Sword Catcher (PB) - (1) The Chronicles of Castellane - B-format

Two outcasts find themselves caught in a web of dangerous magic and dark secrets that could change the world forever ... From the author of the Shadowhunter Chronicles, Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare is the start of a riveting epic fantasy series with expert worldbuilding, political intrigue and swordplay. This edition includes an exclusive extract of The Ragpicker King, the spellbinding sequel to Sword Catcher. - One was raised to rule. One was trained to die ... In the vibrant city-state of Castellane, Kel is an orphan, stolen from his old impoverished life to become Prince Conor Aurelian's body-double. As his 'Sword Catcher', he and Conor will become as close as brothers. Yet Kel lives for one purpose: to die for Conor. Lin Caster is an Ashkar physician, part of a community ostracized for its rare magical abilities. After a failed assassination attempt pulls her and Kel together, they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, who rules Castellane's criminal underworld. But as long-kept secrets are uncovered and forbidden attractions blossom, will their discoveries plunge their land into war - and nations into chaos? 'Everything I look for in fantasy.' - George R. R. Martin. ‘A gorgeously built world of decadence, betrayal, and grand adventure. 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.’ - Holly Black. ‘Clare plunges us into a thrilling world built with precision and brimming with enchantment. This is fantasy at its finest.’ - Leigh Bardugo. ‘A sumptuous feast of a book, vivid and delicious and heady. Cassandra Clare's trademark skills are on full display here: epic worlds, wrenching romances, heart-slamming plot twists, Dickensian characters.’ - Kelly Link. ‘Sweeping yet intimate, rich with romance and intrigue, Sword Catcher is Cassandra Clare at her magical best.’ - Helene Wecker.