I received a digital copy of this book as an advanced reader copy from the publisher. 🖤
I have to say that overall I really liked this book. You grow to love the characters. I even like the MFC who is SOOOO annoying at times. I adore Sarkis; the MMC. If you like a slow burn, oh my, this could be the book for you. Just a little bit of spice; nothing overly explicit. This book is supposed to be part one of a trilogy and honestly I can’t wait to read the next one. This can be read as a standalone. But, you will likely want to continue to the next book to come.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Forced Proximity🗡️
Humor 😀
Mild Spice🌶️
Touch her and die. 🖤

T. Kingfisher is one of my favorite fantasy authors, so I was very happy to receive a copy of Swordheart from NetGalley, and it didn’t disappoint. It was originally released in 2018, and a special version was just re-released under Tor’s Bramble imprint. I can’t speak to the shiny new copy as mine was digital, but a photo of the beautiful new cover is pictured below.

Halla is a widowed housekeeper to an elderly collector who dies and leaves her the estate. Unfortunately, she’s immediately set upon by angry relatives who want to force her to marry. Imprisoned in the house she now owns, she considers stabbing herself – but unsheathing the sword releases Sarkis, a warrior who is cursed for eternity to be servant and bodyguard to whoever wields the sword.

With Sarkis’ aid, they flee the house and set out to regain Halla’s inheritance. Along the way they are set upon by thieves and the cult of the Hanged Mother, until they team up with a helpful priest of the White Rat and Brindle the gnole (an ox-cart driver who resembles a badger).

This book had all of Kingfisher’s humor, warmth, and creativity. It’s written in an oddly rambling tone, with a lot of “err’s” and run-on sentences, but if you like dialogue that’s written the way people actually talk, you’ll enjoy it. It’s also longer than most of Kingfisher’s books, but I enjoyed the characters and the world so much I was happy to stay in it for a while.


Kingfisher excels at creating characters you’ll wish you could actually meet, and this book also excels at building friendship and romance between Halla and Sarkis. Their banter and chemistry was great and the dialogue laugh-out-loud funny. Plus Kingfisher creates very real insecurities and quandaries that keep the pair apart. Sarkis, after all, is her servant, so he doesn’t have any choice about being with her, and Halla needs him to gain her independence. Sarkis is a mature (some 450 years) man of the world while Halla is, at best, unsophisticated. But she’s the first sword-wielder who actually cares how Sarkis feels about being trapped in the sword. She’s also not above playing dumb to get herself out of danger.

I enjoy the way Kingfisher turns tropes on their heads. It’s a journey novel but the characters do travel in circles quite a bit and even through landscapes that have a will of their own. It’s written in a way that you can both enjoy the wit and humor but also feel immersed in the world. There’s a lot of focus on the logistics of Sarkis’ imprisonment – does he get hungry or have to pee when he’s in the sword, for example – but you also feel his anger and frustration with his servitude.

The pacing isn’t always perfect, as there’s a fair amount of repetition and a plot point or two that didn’t fully work. But I thoroughly enjoyed it and now I need to read Kingfisher’s other books set in this world (Paladin’s Grace, etc.). This book would be perfect for those who enjoyed the humor of The Princess Bride and the light-hearted warmth of Legends and Lattes.

Note: I received this book as an advanced review copy from NetGalley and publisher Tor/Bramble. This book was re-released February 25, 2025

Kingfisher continues to win me over her with her fantastic writing and her characters. This one yet again was fantastic and character-driven while having romance and a "human" element of triumph. i highly recommend this one for anyone who enjoys fantasy or romance!

T. Kingfisher’s Swordheart is a delightful blend of quirky humor, endearing characters, and unexpected romance wrapped in a fantasy setting that feels both fresh and comfortably familiar. With her signature wit and warmth, Kingfisher crafts a story that’s as much about personal growth and agency as it is about sword fights and sorcery.The novel follows Halla, a practical and sharp-witted widow who suddenly finds herself the heir to a considerable fortune - and the target of her greedy relatives. Her life takes a bizarre turn when she accidentally unsheathes a magical sword containing Sarkis, a grumpy but honorable warrior bound to serve the wielder of the blade. What unfolds is a journey across the countryside filled with cults, legal debates, and a romance that sneaks up on both characters in the most charming way.What really shone here was the chemistry between Halla and Sarkis. Their dynamic is hilarious and heartfelt, driven by Halla’s blunt honesty and Sarkis’s exasperated nobility. Kingfisher’s prose is breezy but insightful, and she brings a refreshing perspective to fantasy tropes, never taking herself too seriously while still exploring themes of trauma, choice, and love.The only reason this isn't a full 5-star read is that the pacing lags slightly in the middle, and some of the plot resolutions feel a bit too tidy. Still, those are minor quibbles in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable novel.

Welcome back to Climbing Mount TBR where I, your humble Book Kaiju, struggle to climb to the top of my “to read” pile one book at a time. With Valentine’s Day upon us, I thought this would be the perfect time to finally dip my toes into the world of romantasy. It’s what all those kids on the Booktok are talking about, so I thought we here at Kaiju & Gnome would jump on the bandwagon. Get that algorithm to work for us. Hit like and subscribe! Something, something, skibbidi Ohio!

However, since, according to Book Narwhal, I’m a coward, I decided to avoid /Fourth Wing/ for the moment. I feel like I need to work my way up to that. You know, get some practice, dip my toes in the water. Instead, I figured I would turn to a safe option. I’ll read an author I already know and trust: T. Kingfisher.

I’ve already covered T. Kingfisher on “Climbing Mount TBR” before. I am in love with her style of “cozy horror.” Books where it’s creepy and scary, but everything is going to be alright. If you haven’t read The House with Good Bones or The Hollow Ones, then go give them a look. They’re fantastic!

Since I loved everything else I've ever read of hers, when I found out she writes romantasy, I figured I'd give it a shot. Her series set in the “World of the White Rat” has been nominated for a Hugo for Best Series multiple times and is nothing but fantasy romances. While the flagship series in her setting is The Saint of Steel, she’s also written several other novels, including today’s selection: Swordheart.

Originally self-published in 2017, Tor Bramble has picked it up for traditional publication. The copy I read was the original self-published version from her Patreon. I don’t know of any changes between the two versions, but I feel the need to let you all know.

So, what is Swordheart about?

Halla is a respectable widow in her late thirties. After her husband passed away, she lived with his relative, Uncle Silas. An eccentric, penny-pinching collector Silas has recently passed. While the rest of the family descend upon his estate like a flock of vultures, only Halla really mourns. Perhaps that’s why Silas left his entire wealth and worldly possessions to her.

It was probably meant to be a gift. Instead, it placed a target on her back. In a fit of desperation, she draws an antique sword and is shocked to find the sword is alive. Well, sorta, but not really alive. The sword itself is just a piece of metal, but the spirit of a warrior named Sarkis was bound to the sword centuries ago. As the wielder of the sword, Sarkis must obey and protect Halla with his unlife.

A woman in distress and a magic bodyguard? Oh, you already know where this is going. Love is in the air! If they can both get out of their own way, of course. We can’t have “happily ever after” be too easy. What follows is a lovely adventure, romance filled with laughs, legal drama, non-binary representation, and enough cuteness to warm the coldest of hearts.

I don’t think I could have chosen a better book as my first real foray into the world of romantasy. Swordheart was funny, well-written, and well-plotted. It never dragged nor did it overstay its welcome. The third act breakup (which is required by law in all romance books) made sense and didn’t feel contrived. Plus, the world building that Kingfisher does for the “World of the White Rat” is superb. This feels like a well fleshed out D&D campaign. I want to play a game where my cleric is basically a lawyer! Matlock with divine powers? Sign me up!

Also, it was nice to read a book where the main characters weren’t super model twenty-somethings. These characters are my age, flawed in realistic ways, and feel real. Their flaws are mentioned in text, and then actually shown! Halla mentions that she can be annoying and then is annoying. T. Kingfisher really excels at writing flawed, but loveable characters.

If you’ve ever wanted to try out a fantasy romance, then give Swordheart by T. Kingfisher a chance. You’ll find a great example of the genre that will warm your heart and make you squee in delight.

That’s another one off the TBR pile! Only 301 to go!

Want to share your recommendations on what romantasy we here at Kaiju & Gnome should read next? Well hop over to Bluesky @kaijuandgnome.bsky.social‬ and let us know.

I really, really enjoy T. Kingfisher's writing style - it just works for me! This was no exception. An enjoyable read with strong "cozy fantasy" vibes for those readers who don't want the confusion of high fantasy world building. Thank you, NetGalley!

I am delighted Bramble has made this title more broadly available, and in such a gorgeous package as well. Kingfisher's ability to create identifiably emotional and complex characters under extraordinary and even bizarre circumstances is on full display.

The cozy romantasy I’ve been dreaming of! I loved these characters, and the way Sarkis regains his humanity and just pines for her!

Thank you to Bramble for the advanced copy to Swordheart.

Swordheart is an apt name for this book, as it will pierce you thusly. I am overcome by emotion from this book. Never have I felt so seen in a narrator. The book opens in a way that resembles Buttercup, in The Princess Bride, trying to kill herself. Halla has unsheathed a sword to fall on it so that she does not have to deal with her terrible in-laws. (Respect, mama). Once she's unsheathed the sword, a strange man appears who we learn has been cursed and is housed in the enchanted sword. Both main characters are incredibly flawed in a way that is relatable but doesn't take away from the fantastic element of the world. The slowest of slow burns and the longingest of longings ensues between Halla and Sarkis, and never more deeply have two people been perfect for each other. Along the way they pick up a myriad of side characters, a Nonbinary lawyer priest of the local Rat God and his Gnole employee, charged with taking care of the slowest of Oxen. If you need to understand me a little better please read this book. And for the love of the Rat God, stop reading Romantasy that doesn't read like this. I hope you can feel my eyes boring into your soul when I say that.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m very hit or miss with T Kingfisher books so I was absolutely thrilled to find this one was absolutely delightful. It was cozy and warm in the best of ways, but held enough darkness and heaviness to not feel too fluffy. The characters were all absolutely charming and I fell in love with Halla especially really quickly. The action was fast enough to keep me interested but not so treacherous or intense to keep this from being a quick delightful read. I have not read the Clocktaur War books so I can attest that, while there may have been pieces I missed and didn’t understand, it did not prevent me from enjoying this as a standalone. Though if the Clocktaur books are like this I may need to pick them up now…

This is a cozy fantasy romance with humor and banter. It's a mildly spicy standalone novel with an enchanted sword, Halla is an unlikely heroine stumbling along on an adventure she was grossly unprepared for. Along the way she picks up some friends and that's where the banter really gets good. If you love lighthearted romance with a dash of adventure then you would love this book!

Kingfisher will never miss. Every books I’ve read has been magic and so special. It’s not my favorite of the collection but it has been one of my favorite reads so far this year

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher is a delightful blend of adventure, humor, and fantasy. The story follows a woman who inherits a magical, talking sword and ends up on an unexpected journey with a grumpy but endearing warrior. Kingfisher’s writing is witty and engaging, with well-developed characters and a plot full of action, heart, and humor. The mix of fantasy elements and sharp dialogue makes this book an enjoyable and refreshing read for fans of character-driven fantasy with a lighthearted twist.

BOOK REVIEW: SWORDHEART by T. KINGFISHER

4.25 ⭐️

This was my first T. Kingfisher book and it did not disappoint! This book was so funny and full of laughs. I didn’t expect it to be as cozy as it was. The sword magic was so unique and I just adored the side characters.

Halla and Sarkis are a pair I’ll think about often. I’m so excited to jump more into T. Kingfishers other works soon ⚔️💗 a HUGE thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the advanced arc!! #bookreview #romantasy #books #reading #bookishthoughts

This book was SUCH a fun read! I had a blast following along on the adventures, and the delicate slow burn had me yearning for more. T. Kingfisher always hits for me! 4.5 stars!

My first T. Kingfisher, though her books have been on my list for a long time. I am so glad I finally got around to her stories. This book was so much fun to read. I could not stop reading and loved the characters. Halla was such a refreshing character, I loved her strength throughout the book and how she weaponizes "incompetence". The way she spoke and her relationship with Sarkis was amazing, there was a lot of great banter and I really enjoyed watching the relationship grow. I cannot wait to go back and read more from T. Kingfisher

This was a fun book, I loved that the FMC was an older woman. It was refreshing and exciting! Thank you T. Kingfisher and NetGalley!

A magical sword, a lawyer priest, clammy in-laws, and a ridiculous journey; Swordheart is Halla's story. After her great-uncle-in-law dies and surprisingly leaves everything to her, the other in-laws close in to marry her back into the family and keep his wealth. But if she can die before that marriage, her impoverished nieces will get it all. In her bedroom prison, she finds a sword to end her life, and when she unsheathes it, a warrior pops out? Sarkis is an ancient, immortal warrior tied to the sword, and Halla is now his mistress. Sure, getting a woman out of a house and over a few cities isn't quite like any other mission he's had before, but he should be more than capable. As they set off towards the Temple of the White Rat seeking legal help, tensions flare between them, and Sarkis especially can't decide whether he should try to ignore her or kiss her, and Halla, a middle-aged widow, feels like she couldn't possibly stand a chance with a magical sword.
I loved this. I loved that it's a cozy romantasy between two middle-aged people. I love Halla, who is a wonderful curious unhinged lady, and I love Sarkis, who is grouchy and big without being an alphahole or anything. I love Zale, the nonbinary, very practical lawyer priest, and the whole concept of the White Rat, a deity of practicality. The setting was enough to pull me into the extended world, where there are like two or three more series I can't wait to read. And the best part of this reprint? It's getting two sequels. I cannot wait.

Halla was a DOLLLLLLL. She made me lol and I never understood what a cozy fantasy was until this. The nostalgia of Princess Bride, where humor, love and heroics rule.

Sarkis was just everything you'd want in a guardian-lover romance. Protective, annoyed, grumpy. We love him.

My only critique is that Halla talks a lot about how old she is, and I get it, she's not a 19-year old maiden like so many of our fantasy stories are but 36 is NOT old. Fresh, new, FIRST time love can be found in your 30s and 40s!

This book is a DNF for me, I hate doing that on books that need a review but I just can't stand the FMC. She is in her late thirties and a widow, she is also a doormat and is written more like a naive 15 yr old. What could be an endearing personality that questions everything was just too much and drove me bonkers. I hope this finds the right audience, unfortunately, that audience is not me.