hidden world of demon hunters. The Mortal Instruments series, followed by The Infernal Devices trilogy, which serves as a prequel to the main saga, became a runaway success, propelling Clare into the spotlight. Her writing, a perfect blend of high-stakes adventure, deep emotional resonance, and steamy romance, resonated with readers of all ages, quickly turning her into a household name in the fantasy genre.

Clare’s writing is defined by its richly layered world-building, where magic feels both ancient and contemporary, and its characters, often complex and morally gray, leap off the page. Her stories are not just about fighting demons or falling in love—though there’s plenty of both—but about navigating the darker corners of humanity and finding one’s place in a world full of secrets and danger. Themes of identity, belonging, and family play a pivotal role in her books, with characters struggling to understand who they truly are, while also questioning where loyalty and love should lie.

While The Mortal Instruments books are perhaps her most well-known work, Clare’s influence in the genre goes beyond these titles. Her extensive Shadowhunter Chronicles includes The Dark Artifices trilogy, which continues to explore the shadowy world of the Nephilim, and The Last Hours, another series within the same universe, proving that Clare is dedicated to expanding and deepening the world she’s created. Beyond the page, Clare’s books have been adapted into a major motion picture (The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones) and a successful television series, further cementing her place in modern pop culture.

Despite her success, Clare’s journey to becoming a bestselling author wasn’t instantaneous. She spent years writing fan fiction before her debut novel, and her persistence and love for her craft shine through in every book she writes. “You just have to write the book that you love,” she’s said, a sentiment that captures the heart of her writing journey.

For readers who crave stories of forbidden love, family drama, and the eternal battle between good and evil, Cassandra Clare’s books offer a world where every corner holds a new mystery and every character has a story worth telling. With a devoted fanbase that spans the globe, she’s created a universe that feels like home to those who enter it—one filled with unforgettable characters and adventures that never quite end.

The Chronicles of Castellane

The Chronicles of Castellane weaves an intricate web of magic, politics, and identity, set against the backdrop of the enigmatic city of Castellane. In a world where the line between destiny and choice is blurred, two unlikely heroes are forced to confront the ghosts of their pasts—and the dark forces threatening the future.

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At the heart of the story is Kel Saren, a young man born into servitude as the body double of a disillusioned prince. With every moment of his life dictated by shadows and secrets, Kel has learned to survive by remaining unseen. But when a conspiracy emerges to bring down the kingdom, he must step into the light, unsure whether he's meant to play the role of the savior or the pawn.

Alongside him is Lin Caster, a woman whose power and purpose have been shaped by a prophecy that no one quite understands—least of all herself. Believing herself to be the Goddess Reborn, Lin is caught between the world’s desperate hope and the terrifying truth of her own potential. Her journey will take her deep into the heart of Castellane’s magical mysteries, forcing her to question everything she’s ever known about the world—and herself.

As the city teeters on the brink of revolution, The Chronicles of Castellane becomes a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of ambition. The magic that courses through its streets is both a blessing and a curse, and every choice has the power to alter the course of history. Political intrigue, ancient magic, and a looming destiny converge in a narrative that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

With its richly developed world, morally complex characters, and a plot filled with twists and turns, this series offers a new dimension to fantasy. It’s a story of hidden truths, magical legacies, and the unrelenting pull of fate—where the shadows can be just as powerful as the light.


The Chronicles of Castellane consists of two books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Sword Catcher (The Chronicles of Castellane #1)
  ★ 9.00 / 4
The Ragpicker King (The Chronicles of Castellane #2)
  ★ 9.34 / 3
The Chronicles of Castellane Book 3 (The Chronicles of Castellane #3)
  ⧗ 9.34 / 3


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