What do you think?
Rate this book
Swordheart #2
Daggerbound
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26DELUXE EDITION—a beautiful hardcover featuring bright pink sprayed edges, a foil case stamp and endpapers.
New York Times bestselling author T. Kingfisher returns to the charming fantasy world of Swordheart in this delightful and unexpected new romantic adventure.
Learned Edmund, a disillusioned scholar, is transporting yet another precious relic from one stuffy temple to a different stuffy temple. Another great adventure for the ages…
But when Edmund is set upon by bandits, in desperation, he breaks the cardinal rule and grabs for the relic, an ancient sword. To his surprise, instead of unsheathing a rusty, ancient weapon, an alarmingly handsome man appears, wielding daggers of blue steel and cutting the thieves down.
This man is the Dervish, an immortal warrior who’s been trapped for centuries in a sword of enchanted steel, and is angry as hell about it. He hates the curse that put him there, and he wants to hate Edmund, just as he has hated every wielder before him.
But the damned scholar is just so sweet and clever and kind. And while the Dervish may be able to protect Edmund from bandits, cultists, dragons, and strange inhuman diplomats, he may find it much harder to protect his own heart.
New York Times bestselling author T. Kingfisher returns to the charming fantasy world of Swordheart in this delightful and unexpected new romantic adventure.
Learned Edmund, a disillusioned scholar, is transporting yet another precious relic from one stuffy temple to a different stuffy temple. Another great adventure for the ages…
But when Edmund is set upon by bandits, in desperation, he breaks the cardinal rule and grabs for the relic, an ancient sword. To his surprise, instead of unsheathing a rusty, ancient weapon, an alarmingly handsome man appears, wielding daggers of blue steel and cutting the thieves down.
This man is the Dervish, an immortal warrior who’s been trapped for centuries in a sword of enchanted steel, and is angry as hell about it. He hates the curse that put him there, and he wants to hate Edmund, just as he has hated every wielder before him.
But the damned scholar is just so sweet and clever and kind. And while the Dervish may be able to protect Edmund from bandits, cultists, dragons, and strange inhuman diplomats, he may find it much harder to protect his own heart.
448 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 25, 2026
About the author
T. Kingfisher
64 books28.5k followersT. Kingfisher is the vaguely absurd pen-name of Ursula Vernon. In another life, she writes children's books and weird comics, and has won the Hugo, Sequoyah, and Ursa Major awards, as well as a half-dozen Junior Library Guild selections.
This is the name she uses when writing things for grown-ups.
When she is not writing, she is probably out in the garden, trying to make eye contact with butterflies.
This is the name she uses when writing things for grown-ups.
When she is not writing, she is probably out in the garden, trying to make eye contact with butterflies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
Read
April 7, 2026I have wanted the story of the other enchanted swords ever since I read Swordheart, so learning this was the Dervish's story filled me with glee. (He's mentioned maybe six times in Swordheart: that is how you lay elegant sequel bait.)
BUT. Not only is this the Dervish, it's got Zale, it's got Sarkis and Halla, it's got Brindle, and--fanfare--the romance is with Learned Edmund from the Clockwork Boys. At which, reader, I screamed.
We have a lovely super slow burn romance (which is extremely novel to the Dervish but he's massively and horrifyingly traumatised from his time in the sword). There is a tremendous cast of characters including a delightful new gnoll (do we hope for a romance with Brindle??) and the fabulous Large Francis. The grown-up, wearier, sadder but much wiser Edmund is painfully relatable and the Dervish is, frankly, a joy: emotional, furious, hair trigger, ridiculous, basically kind under a lot of scars, and satisfyingly unworried about killing people who deserve it. I teared up a bit at the reunion with Sarkis, and now I cannot wait for Angharad's story.
Gleefully romantic, wise, funny, and human in the most clear-sighted, kind/angry way. T Kingfisher is filling the hole Terry Pratchett left in our hearts.
I had an ARC from the publisher.
BUT. Not only is this the Dervish, it's got Zale, it's got Sarkis and Halla, it's got Brindle, and--fanfare--the romance is with Learned Edmund from the Clockwork Boys. At which, reader, I screamed.
We have a lovely super slow burn romance (which is extremely novel to the Dervish but he's massively and horrifyingly traumatised from his time in the sword). There is a tremendous cast of characters including a delightful new gnoll (do we hope for a romance with Brindle??) and the fabulous Large Francis. The grown-up, wearier, sadder but much wiser Edmund is painfully relatable and the Dervish is, frankly, a joy: emotional, furious, hair trigger, ridiculous, basically kind under a lot of scars, and satisfyingly unworried about killing people who deserve it. I teared up a bit at the reunion with Sarkis, and now I cannot wait for Angharad's story.
Gleefully romantic, wise, funny, and human in the most clear-sighted, kind/angry way. T Kingfisher is filling the hole Terry Pratchett left in our hearts.
I had an ARC from the publisher.
Read
April 25, 2025Miss ma’am I need this IMMEDIATELY. Also on the off chance Kingfisher reads this, you are the sole reason as to why I read romance. Never did until I read Swordheart. Also I love rats, so I fuck with the white rat shit.
Want to Read
April 22, 2025New reason to live: Two T. Kingfisher releases in 2026
Read
May 4, 2025Angharad? is that you?
Read
January 7, 2026
Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:
Swordheart’s long-awaited sequel follows Sarkis’ queer brother in arms, Dervish, whose soul has been trapped in a blade for hundreds of years. When scholar Learned Edmund finds himself in danger on route to deliver the sword, he draws the blade, discovering the captivating warrior inside. Now Dervish is bound to protect Learned —and without falling in love with him. T. Kingfisher is a cozy romantasy expert with the ability to twist the sword and sorcery subgenre to center older, world-worn protagonists who are getting a chance to be heroes. I could not be more excited. —R. Nassor
Swordheart’s long-awaited sequel follows Sarkis’ queer brother in arms, Dervish, whose soul has been trapped in a blade for hundreds of years. When scholar Learned Edmund finds himself in danger on route to deliver the sword, he draws the blade, discovering the captivating warrior inside. Now Dervish is bound to protect Learned —and without falling in love with him. T. Kingfisher is a cozy romantasy expert with the ability to twist the sword and sorcery subgenre to center older, world-worn protagonists who are getting a chance to be heroes. I could not be more excited. —R. Nassor
Want to Read
February 4, 2026literally did not know kingfisher was writing a sequel… lowkey she’s like the sanderson of quirky, satirical epic fantasy! she just keeps pumping out amazing reads😭
wishlist
October 22, 2025Oh my bloody shrimping hell of the stinking fish, a Swordheart sequel!!!!!!!!!!!!!
· Book 1: Swordheart ★★★★★
· Book 1: Swordheart ★★★★★
Want to Read
October 1, 2025SWORDHEART SPIN-OFF AND IT'S M/M ROMANCE??? GIVE IT TO ME NOW!
they-told-me-to-read-it
February 7, 2026Omg I need it!!!!
Want to Read
August 22, 2025LEARNED EDMUND???????? DERVISH?????? I'M SAT AND GLUED TO MY CHAIR FOR A YEAR
May 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 stars
Daggerbound is my most anticipated release of the year and I am SOOOO GIDDY that it absolutely lived up to my very very high hopes.
This has everything I love in a T. Kingfisher romantic fantasy: awkward and earnest characters, found family, rich worldbuilding, witty and sardonic writing, yearning a plenty, whimsical and weird creatures (gnoles included), and an addictive plot.
Edmund and the Dervish are so dear to me, and they complement each other perfectly. Francis and Dog Violet were such wonderful side characters and added such depth and humor to the story.
As a lover of the world of the White Rat, the lore in Daggerbound was especially so much fun. I loved how Kingfisher built upon plot points first introduced in the Clocktaur War and Swordheart.
This was truly a phenomenal read and despite my best efforts to savor it as long as possible, I devoured this book in 24 hours. I need 1,000 more books in this world.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble for the eARC!!
Daggerbound is my most anticipated release of the year and I am SOOOO GIDDY that it absolutely lived up to my very very high hopes.
This has everything I love in a T. Kingfisher romantic fantasy: awkward and earnest characters, found family, rich worldbuilding, witty and sardonic writing, yearning a plenty, whimsical and weird creatures (gnoles included), and an addictive plot.
Edmund and the Dervish are so dear to me, and they complement each other perfectly. Francis and Dog Violet were such wonderful side characters and added such depth and humor to the story.
As a lover of the world of the White Rat, the lore in Daggerbound was especially so much fun. I loved how Kingfisher built upon plot points first introduced in the Clocktaur War and Swordheart.
This was truly a phenomenal read and despite my best efforts to savor it as long as possible, I devoured this book in 24 hours. I need 1,000 more books in this world.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble for the eARC!!
Want to Read
September 15, 2025Learned Edmund??? What are you doing here???
October 19, 2025
Would throw myself in front of a moving horse for Large Building Francis
May 2, 2026
This book was wonderful!! I didn’t realize it was a sequel when I signed up for the ARC but it didn’t matter. I will be going back to read the first, but even as a standalone it was a very good read! I really enjoyed the characters. They were whimscal and witty. Learned Edmund’s smart, dry humour reminds me a great deal of Ross from Friends.
March 20, 2026
There is nothing I like more than sinking fully into a T. Kingfisher novel. Whatever genre it is, her recurring themes of friendship, found family, and self acceptance are like a tonic for my brain, and I am endlessly grateful that she is so prolific.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
4.5 stars. Lovely! More meandering and philosophical than expected, but overall I found it to be very satisfying, particularly the romance and the delightful side characters (as I've come to expect from T Kngfisher!)
January 7, 2026
Absolutely delightful. Tender, fun, and several truly laugh out loud lines - perf book to begin 2026!!
June 19, 2026
Even better than the first one, which is already amazing. Only T Kingfisher could establish a completely lovable group of friends including a giant pillbug (don’t worry, she doesn’t eat humans and she has the sign to prove it). Also, only T Kingfisher could manage such a lot of dark, traumatic content in a book that is also hilarious and lighthearted and make it all WORK.
Also, when is the third book coming out? Soon? Please be soon.
Also, when is the third book coming out? Soon? Please be soon.
May 21, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
It always takes me a hot minute to get into Kingfisher’s books but I keep going because I know halfway through I lock tf in and it’s worth it every time!! I loved all the characters in this book (strange indeed) and I should probably read the first in the series next!
It always takes me a hot minute to get into Kingfisher’s books but I keep going because I know halfway through I lock tf in and it’s worth it every time!! I loved all the characters in this book (strange indeed) and I should probably read the first in the series next!
March 12, 2026
SO SO GOOD. I feel like I need to take a minute to process then come back to write this review because I loved it so much. I honestly might just need to immediately read it again. Every single part of this story was so excellent and exciting and funny and well thought out. I would have waited 10 years for this and I’m so grateful I didn’t have to. It immediately went to my top 5 favorite books ever.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
** I received an ARC of this book because I am a librarian and librarians are awesome **
Hello, this was absolutely DELIGHTFUL. Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to deep dive into the rest of the World of the White Rat to start 2026. As soon as my audiobook holds come through.
Note to copy editor: before the final print comes out, please double check the size of Large Francis Building, which is listed as 7 feet in some places and 12 in others.
Hello, this was absolutely DELIGHTFUL. Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to deep dive into the rest of the World of the White Rat to start 2026. As soon as my audiobook holds come through.
Note to copy editor: before the final print comes out, please double check the size of Large Francis Building, which is listed as 7 feet in some places and 12 in others.
Want to Read
September 9, 2025OH MY GOD I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE. Swordheart kinda ended with some hints of possible books in the future. But it was published so long ago that my dreams of a sequel kinda went to the back of my mind. I saw this and I screamed. YES and with LEARNED EDMUND TOO????? YESSSSSSSS.
Want to Read
September 22, 2025pre-read:
SWORDHEART BOOK 2?!?! WHAT WHAT WHAT. I can’t wait to pre-order this straight away 😫 (thank you bestie Engy for bringing this to my attention)
SWORDHEART BOOK 2?!?! WHAT WHAT WHAT. I can’t wait to pre-order this straight away 😫 (thank you bestie Engy for bringing this to my attention)
April 3, 2026
This is everything T. Kingfisher/White Rat fans could want. Zale is present, as well as a delightful new gnole, a cantankerous mule, and a previously unknown sentient species making contact with the outer world because they need more books (completely relatable).
I recommend reading/re-reading The Clockwork Boys and Wonder Engine for important background on Learned Edmund and the World of the White Rat 🐁 It wouldn't hurt to read all the books, but those two especially. Many of our favorite knights make cameo appearances here.
Learned Edmund has grown to be earnest, dedicated, and kind, with integrity that forces him into difficult situations. Can't fight worth a damn, but he's got The Dervish for that. (Eventually.)
The Dervish has had a rough life, both before and after going into the sword. He's funny as hell—”'Wait, do willows lose their leaves in winter? Crap. So if it doesn’t have leaves, it could be a willow, and I’d never know. Forests are stupid.' Having thus judged an entire biome and found it wanting, the Dervish huddled by the fire and did something that was absolutely not sulking.” It's so lovely when he begins to put together his found family—"What strange alchemy was it, that changed 'I am forced to guard this one person' to 'these people are mine and I must protect them?'"
“'Yes, but . . .' Edmund bit his lower lip. 'I know it was a disaster last time. I just don’t want you to get hurt again.' The amazing thing, the Dervish thought, was that he just said it. Like it was a perfectly reasonable thing to say, and not at all like hitting the Dervish in the back of the head with a large brick."
Y'all are in for a good time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for the e-ARC. I'm looking forward to the audiobook, and I've already ordered my deluxe edition.
I recommend reading/re-reading The Clockwork Boys and Wonder Engine for important background on Learned Edmund and the World of the White Rat 🐁 It wouldn't hurt to read all the books, but those two especially. Many of our favorite knights make cameo appearances here.
Learned Edmund has grown to be earnest, dedicated, and kind, with integrity that forces him into difficult situations. Can't fight worth a damn, but he's got The Dervish for that. (Eventually.)
The Dervish has had a rough life, both before and after going into the sword. He's funny as hell—”'Wait, do willows lose their leaves in winter? Crap. So if it doesn’t have leaves, it could be a willow, and I’d never know. Forests are stupid.' Having thus judged an entire biome and found it wanting, the Dervish huddled by the fire and did something that was absolutely not sulking.” It's so lovely when he begins to put together his found family—"What strange alchemy was it, that changed 'I am forced to guard this one person' to 'these people are mine and I must protect them?'"
“'Yes, but . . .' Edmund bit his lower lip. 'I know it was a disaster last time. I just don’t want you to get hurt again.' The amazing thing, the Dervish thought, was that he just said it. Like it was a perfectly reasonable thing to say, and not at all like hitting the Dervish in the back of the head with a large brick."
Y'all are in for a good time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for the e-ARC. I'm looking forward to the audiobook, and I've already ordered my deluxe edition.
Read
March 26, 2026This was even better than book 1. I'm very lucky to have received this ARC. I did some reflecting on how charmed a life I lead.
This M/M romantasy takes place in the same T. Kingfisher universe as the Paladin's Grace series. If you're not familiar, it's a bit similar to D & D where there are roles and Gnoles. Paladins, gods, priests, warriors, etc. It's also a little similar to the Lord of the Rings books in that it follows the "Go on a great journey and meet peril and adventure on the way" type formula.
This M/M romantasy takes place in the same T. Kingfisher universe as the Paladin's Grace series. If you're not familiar, it's a bit similar to D & D where there are roles and Gnoles. Paladins, gods, priests, warriors, etc. It's also a little similar to the Lord of the Rings books in that it follows the "Go on a great journey and meet peril and adventure on the way" type formula.
May 14, 2026
Thank you to Tor & NetGalley for this ARC of Daggerbound!
I had a blast with friends old and new from the Clocktaur Wars and Swordheart!! I have so much to say that is a spoiler or spoiler adjacent so I will leave you with this: a delightful adventure, a little romance, a lot of Doing the Right Thing credited to the Rat and Edmund.
I find T. Kingfisher’s work so whimsical and funny and lighthearted considering the subject matter and I had an absolutely delightful time reading!
I had a blast with friends old and new from the Clocktaur Wars and Swordheart!! I have so much to say that is a spoiler or spoiler adjacent so I will leave you with this: a delightful adventure, a little romance, a lot of Doing the Right Thing credited to the Rat and Edmund.
I find T. Kingfisher’s work so whimsical and funny and lighthearted considering the subject matter and I had an absolutely delightful time reading!
June 19, 2026
I love these books and I love this world and I LOVE Edmund and the Dervish. And I love the giant talking potato bug. This book is such a good continuation of the series I’m almost sad I got an ARC bc I want to read it again for the first time.
March 21, 2026
5⭐️
The Dervish: He’s not my type
Edmund: *lectures to him about history*
The Dervish: *heart eyes* okay, maybe he’s my type
This was such a good sequel and well worth the wait!
Edmund is such a kind and sweet character and I loved The Dervish and his sarcasm. The side characters were all great, too. I was so happy to see Sarkis and Halla again.
I can’t wait to, hopefully, get Angharad’s story and they all get free of their swords!!
Favorite Quotes (spoilers):
“Oh bookless hells.” A place without books is hell! 🤣
“He was fairly certain that he would go to his deathbed remembering that kiss.”
“Edmund met those fierce quicksilver eyes across the room, and allowed himself one moment to fall into them. And said, ‘I love you.’ And sheathed the sword.”
“The Dervish knew nothing at all about art, but he understood love when he saw it.”
“You love me, I love you, you’re brilliant, and it’s only a curse. And we do have one other thing going for us.” “We do?”
“Absolutely,” the Dervish said. “You’re definitely my type.” HE ADMITS IT FINALLY 🤣
The Dervish: He’s not my type
Edmund: *lectures to him about history*
The Dervish: *heart eyes* okay, maybe he’s my type
This was such a good sequel and well worth the wait!
Edmund is such a kind and sweet character and I loved The Dervish and his sarcasm. The side characters were all great, too. I was so happy to see Sarkis and Halla again.
I can’t wait to, hopefully, get Angharad’s story and they all get free of their swords!!
Favorite Quotes (spoilers):
“Oh bookless hells.” A place without books is hell! 🤣
“He was fairly certain that he would go to his deathbed remembering that kiss.”
“Edmund met those fierce quicksilver eyes across the room, and allowed himself one moment to fall into them. And said, ‘I love you.’ And sheathed the sword.”
“The Dervish knew nothing at all about art, but he understood love when he saw it.”
“You love me, I love you, you’re brilliant, and it’s only a curse. And we do have one other thing going for us.” “We do?”
“Absolutely,” the Dervish said. “You’re definitely my type.” HE ADMITS IT FINALLY 🤣
May 8, 2026
I am extremely lucky to have won an ARC of this fantastic book. T. Kingfisher’s characters are always so delightfully relatable even when they’re immortal or non-human. The world-building and lore are rich while not being overly complex or tedious. I will absolutely be reading the other books set in this realm and I can’t wait for more from the characters in this series.
May 20, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy!
I was so excited when my request for a copy was approved--Swordheart was one of my favorite books of the year back in 2023. I was so excited to see another entry into the same world as the first, even if we have a new set of main characters. I'll admit that at first I wasn't sure about some of the companion characters that our main two pick up, but Large Francis has entered the ring as a contender for favorite character of the year. Something I've always liked about Kingfisher's characters is how they manage to grow on you as you keep reading in the book. The middle of the book did drag ever so slightly, but I enjoyed all of the other parts enough that I think it more than makes up for that. The romance was something I really enjoyed in this, I love a good slowburn. I think most anyone who enjoyed Swordheart will enjoy this one just as much, and I can't wait for it to be published so I can see what everyone else has to say about it!
I was so excited when my request for a copy was approved--Swordheart was one of my favorite books of the year back in 2023. I was so excited to see another entry into the same world as the first, even if we have a new set of main characters. I'll admit that at first I wasn't sure about some of the companion characters that our main two pick up, but Large Francis has entered the ring as a contender for favorite character of the year. Something I've always liked about Kingfisher's characters is how they manage to grow on you as you keep reading in the book. The middle of the book did drag ever so slightly, but I enjoyed all of the other parts enough that I think it more than makes up for that. The romance was something I really enjoyed in this, I love a good slowburn. I think most anyone who enjoyed Swordheart will enjoy this one just as much, and I can't wait for it to be published so I can see what everyone else has to say about it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews