Goodness! I fear I've stumbled upon an author that I absolutely adore. The concept was fun and the execution was perfect for me. I was so torn between zooming through the story and savoring it - that's the kind of chokehold it held on me. Wildly enough, this may be my favorite read of the year and we've barely just begun. Hard five stars and I will defend my love for this book till my dying breath.

Thanks again NetGalley. Loved this non-arc arc. Reading along with the audiobook made the experience that much better.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the advanced copy!

This is a rerelease, which I didn’t realize when I requested the arc. Regardless, it’s firmly put T Kingfisher on my TBR after I also enjoyed A Sorceress Comes To Call. There’s a sharpness to her writing that I really enjoy- a dry sense of humour that works well with the cozy fantasy. This one bad romance, which ASCTC didn’t (not really) and so I think I enjoyed this one a bit more! I’ll definitely be working through her backlist

*thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC*

T. Kingfisher is the queen of fantasy with humor sprinkled in.
Throughout, I found myself laughing because of the dialogue between the characters. The humor felt genuine.

It was refreshing that the FMC was older. Even though not very experienced, Halla was delightful and witty. The MMC, Serkis had great character development. Their romance felt authentic. There was also non-binary representation with the side characters.

I felt like parts of the plot dragged especially in the middle. Some of the descriptions felt repetitive like Halla being “a respectable widow” I almost counted how many times that was said throughout the book.

For being a fantasy- quest type story I really liked the world we were in and even though there wasn’t a ton of magic. It still felt fantastical.
I didn’t know it was part of the Clockwork Boys universe until the end. So I’m excited to read the others in this world.

Overall, 3.5 stars. And I would recommend this to other fantasy readers.

Heat Factor: What are you implying??? Halla is a *respectable widow*

Character Chemistry: Sarkis spends a lot of time counting under his breath

Plot: Halla’s terrible relatives are trying to steal her inheritance. Luckily, she finds an immortal sword man to help her. Road trip with much mayhem ensues. Like, so much mayhem.

Overall: What a delightful book.


So technically I read an ARC of this because a beautiful deluxe edition with sprayed edges is being released later this month, but it’s actually several years old. But you know what? Who cares that it’s not new. I still had a blast reading it. (It does mean that it seems like the promised sequel is…not happening any time soon, so try not to get excited about it. Luckily for me, Kingfisher has written a bunch of *other* books in this world.) I will say that my copyeditor’s soul shriveled up a little at the (lack of) punctuation and, unfortunately, I now know that that cannot be blamed on this being an advance copy that hasn’t gone through proofreading. Be warned if you are a fan of things like em-dashes, ellipses, and, hell, commas—you know, the things that signify pauses in sentences.

Anyways, the basic premise is that Halla is a widow who has been thanklessly keeping house for her great-uncle-in-law for the past decade. (Sidenote: apparently I’m a haggard crone because Halla is 36 and “middle-aged.”) Now, the old man has died and left all his worldly belongings to her. The rest of the family is Not Impressed (understatement), which means that they plan on forcing Halla to marry the cousin with clammy hands. Halla would really rather not, and so she decides to kill herself. However, when she unsheathes the heirloom sword that’s been hanging on her bedroom wall for years, a man pops out. A very attractive silver fox with big muscles, to be precise. Turns out, the sword is a magic sword that is also a man (the metaphysics are a bit hazy, despite many experiments in the middle part of the book), and he is now sworn to protect Halla—the wielder of the sword—until she dies or gives the sword away. The plot, such as it is, follows Halla and Sarkis as they escape, travel to another town, get help from the Rat God (patron god of lawyers), travel home, and have a black moment. There are many adventures along the way, very few of which are fully resolved beyond the bare minimum of Halla and Sarkis escaping. So epic fantasy readers, be aware that there’s a lot of worldbuilding that happens here that’s just…left hanging. Like, what’s up with the deer people and the slime monsters? Why were the priests of the Hanged Mother so obsessed with Halla?

But honestly, the plot doesn’t even matter. All you need to know is that it’s a one damn thing after the next type situation so you can buckle up. What is actually delightful about this book are the characters and their interactions because they are so. Friggin. Funny.

There’s nothing like a good example, so here’s a snippet:

Sarkis emerged from the scullery, looking soggy. “I have defeated the dishes.”

“Were there any survivors?”

“The only casualty was some kind of monstrous serving plate with pears on it.”

“Oh, that,” said Halla with relief. “Dare I hope it’s broken past any possible mending?”

Sarkis considered this for a moment, then went back into the scullery. Sounds of breaking crockery drifted through the open door. “Yes,” he said, returning.


True love is breaking that ugly serving platter your mother-in-law gave to you for a wedding present that you feel guilty about getting rid of.

While that short passage does capture the tone of the book, it doesn’t quite capture the characters and how delightful their dynamic is. Therefore, I must obviously include another one. This particular interaction happens right at the beginning of the book, but highlights the essentials of the characters:

“My lady Halla, I have fought dragons on multiple occasions.”

Halla considered this. “Did you win, though?”

Sarkis coughed, looking suddenly embarrassed. “Well, one time.”

“What about the others?”

“It was more of a draw. The point is that they were dragons, not your cousins.”

Halla folded her arms. “How big is a dragon, anyway?”

“What?”

“I’ve never seen one. Are they rabbit-sized? Cow-sized?”

“They’re dragon-sized!” he started to roar, caught himself, and continued in an angry whisper, “They’re the size of a house!”

“All right, but a big house or a small—”

Sarkis turned around and began to beat his forehead very gently against the wall. “The great god is punishing me,” he said softly, “for my crimes. I cannot go to his hell, and so he has sent a woman to torment me.”


Sarkis is a big tough man who is utterly baffled (and charmed, obviously) by Halla. Halla asks tons of questions—both because she’s curious about everything and because she’s found it to be a remarkably effective shield (as she says later, people don’t kill stupid women; they just kick them aside). Halla believes the best in everyone; Sarkis believes that everyone they meet is trying to murder them. Watching them bounce off each other is just fun.

Honestly that sums up my feelings about the book as a whole: it’s just fun.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

I thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry between the characters as well as the characters themselves. This book was incredibly fun to read.

Only two things bothered me about this story. One: that they spent almost the entire book traveling back and forth on the same road and back and forth again. It makes for kind of a boring setting. Two: the priest is only ever referred to as “they” with no gender assigned to them. How did the characters know to use those pronouns? I don’t remember it being explained which ended up making it feel like social commentary being shoehorned in, and not organic to the story. A simple conversation in where either Halla or Sarkis fumble their way through the first social interaction and have it explained to them would have felt more natural.

T. Kingfisher has not disappointed me yet! Swordheart is an absolutely hilarious and chaotic fantasy romance.

Our FMC, Halla, is stuck in a bind when she inherits her late husband’s uncles property and is then locked up in her room until she agrees to an unwanted marriage. Contemplating suicide to escape the situation, she draws a sword and meets Sarkis - the man inside the sword.

They take off, escaping her house and heading for the Temple of the White Rat to request help with her inheritance. Along their adventure they wind up in several dangerous situations, make new friends, and have some pretty awkward moments together.

If you’re looking for a completely unserious fantasy romance with low spice, you may love this book too.

This book... I don't even know where to start. I had high hopes for what sounded like a cozy fantasy. But it was a story I just couldn't get myself to enjoy. I found the lack of trigger warning for suicide appalling and the execution of the story to be lackluster. I didn't care for the FMC at all, but the MMC did grow on me some. I love a cozy fantasy, it is one of my favorite genres, but this didn't read that way to me at all.

I went in for the fantasy romance, I stayed for the nerodivergency. I can't recommend this book enough for my neurodivergence friends.

LOVED this fantasy romance. I never had a chance to read it the first time around, so this reprint was a welcomed surprise for me to allow me to experience this fantastic novel. Really good world building by Kingfisher, as always.

First of all, I had no idea this is a rerelease!! I mean look at this cover!! I cannot wait for the physical copy on my shelf.

Enter your newest fun and creative cozy fantasy. I honestly had such a blast with this. It’s will have you laughing and kicking your feet. Such fun escapism!

T
his is a story about a widow with a Cinderella complex stumbling on a magic sword and the genie-type warrior stuck to protect whoever weilds it going on a journey together, falling in love and getting out of trouble.

I had no idea what to expect from this read. Thanks to Amazon and Netgalley, I was able to enjoy this one through audio and ebook. I had seen someone compare it to Princess Bride, one of my favorite romances, so I immediately wanted to read it.

I would say that the Princess Bride comparison is fair. It had the comedy and banter of that book/movie but the romance and chivalry of Outlander.
This is definitely one of those cozy romantasies similar to the Spellshop.

I really liked Halla, the FMC. She was incredibly relatable. Even though I don't ask as many questions as she does, her desire to think the best in people hit a cord with me.

Sarkis was incredibly swoony. His dedication and how he slowly fell in love with Halla was fun to follow.

I would have liked more romance, I think, but the bits I got were very exciting! I especially want to acknowledge the spicy scenes. There wasn't many and you can skip them easily but what I liked about it is that the author focused more on what they were feeling rather than what they were doing and it made the moments so much more tender.


I had my own personal convictions while reading this book, but nothing that upset me, just personal taste on my part.

I gave this a huge try it was a lot of pick up and point down my rule of thumb is get passed 100 pages and see how I feel about what I’m reading as I feel that’s good amount of pages to decipher if it’s worth it, unfortunately this book was hard to follow in those pages I understand stand that the characters are from different time lines however I think some sort of background from the start it would make everything easier

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher is a delightful romp through a cozy fantasy world that'll have you chuckling and rooting for its quirky characters from start to finish.

Our heroine, a chatterbox with an endearing innocence, finds herself fleeing her greedy family's clutches. Her trusting nature often lands her in hot water, but it's this very quality that infuses the story with humor and heart. Watching her navigate this magical world is like seeing it through fresh eyes, making even the most fantastical elements feel wonderfully new.

Contrasting our chatty protagonist is the sword's mysterious protector. His depth comes from a past he'd rather forget, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative. As his story unfolds, you'll find yourself equally invested in unraveling his secrets.

The supporting cast is a colorful bunch, each adding their own flavor to this entertaining adventure. While "Swordheart" might not be my absolute favorite of Kingfisher's works, it's certainly a fun ride.

What really stands out is how Kingfisher weaves themes of family conflict and personal growth into the fantastical elements. It's this blend of the magical and the deeply human that creates such a unique reading experience.

For me, "Swordheart" is like a warm hug in book form - comforting, funny, and with just enough depth to keep you thinking after you've turned the last page. It's a perfect pick for when you need a break from heavier reads but still want a story with heart.

Thank you, Bramble and NetGalley, for my free book.

T. Kingfisher’s Swordheart is a delightful blend of fantasy, humor, and unconventional romance, delivering a refreshing take on the sword-and-sorcery genre. The novel follows Halla, a widowed housekeeper who unexpectedly inherits a fortune—only to find herself locked away by greedy relatives. In a desperate attempt to escape, she unsheathes an ancient sword, inadvertently summoning Sarkis, a surly warrior bound to the weapon.

What follows is an engaging and often hilarious adventure as Halla and Sarkis navigate legal troubles, magical threats, and their own growing attraction. Kingfisher’s signature wit shines through in Halla’s pragmatic, often flustered narration, contrasting beautifully with Sarkis’s battle-worn gruffness. Their dynamic is one of the novel’s highlights, filled with sharp banter, slow-burning chemistry, and refreshingly mature emotional depth.

Beyond the romance, Swordheart excels in world-building, setting its tale in the same universe as Kingfisher’s Clocktaur War books. The story’s whimsical yet grounded approach to fantasy elements—including cursed swords, divine bureaucracy, and nightmarish creatures—creates a uniquely immersive experience.

While the novel’s pacing occasionally meanders due to its conversational tone, the humor and charm more than make up for it. As a huge fan of T. Kingfisher’s books, I absolutely loved Swordheart! Her ability to mix heart, humor, and the bizarre into compelling stories is unmatched. Fans of unconventional love stories, strong-willed heroines, and fantasy with a touch of absurdity will find Swordheart a thoroughly enjoyable read.

T. Kingfisher has such a penchant for weaving her distinct brand of humor into whatever she writes, whether that be horror or fantasy. While I am more familiar with her horror works, this will serve as my motivation to check out the rest of her fantasy novels - especially The Saint of Steel series!

Halla isn't all that broken up about the recent deaths of both her husband and great-uncle-in-law, but she is a little disconcerted by the fact that she was left the elderly man's entire estate after his passing. When his other relatives swoop in to try to force her to marry back into the family and give up all rights to the estate, she figures it's as good a time as any to literally fall on her sword and end it. At least, until unsheathing the sword causes an ancient warrior to appear and vow his loyalty to her. Sarkis is a multi-centuries old swordsman, and his with her on this quest to save her life, her freedom, and her new estate.

This was such a cozy fun adventure that had me cackling out loud multiple times. The rambling, slow nature of the story works so well for this particular tale, and it's lovely watching Halla and Sarkis slowly fall in love in typical grumpy X sunshine fashion. There's something just so unique in a story about a widowed thirty-something finding adventure and love again... with an ancient immortal man. But the real stars of the show are Zale the lawyer priest of the Rat Temple, happily dragged along on all sorts of murder-y adventures, and Brindle the absolutely precious gnole who also gets dragged along for the ride.
While this book doesn't necessarily do anything revolutionary, it is a lovely cozy little romance and I'm invested in the rest of the world Kingfisher has created!

I really loved reading this book and I can not wait for more by this author!! I flew through this book because it was that good. The author did an amazing job keeping the plot interesting without it getting boring or slow. I will be recommending this book to all of the family and friends.

OK who's responsible for the fact that this was published in 2018 but I haven't read it until now? I am so excited that Bramble has rereleased it in 2025!

I have mixed feelings when it comes to "cozy fantasy," but I think this qualifies. You see, this book is about Halla, whose great uncle-in-law just passed and left her his entire estate. His other relatives have descended upon her to try to make her marry her (also deceased) husband's cousin to keep the money in the family. She can't think of anything to do. It's really lucky for her, then, that when she pulls a sword down from the wall and unsheathes it it turns out to be housing an immortal warrior who is now magically bound to serve her.

So they set out on a super low stakes quest to hire a lawyer and get her money back. The plot is pretty rambley, but in such a fun way: Halla and Sarkis don't really have a plan, so they're just trying to survive all of the minor mishaps, footpads, and mean relatives that get in their way during their 3 road trips. Swordheart is set in the established fantasy world of the Clockwork Boys, but I haven't read those and I never felt like I was missing any worldbuilding or context.

But you know what REALLY worked for me? The romance. Halla is 36 and for most of her life has been an overlooked drudge, first for her husband, then for his one relative who took her in. Sarkis is a 40-something warrior (who's been immortal for 400 years, it's complicated!) and Halla isn't his usual type. But he soon realizes that while her personal strengths may not be the same as his, they're just as powerful.

Also, this book is so, so, so funny! It's a zany, unhinged, silly kind of humor that had me laughing throughout the entire book. So yeah, I loved this.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Thank you to Tor Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of Swordheart by T. Kingfisher in exchange for an honest review.

Halla is ready to end it all. A plain, middle-aged widow, a wealthy relative has just left her a big inheritance. Now her scheming aunt has locked her in a room until they can force her into marriage with her odious, clammy-handed cousin. At a loss for what else to do, she tries to commit suicide with an antique sword that has been a wall decoration until now. But when she pulls the blade from the scabbard, she discovers that it's actually an enchanted sword, inhabited by the spirit (life essence?) of long-dead warrior/mercenary Sarkis. Sarkis is bound to serve the blade's owner, and so is obligated to help free Halla from her family's clutches.

Aided by a lawyer priest from the Temple of the White Rat, a gnome. and a gnome's ox, Halla and Sarkis undertake a quest to get her inheritance back. A grand adventure follows, filled with typically quirky, snarky, hilarious side characters and a few creepy bits.

If you've read T. Kingfisher before, you know what you'll get. (And if you haven't, get right on it! What are you waiting for?) It'll be funny. It'll be irreverent. It'll give a middle-aged woman agency and allow her brilliance to shine, aching back, extra weight, and all. It'll have a sweet romance, with a man who is ready and willing to aid her but also respect her abilities. (Although, admittedly, it does take Sarkis a little while to get with the program.)

This is set in the same world as the Clockwork Boys, so the setting already has some development in place and the story doesn't waste a ton of time with world-building. You happily jump right into the tale, and figure things out from there. (Not unlike our plucky heroine, actuall.y.) Sometimes teetering on the edge of silly, it's refreshing to read a fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously while somehow avoiding parody. No Tolkien clone here.

Highly recommended for people who want a romantasy that isn't a teenager coupled with a partner 2oo times her age and/or trying to kill her, for preexisitng fans of T. Kingfisher, and for folks who want to a fantasy that is wholly and happily unique.

Ok, I originally said no notes, but I do want to comment on the other land they got sucked into then afterwards that didn’t speak much about it. I thought maybe that bit of trauma would be something the FMC carried for a while. Otherwise, I enjoyed these characters and loved the banter.

I don’t often compare titles to "The Princess Bride." In my experience as a reader, it’s difficult for a fantasy book to mimic the silly humor that is present in the beloved story by William Goldman. "Swordheart" has come the closest. I’ve read a few of T. Kingfisher’s works so I am familiar with her skills as a writer but I was especially charmed by "Swordheart." Kingfisher was able to blend the romance, the plot, the world, and the jokes seamlessly into a delectable smoothie of a book. The humor is genuinely funny; I laughed out loud at several scenes. The characters are all so loveable. Halla and Sarkis have a particularly fun dynamic. The world is an expansion of the author’s previous series therefore she spent time in establishing the landscape and cultural division within this sector of a larger, fantastical realm. I had so much fun reading this book and I would consider this the ideal romantasy.