I cannot accurately describe how much I loved this book. 

First of all, I think it’s well established that T. Kingfisher is a gifted writer. I’ve read some of her other works and she has a very wide variety of genres that she’s written. So far, her romance fantasy has quickly become my favorite. 

The basic premise of the book is this: a young widow turned caretaker inherits her wards estate upon his death and is immediately set upon by greedy relatives to circumvent her inheritance. After attempting to take her own life with an antique sword, it turns out to be magical and the home of an ancient warrior who is now magically bound to protect her. The two go on a journey with a gnole (humanoid creature and ox aficionado) and a rat priest/lawyer to free her from the binds of her hateful in laws that wish to take everything from her and marry her to her late husbands clammy handed weasel of a brother. 

Through their journey, they’re set upon by corrupt religious followers, bandits, crooked scholars, and ghostly parasitic creatures in magical hills.  The one thing that doesn’t change is Halla’s (the main character) good naturedness and her ability to charm everyone with a quick wit and weaponized naivety. If you’ve ever felt undervalued and unappreciated, you will relate to Halla and her struggles. Sarkis, the ancient warrior whose soul is trapped in the sword, appreciates her for who she is and not what she can do for others or what can be gained from her. This is a slow burn/crush turned to lovers romance with just a little bit of spice. There were many interactions where I literally squealed because they were just too cute. 

Truly, I could not recommend this book enough. There was not a single page that I did not enjoy and every time I picked it up, I did not want to put it down. I loved every minute of it. 

Swordheart by T. Kingfisher