“The great god have mercy. She’s found a way to weaponize ignorance.”

A fish-lady, a sword-man, a rat-priest, a job-gnole, and an ox go on a quest.

I’m so glad I read the Clockwork Boys duology beforehand, because diving into Swordheart felt more like returning to a beloved world than starting from scratch. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it—Kingfisher excels at character-building. Her quirky worlds may be on the simpler side, but her characters and the oddball situations they find themselves in are so wonderfully original and memorable.

The book is fast-paced, driven heavily by dialogue, which is exactly where Kingfisher shines. Her banter is hilarious, her dynamics are clever, and her characters feel alive.

Halla is an absolute joy—smart, practical, and full of surprises, and Sarkis gives off strong Caliban-meets-Brenner energy. I couldn’t help but think of Soul Eater while reading—something about the sword's magic gave me the nostalgic anime vibes.

I especially loved Zale (I mean, a lawyer and a priest!), and don’t get me started with the gnoles. Brindle was a standout, and at this point, gnoles might just be my new favorite fantasy creatures.

Yes, there were a few moments that made me cringe a little, but honestly, I think they were meant to be tongue-in-cheek. They fit perfectly with the book’s quirky tone. I was secretly hoping for a scene where Halla shuts down an argument by dramatically sheathing Sarkis mid-rant, and while we didn’t get that scene, the possibility alone was enough to keep me grinning.

The open ending left me eager for more, and I can’t wait until Daggerbound comes out next year. In the meantime, I’ll be making my way through the The Saint of Steel series and catching up on more of Kingfisher’s work. Luckily, I’ve still got a good backlog to enjoy.

Thank you, NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, for the ARC!

This book was absolutely delightful!
It was such a fun, low stakes fantasy with great romance and adventure. I had a great time following Halla's story and the relationships she built with the people along the way. I felt that the romance was very realistic and something I want to see more often in books.
What stood out the most to me were the characters and the humor. I loved all of them and I had so much fun following their adventure.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

An enjoyable story from the mind of T.Kingfisher! I always adore her choice in protagonists - Halla is not a typical damsel in distress! I liked how she was aware in her lack of knowledge, but Halla was always ready to ask questions (and sometimes to lay on tick to confuse her enemies!).

Thank you Netgalley, Little Brown Orbit and the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was my very first T. Kingfisher book, and be assured will not be the last I ever buy/read/get on loan from a library.

The cuteness present in this book, how the love story was written, how the characters were written. My god I have to admit that I absolutely loathed Halla for the first 10/15 % of the book, which could have probably been done on purpose by Kingfisher for character growth on the reader. Which for me actually happened. When I started to understand why Halla asked so many questions my opinion of her drastically changed. She's such a precious and respectable widow who just needed someone to love her, hear her out and stay with her in a house full of snakes (I mean relatives but throttles snakes still sounds better ngl) that yes is a lot naive (that part after chapter 45 and 46) until when she went after her valiant knight/guard/man in sword/sword reunited but her character growth was just amazing. Plus I loved how we di

Sarkis. OH MY GOSH I DID NOT KNOW I HAD A NEEDED TO READ ABOUT MIDDLE AGED KNIGHTS TRAPPED INSIDE A SWORD THAT LOVES TO SCOWL. This is one of those times where to character who are one the opposite of the other actually look so good together. I loved his whole personality, character and how he was so respectable of Halla (truly a man from another time and land and it SHOWS). I really hope we'll know more about his past in the second book that's bound to come out.

I usually hate rats, but if Zale and their antics were to come in my rescue well - THANK THE RAT.

The story was not what I expect the first time I picked it up, I was expecting Halla to deal with those throttles snakes inside her home with Sarkis posing as a butler/defending knight. I was not expecting so much travelling, but after reading it I didn't even mind it that much. The story was well balanced and thanks the rat for magical swords, paladines, for a man-sword or a sword-man hailing from the Weeping Lands.

I can't wait for book 2 to come out.
4.2 ⭐️ 1🌶️

This was the first book I read by T. Kingfisher but it definitely won't be my last, I absolutely loved it. (I have already purchased Paladin's Grace and just got Nettle & Bone from the library, I am so excited for both reads).
I have really found my new favourite genre of books this year, which is a cozy, funny fantasy, and this was perfect for that. It has lovable characters, low stakes but still fun to read adventure, GREAT humour (I was literally laughing within the first few chapters), I mean can you really go wrong with a few hundred year old man who really is a sword? and a respectable widow who is such an introvert and rarely leaves the house and is the clumsiest person ever going out on an adventure together where they have to sleep outside, fight off bandits and evil aunts and lie to almost everyone they meet? I do admit that it is the most ridiculous plot ever but that is what makes it so great! This book is all vibes and silly, good times, and I really enjoyed my time reading this book. I am already excited for the next book in this series, and I just know that I will eat it up.

T. Kingfisher once again proves her mastery of storytelling with a richly imagined tale that stands confidently on its own within her established world. Much like Terry Pratchett, she has the rare ability to craft a universe so layered and compelling that each new story, regardless of recurring characters, feels both fresh and deeply rooted.

In this instalment, we’re introduced to a vibrant cast of new characters—each distinct, fully realized, and easy to connect with. Their relationships and individual arcs bring both warmth and depth to the narrative, and the interplay between them gives the story a strong emotional core.

Kingfisher balances humour and heartbreak with ease. There are moments of levity that made me laugh out loud, woven seamlessly into scenes of poignancy and quiet sorrow. And while romance isn’t the central focus, the subtle threads of attraction and unresolved tension add an extra layer of complexity that feels genuine rather than forced.

Ultimately, this is more than just a well-told fantasy—it’s a thoughtful exploration of resilience, companionship, and finding purpose in unexpected places. A rewarding read for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this book. All thoughts are my own!

It was refreshing to read a story about two characters, that already are in a later stage of their life. Halla and Sarkis have lived through many things, which informs their actions.

Sadly, through reading this, I have come to realise, that low stake fantasies are not really for me. It was enjoyable and well written, but this is not what I would prefer. But I believe that the right person for this genre would really enjoy this book and have a great time!

This book made me laugh out loud multiple times which for me is definitely the mark of a good book. It has lower stakes than the previous books in this series, which allowed this book to be even more cosy and humorous. Halla was an unbelievably loveable character whose penchant for asking questions and weaponising ignorance was amazing. I'm also slightly in love with Sarkis and his salt and pepper hair. The tortured hero/knight who doesn't believe he is worthy of his lady love but would move mountains for her is a trope I didn't know I needed so much.
Zale is awesome and their friendship with Halla is the icing on the cake. This book could have been a little shorter, but my enjoyment of it was so high that it couldn't be anything but 5 stars! I will definitely be re-reading this book in future.

Swordheart is a charming, offbeat gem of a fantasy novel that blends quirky humor, heartfelt romance, and a delightfully odd premise into something completely unforgettable. T. Kingfisher has crafted a cozy, character-driven story that feels like a warm blanket and a belly laugh all in one.

At the heart of the book is Halla, a no-nonsense housekeeper who unexpectedly inherits a fortune—and with it, a host of greedy in-laws who’d rather see her dead than independent. Enter Sarkis, an immortal swordsman bound to an enchanted blade, who quite literally bursts onto the scene when Halla draws the sword in her hour of need. What follows is a wildly entertaining journey full of banter, bureaucratic chaos, and awkward romance, all delivered with Kingfisher’s signature wit.

Halla and Sarkis are the perfect odd couple. She’s blunt, kind, and unintentionally hilarious; he’s broody, dutiful, and completely out of his depth when it comes to feelings. Their chemistry sparkles with snark and softness, and their slow-burn dynamic is as sweet as it is ridiculous. The humor throughout is dry and absurd in the best way—at one point, Sarkis threatens to flash his "good bits" in the middle of a tense standoff, and it’s somehow both hilarious and endearing.

The pacing is a bit uneven—things take a little while to get going, and some readers might be tempted to put it down early on. But once it finds its rhythm, Swordheart becomes a truly joyful read. The world is quietly clever, filled with strange gods, talking swords, and unexpected moments of insight. It never takes itself too seriously, but it still has heart and emotional depth beneath the absurdity.

This isn’t a high-stakes epic fantasy—it’s a cozy adventure with a romance at its core, wrapped in whimsy and dry humor. If you enjoy stories with found family vibes, reluctant heroes, and plenty of sass, this one’s for you.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

after finishing my current read, i want to read more fantasy books as same with the same title. and oh boy, this book indeed exceeded my expectations.

it was funny. i was laughing the whole time everytime they talk to themselves (especially halla's). sometimes i was crying because of some scenes. and sometimes i'm irritated with the antagonists in this book

but i don't get it why the fmc married her uncle/cousin. it's icky for me. nonetheless, i'm entertained with the writing style and i'm excited to read her rest of her books (while waiting for the second book)

T. Kingfisher has become an automatic read author and this book did not disappoint. I really enjoyed navigating this world and look forward to reading more within this setting especially with two other human swords. I really enjoyed Halla as a character and watching how she navigated different situations. I also loved how Kingfisher was able to bring in a light levity to this work with her use of humour. I cannot recommend this book enough!

Now, when I sat down to read this, I did not know that this book and The Clockwork Boys, which I read and reviewed earlier this year, are set in the same universe. Now, I checked that, and realize that these two series are part of a bigger, overarching series, called the "World of the White Rat" series. That was new information, but when I started Swordheart, the world felt immediately familiar.

I admit, freely, that I usually hate travelling novels. This was very much one of those, but I felt myself to be so charmed by the three main characters, that it totally made up for not having a real big plot. Zale especially, the nonbinary lawyer-priest of the White Rat, was an absolute standout character. I cannot overstate the amount of satisfaction it gave me to read about them solving situations with their knowledge of the law. Absolutely incredible.

Halla, our main character, finds herself to be in a sort of Knives-Out situation, after inheriting a late rich man's estate and being harassed by his family to give over her inheritance, and, in desparation, decides to take an old decorative sword off the wall to potentially kill herself. (It is weird, that a book that starts out with a kind-off serious-ish suicide attempt could end up being so heartwarming at the end.) However, that sword ... has a man in it. Damn, I wish that's how men worked in real life. And the relationship between Halla and Sarkis (the sword-man in question) is so perfect, it definitely compensated for the travelling plot.

The only critique I have is this: It all felt very familiar. As I said above, I just recently read The Clockwork Boys and its direct sequel, and both the structure and the relationships felt strangely too similar. Even the enemies they face are the same at some points, and it all felt just a tad repetitive.

But still, I wholeheartedly recommend this book, if you want some mostly-lighthearted fantasy with amazing characters.

Oh you have now clue how absolutely entertaining this book was!!! T. Kingfisher has such a unique approach to writing fantasy, and her books might be my new favourite way to cleanse my palate of intricate, high stakes fantasy novels (not that the suck the souls out of my body, but sometimes you just need a little something to feel more relaxed).
Halla and this whole storyline was just hilarious! Also we get to see Sale again and the whole idea of someone living inside a sword, plus that someone speaking in a hot Scottish accent (at leats that's what I heard when I read this book). This was absolutely fun and fully deserving of the 5 stars! Now watch me buy every single book this woman writes and absolutely devour them!!
Thank you so much to Little Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. This was absolutely fun and definitely even landed on my possible re-read list!

"Swordheart" by T. Kingfisher is a cozy, delightful fantasy that I couldn’t put down. I absolutely adore Halla, Sarkis, and Zale — spending time with them felt like catching up with old friends and hearing about their wild adventures. I’d happily live in their world… though maybe not forever! This book has definitely been one of my favorites of the year so far. It left me with that warm, post-story glow I wish everyone could experience. It’s genuine, quirky, and full of laugh-out-loud moments. I love this book.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I might.
I cared about the characters very quickly. Loved the world building.
Easy to read. Looking forward to the sequel.

What a delight this story has been!

Medieval historical romance with magic, older MCs, fat heroine, non-binary secondary character (priest!), hilarious and light-hearted but also murder and chase and adventures. Highly entertaining!

Two disappointments:
- Based on the summary, I assumed that most of the book would be spent in the freshly inherited estate. I was wrong, as they spend most of the book travelling, making this yet another "We're stuck travelling with each other and now the plot is more focused on whatever they encounter while travelling instead of the main point of the book" type of story. (not that common, but I've seen it before
- I'm afraid I've grown out of my cosy fantasy phase. I missed the stakes, and just the characters were not enough to keep me entertained.

A delicious fantasy romp that defies all expectations. A fun, simple plot with an incredible epic twist! I loved the dynamic between Sarkis and Halla; it was so lovely to watch them move through such a decadent universe together. Another fabulous feat from T Kingfisher!

This was such a delightful surprise! Fun, funny, and full of banter, Swordheart gave me exactly the kind of oddball romantasy I enjoy. Halla is a wonderfully straightforward housekeeper who finds herself unexpectedly rich – and just as unexpectedly the target of her greedy in-laws. Enter Sarkis, a grumpy immortal swordsman trapped in an enchanted blade.

The humour is perfectly pitched. One particular exchange had me chuckling for ages – Sarkis, tired of being threatened with having his hand chopped off, suggests with withering sarcasm that the wielder go for his “good bits” instead, and promptly whips them out for good measure, much to the horror of his tormentor and the scholar watching. It’s dry, absurd, and utterly brilliant.

Halla and Sarkis have fantastic chemistry – all verbal diarrhoea meets duty-bound growly protector – with excellent will-they-won’t-they tension (plus some mild spice). Their dynamic is a real highlight, full of snark, softness, and surprising sweetness.

The pacing did wobble – I was very close to DNF-ing around the 20% mark – but I’m so glad I stuck with it, because once it picks up, it’s a joy. Kingfisher’s world is quietly strange and clever, filled with quirky detail and warmth.

If you like your fantasy with heart, humour, and a sarcastic ancient warrior in a sword – this one’s for you. And I'm now fully invested for book 2.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

4.5 ⭐️

Wow I love T Kingfisher's writing. The characters are so vivid! I fell in love with Halla immediately. It was very refreshing to read a fantasy book with an older female protagonist, especially one that doesn't have the "poverty chic" physique that keeps cropping up in some Romantasy books. All of the dialogue felt natural and made me laugh quite a lot.

Sarkis was great - he was pretty believable as a man trapped in a sword for hundreds of years. I would maybe have liked more flashbacks on his life though (maybe next book?) The tension built wonderfully between Sarkis and Halla on their road trip, battling bandits, ill intentioned priests and strange monkey vampire things - not to mention Halla's horrible relatives.

If you like cosy fantasy vibes but with a bit more action, and queer normative worlds, you'll love this.