November 2023 First in a Series BOTM - Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare

[Alaina]

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 as close as brothers, but Kel knows that his destiny is to die for Conor. No other future is possible.

Lin Caster is one of the Ashkar, a small community whose members still possess magical abilities. By law, they must live behind walls within 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 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 their discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?

**This BOTM thread will be open until December 5th @ Midnight (in your time zone)**

[Jessica]

I'm only two chapters in and this is quite long, will I be able to finish before the 5th, tbd but let's see what happens.

[Jessica]

Chapter Four
I'm hoping this picks up a bit, because right now it's quite slow and I'm not really invested. I'm interested in the world but I not feeling the I must know what happens next.

[Jessica]

Chapter Eight
(view spoiler)[ I was wondering how these stories were going to connect. I'm very interested in this stone, it's telling her to use it, but how? Will that be the key to curing Mariam? And what the hell has the prince gotten himself into? I guess that's who is funding Beck, but why? This is starting to pick up now and in glad because I was starting to get bored. (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Chapter Eleven
(view spoiler)[ Things are starting to come together. I think there's a budding romance between both Kel and Antonella and Connor and Lin. I'm really interested in this stone and whether Lin will be able to bring back high magic. I think the Ragpicker King is the son that was exiled for magic and it's an interesting parallel with Lin and Mariam, who seems to be doing a lot better and because of the stone? Still not sure what Beck's endgame is or how this will work out but very curious to see how this plays out (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Chapter Sixteen
(view spoiler)[ I figured that was how Conor was going to (and did) pay the debt but I was not expecting that reaction. What is wrong with the king? He afraid for Conor because of the debt and now he goes and does this. And is he now free of his stars obsession, just like that? And what is in Antonella's necklace? (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Finished
(view spoiler)[ Well that was frustrating. I hate when you are left with more questions than answers. I'm pretty sure Lin actually is the goddess reborn and this lie isn't actually one. I was sad when the princess was killed and very surprised the king was able to kill the assassin. Something is up with him, more than an illness. What did he trade to get his super human strength? I really wish some of my questions had been answered so I had some form of resolution, but alas here we are. (hide spoiler)]

[Kira]

Prologue - Chapter 4: (view spoiler)[Phew, this definitely took me some time to move past the epilogue ngl. So far I feel like the author is throwing too much information at the readers with little to no action whatsoever. However a thing or two managed to catch my interest. I am curious about the Ragpicker King and what role would Lin play in everything considering her and Kel's life seem as different as they could possibly be at the moment. I am also eager to learn about what troubles Conor, does he have a crush on Kel? (hide spoiler)]

[Kira]

Chapter 5-9: (view spoiler)[This is picking up a bit but it still feels like it is in "setting the scene" phase. The Ragpicker King intrigues me and by now it's clear that he has his allies placed around everywhere. Kel would definitely agree to be his spy eventually imo but it'd be interesting to see how the King manages to convince him for the same. Lin has a fascinating history as well. But she's not welcome in the Palace anymore so I wonder what task would the Rapicker King put ahead of her (hide spoiler)]

[Kira]

Chapter 10-15: (view spoiler)[I was amazed to learn of the deal between the Ragpicker King and Markus. Now it makes sense how he is able to run such a huge criminal empire with litte to no consequences. I am very curious to learn about who the traitor is in the palace. Maybe Falconet or Gasquet? There are hints of romances in the air but I am not sure who is eventually going to be paired with whom. RN I am shipping Kel with Merren ngl, the kiss with Lin was awkward at best. Conversely, Lin and Conor bickering makes for good entertainment. I am wondering if Lin would indeed be able to bring back magic if she lands her hand on the book. Also what exactly is Beck's fascintaion with Antonetta's necklace? (hide spoiler)]

[Kira]

Chapter 16-21: (view spoiler)[Well damn I did not think Conor would get engaged in order to pay off his debt and the other party would be as shrewd to send a 12 year old Luisa as his bride. I was horrified that Markus ordered Conor be lashed for his transgressions and it's true that Conor is bound within the palace in his own way. His and Lin's kiss was so full of angst and passion, I loved every moment of it. On the other hand, Kel's and Antonette's brought on some disappointment with it once I realised it was only a way for Kel to get his hands on the necklace. I am eager to learn who the mysterious person is seeking the magical book that Lin has been searching for (hide spoiler)]

[Kira]

Finished: (view spoiler)[Damn this last segment was full of unexpected twists and turns. Conor feeling hopeless and Kel having to take his place, the attack on the palace was absolutely unforeseen and I mourn Luisa the most. She was just a child caught in the crossfire of cross politics and nothing could be more disheartening than that. I am disappointed that we still don't know who the traitor is, Gremont's last words warned Conor not to trust anyone but I cannot imagine a scenario where Kel or Mayesh would go against the crown. Lin proclaiming herself as the Goddess came out of nowhere too. I have so many questions that are yet to be answered. I hope the next book brings some closure with itself (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

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