I actually read this years ago when it first came out, but I'm so excited to see that it's getting a new release now that more and more people are finding out how brilliant T. Kingfisher is. Swordheart could sort of be put in the newly trendy category of cozy fantasy, but Kingfisher's heroes and heroines always have an added level of realism and practicality that makes them eminently relatable, even in her fantasy romances. Swordheart is a low stakes fantasy with a great romance and some of the most delightful characters you're likely to find. If you have enjoyed things like Legends and Lattes then give this a try. Also go out and read the rest of her work because it's all fantastic.

This was incredible! I really didn’t expect it to be a romance but this was a welcome surprise.

It’s fun, forced proximity, unlikely heroes, hilarious banter and lots or pining. Everything and more than I could have ever hoped: i absolutely recommend it whether you’re a t kingfisher fan or not.

My only qualm is that while the world sees Halla as middle aged, she’s only 36.

Swordheart is an adorable and hilarious cozy romantic fantasy by one of my favorite authors. I love T. Kingfisher’s whimsical and easygoing writing style.

This book follows Halla, who, intent on ending her suffering after being imprisoned by antagonistic family members, draws the sword hanging on the wall, only to discover that a man has been trapped in the sword and she has just released him. Sarkis is magically bound to defend Halla at all costs, even against himself. He is so funny and wonderful, and I loved his and Halla’s banter together as they embark on a journey across the land.

This is my new favorite cozy fantasy, and lovers of slow-burn romance set in a low-stakes environment with a big dash of adventure and humor are sure to love this novel. It was a lot of fun and I can’t wait to reread it.

Whimsical and cozy but sadly also a little grating. If you love cozy romances, this will be a great pick for you, but unfortunately it was not for me.

More like roMANtasy.
Sorry, I'll see my way out...

I was given an eARC by Tor and NetGalley for the upcoming re-issue (I think).

A cute little story, to be sure, with some steamy parts. Halla was an interesting enough perspective character, and I loved that she weaponized certain parts of her personality to come out in the middle most of her life.

I know it's an ARC, but there were some style choices that I kept thinking were typos. The characters interrupt themselves with "err" a fair bit, and sentences just stop without any punctuation. It happened enough that I have to believe it's on purpose, but it was distracting enough that I found my way to re-reading whole paragraphs to see if I missed something further up. I'd rate it higher if it weren't for those things.

And also plot points that just ... die, I guess? I'd explain more, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

The real deal of the whole thing is Brindle. Five stars for Brindle.

Sword heart is a refreshing young fantasy book that is very intriguing and suspenseful. It is easy to fall in love with the characters, their world, and their goals.

First may I say, FINALLY A FANTASY NOVEL WHERE THE MAIN CHARCTERS AREN'T 18! I enjoyed this book so much! Perfect for fans of cozy fantasy with a touch of humor and romance. I have read some horror books by Kingfisher before, but I can say this is my favorite book I have read from her and it makes me excited to explore some more of her fantasy novels. I am so excited this is going to be a series.

Swordheart was such a fun and imaginative book. this book made me laugh out loud throughout. The action, feelings, laughs, and sadness was interspersed through the whole book in a way that just sends you on a journey.
Sarkis & Halla were absolutely wonderful characters and their differences really made the book fun to read. Zale and Brindle were absolutely perfect side characters to really flush out the book.

I liked this book but the beginning was weird. I did still enjoy the book and found it entertaining to read. I didn't understand part of the lore though.

This is such a solid book with really lovely characters and whimsy to spare. T Kingfisher excels at taking familiar ideas and stories and twisting them just enough to make them new. It's an easy sell to anyone looking for a cosy fantasy that still retains enough stakes to propel the story forward.

This was my first book by T. Kingfisher, but I don't think it'll be my last.

This was very well written, the story flowed easily, and kept me engaged the entire time. I did enjoy the romance and the majority of the characters. I did find our main character Halla a bit frustrating though. She is 30-something but acts more like a teenager. If she had acted more mature, this would have been the perfect read.

Rated 4 stars. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC ebook.

This is sweet, warm-hearted, and lovely. Not sure why it's available as an ARC due to being published nearly seven years ago, but still glad that I had the opportunity to sneak a read while the library's waitlist was out the door.

This is not my first read from Kingfisher, but it is the longest! When reading the synopsis, I had no idea where the story was going to go. It did NOT disappoint. The characters, the story, the details were so original and that is hard to do now!

I am absolutely in love with this book! T. Kingfisher has done it again—crafted a magical, heartwarming story filled with humor, adventure, and romance. I don’t think this author is capable of writing a book I wouldn’t adore!

This slow-burn fantasy romance had everything I could have hoped for. Halla and Sarkis are chef’s kiss perfection—a grumpy-sunshine duo with incredible chemistry. Watching their bond grow as they navigate bandits, inquisitors, meddling relatives, and even a cursed sword was such a delight!

And let’s talk about the supporting cast. Zale, the nonbinary priest, and Brindle the gnole were absolute scene-stealers, adding so much charm, humor, and heart to the story. But what really stood out to me was how real and relatable the characters felt. Kingfisher has this incredible way of making even the most fantastical worlds feel cozy and believable.

If you love romantic fantasy, quirky humor, and stories that leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page, this book is an absolute must-read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the book I can't stop talking about. As I was talking to folks in the bookstore last week I realized how popular Kingfisher has become with diverse readers from their twenties to their eighties who are now eagerly awaiting Swordheart. This story of Halla, a widow locked away by her late husband's avaricious family accidentally releases a warrior from a sword. Sarkis breaks her out and they start their quest to get her inheritance encountering various priests, mountains ranges that actually range, and amazing librarians.

This was a really fun low stakes fantasy with added bonuses of romance and adventure. I love a good slow burn and this didn’t disappoint. I’ve heard nothing but great things about this book and I’m glad all of them were correct!

T. Kingfisher has an elusive way with writing that I just can't quite grasp. This book was enjoyable and I love a good thorough fantasy. Sub plots, romance, all there. Still fell a little flat for me. I had to push myself to finish.

This book was everything I needed and more. It tugged on my heart strings and made me fall for characters I'd never thought I'd fall for. One of the best books I've read all year.

I honestly don't think T. Kingfisher can possibly write a book that I don't adore. Swordheart was no different. I love the way she crafts characters that aren't usually considered main character material and yet still makes them lovable and human. The romance in this was so so sweet and I love the persnickety FMC!

Overall, I really liked Swordheart. I loved Halla and Sarkis together and thought their romance was sweet. They played off each other well and I enjoyed the humor. I really loved Zale and Brindle. Once they are added to the group, the book really picks up and Zale and Halla playing off each other was so fun. I appreciate that Halla used what she knew to keep herself safe. She has no training, but she is able to use words and the way men in power see women as ditzy and beneath their notice to shield herself.

I have two main issues with the book. Halla and Sarkis' relationship was a little too fast, understandable as the plot does need to move along and while it's not world ending stakes, dealing with the estate and will is something they would want to sooner rather than later. They do spend a huge amount of time together, so at least it wasn't instalove in three days with the couple spending little time together. The bigger issue was the third act conflict. I thought it was a little overblown with what Halla and Sarkis already knew about each other and that Halla acted a little out of character during it.

However, I still really enjoyed Swordheart. I would definitely recommend it and Kingfisher has mentioned there will be more books in this series. I'm so excited to read their stories because the book makes it very clear who those will be.