Life and adventure doesn’t only come for twenty-somethings! And, indeed, we get more variety and life experience with an older lead who brings more baggage (both good and bad) to the story. Kingfisher has used several older heroines like this to helm her books, and it’s something I always appreciate.

For one thing, Halla is an “older” heroine, coming in with an age somewhere in her 30s. While much of the appeal of this book lay in the strength of the qualities I listed above, there were a few aspects of this story that I found particularly charming. So where does this one fit on that scale? There have been stories I’ve enjoyed more than others, however. There are enough strengths in her general storytelling ability, her solid characters, and her witty dialogue that it’s hard to imagine a book that felt like a flop. I think it would be a bigger shock than anything if I read a book by this author that I didn’t enjoy. But while Halla seems like an easy enough individual to protect, Sarkis, the swordsman, is in for a surprise. That is until, when trapped in a cluttered room in a mansion that should by rights belong to her, Halla draws a dusty old sword and finds…a swordsman as well? One who is enchanted to the sword and sworn to protect its wielder for the remainder of their life. Hounded by the relatives of the deceased, Halla has all but given up hope of collecting on her inheritance. But for Halla, the housekeeper turned unexpected heiress, it has lead to nothing but trouble. You would think being left a grand estate and all the wealth and prestige that comes with that would be a blessing. While this was a bummer, it gave me the only excuse I needed, so I immediately jumped back into the world of the Clockwork Boys with this standalone book. And, for whatever reason, many of my October books were a bit underwhelming. So as not to just run through them one after another, I’ve been trying to hold off on picking up a new Kingfisher novel until I feel like I’ve been in a bit of a slump. Review: Once I discover a favorite author, it can only be expected that you’ll probably see a lot of reviews for them going forward. When Halla draws the sword that imprisons him, Sarkis finds himself attempting to defend his new wielder against everything from bandits and roving inquisitors to her own in-laws… and the sword itself may prove to be the greatest threat of all. Sarkis is an immortal swordsman trapped in a prison of enchanted steel. Where Can You Get this Book: Amazon | IndieBound | WorldCatīook Description: Halla is a housekeeper who has suddenly inherited her great-uncle’s estate… and, unfortunately, his relatives. Where Did I Get this Book: from the library! Publishing Info: Argyll Productions, November 2019

Swordheart book