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ritabriar's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The main characters are delightful, kind, and a bit snarky. I adore Halla's ability to weaponize questions and the way Sarkis respects her quickly, especially once he gets to know her. (Things do get spicy, though it's not the main focus.) Zale and Brindle are also stars of the book, in spite of their official status as support characters.
These main characters contrast with the various villains, who suffer from a severe inability to take interest in the perspective of others, each in a slightly different way.
The plot is both character- and setting-driven, in the manner of a campaign run by an excellent game master: some things happen not because the characters make them happen, but because things like this just happen here, and they might as well happen now. (To be clear, these events serve the plot or character arcs and I love them.) I'm thinking of the Vagrant Hills, especially, which area piece of geography that grabs travelers if they feel like it. The Motherhood priests probably also qualify.
As you'd expect in a book starring a magic sword, the setting has plenty of magic, which follows definite rules (though the characters don't know all of the rules and sometimes have to figure things out as they go). There are horrific mechanics to some of the magic and magical creatures, though I would not say this is a horror book.
These main characters contrast with the various villains, who suffer from a severe inability to take interest in the perspective of others, each in a slightly different way.
The plot is both character- and setting-driven, in the manner of a campaign run by an excellent game master: some things happen not because the characters make them happen, but because things like this just happen here, and they might as well happen now. (To be clear, these events serve the plot or character arcs and I love them.) I'm thinking of the Vagrant Hills, especially, which are
As you'd expect in a book starring a magic sword, the setting has plenty of magic, which follows definite rules (though the characters don't know all of the rules and sometimes have to figure things out as they go). There are horrific mechanics to some of the magic and magical creatures, though I would not say this is a horror book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Violence, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Domestic abuse, Murder, Body horror, and Misogyny
Minor: Terminal illness, Gaslighting, Gore, Stalking, Suicide attempt, War, and Infertility
The first thing that happens is that Halla's relatives lock her in her own room. Shebdingz's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content, War, and Death
amy_in_the_city's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was overall a fun read! I loved Halla, with her curiosity about the world. I appreciated the way she protected herself by confusing and annoying people with her inane ramblings until they left her alone. Sarkis was great too. The real star of this book was Zale, the priest/lawyer. I loved them and the church of the White Rat so much. This book was so funny and the humor at times reminded me of Monty Python.
Sarkis kept alluding to some big secret he needed to tell Halla, and I was really expecting it to be something major and a plot twist. When it was finally revealed, my reaction was "Is that the big secret? That's it?" I thought Halla overreacted to that reveal as the secret had nothing to do with her at all and no effect on her life. It felt very contrived just to add in some conflict between the couple.
I liked how inclusive this world seemed to be of various LGBTQ+ identities, with one very notable exception. Same sex couples appeared to be widely accepted and to have the same rights as straight couples. The nonbinary character was never misgendered or questioned about their gender, even by the villains. This culture of acceptance integrated into the worldbuilding was what made it so shocking to me when towards the end of the book, there were several moments where the characters seemed very unaccepting of, and even hostile towards, asexual people. Halla had an unsatisfying sex life with her late husband and described him as having been uninterested in sex in general. Sarkis vilified the late husband for this and even said he wished he could hurt him. Eventually, they seemed to settle on seeing the late husband and his asexuality as a burden. There's a lot of language that suggests ace people are broken, like saying he'd have to be "half-dead not to be interested in you" or Sarkis saying his religion has no use for someone who can't please their partner. This all felt really uncalled for. It put a damper on my enjoyment of the book and left a bad taste. It's a shame because this had been such a cozy and fun book for me, but it ended with me feeling attacked.
Sarkis kept alluding to some big secret he needed to tell Halla, and I was really expecting it to be something major and a plot twist. When it was finally revealed, my reaction was "Is that the big secret? That's it?" I thought Halla overreacted to that reveal as the secret had nothing to do with her at all and no effect on her life. It felt very contrived just to add in some conflict between the couple.
I liked how inclusive this world seemed to be of various LGBTQ+ identities, with one very notable exception. Same sex couples appeared to be widely accepted and to have the same rights as straight couples. The nonbinary character was never misgendered or questioned about their gender, even by the villains. This culture of acceptance integrated into the worldbuilding was what made it so shocking to me when towards the end of the book, there were several moments where the characters seemed very unaccepting of, and even hostile towards, asexual people. Halla had an unsatisfying sex life with her late husband and described him as having been uninterested in sex in general. Sarkis vilified the late husband for this and even said he wished he could hurt him. Eventually, they seemed to settle on seeing the late husband and his asexuality as a burden. There's a lot of language that suggests ace people are broken, like saying he'd have to be "half-dead not to be interested in you" or Sarkis saying his religion has no use for someone who can't please their partner. This all felt really uncalled for. It put a damper on my enjoyment of the book and left a bad taste. It's a shame because this had been such a cozy and fun book for me, but it ended with me feeling attacked.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Suicide attempt, Violence, Death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia and Sexual content
Minor: Sexism, Grief, War, and Religious bigotry
thecolouryes's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement and Violence
Minor: Murder, Suicide, Self harm, Trafficking, Vomit, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Misogyny, Death, War, and Torture
sonatica's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
(If you plan on reading this book, please make sure to look at the content warnings, as it opens up with some really heavy topics right out the gate!)
While there were some aspects of the book and romance between the main characters that weren't for me, I genuinely enjoyed it! The narrator of the audiobook does a great job with the character voices though, that really stood out to me - especially Sarkis! Du be warned though, if you do listen to the audiobook version, that this book has a few 'spicy' scenes in it. Those generally catch me off guard in audiobooks, so I thought it might be helpful to others if they knew beforehand.
Spoilers for the end of the book ahead:
I loved the last fight (in chapter 56-58 I believe?) so so much! Halla's role in general over the ending chapters was great and the dynamic between her and Zale adds so much, too. :)
While there were some aspects of the book and romance between the main characters that weren't for me, I genuinely enjoyed it! The narrator of the audiobook does a great job with the character voices though, that really stood out to me - especially Sarkis! Du be warned though, if you do listen to the audiobook version, that this book has a few 'spicy' scenes in it. Those generally catch me off guard in audiobooks, so I thought it might be helpful to others if they knew beforehand.
Spoilers for the end of the book ahead:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Misogyny, Cursing, Death, Confinement, and Grief
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Physical abuse, War, and Murder
nekoshka's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Confinement, and Misogyny
Minor: War, Torture, and Vomit
zghutcheson01's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
There were many parts that sort of flew by that could have been expanded on and Sarkis’ past didn’t really get enough detail to disturb me at first so I would have loved if that had been expanded. Still, this was an amazing book and was very amusing and fun! I love the characters, especially Zale and Halla. I wish Brindle could’ve gotten more time to shine but ultimately I think it just would’ve slowed things down.
There’s a minor character who seems to be ace and it’s not treated well but not for discrimination reasons, just for horny reasons. Still, as an ace person, it put a damper on the book but it was a very minor part and there was some great nonbinary representation.
There’s a minor character who seems to be ace and it’s not treated well but not for discrimination reasons, just for horny reasons. Still, as an ace person, it put a damper on the book but it was a very minor part and there was some great nonbinary representation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Death
Moderate: Sexual content and Suicide
Minor: Religious bigotry, Vomit, Misogyny, and War
hannaws's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“What would you say if I tortured you?" asked the bandit leader conversationally.
Halla blinked at him. "Err, 'Ow,' probably. 'Stop, Stop, Stop,' something like that?" *What a bizarre question. What does he expect me to say?*”
I think Swordheart falls under the cozy fantasy genre. I had never heard of that before booktok and I think this book is exactly it. I also think it is not for me. I'm more of the faster and rougher content, you know?
I liked Halla's character very much. Though she didn't necessarily struck me as a someone whom is middle aged, more like someone in their early twenties at max. But I couldn't help to stop thinking that she reminded me a lot of my adhd son. He is exactly like Halla with his questions, non-stop questions that just keep on coming.
Zale is one of my faves as well. Really loved their character! They definitely fit together well with Halla, I can see BFFs forming right there.
Sarkis, ehh.
The romance is just a no for me. How does a 30 something old respectful widow and a 500 or something old man whom appears from a magic sword, just immediately fall in love with no questions asked? Well, that's a lie since Halla asks all kinds of questions, but you get the point.
I get that Halla is very inexperienced in everything about love and all that but still. The constant blushing and secretly touching each other like it happened by accident. That sounds more like a teenage crush to me.
So no. The romance was not for me. I do really like to have romance in my fantasy books but I want it to be more than just instant love at first glance. It needs to develop, you know.
All in all it was a little bit too long and repetitive for my taste. The constant marching back and forth in the world was too long. And not needed in my opinion. The ending is kind of a cliffhanger, I guess. But not so much that I would be intrigued to go on.
What I am still wondering though, is how their lives continued in the end? I'd like to say so much more but I do not want to give away any spoilers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death
Moderate: Confinement and Suicide
Minor: Kidnapping and War
ollie_again's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Kidnapping, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content, Torture, Misogyny, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Confinement
Minor: War
nebraskanwriter's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
One of my new top favorite fantasy books! If you are a plot person, this is not the book for you. This book is about 90% witty banter and 10% plot. I am normally a plot-based person but the characters were so funny and the chemistry between them all was so engaging, I did not mind at all that there really wasn’t a lot of plot going on.
This is basically Aladdin (in a way) except instead of a lamp, a powerful warrior is trapped in a sword and has to do the bidding of whoever wields him until either that wielder dies or sells the sword. Shenanigans ensue when instead of a warlord, a respectable widow unsheathes the sword and releases Sarkis from his silver prison. What follows is an adventure of travel (a lot of it, lots of walking and riding in a wagon pulled by a pretty footed ox) so if you don’t like a lot of travel in your books, you might not like this one. Along the way they meet a rat priest and a few other charismatic characters. The search to get Halla back her rightful inheritance so she doesn’t have to marry her clammy handed cousin was quite the time, just what I needed. This book made me smile and laugh a lot, the dialogue was so witty and fun!
This is basically Aladdin (in a way) except instead of a lamp, a powerful warrior is trapped in a sword and has to do the bidding of whoever wields him until either that wielder dies or sells the sword. Shenanigans ensue when instead of a warlord, a respectable widow unsheathes the sword and releases Sarkis from his silver prison. What follows is an adventure of travel (a lot of it, lots of walking and riding in a wagon pulled by a pretty footed ox) so if you don’t like a lot of travel in your books, you might not like this one. Along the way they meet a rat priest and a few other charismatic characters. The search to get Halla back her rightful inheritance so she doesn’t have to marry her clammy handed cousin was quite the time, just what I needed. This book made me smile and laugh a lot, the dialogue was so witty and fun!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Medical content, Sexual content, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Violence, Abandonment, Body horror, Murder, Physical abuse, War, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Blood, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, and Death of parent