🗡️❤️ Swordheart by T. kingfisher ❤️🗡️
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Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Swordheart was originally published in 2018, but is being rereleased in this beautiful special edition format TOMORROW, February 25, 2025.

Halla is a respectable widow who has spent the past decade caring for her uncle and his home. He passes away and she inherits his estate, along with some terrible, greedy relatives who refuse to accept and let her claim what was rightfully left to her. While they have her locked in the bedroom, she takes down a sword that has been hanging on the wall for years and upon unsheathing it realizes it is housing Sarkis, the immortal warrior/sword-bearer who is bound to protect the swords owner (which is now Halla). The duo set off on a low stakes quest, full of shenanigans, across the land to find an attorney who will help Halla claim her new fortune.

This was the epitome of a cozy fantasy and brought so much wholesomeness and humor, I couldn’t get enough! I truly have nothing negative to say, this was very easily a 5 star read for me! I can’t believe it took me 7 years to discover this book and T. Kingfisher in general. I can’t wait to read more from her.

Swordheart is set in the world of The Clockwork Boys, but you do not have to read one to understand the other.

T. Kingfisher has quickly become an auto-buy author for me over the past several years, and I don't think I've read one book from her that I haven't liked. I'm happy to say that Swordheart brings no changes to that! Swordheart is an absolute delight of a fantasy tale and it features all of the things that Kingfisher does best: delightful characters with strong personality and so many eccentricities, fantastic banter and humor, and a world that feels fully alive with so many oddities and mysteries afoot. Halla is a remarkable protagonist who I could not get enough of, and Sarkis was equally charming. Their growing relationship was a joy to witness and I feel hit all the right notes. I also love that you really never know exactly what you're going to get in a Kingfisher novel, and that is part of what makes everything so special. I wholeheartedly recommend this for any Kingfisher fans, as well as anyone who wants some fantasy, some romance, and some wonderfully witty and entertaining dialogue and storytelling.

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher is one of those rare books I didn't want to stop reading. I fell in love with the unconventional leads, Halla and Sarkis, as well as the side characters, Zale and Brindle. T. Kingfisher does an excellent job balancing the darker aspects of this medieval fantasy world with lighthearted humor and cozy consent-forward romance. I truly enjoyed this and can't wait to share it with others.

Thank you so much to Bramble, for the earc, unfortunately I think I just am not a T Kingfisher fan after attempting multiple books.

DNF, Halla is insufferable as a human and just was not vibing with the story. I was forcing myself to read very early on and needed to call it quits.

This is going to become a comfort read for years to come. There was something simply magical about this book and I could not put it down. The banter between Halla and her bodyguard-in-a-sword, Sarkis, was hilarious and had me laughing most of this book. It may be my most tabbed book ever with all of the funny quotes.

“I have a great deal of experience skinning my enemies,” he said, deadpan.
“Do you have many enemies among the potatoes?”
“Not any longer.”

The supporting cast of side characters, especially Zale and Brindle are some of my favorites from recent reads and really stood out on their own. I loved Brindle’s manner of speaking and how Zale, despite being a priest, knew when to bend morals a bit to keep the group alive and moving toward their goals. Speaking of which, anytime Halla came into contact with the Priests of the Hanged Mother was hilarious as she made them uncomfortable by either crying or talking too much and this usually sent them away from her.

I was hooked from the first line as it was jarring and funny at the same time and piqued my interest immediately.

“Halla of Rutger’s Howe had just inherited a great deal of money and was therefore spending her evening trying to figure out how to kill herself.”

The pacing and structure of this story were brilliant and again make the argument that T. Kingfisher is a master of the modern fairytale. I cannot wait for Angharad’s story.

“Mortal flesh may not last as long as immortal steel, but it will last long enough to be happy.”

Our FMC Halla, a respectable widow who was housekeeper to an artifact collector and scholar until his recent death has been willed his entire estate. After being imprisoned by her husband’s family until she agrees to marry her brother-in-law, Halla decides to pull an old sword down off the wall and end her life. But when she unsheathes the sword a magical warrior, Sarkis, appears with a sole purpose, to protect his sword's wielder. Halla and Sarkis set off on a journey to find Halla a lawyer so that she can claim her inheritance.

T. Kingfisher is one of my favorites so it is no surprise that she made me fall in love with a sword. Sarkis is baby girl, even though he is giving grumpy uncle vibes. Kingfisher is fantastic at writing dialogue and banter, both shined in Swordheart. Halla and Sarkis had me laughing out loud and kicking my feet. This pairing took opposites attract to another level. We have a woman who talks and questions things non-stop and a man who would speak in only grunts if possible. The side characters also shine through with unique personalities and quirks.

Swordheart is for readers who love banter, grumpy x sunshine, the found family trope and cozy fantasies. Although it is a low stakes story, it gives you the sense of an epic adventure.

Now playing:

Real Man - beabadoobee
1:35 ───ㅇ───── 3:47

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Characters:

Halla: I LOVE THIS WOMAN. Is she a little silly, yes, is she a little cheesy, also yes, but do I care? NO! If you finish the book, you'll learn exactly why she's like this, which I think is totally valid once you get to know her, and I just found her overall adorable, she was such a delight!

Sarkis: He was such a grump, but a gentleman! Writing this review reminded me how much I loved both of these characters, he was so sweet and dedicated to Halla, and I just RAHH I LOVE THEM BOTH, I do wish we had seen more of his backstory, but I think it was just refreshing to see a man in his forties just so confused but in love with a silly woman.

Brindle & Zale: I lied, Sarkis wasn't the grump, it was Brindle. He was such a little silly guy, and he made me laugh almost the entire time. I also loved Zale and Hall's friendship, they just matched her energy every time and when Sarkis was being a grump Zale always took Halla's side because they're just awesome.

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Plot: Not going to lie, it's been to long for me to remember much of the plot, other than it's a chaotic ass roadtrip that I loved every second of, I was just giggling every time the banter happened, and the BANTER WAS BANTERING. Over all it was fun and silly, and a little long but that's okay because I enjoyed it.

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Writing: The writing, albiet, was cheesy, lot's of "err" and cutting oneself off, but you know what, not every book has to be a lyrical masterpiece, sometimes the cheesy writing is what I want, is that a crime? It was cute and not very serious and again, it didn't have to be that long but I enjoyed it.

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Overall thoughts: I LOVE THIS BOOK. It was cute, and made me giggle, and that's all I ask for somedays

"The urge flared again to go after the people who had done this and kill them. Or possibly just burn the entire world that was so unkind to people like Halla."

Halla has suddenly inherited wealth from her great-uncle and also a magical sword. When she draws the sword, Sarkis, an immortal swordsman is at her beckon.

This is such a cute, adorably funny, cozy fantasy adventure story. I wish I had read this during my teenage fantasy and phase, as I would have been obsessed! It has humor and wit, and a heart warming romance. The adventures are fun and there is always humor with the banter. The book is very long and some of the parts are slow moving during their adventures.

“There came a point in an enchanted sword’s life where even temporary dismemberment really started to wear on you.”

Swordheart comes out with a new deluxe edition hardcover 2/25.

Swordheart is set in the world of the White Rat - the same world as T. Kingfisher’s Clockwork Boys duology and her Paladin’s Grace series and is a romantic fantasy tale of a 30s something heiress who must overcome her greedy family to claim her inheritance. It’s a lush fantasy with a cosy feel filled with amazing awkward moments, witty banter, and a splash of almost screwball comedy —and a cast of well formed characters which add to the joy of reading.

The books in the White Rat series of Kingfisher’s are also sometimes referred to as ‘paladin romances’. Not to give too much away, but the sword Halla draws to defend herself releases Sarkis, an immortal swordsman who protects and serves the wielder of the blade. He’s also valiant and charismatic. It’s not a huge surprise when the romance begins… Together Halle and Sarkis seek a way for Halle to claim her fortune, and along the way deal with bandits, inquisitors, and of course the dangerous in-laws desperate to keep Halle in the family. Originally published in 2018, Swordheart is being re-released in a stunning new edition with a fabulous new cover which will delight both new fans and steadfast collectors.

It’s also a perfect book to curl up with on a wintery day.

Thanks to @NetGalley and the TOR Publishing Group for an advanced reading copy.

I had a lot of fun with this one and found it to be mostly cozy and full of hilarious moments. I loved the found family bit of it and the romance was nice, though I personally wish it was maybe stronger for the story? The rat-priest was a favorite too.

My only complaint is that it started to seem a bit long & repetitive with events that happened about 70% in. However, I know the many kidnapping & whatnots have a comedic tone to it so it’s self-aware and has a point to it - just a nitpick on my part perhaps.

Anyways, I highly recommend this one! I’m looking forward to adding a physical copy of it to my shelves because it is STUNNING.

Unfortunately I had to DNF this one. It was super slow and just wasn’t catching my attention the way I thought it would.

A huge thank you to Bramble and T. Kingfisher for this gifted copy! 💖

I may be slightly biased because I adore everything T. Kingfisher writes, but when I saw this low-stakes fantasy about a woman escaping marriage to her odious cousin—only to find a man trapped in a sword—I was already half in love. 😍

🗡️ What did I love the most?
Think Monty Python-level banter 🤣, miscommunications, and hilarious innuendos. This book made me smile, cackle, and swoon, which is exactly what I needed! 💕 And let’s be honest—the biggest villain here isn’t a dragon, it’s a clammy-handed cousin trying to steal Halla’s inheritance. 🤡

💫 What to Expect:
✔️ Witty, laugh-out-loud dialogue
✔️ Cozy fantasy vibes 🍃🏰
✔️ Slow-burn, sweet romance 🥰🔥

📌 Do I need to read the series in order?
Nope! This is set in the same world as Clockwork Boys, but it works perfectly as a standalone. 🙌

🔥 Steam Level: Closed-door (sweet & swoony)

❤️ How was the romance?
Sarkis and Halla’s romance is adorable—full of innocent tension, playful innuendos, and the best kind of slow burn. I was rooting for them the entire time, and the ending had me grinning like a fool. 😍

📖 Do I recommend this book?
Absolutely! If you love cozy reads, slow-burn romance, witty banter, and fantasy books, this one needs to be on your TBR!

If you are looking for a heroine who is of normal weight and age (in her 30s), a cranky swordsman, romance, and comic relief, this is it! I’m totally here for the T. Kingfisher ride. Definitely recommend for fans of TJ Kline or Baldree… and for those who are tiring of explicit romantasy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for this ARC in exchange for an honest review—the special edition is releasing 2/25!

What an underrated gem. The way this novel was written was so beautiful. It’s a mix of Romantasy and cozy. I don’t usually gel with cozy books because I need more speed but this one was perfect. Halla was awesome and the whole premise of the book was unique.

I have to admit I am struggling to gather my thoughts and final rating for Swordheart by T. Kingfisher, which I received as an ARC reader from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

From the start I loved the premise - a middle aged "respectable widow" named Halla receives an inheritance from her deceased uncle in-law and all the vultures in the family are coming out of the woodwork to take it from her. They lock her up in her own home in an attempt to force her to marry her clammy handed cousin so that he and his conniving mother can get the money. Rather than accept this dismal fate, Halla decides to end it all using the only item in her room - an antique sword. She unsheathes the sword and is attempting to do the deed when the enchanted guardsman trapped in the sword appears (needless to say this scene was my favorite part, as Halla had decided to minimize the bloody mess of her demise by not wearing clothing).

The banter between characters in Swordheart is often hilarious and reminiscent of a Monty Python skit with how random their tangents can become. My struggle is that at times the banter was the ONLY thing happening in the book. Halla and our enchanted guardsman Sarkis decide to travel to obtain assistance from the Order of the White Rat to secure her inheritance, but the journey to the order takes forever, then they travel back to her town, then they travel somewhere else....basically this was a book about them traveling and talking. Once the supporting cast becomes more involved it did get a bit more interesting. The twist was a bit predictable but still enjoyable. And I will say it was wonderful to see a romance where the female isn't between the ages of 18-24 and has an actual fuller bodied figure (although the insinuations that at 38 years old she was basically one foot in the grave was at times unnecessary).

I gave this book 3.25 stars - I liked it, but didn't love it. I would be interested to read other books by this author in the World of the Rat as the brief influence of the paladins seemed interesting and I know that T. Kingfisher has a series that involves them.

I've gotten used to offerings from T. Kingfisher being more in line with gothic horror, so this romantic adventure (with a dash of monsters and magic) was an interesting departure, and it was just as expertly-done as her more usual fare. Halla is a terrific protagonist, a fish-out-of-water for most of the book, but with a hardy spirit and a willingness to adapt and learn as the journey throws chaos her way. (Including a handsome, gruff man whose spirit inhabits a sword.) Even the supporting characters are given their moments to shine, and Kingfisher has made sure that her cast of characters is varied and distinct, colorful and unique. I just thoroughly enjoyed it, and am glad to know that there will be at least one more book in the world she has built in "Swordheart."

Swordheart by T Kingfisher is a rom-com fantasy romance novel that will have you giggling the whole way thru.

If you like the movie The Princess Bride or the TV Shows The Decameron and My Lady Jane then this is the book for you.

This is my second T Kingfisher book and it was slower than the first but it was a fun journey with a lot of memorable characters.

I fear that T Kingfisher is turning into an autobuy author for me. I have loved everything that I have read by her so far. Swordheart is a cozy, funny, adventure based fantasy featuring Halla, our 36 yo kind-to-a-fault FMC, and Sarkis, a brutal killer trapped in a sword for years who is doomed to protect whoever draws him from the sword. Halla and Sarkis go on an adventure to fight for Halla’s rights to her deceased husband’s estate and obstacles, witty banter, and sexual tension ensue along the way.

I had so much fun with this one and found myself laughing out loud at points. I will absolutely be reading anything that T Kingfisher publishes from now on!

Thank you Tor/Bramble for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I am really torn on this book. It started off refreshing - Loved the first 1/4, but then the book started to lose some charm by the first half. The banter wasn’t really banter at that point, it was Halla saying silly things and Sarkis being grumpy. I felt like I was seeing the countryside on a never ending journey, but not learning anything more about Halla except that she’s nice. We do learn a little more about Sarkis but her reaction was way over the top for such a “kind” person.

I didn’t like the ending. I don’t think I want to invest more time in a series. I’m one and done.

I’m giving 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.

Thank you Tor for the gifted eARC!

I was really excited for this book, but I just don’t think it was for me. I ended up speed reading the last quarter of the book bc I didn’t feel invested in the story or characters anymore. I love the idea of this cozy fantasy rom-com, but it felt a bit too cringey in execution.