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Sword Catcher
Cassandra Clare

Sword Catcher

Quick Answer

Start with "Sword Catcher" to begin the Chronicles of Castellane. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the Cassandra Clare's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.

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2023624 ppSeries StarterWikidataSource
<b><i>NEW YORK TIMES</i> BESTSELLER • <b>Two outcasts find themselves caught in a web of dangerous magic and dark secrets that could change the world forever in the start of a riveting epic fantasy series from the author of The Shadowhunter Chronicles.</b></b><br><br><b>“Everything I look for in fantasy.”—George R. R. Martin</b><br><b><br>A <i>POPSUGAR </i>BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR</b><br><br>In the vibrant city-state of Castellane, the richest of nobles and the most debauched of criminals have one thing in common: the constant search for wealth, power, and the next hedonistic thrill.<br><br>Kel is an orphan, stolen from the life he knew to become the Sword Catcher—the body double of a royal heir, Prince Conor Aurelian. He and Conor are as close as brothers, but his destiny is to die for Conor. No other future is possible.<br><br>Lin Caster is a physician from a small community whose members still possess magical abilities. But despite her skills, she cannot heal her best friend without access to forbidden knowledge.<br><br>After a failed assassination attempt brings Lin and Kel together, they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, the ruler of Castellane’s criminal underworld. But as long-kept secrets begin to unravel and forbidden attractions arise, they must ask themselves: Is knowledge worth the price of betrayal? And will their discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?

Series Order Complete! 🎉

You have reached the latest record for this series guide.

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Chronicles of Castellane conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Sword Catcher?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Sword Catcher before other books in the series?

Yes, Sword Catcher is the first book in the series and is the ideal starting point for new readers.

Is Sword Catcher required reading for the Chronicles of Castellane?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Sword Catcher in the reading order?

Currently, Sword Catcher is the latest entry listed in our database for this series guide.