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The Sword in The Street
Trial by battle is a holy rite on Hillside. Hired blades bleed their foes in savage duels, settling everything from petty grievances to the corporate laws that keep their citizens in line. Embroiled in these cutthroat political games is John Chronicle, an impoverished swordsman with no better prospects, seeking the duel that will free him from the Dregs.
Meanwhile, John’s boyfriend Edwin, an autistic university student, befriends a fellow scholar who claims to study the arcane art of thaumaturgy. When she offers to teach Edwin this subtle magic, he hopes that he can use it to bolster John’s skill with a blade. But thaumaturgy is a dangerous magic, and the forces that drive it have other plans.
The couple soon find themselves entangled in the web of intrigue surrounding the swordsmen and their sponsors, and they’re forced to question how bloody they’re willing to get to escape poverty — and they don’t come away with the same answer.
Meanwhile, John’s boyfriend Edwin, an autistic university student, befriends a fellow scholar who claims to study the arcane art of thaumaturgy. When she offers to teach Edwin this subtle magic, he hopes that he can use it to bolster John’s skill with a blade. But thaumaturgy is a dangerous magic, and the forces that drive it have other plans.
The couple soon find themselves entangled in the web of intrigue surrounding the swordsmen and their sponsors, and they’re forced to question how bloody they’re willing to get to escape poverty — and they don’t come away with the same answer.
335 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2021
7 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Caplan
5 books65 followerscontact me on linktree: https://linktr.ee/thecmcaplan
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C.M. Caplan is the author of the SPFBO7 semifinalist The Sword in the Street, and SPFBO9 Finalist/SPSFC semifinalist, The Fall Is All There Is. They're a quadruplet (yes, really), autistic, and have a degree in creative writing. If you enjoy their books, you can rate them on Goodreads and Amazon.
here's my bluesky
https://bsky.app/profile/cmcaplanwrit...
my instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thecmcaplan/
youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@thecmcaplan
find me on tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thecmcaplan
sign up for my newsletter:
https://cmcaplan.us1.list-manage.com/...
my facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/thecmcaplana...
C.M. Caplan is the author of the SPFBO7 semifinalist The Sword in the Street, and SPFBO9 Finalist/SPSFC semifinalist, The Fall Is All There Is. They're a quadruplet (yes, really), autistic, and have a degree in creative writing. If you enjoy their books, you can rate them on Goodreads and Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 28, 2021
This story has characters I have met before and I am so glad they exist. This is a story in a familiar fantasy setting where we have an unfair economic system where all forms of justice are handled with sword duels. One of our main characters is in poverty and works for a rich house in these duels and is struggling to better the circumstance for him and his boyfriend. His boyfriend is a neurodivergent student whose parents are rich but don't support him. The crux of the story is watching them survive and deal with the complexities that exist in relationships as they develop through time. There is some magic but its relatively soft magic and the strengths of this story are in the character relationships and decisions made in tough situations. I am very excited to read future works by this author and blew through this short standalone fantasy that I would recommend to character focused readers who don't need high magic or plots to provide the driving force or intrigue to their narratives.
January 9, 2022
Sword In The Street is the debut by C.M.Caplan and tells the story of John Chronicle, a young man that fights for the aristocracy as a duellist, and his student lover Edwin.
Now, I am going to be quite honest (and am probably going to stand out a bit with this next statement) but I nearly didn’t finish the book as initially it didn’t quite click. I am not sure of the reason why, and to be honest, sometimes I don’t analyse the reason why and just go with it.
However, I decided to give it my full attention and stick with it, and I am glad that I did because I ended up enjoying it thoroughly.
The story, as I have said, revolves around the Duellist (and I use this term because it put me in mind of Ridley Scott’s film of the same name) John Chronicle who makes his living by duelling for the aristocracy when they bring a writ..against anything really, whether it be a legal argument, a point of honour, whatever they deem needs this. His life revolves around his occupation and his partner, Edwin, who is on the Autism Spectrum, and manages this by smoking a substance called Ash, which reduces his inner anxieties and gives him a calm to function without his anxieties overwhelming him.
There is a lot going on in this book, and it wasn’t till I thought about it that some of these themes came to the fore in my head. The book primarily focusses on the relationship between the John & Edwin. In Sword In The Street, C.M. Caplan focusses the microscopic lens onto the interactions between John & Edwin and we almost get a fly on the wall perspective of their everyday life.
I think, one of the reasons that I almost DNF’d this book was primarily this particular reason, and in all honesty it took me out of my comfort zone to have such a close relationships with the two protagonists. However, when I decided to dedicate my attention to the everyday interactions of the two protagonists, I started to warm to them and ended up admiring how honest CM Caplan is with his characters. He does not portray them as in any way heroic, but decides to give them a warts and all perspective, which put me in mind of an almost reality TV perspective.
Initially, I had a problem with the word building as it is quite sparse and you only get a vague, fuzzy outline of the world that the characters inhabit. However, this gives you an opportunity to paint whichever background that you want to put on. I have seen the terms gaslamp to describe the book, and also that it is in a Venetian style. However for me, I kind of put a 1800’s Parisian French slant on it, about the time of the Communards, especially with the descriptions of decrepit buildings and the disparity between the poor and the rich. Then I realised that this was a brilliant piece of writing as it gives the reader the ability to put their own interpretation onto what is being read. I don’t know if this was a conscious decision on the part of the writer, but if it is, it certainly works well.
Similarly with the magic system, it is not clearly defined and in all honesty, I am not sure if it is actually truly there, but it is intriguing and I would like to see how (or if) it develops.
As I said, the story follows the two main characters and the points of view alternate between the two perspectives, and throughout the reviews that you will have read, Edwin stands out as the most distinctive character. However, I want to talk about John first! John’s arc is quite a sublime one. He is obsessive about his art and goes through quite a rich character development. From a person who is vaguely aware of the underlying social injustices that the system that he is so ingrained in has, through a stage where he has it taken away from him, to a point where he is almost revered, and he takes advantage of this and finally to a semblance of redemption. He has quite a lot of issues, including being scarred from a traumatic childhood, which included physical abuse. However, not only that, he is trapped in the cycle of poverty, where the only thoughts that he indulges in is how is he going to manage today, and has as many problems with central coherence that Edwin does in his world view., and I have to admit that I got quite cross with John on a number of occasions, which when you think about it highlights that I got invested in the story.
Whilst I have mentioned that the main crux of the story revolves around John & Edwin, the other main character is Aubrey. Now I loved it when Aubrey came on the page. For me she was the one that is able to manage Edwin and give him critical learning points throughout the story, makes Edwin figure things out. However, she does not do this by rote, she carefully nudges him to make realisations and the big decisions.
The prose is quite clipped and CM Caplan does not use over descriptive narrative which works well. In addition to this, there are some intricately woven action scenes in there, particularly when he is describing the fencing scenes with John and whichever adversary that he is pitted against.
All in all, I enjoyed The Sword In The Street, especially when I got used to the writing style. It pushed me to read out of my comfort zone with its focusing on relationships, but this story of redemption and revolution did get under my skin, and it wasn’t until after I finished it that I realised how good it was.
If you liked this review and want to see more, visit my blog at www.fantasybooknerd.com
Now, I am going to be quite honest (and am probably going to stand out a bit with this next statement) but I nearly didn’t finish the book as initially it didn’t quite click. I am not sure of the reason why, and to be honest, sometimes I don’t analyse the reason why and just go with it.
However, I decided to give it my full attention and stick with it, and I am glad that I did because I ended up enjoying it thoroughly.
The story, as I have said, revolves around the Duellist (and I use this term because it put me in mind of Ridley Scott’s film of the same name) John Chronicle who makes his living by duelling for the aristocracy when they bring a writ..against anything really, whether it be a legal argument, a point of honour, whatever they deem needs this. His life revolves around his occupation and his partner, Edwin, who is on the Autism Spectrum, and manages this by smoking a substance called Ash, which reduces his inner anxieties and gives him a calm to function without his anxieties overwhelming him.
There is a lot going on in this book, and it wasn’t till I thought about it that some of these themes came to the fore in my head. The book primarily focusses on the relationship between the John & Edwin. In Sword In The Street, C.M. Caplan focusses the microscopic lens onto the interactions between John & Edwin and we almost get a fly on the wall perspective of their everyday life.
I think, one of the reasons that I almost DNF’d this book was primarily this particular reason, and in all honesty it took me out of my comfort zone to have such a close relationships with the two protagonists. However, when I decided to dedicate my attention to the everyday interactions of the two protagonists, I started to warm to them and ended up admiring how honest CM Caplan is with his characters. He does not portray them as in any way heroic, but decides to give them a warts and all perspective, which put me in mind of an almost reality TV perspective.
Initially, I had a problem with the word building as it is quite sparse and you only get a vague, fuzzy outline of the world that the characters inhabit. However, this gives you an opportunity to paint whichever background that you want to put on. I have seen the terms gaslamp to describe the book, and also that it is in a Venetian style. However for me, I kind of put a 1800’s Parisian French slant on it, about the time of the Communards, especially with the descriptions of decrepit buildings and the disparity between the poor and the rich. Then I realised that this was a brilliant piece of writing as it gives the reader the ability to put their own interpretation onto what is being read. I don’t know if this was a conscious decision on the part of the writer, but if it is, it certainly works well.
Similarly with the magic system, it is not clearly defined and in all honesty, I am not sure if it is actually truly there, but it is intriguing and I would like to see how (or if) it develops.
As I said, the story follows the two main characters and the points of view alternate between the two perspectives, and throughout the reviews that you will have read, Edwin stands out as the most distinctive character. However, I want to talk about John first! John’s arc is quite a sublime one. He is obsessive about his art and goes through quite a rich character development. From a person who is vaguely aware of the underlying social injustices that the system that he is so ingrained in has, through a stage where he has it taken away from him, to a point where he is almost revered, and he takes advantage of this and finally to a semblance of redemption. He has quite a lot of issues, including being scarred from a traumatic childhood, which included physical abuse. However, not only that, he is trapped in the cycle of poverty, where the only thoughts that he indulges in is how is he going to manage today, and has as many problems with central coherence that Edwin does in his world view., and I have to admit that I got quite cross with John on a number of occasions, which when you think about it highlights that I got invested in the story.
Whilst I have mentioned that the main crux of the story revolves around John & Edwin, the other main character is Aubrey. Now I loved it when Aubrey came on the page. For me she was the one that is able to manage Edwin and give him critical learning points throughout the story, makes Edwin figure things out. However, she does not do this by rote, she carefully nudges him to make realisations and the big decisions.
The prose is quite clipped and CM Caplan does not use over descriptive narrative which works well. In addition to this, there are some intricately woven action scenes in there, particularly when he is describing the fencing scenes with John and whichever adversary that he is pitted against.
All in all, I enjoyed The Sword In The Street, especially when I got used to the writing style. It pushed me to read out of my comfort zone with its focusing on relationships, but this story of redemption and revolution did get under my skin, and it wasn’t until after I finished it that I realised how good it was.
If you liked this review and want to see more, visit my blog at www.fantasybooknerd.com
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August 24, 2021Beware of spoilers, you have been warned!
The Sword in the Street is book 1 in The Ink and the Steel series, an adult self published fantasy.
John Chronicle is a hired sword, which is someone who duels for both the entertainment, the settlement of laws and the simplest grievances that the élite of Hillside have with one an other. His patron, the Lordess Triumph, doesn't pay John the same as other hired swords because of his background and status. He lives in the Dregs, a slum like part of the town and his debts keep getting higher.
John's boyfriend Edwin, is an autistic university student who comes from a better to do family then others who live in the dregs but their support is minimal at best. He loves John and wants him to do well but wishes he has a less dangerous job. But still supports him regardless.
Edwin and his university friend Aubrey have been looking into freeblades and how once before hired swords could work for themselves anyone could hire one if they had the money to do so. Freeblads where outlawed and Aubrey is convinced that the use of thaumaturgy, a lost art involving the writing out what you wish to happen crossing out the vowels and repeated letters, making the letters remaining into a sigil.
"Edwin" she teased, "haven't you ever wondered why casting magic is called a spell?"
Edwin believes it is all superstition.
This dismissal of belief doesn't stop him from making a sigil himself to help John win his next duals and succeed in life.
*
The Sword in the Street while having the politics of hired swords and freeblades and all the other sorted Hillside and Dregs happening, it also focus a lot of John and Edwin's relationship and how their own traumas and mental health issues factor into things.
John has trauma from his past that is still haunting him and he doesn't seem to handle it well, he also is a little too self centered. He does things without fully thinking about the end result. He does thinking it will help him but never taking the time to realize it will hurt others.
Edwin as I said is autistic and of all the characters the one I like the most in the story. John seems to get frustrated alot with him and Edwin is trying to explain how he doesn't understand some of the things other people do, and how explains it to John stood out to me.
"Imagine...imagine...imagine.." His voice rose as if he was building the momentum of his own thoughts. He stalked back into bed and threw his arms around John. " Imagine you can speak fluently in your own language, but there's almost nobody else who speaks it. Nobody else is around to hear that beauty. You speak whole stanzas of verse and construct the most beautiful poetry, but it's not in Gauthic, so you might aswell be speaking gibberish. There's no one around who understands your language"
John only stared
"That's what it's like," Edwin finished, panting. " That's absolutly what it's like. That's why I am as I am"
That whole exchange, I haven't posted it all here, you will have to read the book to see it all, resonated with me. It was real and I am so happy to see it in a book.
As you see I haven't given it a star rating, I'm honestly still trying to decide that for myself. I'm interested in the next book, I'm thinking magic might be more in book 2, I could be wrong that's just a guess.
Like I said Edwin is my favorite character and by far the one who grew the most in this book. We see him having to deal with himself alone with out his ash supply to steady his thoughts, we see him without John and realizing that while he might not notice all things like others do he recognizes that not meaning to he can be a bit much (at times) for others even while having nothing but good intentions.
John still needs some growth, but by the very end of the book we see that he is finally on the right track.
Well written and well thought out book.
Thank you again C.M Caplan for gifting me a copy.
If you would like your own copy head on over to Amazon (currently on sale for. 99 as of the date of this review)
Originally posted on my blog ICanHasBooks?
The Sword in the Street is book 1 in The Ink and the Steel series, an adult self published fantasy.
John Chronicle is a hired sword, which is someone who duels for both the entertainment, the settlement of laws and the simplest grievances that the élite of Hillside have with one an other. His patron, the Lordess Triumph, doesn't pay John the same as other hired swords because of his background and status. He lives in the Dregs, a slum like part of the town and his debts keep getting higher.
John's boyfriend Edwin, is an autistic university student who comes from a better to do family then others who live in the dregs but their support is minimal at best. He loves John and wants him to do well but wishes he has a less dangerous job. But still supports him regardless.
Edwin and his university friend Aubrey have been looking into freeblades and how once before hired swords could work for themselves anyone could hire one if they had the money to do so. Freeblads where outlawed and Aubrey is convinced that the use of thaumaturgy, a lost art involving the writing out what you wish to happen crossing out the vowels and repeated letters, making the letters remaining into a sigil.
"Edwin" she teased, "haven't you ever wondered why casting magic is called a spell?"
Edwin believes it is all superstition.
This dismissal of belief doesn't stop him from making a sigil himself to help John win his next duals and succeed in life.
*
The Sword in the Street while having the politics of hired swords and freeblades and all the other sorted Hillside and Dregs happening, it also focus a lot of John and Edwin's relationship and how their own traumas and mental health issues factor into things.
John has trauma from his past that is still haunting him and he doesn't seem to handle it well, he also is a little too self centered. He does things without fully thinking about the end result. He does thinking it will help him but never taking the time to realize it will hurt others.
Edwin as I said is autistic and of all the characters the one I like the most in the story. John seems to get frustrated alot with him and Edwin is trying to explain how he doesn't understand some of the things other people do, and how explains it to John stood out to me.
"Imagine...imagine...imagine.." His voice rose as if he was building the momentum of his own thoughts. He stalked back into bed and threw his arms around John. " Imagine you can speak fluently in your own language, but there's almost nobody else who speaks it. Nobody else is around to hear that beauty. You speak whole stanzas of verse and construct the most beautiful poetry, but it's not in Gauthic, so you might aswell be speaking gibberish. There's no one around who understands your language"
John only stared
"That's what it's like," Edwin finished, panting. " That's absolutly what it's like. That's why I am as I am"
That whole exchange, I haven't posted it all here, you will have to read the book to see it all, resonated with me. It was real and I am so happy to see it in a book.
As you see I haven't given it a star rating, I'm honestly still trying to decide that for myself. I'm interested in the next book, I'm thinking magic might be more in book 2, I could be wrong that's just a guess.
Like I said Edwin is my favorite character and by far the one who grew the most in this book. We see him having to deal with himself alone with out his ash supply to steady his thoughts, we see him without John and realizing that while he might not notice all things like others do he recognizes that not meaning to he can be a bit much (at times) for others even while having nothing but good intentions.
John still needs some growth, but by the very end of the book we see that he is finally on the right track.
Well written and well thought out book.
Thank you again C.M Caplan for gifting me a copy.
If you would like your own copy head on over to Amazon (currently on sale for. 99 as of the date of this review)
Originally posted on my blog ICanHasBooks?
March 10, 2021
Read the full review HERE. :)
3.5 very human, sword fighting, heartfelt stars!
Big Takeaway:
The Sword in the Street is a lovely book that takes a nice spin on fantasy by really doing a great job in presenting very real and very believable interactions between a wonderful set of characters. It touches on relationship problems and victories in a way that I never see enough of. It was absolutely refreshing.
I received a copy of this book for free for participation in Caffeine Book Tours :) All opinions are my own.
3.5 very human, sword fighting, heartfelt stars!
Big Takeaway:
The Sword in the Street is a lovely book that takes a nice spin on fantasy by really doing a great job in presenting very real and very believable interactions between a wonderful set of characters. It touches on relationship problems and victories in a way that I never see enough of. It was absolutely refreshing.
I received a copy of this book for free for participation in Caffeine Book Tours :) All opinions are my own.
December 28, 2021
★ 1.5 stars ★
I received a review copyfor the blog tour through Caffeine Book Tours; all opinions are my own and honest. This review (and more) can also be found on my blog, Nine Tale Vixen.
I originally signed up for this blog tour because I was super excited about the bisexual and especially the autism representation in an intriguing fantasy setting. Unfortunately, that same representation led me to withdraw — though I wouldn’t go so far as to call it definitively problematic, I was very uncomfortable promoting this book due to the way the bisexual and autistic main character (Edwin) was portrayed.
Beyond that, I didn’t find the other protagonist (John) particularly sympathetic, even after learning about his Tragic Backstory, and honestly their relationship didn’t make sense to me: it was incredibly toxic, they were clearly mismatched, and I just couldn’t see how they initially got together or why I was supposed to want them to stay together.
There’s so much going on, but I felt alternately disconnected from the characters and plot due to the structure (short alternating-POV chapters) and kind of overwhelmed by Edwin’s obsessive thought spirals and anxiety. Only a single scene really brought everything together, after which everything seemed to unravel again.
If not for the blog tour, I almost certainly would have DNF’d the book.
-----------
CONVERSION : 5 / 15 = 1.5 stars
Prose: 4 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 1 / 10
Emotional Impact: 2 / 10
Development / Flow: 4 / 10
Setting: 4 / 10
Diversity & Social Themes: 1 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 3 / 5
I received a review copy
I originally signed up for this blog tour because I was super excited about the bisexual and especially the autism representation in an intriguing fantasy setting. Unfortunately, that same representation led me to withdraw — though I wouldn’t go so far as to call it definitively problematic, I was very uncomfortable promoting this book due to the way the bisexual and autistic main character (Edwin) was portrayed.
Beyond that, I didn’t find the other protagonist (John) particularly sympathetic, even after learning about his Tragic Backstory, and honestly their relationship didn’t make sense to me: it was incredibly toxic, they were clearly mismatched, and I just couldn’t see how they initially got together or why I was supposed to want them to stay together.
There’s so much going on, but I felt alternately disconnected from the characters and plot due to the structure (short alternating-POV chapters) and kind of overwhelmed by Edwin’s obsessive thought spirals and anxiety. Only a single scene really brought everything together, after which everything seemed to unravel again.
If not for the blog tour, I almost certainly would have DNF’d the book.
-----------
CONVERSION : 5 / 15 = 1.5 stars
Prose: 4 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 1 / 10
Emotional Impact: 2 / 10
Development / Flow: 4 / 10
Setting: 4 / 10
Diversity & Social Themes: 1 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 3 / 5
January 7, 2022
I am writing this review as part of a blog tour organized by Escapist Tours, and while they offered a free ARC, I had already read the book, and I read it a second time for the tour (which should already tell you something). My review is in no way influenced by my participation in the tour. Blurb and author information can be found at the bottom of this page.
The Sword in the Street by CM Caplan is a phenomenal standalone fantasy about a swordsman trying to duel his way out of poverty in a gritty low fantasy world. It is also the story of two lovers struggling to maintain the balance of their complicated relationship amid deep differences and mistakes made on both sides. Both halves of the story are equally compelling, and this is a book so good I had to read it twice, which I almost never do.
I’m asking you to read it once, and I’m here to tell you why.
The writing is brilliant and incisive
The world is both familiar and utterly unique
The love story is like none I have ever read before
The magic system is subtle and intriguing
The neurodivergent and queer rep is messy and flawless
Let me break it down in detail for you, in the hopes of convincing you to pick up this book.
The writing is brilliant and incisive
There’s writing that’s good enough that you don’t notice it and writing that’s so amazing you can’t help but notice it. This book falls into the latter category. Caplan has a seemingly bottomless well of clever and surprising turns of phrase that propel you forward as they build a verbal castle of impressive potency. The author uses quick jabs of prose to build a world that is infinitely richer than one described in excess detail. To wit:
“The stink of disemboweled merbrides was crammed together with the reek of wet sand as Edwin turned onto Silt Street. He gagged as he made his way through the mud, pulling his boots free with sucking sounds.”
Characters are drawn with deft flourishes that reveal everything you need to know about them and nothing you don’t:
“Savannah Mordant stared at him like she was imagining what his guts would look like as a necklace.”
Internal monologue demonstrates character with brutal, sometimes hilarious efficiency:
“He’d introduced the splinter into his mind. He could feel his obsession coiling around it. Heavy guilt wedged inside his stomach. Obsession about obsession, Edwin thought. How very fitting.”
And the book is littered with one-off verbal gems like a dragon’s hoard carelessly spilling out of the treasure chamber:
“It was framed by a backdrop of large windows, bleeding blades of moonlight.”
“His mouth watered at the sight of the lordess carving a suckling pig. He watched its flesh part beneath her blade. He could smell the lemon sauce that pooled in the tray, and the paprika that traipsed down the hog’s back.”
“It took three steps to get to the kitchen. It was scarcely more than a countertop and cabinets tucked into half a stride of chamber space.”
“John had oozed through a crowd to get there, and popped free on the other side.”
“Worms wriggled on the portcullis’ teeth as John stepped through.”
The world is both familiar and utterly unique
The world has that familiar old-Europe feel to it, like a cracked painting of commoners glimpsing the finery of the rich. But the little differences accumulate to form an immersive landscape like none other I’ve read. One character’s neurodivergence is treated with a mysterious substance called Ash, which he must smoke three hits of each day to maintain his focus. Workers on the dock slaughter beasts known as merbrides, which are never clearly described but I can imagine them perfectly. A convoluted legal system of writs and counter-writs governs the duels used by the rich to settle their scores. Forgotten laws are unearthed that threaten to upend the system. And the magic system is so subtle you never know if it’s real or imagined. There is no need to suspend disbelief, because there’s nothing in this book that feels impossible or out of place.
The love story is like none I have ever read before
Edwin and John are a fascinating couple, the tension in their half-broken relationship somehow holding them together against all odds. Edwin’s autistic tendencies make him repeat the same questions and demands, even as he kicks himself internally for asking too much. John is asexual, and he’s just so tired most of the time, so their moments of intimacy are rare. When they do get together, it’s a tangle of conflicting impulses and miscommunication. You can’t help rooting for these guys. This exchange gives you a little taste of their relationship:
"I just thought your smile was the start of--”
“No, it wasn’t. It’s just--”
“Just smiling. And you weren’t--”
“I wasn’t. I’m sorry.”
“And that’s fine,” Edwin insisted.
“It’s fine,” John agreed.
Too soon, Edwin told himself. He had asked too soon.
The magic system is subtle and intriguing
Magic in The Sword in the Street takes the form of sigils, messages written on scraps of paper and charged by moments of intense emotion to make the outcome more likely. But is it really magic, or is it just wishful thinking? Aubrey, a friend of John and Edwin’s and my favorite side character, teaches Edwin a bit about it, and she explains it in several rather poetic quotes:
“Making a sigil is the act of focusing your mind on one desire and shortening the space between two possibilities.”
“Magic doesn’t let you do things that are impossible. God’s ruined corpse, it doesn’t even let you do the things that are improbable. It’s about taking your desires and calling on the Else to help you make it probable.”
The neurodivergent and queer rep is messy and flawless
Edwin’s autism is described with painful precision, and he uses a substance called Ash to treat it. We get several excruciating depictions of his experience of reality, his occasional awareness of the disconnect between him and others, and his efforts to make connections nonetheless. Edwin compares it to language in this beautiful passage, where he tries to explain his experience to John:
“Imagine you can speak fluently in your own language, but there’s almost nobody else who speaks it. Nobody else is around to hear that beauty. You can speak whole stanzas of verse and construct the most beautiful poetry, but it’s not in Gauthic, so you might as well be speaking gibberish. There’s no one around who understands your language.”
His intrusive thoughts are always with him, though the Ash does blunt them somewhat, when he has it and remembers to take it. But it’s also addictive; when he doesn’t have it, he goes through withdrawal, which makes his symptoms worse.
“His heart danced a caper in his chest. He tried to remember if he had breathed his Ash today. Perhaps it was the pangs; the horrible ordeal that came with forgetting his daily dose. It was entirely possible. Or perhaps he was just nervous. He’d gone without Ash before—for a few weeks when the messengers were delayed. The paranoia had nearly killed him.”
There is a lived truth in these depictions, equal parts painful and beautiful to behold. The portrayal of autism is so realistic it takes your breath away. It’s ugly sometimes, and messy, which makes it perfect.
Not unlike the book’s queerness. John and Edwin are an allo-ace pairing, which is unusual enough in books, but it’s the messiness of it all that is so compelling. There’s no glorification of anything, just a gritty, close-up story of two people fighting for each other despite their differences. Caplan isn’t afraid to show the struggles of John and Edwin’s differing orientations, how it strains their relationship. See this passage from John’s point of view:
“And every night he wanted John. Every fucking night. It was exhausting. After a few weeks of it, there came a point where John realized that it had become a habit to tell Edwin, “I’ve missed you!” and then an instant later warn him, “Don’t expect your trousers to come off tonight. I’ve had a long day.”
It’s a problem, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be together. It just takes a lot of work, like all relationships. These two quotes sum it up best, equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming:
“They wanted to make each other happy. Even if they didn’t always know how.”
“All they knew was that they were young and in love and that they would never grow old and die. The rest didn’t matter. That’s what they told themselves.”
Closing thoughts
I could tell you about the cool dueling details, Audrey’s stinging truth-bombs, the cringe-inducing depictions of poverty, the legal system and how the events in the book threaten to upend it. I could tell you a lot of things, but I’m not going to do that. I have only one final message for you.
Read this book. Just. Fucking. Read it.
The Sword in the Street by CM Caplan is a phenomenal standalone fantasy about a swordsman trying to duel his way out of poverty in a gritty low fantasy world. It is also the story of two lovers struggling to maintain the balance of their complicated relationship amid deep differences and mistakes made on both sides. Both halves of the story are equally compelling, and this is a book so good I had to read it twice, which I almost never do.
I’m asking you to read it once, and I’m here to tell you why.
The writing is brilliant and incisive
The world is both familiar and utterly unique
The love story is like none I have ever read before
The magic system is subtle and intriguing
The neurodivergent and queer rep is messy and flawless
Let me break it down in detail for you, in the hopes of convincing you to pick up this book.
The writing is brilliant and incisive
There’s writing that’s good enough that you don’t notice it and writing that’s so amazing you can’t help but notice it. This book falls into the latter category. Caplan has a seemingly bottomless well of clever and surprising turns of phrase that propel you forward as they build a verbal castle of impressive potency. The author uses quick jabs of prose to build a world that is infinitely richer than one described in excess detail. To wit:
“The stink of disemboweled merbrides was crammed together with the reek of wet sand as Edwin turned onto Silt Street. He gagged as he made his way through the mud, pulling his boots free with sucking sounds.”
Characters are drawn with deft flourishes that reveal everything you need to know about them and nothing you don’t:
“Savannah Mordant stared at him like she was imagining what his guts would look like as a necklace.”
Internal monologue demonstrates character with brutal, sometimes hilarious efficiency:
“He’d introduced the splinter into his mind. He could feel his obsession coiling around it. Heavy guilt wedged inside his stomach. Obsession about obsession, Edwin thought. How very fitting.”
And the book is littered with one-off verbal gems like a dragon’s hoard carelessly spilling out of the treasure chamber:
“It was framed by a backdrop of large windows, bleeding blades of moonlight.”
“His mouth watered at the sight of the lordess carving a suckling pig. He watched its flesh part beneath her blade. He could smell the lemon sauce that pooled in the tray, and the paprika that traipsed down the hog’s back.”
“It took three steps to get to the kitchen. It was scarcely more than a countertop and cabinets tucked into half a stride of chamber space.”
“John had oozed through a crowd to get there, and popped free on the other side.”
“Worms wriggled on the portcullis’ teeth as John stepped through.”
The world is both familiar and utterly unique
The world has that familiar old-Europe feel to it, like a cracked painting of commoners glimpsing the finery of the rich. But the little differences accumulate to form an immersive landscape like none other I’ve read. One character’s neurodivergence is treated with a mysterious substance called Ash, which he must smoke three hits of each day to maintain his focus. Workers on the dock slaughter beasts known as merbrides, which are never clearly described but I can imagine them perfectly. A convoluted legal system of writs and counter-writs governs the duels used by the rich to settle their scores. Forgotten laws are unearthed that threaten to upend the system. And the magic system is so subtle you never know if it’s real or imagined. There is no need to suspend disbelief, because there’s nothing in this book that feels impossible or out of place.
The love story is like none I have ever read before
Edwin and John are a fascinating couple, the tension in their half-broken relationship somehow holding them together against all odds. Edwin’s autistic tendencies make him repeat the same questions and demands, even as he kicks himself internally for asking too much. John is asexual, and he’s just so tired most of the time, so their moments of intimacy are rare. When they do get together, it’s a tangle of conflicting impulses and miscommunication. You can’t help rooting for these guys. This exchange gives you a little taste of their relationship:
"I just thought your smile was the start of--”
“No, it wasn’t. It’s just--”
“Just smiling. And you weren’t--”
“I wasn’t. I’m sorry.”
“And that’s fine,” Edwin insisted.
“It’s fine,” John agreed.
Too soon, Edwin told himself. He had asked too soon.
The magic system is subtle and intriguing
Magic in The Sword in the Street takes the form of sigils, messages written on scraps of paper and charged by moments of intense emotion to make the outcome more likely. But is it really magic, or is it just wishful thinking? Aubrey, a friend of John and Edwin’s and my favorite side character, teaches Edwin a bit about it, and she explains it in several rather poetic quotes:
“Making a sigil is the act of focusing your mind on one desire and shortening the space between two possibilities.”
“Magic doesn’t let you do things that are impossible. God’s ruined corpse, it doesn’t even let you do the things that are improbable. It’s about taking your desires and calling on the Else to help you make it probable.”
The neurodivergent and queer rep is messy and flawless
Edwin’s autism is described with painful precision, and he uses a substance called Ash to treat it. We get several excruciating depictions of his experience of reality, his occasional awareness of the disconnect between him and others, and his efforts to make connections nonetheless. Edwin compares it to language in this beautiful passage, where he tries to explain his experience to John:
“Imagine you can speak fluently in your own language, but there’s almost nobody else who speaks it. Nobody else is around to hear that beauty. You can speak whole stanzas of verse and construct the most beautiful poetry, but it’s not in Gauthic, so you might as well be speaking gibberish. There’s no one around who understands your language.”
His intrusive thoughts are always with him, though the Ash does blunt them somewhat, when he has it and remembers to take it. But it’s also addictive; when he doesn’t have it, he goes through withdrawal, which makes his symptoms worse.
“His heart danced a caper in his chest. He tried to remember if he had breathed his Ash today. Perhaps it was the pangs; the horrible ordeal that came with forgetting his daily dose. It was entirely possible. Or perhaps he was just nervous. He’d gone without Ash before—for a few weeks when the messengers were delayed. The paranoia had nearly killed him.”
There is a lived truth in these depictions, equal parts painful and beautiful to behold. The portrayal of autism is so realistic it takes your breath away. It’s ugly sometimes, and messy, which makes it perfect.
Not unlike the book’s queerness. John and Edwin are an allo-ace pairing, which is unusual enough in books, but it’s the messiness of it all that is so compelling. There’s no glorification of anything, just a gritty, close-up story of two people fighting for each other despite their differences. Caplan isn’t afraid to show the struggles of John and Edwin’s differing orientations, how it strains their relationship. See this passage from John’s point of view:
“And every night he wanted John. Every fucking night. It was exhausting. After a few weeks of it, there came a point where John realized that it had become a habit to tell Edwin, “I’ve missed you!” and then an instant later warn him, “Don’t expect your trousers to come off tonight. I’ve had a long day.”
It’s a problem, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be together. It just takes a lot of work, like all relationships. These two quotes sum it up best, equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming:
“They wanted to make each other happy. Even if they didn’t always know how.”
“All they knew was that they were young and in love and that they would never grow old and die. The rest didn’t matter. That’s what they told themselves.”
Closing thoughts
I could tell you about the cool dueling details, Audrey’s stinging truth-bombs, the cringe-inducing depictions of poverty, the legal system and how the events in the book threaten to upend it. I could tell you a lot of things, but I’m not going to do that. I have only one final message for you.
Read this book. Just. Fucking. Read it.
January 6, 2022
I was sent both a paperback and digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author C. M. Caplan and to Escapist Book tours.
The Sword in the Street is a standalone gaslamp low fantasy, with plenty of sword fighting, a touch of magic, great characterisation and world building that helps to drop the reader right into the story’s locations to experience the sights and sounds of the Dregs, The Stacks and the more well-to-do area of Hillside. One of the main characters, John Chronicle currently lives in the Dregs, near to the docks, but dreams of being able to afford an apartment in the slightly nicer part of town called The Stacks. At least it wouldn’t smell as bad away from the docks:
“The stink of decaying merbrides festered on the docks outside his house. The stench filtered through the broken walls. John could see them through his window. What remained of the creatures sat squat on the docks overnight, as big as boulders. The white cages of their bones would be gone by the first fingers of sunlight.”
The debut for indie author C. M. Caplan, The Sword in the Street focuses on the relationship between the main characters of John Chronicle, a swordsman, and his beloved Edwin Gaunt, an autistic student at the local university who knows all about the laws affecting swordsmen, thanks to his studies, and who tries to use this knowledge to promote the possibility of humble swordsmen working for themselves as independent freeblades rather than being sponsored by and beholden to one particular noble patron. The story itself is set in a world in which disputes between noble houses are settled via duels between sponsored swordsmen with writs detailing the charges (taking the place of modern day lawyers). John Chronicle is one such swordsman in the employ of Lordess Triumph. Edwin, John’s partner, has discovered a loophole during his studies, whereby these swordsmen should be able to work as freeblades if the Council will pass the required law. John attacks someone he believes raped his friend Aubrey, an action that lands him in jail.
The story is not really the main focus of this book, I felt that it was more about the relationships between the main characters and all of the nuance involved in making such relationships work, particularly when your worldview is slightly ‘off-kilter’ when compared to the majority of other people. One of the author’s particular strengths as a writer lies in his characterisation – particularly of the neuro-diverse student, Edwin Gaunt. I felt like I was being given an expert insight into the way the mind can work for a sector of the population that is often misunderstood and misrepresented. Edwin is constantly second-guessing himself and in need of confirmation from others that he is acting or thinking in an acceptable manner. He uses the drug ‘Ash’ to help calm him down and regulate his chaotic emotions when they start to spiral out of control.
“Your feelings exist, sitting inside you, whether you want them to be there or not. All you can do is choose how you react to them.”
There is a magic system in The Sword in the Street – that of thaumaturgy – where letters are used to draw a sigil, which is then charged with an intent via pain or pleasure. Aubrey teaches Edwin how to do this, who then uses it to save John’s life but is unsure whether it actually worked or was coincidental. Aubrey is more convinced by the power of thaumaturgy.
“Magic doesn’t let you do things that are impossible. God’s ruined corpse, it doesn’t even let you do the things that are improbable. It’s about taking your desires and calling on the Else to help you make it probable.”
This book is distinctive in its representation of both an autistic protagonist, other psychologically damaged characters, and also that of a gay couple as main characters. I highly recommend it to all fantasy fans who want to embrace diversity. It might possibly challenge you and make you reconsider some of your opinions…
The Sword in the Street is a standalone gaslamp low fantasy, with plenty of sword fighting, a touch of magic, great characterisation and world building that helps to drop the reader right into the story’s locations to experience the sights and sounds of the Dregs, The Stacks and the more well-to-do area of Hillside. One of the main characters, John Chronicle currently lives in the Dregs, near to the docks, but dreams of being able to afford an apartment in the slightly nicer part of town called The Stacks. At least it wouldn’t smell as bad away from the docks:
“The stink of decaying merbrides festered on the docks outside his house. The stench filtered through the broken walls. John could see them through his window. What remained of the creatures sat squat on the docks overnight, as big as boulders. The white cages of their bones would be gone by the first fingers of sunlight.”
The debut for indie author C. M. Caplan, The Sword in the Street focuses on the relationship between the main characters of John Chronicle, a swordsman, and his beloved Edwin Gaunt, an autistic student at the local university who knows all about the laws affecting swordsmen, thanks to his studies, and who tries to use this knowledge to promote the possibility of humble swordsmen working for themselves as independent freeblades rather than being sponsored by and beholden to one particular noble patron. The story itself is set in a world in which disputes between noble houses are settled via duels between sponsored swordsmen with writs detailing the charges (taking the place of modern day lawyers). John Chronicle is one such swordsman in the employ of Lordess Triumph. Edwin, John’s partner, has discovered a loophole during his studies, whereby these swordsmen should be able to work as freeblades if the Council will pass the required law. John attacks someone he believes raped his friend Aubrey, an action that lands him in jail.
The story is not really the main focus of this book, I felt that it was more about the relationships between the main characters and all of the nuance involved in making such relationships work, particularly when your worldview is slightly ‘off-kilter’ when compared to the majority of other people. One of the author’s particular strengths as a writer lies in his characterisation – particularly of the neuro-diverse student, Edwin Gaunt. I felt like I was being given an expert insight into the way the mind can work for a sector of the population that is often misunderstood and misrepresented. Edwin is constantly second-guessing himself and in need of confirmation from others that he is acting or thinking in an acceptable manner. He uses the drug ‘Ash’ to help calm him down and regulate his chaotic emotions when they start to spiral out of control.
“Your feelings exist, sitting inside you, whether you want them to be there or not. All you can do is choose how you react to them.”
There is a magic system in The Sword in the Street – that of thaumaturgy – where letters are used to draw a sigil, which is then charged with an intent via pain or pleasure. Aubrey teaches Edwin how to do this, who then uses it to save John’s life but is unsure whether it actually worked or was coincidental. Aubrey is more convinced by the power of thaumaturgy.
“Magic doesn’t let you do things that are impossible. God’s ruined corpse, it doesn’t even let you do the things that are improbable. It’s about taking your desires and calling on the Else to help you make it probable.”
This book is distinctive in its representation of both an autistic protagonist, other psychologically damaged characters, and also that of a gay couple as main characters. I highly recommend it to all fantasy fans who want to embrace diversity. It might possibly challenge you and make you reconsider some of your opinions…
June 21, 2021
https://www.bookwormblues.net/2021/06...
Okay, first of all, can we take a moment to admire the name John Chronicle? Because seriously, that is a great name. I’m almost mad at the author for thinking of it first.
The Sword in the Street is a different book than I anticipated. I expected, going into this one, it would be a blood and guts killfest. Grimdark fantasy done darkest. Don’t get me wrong, there are dark elements at play here, but the story isn’t really about that. It’s not some grimy, blood-laden journey into the depths of despair. I’d call this more a “day in the life” story than anything else.
In truth, I loved that aspect of this book. It’s not some grand, sweeping epic, but an intimate story of two people surviving in a world that seems hellbent to keep them down.
Keeping that in mind when you read will keep you from being too surprised when you find the book more character-heavy and plot-light. Again, I tend to prefer this style of writing (gestures at all of my books). I love getting really into a character’s psyche and really understanding them and their motivations. Experiencing a new world with new eyes often ends up immersing me more than a raging plot ever will.
And characterization is really where Caplan excels. John Chronicle and his boyfriend Edwin are so real, and three-dimensional, they practically fly off the page. John is basically sworn to a lifetime of servitude to his patron, Lordess Triumph. Edwin was born into wealth and is a student at the university. Both men are pinned down and held in place by their lot in life, and that’s part of the beauty of this book. Caplan, in the writing of The Sword in the Street, has built into his world some fundamental, ingrained problems that both hamper the plot, but also make it so much more interesting. Reading about how these characters survive when the rich and influential are an almost smothering presence is captivating, especially considering both men have found solace in each other, and yet are themselves restricted by the society they live in, despite their difference in class. In a lot of respects, I could relate to John and Edwin and their trials, feeling caged without actually being caged is a certain kind of torture.
John and Edwin themselves were characters that might be, perhaps, some of my favorite I’ve ever run across. They were so nuanced, so detailed, so cleverly crafted and positively human, I felt like I became personal friends with them while I was reading this book. More, both characters were written with a deep and abiding empathy, and such care, they positively made the book sing. John likely has some form of PTSD (ware, people who say “that’s too modern a phrase”… it’s not actually called that in the book), and Edwin’s autism was brilliantly represented. I profoundly related to both characters, and I absolutely loved the representation they brought to the story, never a plot device or some gimmick, but just one part of who these characters were. Reader, this book made me want to shout from the rooftops, “THIS IS HOW REPRESENTATION IS DONE.” It was that good.
Caplan’s prose was another bonus. Easy to read, easy to fall into, there were turns of phrase that caught my attention. Mostly what captivated me was Caplan’s ability to tell a story in a way that was not only beautifully vivid and emotionally poignant, but so brilliantly done as well. I didn’t have to work for the story. I didn’t have to wait for the book to unfold and show itself to me. The Sword in the Street is one of those tales you can just sink into, and the story will unfold around you in the easiest manner. I was absolutely engrossed before I even realized it, and positively blazed through the book.
Perhaps if there was one drawback, I wish the scenery had been described a bit more. I didn’t feel quite as visually immersed in the world as I wanted to be. However, this is small potatoes, and in the end, I didn’t actually end up minding too much. The characters are what steal the limelight here, and Caplan’s unflinching ability to take complex dynamics and address them in a unique way is really what made this book shine. It isn’t often that I read a book that has me sit back and look at fantasy differently.
Reader, this book did just that.
The Sword in the Street is a brilliant character-driven fantasy tale, written by a new talent everyone should be paying attention to. I cannot believe I did not read this book sooner, and now that I have, I’m going to be telling everyone looking for recommendations to pick this one up.
You won’t regret it.
Okay, first of all, can we take a moment to admire the name John Chronicle? Because seriously, that is a great name. I’m almost mad at the author for thinking of it first.
The Sword in the Street is a different book than I anticipated. I expected, going into this one, it would be a blood and guts killfest. Grimdark fantasy done darkest. Don’t get me wrong, there are dark elements at play here, but the story isn’t really about that. It’s not some grimy, blood-laden journey into the depths of despair. I’d call this more a “day in the life” story than anything else.
In truth, I loved that aspect of this book. It’s not some grand, sweeping epic, but an intimate story of two people surviving in a world that seems hellbent to keep them down.
Keeping that in mind when you read will keep you from being too surprised when you find the book more character-heavy and plot-light. Again, I tend to prefer this style of writing (gestures at all of my books). I love getting really into a character’s psyche and really understanding them and their motivations. Experiencing a new world with new eyes often ends up immersing me more than a raging plot ever will.
And characterization is really where Caplan excels. John Chronicle and his boyfriend Edwin are so real, and three-dimensional, they practically fly off the page. John is basically sworn to a lifetime of servitude to his patron, Lordess Triumph. Edwin was born into wealth and is a student at the university. Both men are pinned down and held in place by their lot in life, and that’s part of the beauty of this book. Caplan, in the writing of The Sword in the Street, has built into his world some fundamental, ingrained problems that both hamper the plot, but also make it so much more interesting. Reading about how these characters survive when the rich and influential are an almost smothering presence is captivating, especially considering both men have found solace in each other, and yet are themselves restricted by the society they live in, despite their difference in class. In a lot of respects, I could relate to John and Edwin and their trials, feeling caged without actually being caged is a certain kind of torture.
John and Edwin themselves were characters that might be, perhaps, some of my favorite I’ve ever run across. They were so nuanced, so detailed, so cleverly crafted and positively human, I felt like I became personal friends with them while I was reading this book. More, both characters were written with a deep and abiding empathy, and such care, they positively made the book sing. John likely has some form of PTSD (ware, people who say “that’s too modern a phrase”… it’s not actually called that in the book), and Edwin’s autism was brilliantly represented. I profoundly related to both characters, and I absolutely loved the representation they brought to the story, never a plot device or some gimmick, but just one part of who these characters were. Reader, this book made me want to shout from the rooftops, “THIS IS HOW REPRESENTATION IS DONE.” It was that good.
Caplan’s prose was another bonus. Easy to read, easy to fall into, there were turns of phrase that caught my attention. Mostly what captivated me was Caplan’s ability to tell a story in a way that was not only beautifully vivid and emotionally poignant, but so brilliantly done as well. I didn’t have to work for the story. I didn’t have to wait for the book to unfold and show itself to me. The Sword in the Street is one of those tales you can just sink into, and the story will unfold around you in the easiest manner. I was absolutely engrossed before I even realized it, and positively blazed through the book.
Perhaps if there was one drawback, I wish the scenery had been described a bit more. I didn’t feel quite as visually immersed in the world as I wanted to be. However, this is small potatoes, and in the end, I didn’t actually end up minding too much. The characters are what steal the limelight here, and Caplan’s unflinching ability to take complex dynamics and address them in a unique way is really what made this book shine. It isn’t often that I read a book that has me sit back and look at fantasy differently.
Reader, this book did just that.
The Sword in the Street is a brilliant character-driven fantasy tale, written by a new talent everyone should be paying attention to. I cannot believe I did not read this book sooner, and now that I have, I’m going to be telling everyone looking for recommendations to pick this one up.
You won’t regret it.
March 10, 2021
Read my full review on my blog Papertea & Bookflowers
I knew almost immediately that I would love this book. But definitely after reading Chapter 2. I can’t really explain in detail why, but being in Edwin’s head after Aubrey told him something in confidence and his struggle and thought process on how to respond … it was just so relatable and real!
I knew almost immediately that I would love this book. But definitely after reading Chapter 2. I can’t really explain in detail why, but being in Edwin’s head after Aubrey told him something in confidence and his struggle and thought process on how to respond … it was just so relatable and real!
September 29, 2021
A solid debut with great characters.
As somebody who prefers character-driven books, I was delighted to see that the story concentrated more on them than the actual plot. I loved the main couple's dynamics, their personalities, and how they struggled with their love. There were some powerful word choices in the book which were a delight to read, along with a writing style we sadly don't see enough of. I am looking forward to the next book from this author.
As somebody who prefers character-driven books, I was delighted to see that the story concentrated more on them than the actual plot. I loved the main couple's dynamics, their personalities, and how they struggled with their love. There were some powerful word choices in the book which were a delight to read, along with a writing style we sadly don't see enough of. I am looking forward to the next book from this author.
April 21, 2021
Loving the idea of a grimdark fantasy book with a gay protagonist, I contacted C. M. Caplan a few months ago to request a review copy of The Sword in the Street. While not exactly what I expected, it turned out to be an offbeat yet relatable story.
TSitS is a low fantasy, slice-of-life story set in a city where all workers require patron sponsorship, which has led to extreme classism and poverty. The protagonist John Chronicle is a hired blade working for Lordess Triumph, struggling to make a living by fighting duels at her behest. Struggling for a fair wage, John is desperate to fight as many duels as it takes to keep a roof over his head. His boyfriend Edwin, an autistic university student, discovers forgotten history and magic that could help John in his plight. But the tension between the men grows as they face increasingly difficult choices amid civil unrest.
The relationship between John and Edwin is very much at the heart of the book, and the introspective approach to this makes for an intimate reading experience. Their love for each other is unwavering, but their relationship is complicated by vastly different ways of thinking, and the decisions that they make. Edwin only wants a comfortable life for John but is frustrated by his stubbornness and often ill-advised decisions. John finds it difficult to understand Edwin's anxiety.
I used the phrase 'slice-of-life' earlier in my review simply because John, Edwin and their respective challenges feel so realistically portrayed. Caplan's focus on character realism, and equally, accurate neurodiverse representation, is certainly a departure from what we regularly see in fantasy stories.
While there were some things about this story that didn't quite work for me personally, I'm really glad I had the chance to read it! You can check out the full review on jakeisreading.com
Trigger warnings: Violence, ableism, self-harm, addiction, reference to abuse and rape.
TSitS is a low fantasy, slice-of-life story set in a city where all workers require patron sponsorship, which has led to extreme classism and poverty. The protagonist John Chronicle is a hired blade working for Lordess Triumph, struggling to make a living by fighting duels at her behest. Struggling for a fair wage, John is desperate to fight as many duels as it takes to keep a roof over his head. His boyfriend Edwin, an autistic university student, discovers forgotten history and magic that could help John in his plight. But the tension between the men grows as they face increasingly difficult choices amid civil unrest.
The relationship between John and Edwin is very much at the heart of the book, and the introspective approach to this makes for an intimate reading experience. Their love for each other is unwavering, but their relationship is complicated by vastly different ways of thinking, and the decisions that they make. Edwin only wants a comfortable life for John but is frustrated by his stubbornness and often ill-advised decisions. John finds it difficult to understand Edwin's anxiety.
I used the phrase 'slice-of-life' earlier in my review simply because John, Edwin and their respective challenges feel so realistically portrayed. Caplan's focus on character realism, and equally, accurate neurodiverse representation, is certainly a departure from what we regularly see in fantasy stories.
While there were some things about this story that didn't quite work for me personally, I'm really glad I had the chance to read it! You can check out the full review on jakeisreading.com
Trigger warnings: Violence, ableism, self-harm, addiction, reference to abuse and rape.
July 19, 2021
Not sure what I was expecting with this fantasy from a new (for me) author but after a slightly confusing start, the story-telling kept being sufficiently intriguing until I became emotionally invested in the MCs and their fate. Told from alternating POV, John and Edwin proved to be fascinatingly complex characters, complete with backgrounds featuring abuse, neglect and abandonment. Edwin is also realistically drawn as a complex ; rather than being put-off by his mildly jarring 'voice' - I was initially concerned for and eventually charmed by his endearing attempts at bravely pointing out his communication struggles with social connections and informational processing i.e. expression, perception and understanding of others.
The book begins with them already in an established loving (somewhat dysfunctional) relationship, leading to gradual teasing out of their co-dependent and compensatory threads, and eventuating with gratifying self-awareness, soul-searching, acceptance and communication improvement for both. M-M romance lovers will likely be disappointed by the 'fade-to-black' descriptive manner for our MCs more physically intimate scenes but I didn't feel deprived of such. Rather, there's a notable and enlightening solitary example of sexual intimacy based on pure 'physical-sensations' around the three-quarter mark of the book.
My aforementioned 'confusion' stemmed largely from a rather complex fantasy world, highly imbalanced toward the 'haves', and bound by unjust/undemocratic legal 'rules' on how societal disputes are settled (and social entertainment) using hired-sword violence; think boxing rings replacing courts and skilled fencing athletes replacing opposing adversarial counsel folks. Such detail reminds me of Melissa Scott's wonderful Astreiant world/society. I cannot wait to see where the author takes John and Edwin (and secondary character Aubrey) next. This was a 3.5 rounded up to 4 star read.
The book begins with them already in an established loving (somewhat dysfunctional) relationship, leading to gradual teasing out of their co-dependent and compensatory threads, and eventuating with gratifying self-awareness, soul-searching, acceptance and communication improvement for both. M-M romance lovers will likely be disappointed by the 'fade-to-black' descriptive manner for our MCs more physically intimate scenes but I didn't feel deprived of such. Rather, there's a notable and enlightening solitary example of sexual intimacy based on pure 'physical-sensations' around the three-quarter mark of the book.
My aforementioned 'confusion' stemmed largely from a rather complex fantasy world, highly imbalanced toward the 'haves', and bound by unjust/undemocratic legal 'rules' on how societal disputes are settled (and social entertainment) using hired-sword violence; think boxing rings replacing courts and skilled fencing athletes replacing opposing adversarial counsel folks. Such detail reminds me of Melissa Scott's wonderful Astreiant world/society. I cannot wait to see where the author takes John and Edwin (and secondary character Aubrey) next. This was a 3.5 rounded up to 4 star read.
July 22, 2022
The Sword in the Street is a fun debut with characters who, regardless of how you feel about them, are so flawed and undeniably human, that you feel for their journeys. I enjoyed reading about these gorgeous messes and their (often) questionable decisions.
I've seen the book described as grimdark with lots of smooching, but I would actually say that parts of it were kind of... cozy? For the most part, we stay in the same place, accompanying characters down the same streets, sort of doing variations of the same thing. There are dark themes—the system itself is a sham, and the people in power are dicks—but the tone didn't feel dark.
What was interesting to me was how characters navigated the madness of their lives. John, Edwin, and Aubrey each have their struggles, and while their friends might not wholly understand, they are still willing to learn. I liked that. Sometimes people make mistakes, friends say stupid things. I think this book does a good job of highlighting that communication doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be there.
That said, I do want to point out that John and Edwin have an unhealthy relationship that plays a big role in the book, and there were moments that made it uncomfortable to read. Ultimately, it didn't bother me too much (I generally don't like relationships in books, lol), but some parts—like the constant boundary crossing that, while addressed and called out, is still very much there—might not vibe. I know toxic dynamics may be triggering for some readers, especially those who might not expect them to play such a central role, so I do think it is important to point out.
The book is (to me) more character- than plot-driven, but the story was also a fun ride. There is lots of swashbucklin', smoochin', and shady spells. There is violence (I mean, it's a book about swordfighting) and drug addiction. Keeping my cautionary note in the previous paragraph in mind, I enjoyed it.
Key words to help you decide: multiple (third-person) POVs, smooching, down-with-the-system, rich vs. poor, unhealthy relationships, queer MC, autistic MC, swashbuckling, duelling, fantasy drug addiction
I've seen the book described as grimdark with lots of smooching, but I would actually say that parts of it were kind of... cozy? For the most part, we stay in the same place, accompanying characters down the same streets, sort of doing variations of the same thing. There are dark themes—the system itself is a sham, and the people in power are dicks—but the tone didn't feel dark.
What was interesting to me was how characters navigated the madness of their lives. John, Edwin, and Aubrey each have their struggles, and while their friends might not wholly understand, they are still willing to learn. I liked that. Sometimes people make mistakes, friends say stupid things. I think this book does a good job of highlighting that communication doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be there.
That said, I do want to point out that John and Edwin have an unhealthy relationship that plays a big role in the book, and there were moments that made it uncomfortable to read. Ultimately, it didn't bother me too much (I generally don't like relationships in books, lol), but some parts—like the constant boundary crossing that, while addressed and called out, is still very much there—might not vibe. I know toxic dynamics may be triggering for some readers, especially those who might not expect them to play such a central role, so I do think it is important to point out.
The book is (to me) more character- than plot-driven, but the story was also a fun ride. There is lots of swashbucklin', smoochin', and shady spells. There is violence (I mean, it's a book about swordfighting) and drug addiction. Keeping my cautionary note in the previous paragraph in mind, I enjoyed it.
Key words to help you decide: multiple (third-person) POVs, smooching, down-with-the-system, rich vs. poor, unhealthy relationships, queer MC, autistic MC, swashbuckling, duelling, fantasy drug addiction
February 23, 2022
The Sword in the Street is C.M. Caplan’s debut novel and was a 2021 SPFBO semi-finalist. Interesting characters, well-written prose, and fun sword fights make this book one that is definitely worth reading.
There are three main characters, as well as a host of side characters. John is the sword for hire who is barely (and sometimes not) making ends meet. Edwin is John’s boyfriend who appears to be neurodivergent in some way (though that is not explicitly stated). He is emotionally and physically dependent on John and on his parents as they send him the medication he takes to help him stay focused. Then there is Aubrey, who is Edwin’s friend and classmate. She serves as a bit of a catalyst for both Edwin and John at certain times in the story.
This novel is extremely character-driven, as the narrative alternates between John’s and Edwin’s perspectives (Aubrey does not get her own). The reader often gets to know exactly what they are thinking and is exposed to man intimate moments (funny, when I say “intimate” I usually mean “closeness” and not necessarily “sexual”, but in this book it I mean it in both ways). Spending every word of the book inside the heads of these two characters drives a connection with them that is strong. This can be a risky writing strategy, because if readers do not like the characters then it can really turn them off; in my opinion, though, Caplan pulls it off. I liked spending time with John and Edwin (and Aubrey when she makes and appearance), and so I enjoyed the read. Do not get me wrong, none of them are perfect. They all have their flaws, and those blemishes have a way of standing out. But, to me that only increases the strength of the connection. Clearly, the characters are a highlight of the book.
The other aspect of the story that I really appreciated were the sword fights. It is just plain fun to see people going at each other with steel. I really like that they mostly take place in a dueling scenario, also. It is great to read about bloody, violent wars in fantasy novels, but sometimes it is nice to get some steel on steel action where sword skills are most important and everyone walks away with their lives. Add in the political and social class machinations that go along with being a swordsman, and that goes along way toward increasing the intrigue present in the overall narrative. This whole situation is a definite plus.
As for drawbacks, I thought the magic used by a few of the characters was a bit random. There was not much explanation, and I honestly think the story did not really need it. Also, I was not always a huge fan of the dialogue. There were times when I thought discussions between characters seemed out of place, but then others when it contributed to the nature of the familiarity the reader has with them.
Overall, The Sword in the Street is a well-written novel. I liked the closeness I felt to the characters and enjoyed the sword fighting, as well. For those who find the synopsis interesting, I would definitely recommend picking it up.
There are three main characters, as well as a host of side characters. John is the sword for hire who is barely (and sometimes not) making ends meet. Edwin is John’s boyfriend who appears to be neurodivergent in some way (though that is not explicitly stated). He is emotionally and physically dependent on John and on his parents as they send him the medication he takes to help him stay focused. Then there is Aubrey, who is Edwin’s friend and classmate. She serves as a bit of a catalyst for both Edwin and John at certain times in the story.
This novel is extremely character-driven, as the narrative alternates between John’s and Edwin’s perspectives (Aubrey does not get her own). The reader often gets to know exactly what they are thinking and is exposed to man intimate moments (funny, when I say “intimate” I usually mean “closeness” and not necessarily “sexual”, but in this book it I mean it in both ways). Spending every word of the book inside the heads of these two characters drives a connection with them that is strong. This can be a risky writing strategy, because if readers do not like the characters then it can really turn them off; in my opinion, though, Caplan pulls it off. I liked spending time with John and Edwin (and Aubrey when she makes and appearance), and so I enjoyed the read. Do not get me wrong, none of them are perfect. They all have their flaws, and those blemishes have a way of standing out. But, to me that only increases the strength of the connection. Clearly, the characters are a highlight of the book.
The other aspect of the story that I really appreciated were the sword fights. It is just plain fun to see people going at each other with steel. I really like that they mostly take place in a dueling scenario, also. It is great to read about bloody, violent wars in fantasy novels, but sometimes it is nice to get some steel on steel action where sword skills are most important and everyone walks away with their lives. Add in the political and social class machinations that go along with being a swordsman, and that goes along way toward increasing the intrigue present in the overall narrative. This whole situation is a definite plus.
As for drawbacks, I thought the magic used by a few of the characters was a bit random. There was not much explanation, and I honestly think the story did not really need it. Also, I was not always a huge fan of the dialogue. There were times when I thought discussions between characters seemed out of place, but then others when it contributed to the nature of the familiarity the reader has with them.
Overall, The Sword in the Street is a well-written novel. I liked the closeness I felt to the characters and enjoyed the sword fighting, as well. For those who find the synopsis interesting, I would definitely recommend picking it up.
February 24, 2021
Welcome to a city where noble houses jostle for prominence, their disputes settled by hired swordsmen. The story follows one of them and his lover, a university student-
Excuse me, I believe I can hear Morrissey serenading me. Yes, I have heard this one before and so have you. Yet, we haven’t.
The Sword in the Street does pay a very obvious homage to Swordspoint. However, this is no more a copy than The First Law was a copy of The Belgariad. Rather, just like the comparable, it is a book that riffs off a predecessor to start a conversation with it and the genre in general. Where is the contrast? Ellen Kushner once described Richard and Alec as her mad, bad boys and in my eyes, with John and Edwin, Caplan is asking how do you fix a mad, bad society.
The swordsman John is seeking the one big fight that will take him out of poverty and the Dregs; the student Edwin gets sucked into a plan to change the way the nobility change duels, through a mix of sigil magic and their own laws. Their personal relationship starts solid if occasionally fraught due to two strong personalities who see-saw on compromises, but those get harder and harder as their goals consume them. The plot centres on these two and I have to say there’s times where we’d seen more characters given a PoV, as I think it would have both widened and deepened the story. I complained about the Noble arcs as bit frothy in Swordspoint but, in not at all Goldilocks fashion, here I could have used more froth.
Speaking of Swordspoint, I must make another comparison to establish my context for reviewing this book. I like my fantasy more than a touch escapist, a diversion from reality as well as confrontation. Swordspoint managed that balance exceedingly well for me; The Sword in the Street is far more confrontation and as such, less me.
Despite that I enjoyed it. Caplan has a clean, laconic prose style that flows easily while allowing for a few poetic flourishes. He writes a tight plot that uses both conflict and mystery as a pull, and that wrongfooted me to my joy on one big occasion. His worldbuilding is in depth and I particularly enjoyed the conceits of sigils (drawn from Chaos Magick) and the last names (John Chronicler, Lordess Triumph, Madam Sway). There’s a lot of fight scenes and Caplan goes very in depth with his swordsman’s thoughts, which I appreciate, although it sometimes doesn’t work.
I think why it doesn’t work is due to sheer volume and I think to an extent we saw variations on some scenes over and over is something I wish the author had done different. Because we’re so focused on John and Edwin, their personal scenes, and John’s fights, take up a lot of the book. I mentioned wishing we had more PoVs, more width to the story. This is part of why. I also think it would have made the cast more colourful. There were times where John and Edwin felt similar in their thoughts; letting us see inside the mind of Lordess Triumph, or Edwin’s friend and would-be duelist Aubrey, or some of the dockers might have increased my ability to see the differences.
If Caplan’s characters had connected with me, the Lordess wouldn’t be the only triumph here. As it is, I’m not entirely sure how I rate it, but it’s good. It’s sometimes intense, sometimes sad, always heartfelt. It’s polished and thought-provoking. Readers will connect with that if it reaches them. I have not yet brought up representation but it is filled with well-drawn examples that will be a big plus for some; there is John and Edwin’s relationship and Edwin is himself autistic (Caplan himself is mentally disabled). I can definitely think of a few fellow readers who I think will really appreciate this and who I’ll be pushing this towards.
As for me, I’ll be looking forwards to the next one.
(This is an ARC copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)
Excuse me, I believe I can hear Morrissey serenading me. Yes, I have heard this one before and so have you. Yet, we haven’t.
The Sword in the Street does pay a very obvious homage to Swordspoint. However, this is no more a copy than The First Law was a copy of The Belgariad. Rather, just like the comparable, it is a book that riffs off a predecessor to start a conversation with it and the genre in general. Where is the contrast? Ellen Kushner once described Richard and Alec as her mad, bad boys and in my eyes, with John and Edwin, Caplan is asking how do you fix a mad, bad society.
The swordsman John is seeking the one big fight that will take him out of poverty and the Dregs; the student Edwin gets sucked into a plan to change the way the nobility change duels, through a mix of sigil magic and their own laws. Their personal relationship starts solid if occasionally fraught due to two strong personalities who see-saw on compromises, but those get harder and harder as their goals consume them. The plot centres on these two and I have to say there’s times where we’d seen more characters given a PoV, as I think it would have both widened and deepened the story. I complained about the Noble arcs as bit frothy in Swordspoint but, in not at all Goldilocks fashion, here I could have used more froth.
Speaking of Swordspoint, I must make another comparison to establish my context for reviewing this book. I like my fantasy more than a touch escapist, a diversion from reality as well as confrontation. Swordspoint managed that balance exceedingly well for me; The Sword in the Street is far more confrontation and as such, less me.
Despite that I enjoyed it. Caplan has a clean, laconic prose style that flows easily while allowing for a few poetic flourishes. He writes a tight plot that uses both conflict and mystery as a pull, and that wrongfooted me to my joy on one big occasion. His worldbuilding is in depth and I particularly enjoyed the conceits of sigils (drawn from Chaos Magick) and the last names (John Chronicler, Lordess Triumph, Madam Sway). There’s a lot of fight scenes and Caplan goes very in depth with his swordsman’s thoughts, which I appreciate, although it sometimes doesn’t work.
I think why it doesn’t work is due to sheer volume and I think to an extent we saw variations on some scenes over and over is something I wish the author had done different. Because we’re so focused on John and Edwin, their personal scenes, and John’s fights, take up a lot of the book. I mentioned wishing we had more PoVs, more width to the story. This is part of why. I also think it would have made the cast more colourful. There were times where John and Edwin felt similar in their thoughts; letting us see inside the mind of Lordess Triumph, or Edwin’s friend and would-be duelist Aubrey, or some of the dockers might have increased my ability to see the differences.
If Caplan’s characters had connected with me, the Lordess wouldn’t be the only triumph here. As it is, I’m not entirely sure how I rate it, but it’s good. It’s sometimes intense, sometimes sad, always heartfelt. It’s polished and thought-provoking. Readers will connect with that if it reaches them. I have not yet brought up representation but it is filled with well-drawn examples that will be a big plus for some; there is John and Edwin’s relationship and Edwin is himself autistic (Caplan himself is mentally disabled). I can definitely think of a few fellow readers who I think will really appreciate this and who I’ll be pushing this towards.
As for me, I’ll be looking forwards to the next one.
(This is an ARC copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)
June 19, 2021
The Sword in the Street is the debut novel from indie author C.M. Caplan. Before we get into the review, I do want to mention that Connor is a reviewer here on FanFiAddict and a personal friend of mine. However, I don’t think that either of those things influenced my review in any way. The Sword in the Street has been one of the hardest books for me to review. I’ve been putting it off for a while now, fiddling with the draft over and over. Not because I don’t have anything to say about it or that it was bad in any way. If anything, maybe it’s because I am too close to it. It was a very emotional read for me. Not only have I been going through a lot in my personal life, but I also just related to the characters so damn much. I’ve been putting off this review because I have too much to say, I feel too much about it. Hopefully, by the time this review is published, I will have collected my thoughts into something resembling a coherent review.
The Sword in the Street is a self published, low fantasy, Dickensian novel set in a pre-industrial European-esque world. It’s not a very plot-centric tale, instead focusing on the characters themselves and how they navigate this world that is determined and designed to keep them down. In fact, I might even label this as a slice of life story. Disputes between the nobles are settled by way of duel, a semi-religious affair where a pair of sponsored swordsmen fight to various states of injury. This sponsorship, as well as his lowborn status and a strange sense of loyalty, has led John Chronicle to being nothing more than an indentured servant, scrabbling to make ends meet. His patron, Lordess Triumph, like all of the nobles, views everything based on the profit it can bring her—and John’s profit margins are growing slimmer by the day. Patronage doesn’t only apply to the swordsmen employed by the noble houses, but extends out to every worker in the city. This ensures that those in Hillside stay in power and those in the Dregs stay in their place of servitude. It’s a grim world and one in which John is desperately trying to escape. His boyfriend Edwin, however was born into wealth and wants for nothing while his parents pay for his education and provide a monthly stipend for him to live on. Caplan gives a thorough examination of the hardships that come from this disparity in wealth and it feels almost a step away from reality.
“Some legends are just twisted truth; the things you get when you smudge the ink that writes the histories.”
There are many things that I can talk about in this review, but the thing that Caplan excels at is his character work. I can definitively say that I have never read a more realistic portrayal of mental health in a work of fiction. Edwin is autistic and has John is probably suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Caplan takes his readers inside the mind of both of these characters and we see firsthand the inner turmoil that these conditions cause. I, myself, am autistic and I see so much of myself reflected in Edwin and I know that Caplan is writing from experience because the representation is so authentic. To see myself so accurately portrayed on the page was so immensely validating to me that I can’t stop thinking about Edwin.
Speaking of representation, John and Edwin are gay and, like their mental health, it’s not a plot device or contrivance, but it just is. Their relationship is front and center and is, arguably, the main focus of the story, however it’s not fetishized or used in a way that belittles it. John and Edwin love each other and the world sees them as just another couple. It’s refreshing and I wish more authors would take this stance. After all, it’s fantasy; it’s all literally made up, so why can’t we make more worlds where non-heterosexual relationships are normalized? John and Edwin’s relationship is not an easy one for either to navigate. Between John’s obsession with escaping poverty and Edwin’s disability, their relationship is fraught with disagreement and misunderstanding. Neither are good with communication, John being somewhat self-centered and Edwin having a difficult time understand the subtleties, and they each try to give the other what they they think they need, often to disastrous results.
“The (sic) only way to make it right is to try and be better. Then you fail and try again. But you can’t do that if you’re caught up worrying over what’s already done, and what’s already done is not evil.”
There are only a few small gripes that I have with The Sword in the Street and they all have to do with the worldbuilding. The city felt real, with the rich literally living above the poor, but Caplan’s over reliance on using directions when navigating the city (i.e. X turned down Broad Street, then took a right at Main) just left me confused instead of grounding it further. This is a situation where a map might have helped, or maybe just more descriptive writing. Additionally, the magic system ended up a little nebulous in my mind. I understand the basics of how it was explained, but I wish there was a closer look at how it works, its uses, etc. In the end, these are small complaints that don’t affect the book because they’re not things that are central to this story.
Caplan wears his influences on his sleeves and very early on I determined that one of those is undoubtedly Robin Hobb. His skill with writing believable, nuanced characters reminded me so much of Hobb that I had to message him halfway through reading The Sword in the Street just to let him know. While the worldbuilding is a bit on the slim side, the novel really shines when Caplan dives deep into the emotions and internal thoughts of the characters. John and Edwin’s relationship is equal parts beautiful and tragic and their persistence to become who the other needs was wonderful to witness, even when they were making the wrong choices for the right reasons. Even though there were a few things that felt a little underdeveloped, I really loved The Sword in the Street and I hope that this review conveys that in some small way.
The Sword in the Street is a self published, low fantasy, Dickensian novel set in a pre-industrial European-esque world. It’s not a very plot-centric tale, instead focusing on the characters themselves and how they navigate this world that is determined and designed to keep them down. In fact, I might even label this as a slice of life story. Disputes between the nobles are settled by way of duel, a semi-religious affair where a pair of sponsored swordsmen fight to various states of injury. This sponsorship, as well as his lowborn status and a strange sense of loyalty, has led John Chronicle to being nothing more than an indentured servant, scrabbling to make ends meet. His patron, Lordess Triumph, like all of the nobles, views everything based on the profit it can bring her—and John’s profit margins are growing slimmer by the day. Patronage doesn’t only apply to the swordsmen employed by the noble houses, but extends out to every worker in the city. This ensures that those in Hillside stay in power and those in the Dregs stay in their place of servitude. It’s a grim world and one in which John is desperately trying to escape. His boyfriend Edwin, however was born into wealth and wants for nothing while his parents pay for his education and provide a monthly stipend for him to live on. Caplan gives a thorough examination of the hardships that come from this disparity in wealth and it feels almost a step away from reality.
“Some legends are just twisted truth; the things you get when you smudge the ink that writes the histories.”
There are many things that I can talk about in this review, but the thing that Caplan excels at is his character work. I can definitively say that I have never read a more realistic portrayal of mental health in a work of fiction. Edwin is autistic and has John is probably suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Caplan takes his readers inside the mind of both of these characters and we see firsthand the inner turmoil that these conditions cause. I, myself, am autistic and I see so much of myself reflected in Edwin and I know that Caplan is writing from experience because the representation is so authentic. To see myself so accurately portrayed on the page was so immensely validating to me that I can’t stop thinking about Edwin.
Speaking of representation, John and Edwin are gay and, like their mental health, it’s not a plot device or contrivance, but it just is. Their relationship is front and center and is, arguably, the main focus of the story, however it’s not fetishized or used in a way that belittles it. John and Edwin love each other and the world sees them as just another couple. It’s refreshing and I wish more authors would take this stance. After all, it’s fantasy; it’s all literally made up, so why can’t we make more worlds where non-heterosexual relationships are normalized? John and Edwin’s relationship is not an easy one for either to navigate. Between John’s obsession with escaping poverty and Edwin’s disability, their relationship is fraught with disagreement and misunderstanding. Neither are good with communication, John being somewhat self-centered and Edwin having a difficult time understand the subtleties, and they each try to give the other what they they think they need, often to disastrous results.
“The (sic) only way to make it right is to try and be better. Then you fail and try again. But you can’t do that if you’re caught up worrying over what’s already done, and what’s already done is not evil.”
There are only a few small gripes that I have with The Sword in the Street and they all have to do with the worldbuilding. The city felt real, with the rich literally living above the poor, but Caplan’s over reliance on using directions when navigating the city (i.e. X turned down Broad Street, then took a right at Main) just left me confused instead of grounding it further. This is a situation where a map might have helped, or maybe just more descriptive writing. Additionally, the magic system ended up a little nebulous in my mind. I understand the basics of how it was explained, but I wish there was a closer look at how it works, its uses, etc. In the end, these are small complaints that don’t affect the book because they’re not things that are central to this story.
Caplan wears his influences on his sleeves and very early on I determined that one of those is undoubtedly Robin Hobb. His skill with writing believable, nuanced characters reminded me so much of Hobb that I had to message him halfway through reading The Sword in the Street just to let him know. While the worldbuilding is a bit on the slim side, the novel really shines when Caplan dives deep into the emotions and internal thoughts of the characters. John and Edwin’s relationship is equal parts beautiful and tragic and their persistence to become who the other needs was wonderful to witness, even when they were making the wrong choices for the right reasons. Even though there were a few things that felt a little underdeveloped, I really loved The Sword in the Street and I hope that this review conveys that in some small way.
January 6, 2022
Caplan’s is a book which sucks you into its pages, leaving you feeling you know the characters intimately and don’t want to let go of them. No need to talk about the book’s action, there is ‘blurb’ for that, for me it is the characters’ inner thought processes which fully capture the attention. There is the agony of the hyper-empathetic anxieties which consume Edwin when John is duelling. And it is the sheer pain of the misunderstandings, obsessions, and feelings - circling the heads of both - which drew me into the world they are trying to survive in. It is heart-breaking to see Edwin, so in need of reciprocal love and all-to-elusive understanding, interacting with John - a man who is haunted and walled off from the world in his own need to compulsively train, fight and strive to escape from memories, ever-present debts, and the dreariness and injustice he sees around him. For me this is both a love story and a story of the struggle of two fragile yet resilient souls to survive, mentally and physically, in a world of injustice, laws-gone-mad, corruption and hand-to-mouth existence. (A creative setting which is, to some degree, reminiscent of Dickens' worlds of writs, counter-writs and lives destroyed for others’ gain.) A great book.
Read
March 2, 2021Very much a case of it wasn’t the book just me - not a style that works on me
March 6, 2021
Thank you to the author and Caffeine Book Tours for providing me with a free ARC of this book as part of my participation in this tour.
Review on 11th March 2021
Review on 11th March 2021
July 29, 2021
This book takes some familiar concepts - the love story, the social revolution - and takes them beyond the typical “happily ever after.” The main characters, John and Edwin, have to learn how to work together in their relationship long-established before the beginning of the book, and they may lead dramatic change for the society they live in but the story then goes on to explore the repercussions and effects.
The character Aubrey must be mentioned. Not relegated to being a set dressing or one-dimensional side character, Aubrey’s storyline is compelling, heartbreaking, and triumphant in turn while also giving the boys a good verbal shake as needed.
Read this book for the complicated and nuanced relationships between characters and economic philosophy. The semi-medieval setting has a fun dash of theoretical magic and LGBTQ and autistic representation in a queernorm society.
The character Aubrey must be mentioned. Not relegated to being a set dressing or one-dimensional side character, Aubrey’s storyline is compelling, heartbreaking, and triumphant in turn while also giving the boys a good verbal shake as needed.
Read this book for the complicated and nuanced relationships between characters and economic philosophy. The semi-medieval setting has a fun dash of theoretical magic and LGBTQ and autistic representation in a queernorm society.
dnf
December 3, 2021I won't rate this, as I didn't make it to the end. This isn't really a problem of the book, but about one topic of the book just rubbing me the wrong way, so I had to stop reading.
I was quite happy to have a gay romance in this, but the power imbalance between the two just triggered me all the time. One is a young man who is neurodivers, and has difficulties to socialise and read others well. The other felt like a much older world weary fighter. And the tension about the younger one asking for sex and feeling needy for it, just rubbed me the wrong way.
I am sure this is written especially to show that, and therefore it was well done. The author is neurodivers himself from what I gathered, so knows what he is writing about.
It just was really hard for me to stomach so I gave up about halfway through, even though the world was fascinating and the characters well written.
I was quite happy to have a gay romance in this, but the power imbalance between the two just triggered me all the time. One is a young man who is neurodivers, and has difficulties to socialise and read others well. The other felt like a much older world weary fighter. And the tension about the younger one asking for sex and feeling needy for it, just rubbed me the wrong way.
I am sure this is written especially to show that, and therefore it was well done. The author is neurodivers himself from what I gathered, so knows what he is writing about.
It just was really hard for me to stomach so I gave up about halfway through, even though the world was fascinating and the characters well written.
April 26, 2021
It was alright.
March 13, 2021
3.5/5
Trigger Warnings:
I received Advanced Reader’s Copies of this book from the publisher and Caffeine Book Tours as part of our participation in their tour.
Nobody seeking vengeance would want to fill in so many forms.
When Ruthsic sent me the link for the blog tour for this book I knew I'd join immediately. An indie fantasy book that features a main gay lead and his relationship with his Autistic bi partner dealing with both their harsh relationship and their society's rules changing thanks to their actions?! COUNT ME IN. It's like a candy store and I'm its only available customer on the premises. I have to applauded C. M. Caplan for writing such a complex and quite original take on the fantasy genre. I don't think I had the enjoyment to read such a book that breaks some generic tropes and gives the aspect of the magic a bit of a secondary focus while the book real crust is John and Edwin's spiraling unplanned circumstances that puts their love on this trial.
"You're more popular than you give yourself credit for," the lordess said. "The spectators like you, John. They see you as one of them. No matter how good you get, you'll always be the lowborn boy with a fighting chance."
So how about we take a step back and talk about this book pros before its con? I adore John being a survivor and trying to make a living on this unfortunate neighborhood. Coming from poverty I think is all but relatable no? Who hasn't been tormented by constant count of their savings, trying to make the best impression in a job they despise all the while trying to provide for their loved ones who is privileged kid who doesn't get this strife? John perilous journey from losing his job, to find a new meaning and a fallout with his lover was all too realistic to me. For a few times I forgotten this was intended to be a fantasy book. But Edwin's is endearing and I can see why John wanted to make a better life for himself and his beau. Edwin's upbringing despite luxurious aren't something I wish for anyone (especially with his sickening parents, omg reminds me of my mother) but he also wants to change his partner's life and why not do it by listening to your university buddie and consorted with long forgotten magical craft as Thaumaturgy? Needless to say, both of them created quite a hassle not only for their benefit but everyone, both the Hillside and the Dregs, have to deal with it. I love how two unknown people could spark the evolution and change everything their everyday once was into this catastrophic change of events. Nobody planned in advance, everyone got damaged by John's vigilantism and Edwin's little magic parley and now we all suffer from the results and it's tastier then a delicious fruitful tangerine on a hot summer day.
John folded his arms. "I'm not interested in losing."
"John!" Edwin's voice was raw from shouting. "We can change the very laws of this entire country if you'd just listen to me!"
But then what is my biggest grips with this novel? To put it simply, the world building. I felt so confused so many times like I was missing an episode to a series I've been marathoning by accident and now I'm missing this crucial lore that would make everything logical. I don't think it was Caplan's intention to make the setting so ambiguous for us readers to explore but when you leave some aspects of the world aside and focus on the story and characters that's not necessarily bad. He clearly wanted to show us this epic tale of two lovers but how we get there and why everything is happening this why is what troubles me. It's like baking a cake only you forgot to add the sprinkles by the end. I like the idea of this society changing, how Dickensian it felt, the illustrious tales of swordsmen and the fantastic fights, the thaumaturgy being utilized and used by Edwin and Audrey but it also was shoe-horned in but doesn't feel downright important for John or Edwin's story whatsoever. In short, it's all mixed bag of things I like about fantasy books but also its downfalls but I'm certain Caplan's next books in this series will address that.
He was a swordsman, regardless of what anybody told him. It was time he used his talents to do something worthwhile. He was tired of seeing the nobles of Hillside get away with everything.
Please go and check out The Sword in the Street. If you looking for a M/M fantasy book this one is for you. It got all that you need, good realistic couple, outstanding action, real deep drama and not to mention a refreshing plot from your everyday fantasy novel. You would not regret it and it's a debut for a whole new trilogy by an indie author.
My favorite quotes of the book were:
"Why are you asking all this, Edwin?" He wasn't sure. "I just... I didn't notice that I could be so obnoxious about touching my cock. It feels so obvious, in hindsight."
"It's okay that you're doubting," she said. "I'm never quite sure of it myself. I don't know if we'll ever be sure. If you had proof of magic, well... that wouldn't be very magical, would it? Can something still be magic when you know the rules?"
Edwin snorted. "You're so fucking stupid," he chuckled. "You didn't know that? Even I know that!"
"I didn't know! I thought I could put more power into my cut that way. I know now."
"Fuck. Men are stupid."
"You're a man."
"I've heard some women say that at university. Every day I wonder if they aren't right."
Trigger Warnings:
I received Advanced Reader’s Copies of this book from the publisher and Caffeine Book Tours as part of our participation in their tour.
Nobody seeking vengeance would want to fill in so many forms.
When Ruthsic sent me the link for the blog tour for this book I knew I'd join immediately. An indie fantasy book that features a main gay lead and his relationship with his Autistic bi partner dealing with both their harsh relationship and their society's rules changing thanks to their actions?! COUNT ME IN. It's like a candy store and I'm its only available customer on the premises. I have to applauded C. M. Caplan for writing such a complex and quite original take on the fantasy genre. I don't think I had the enjoyment to read such a book that breaks some generic tropes and gives the aspect of the magic a bit of a secondary focus while the book real crust is John and Edwin's spiraling unplanned circumstances that puts their love on this trial.
"You're more popular than you give yourself credit for," the lordess said. "The spectators like you, John. They see you as one of them. No matter how good you get, you'll always be the lowborn boy with a fighting chance."
So how about we take a step back and talk about this book pros before its con? I adore John being a survivor and trying to make a living on this unfortunate neighborhood. Coming from poverty I think is all but relatable no? Who hasn't been tormented by constant count of their savings, trying to make the best impression in a job they despise all the while trying to provide for their loved ones who is privileged kid who doesn't get this strife? John perilous journey from losing his job, to find a new meaning and a fallout with his lover was all too realistic to me. For a few times I forgotten this was intended to be a fantasy book. But Edwin's is endearing and I can see why John wanted to make a better life for himself and his beau. Edwin's upbringing despite luxurious aren't something I wish for anyone (especially with his sickening parents, omg reminds me of my mother) but he also wants to change his partner's life and why not do it by listening to your university buddie and consorted with long forgotten magical craft as Thaumaturgy? Needless to say, both of them created quite a hassle not only for their benefit but everyone, both the Hillside and the Dregs, have to deal with it. I love how two unknown people could spark the evolution and change everything their everyday once was into this catastrophic change of events. Nobody planned in advance, everyone got damaged by John's vigilantism and Edwin's little magic parley and now we all suffer from the results and it's tastier then a delicious fruitful tangerine on a hot summer day.
John folded his arms. "I'm not interested in losing."
"John!" Edwin's voice was raw from shouting. "We can change the very laws of this entire country if you'd just listen to me!"
But then what is my biggest grips with this novel? To put it simply, the world building. I felt so confused so many times like I was missing an episode to a series I've been marathoning by accident and now I'm missing this crucial lore that would make everything logical. I don't think it was Caplan's intention to make the setting so ambiguous for us readers to explore but when you leave some aspects of the world aside and focus on the story and characters that's not necessarily bad. He clearly wanted to show us this epic tale of two lovers but how we get there and why everything is happening this why is what troubles me. It's like baking a cake only you forgot to add the sprinkles by the end. I like the idea of this society changing, how Dickensian it felt, the illustrious tales of swordsmen and the fantastic fights, the thaumaturgy being utilized and used by Edwin and Audrey but it also was shoe-horned in but doesn't feel downright important for John or Edwin's story whatsoever. In short, it's all mixed bag of things I like about fantasy books but also its downfalls but I'm certain Caplan's next books in this series will address that.
He was a swordsman, regardless of what anybody told him. It was time he used his talents to do something worthwhile. He was tired of seeing the nobles of Hillside get away with everything.
Please go and check out The Sword in the Street. If you looking for a M/M fantasy book this one is for you. It got all that you need, good realistic couple, outstanding action, real deep drama and not to mention a refreshing plot from your everyday fantasy novel. You would not regret it and it's a debut for a whole new trilogy by an indie author.
My favorite quotes of the book were:
"Why are you asking all this, Edwin?" He wasn't sure. "I just... I didn't notice that I could be so obnoxious about touching my cock. It feels so obvious, in hindsight."
"It's okay that you're doubting," she said. "I'm never quite sure of it myself. I don't know if we'll ever be sure. If you had proof of magic, well... that wouldn't be very magical, would it? Can something still be magic when you know the rules?"
Edwin snorted. "You're so fucking stupid," he chuckled. "You didn't know that? Even I know that!"
"I didn't know! I thought I could put more power into my cut that way. I know now."
"Fuck. Men are stupid."
"You're a man."
"I've heard some women say that at university. Every day I wonder if they aren't right."
January 13, 2022
So what would you expect a book called
The Sword In The Street
to be about? Well, C.M. Caplan has written a book that is much more than that.
Rather than the dark heroic tale of the fierce knight battling the forces of evil to save the kingdom, what his book provides is a character driven queer fantasy story with a medieval setting. Caplan uses the story to delve into real topics and issues in a way you may not expect from a fantasy tale. Yes of course there is swordplay, and even some blood, but there is much more than that.
Sword , at its heart, is a story about a relationship tested by adversities.
John is a hired swordsman serving at the pleasure of his patron Lordess Triumph. He comes from an impoverished family, orphaned as a boy and raised in a house of ill repute. Though John has trained for years and fights and wins repeatedly for his patron, her miserly pay has left him trapped in poverty.
His boyfriend Edwin comes from a well to do family of the merchant class. Edwin is autistic and without the use of the Ash (a smoked drug) he suffers severe anxiety and irrational fear. His family doesn’t really know what to do with Edwin, and they and Edwin don’t get along. So, they’ve packed him off to university and provide him only a modest allowance.
Though John and Edwin have been together for a couple of years, they don’t always see eye to eye. John loves being a swordsman but Edwin fears for his safety each time he duels. Money is a constant issue. Edwin has the single minded desires of a young man and looks to John to fulfill his needs. John leaves work tired each day and is less interested in sex than Edwin. See what I mean about real topics and issues?
Beyond John and Edwin there is Aubrey, Edwin’s college friend. Aubrey suffers with her own issues, having been raped at the hands of one of the Lords and coping, in part, through self harm.
One day during his college studies Edwin comes across a forgotten law. Aubrey helps Edwin put his discovery before the Wise Masters of the university. They believe it should still be enforced, and press their case with the Council. This change threatens to upend society and endanger John’s livelihood. Suddenly John, Edwin and their friends are all thrown into a growing cycle of deceit and intrigue - a cycle that tests John and Edwin’s relationship.
While the characters and their interactions are sympathetic and well developed, they inhabit a world that is only partly revealed. We get just enough of their medieval-style city to suffice for the story. But there is enough there to have piqued my curiosity, making me want to learn more. I do know that Caplan has plans for further books set in this world, and I am looking forward to reading them.
I really enjoyed this book. John and Edwin, though they have their own unique problems, typify the trials and dynamics of a long term relationship in realistic terms. They and Aubrey are so well written that you easily get drawn into their struggles and are rooting for them to succeed. I give The Sword In The Street Four Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐.
NOTE: I received a review copy from the author and Escapist Tours in exchange for participating in the tour and providing a fair and unbiased review.
Rather than the dark heroic tale of the fierce knight battling the forces of evil to save the kingdom, what his book provides is a character driven queer fantasy story with a medieval setting. Caplan uses the story to delve into real topics and issues in a way you may not expect from a fantasy tale. Yes of course there is swordplay, and even some blood, but there is much more than that.
Sword , at its heart, is a story about a relationship tested by adversities.
John is a hired swordsman serving at the pleasure of his patron Lordess Triumph. He comes from an impoverished family, orphaned as a boy and raised in a house of ill repute. Though John has trained for years and fights and wins repeatedly for his patron, her miserly pay has left him trapped in poverty.
His boyfriend Edwin comes from a well to do family of the merchant class. Edwin is autistic and without the use of the Ash (a smoked drug) he suffers severe anxiety and irrational fear. His family doesn’t really know what to do with Edwin, and they and Edwin don’t get along. So, they’ve packed him off to university and provide him only a modest allowance.
Though John and Edwin have been together for a couple of years, they don’t always see eye to eye. John loves being a swordsman but Edwin fears for his safety each time he duels. Money is a constant issue. Edwin has the single minded desires of a young man and looks to John to fulfill his needs. John leaves work tired each day and is less interested in sex than Edwin. See what I mean about real topics and issues?
Beyond John and Edwin there is Aubrey, Edwin’s college friend. Aubrey suffers with her own issues, having been raped at the hands of one of the Lords and coping, in part, through self harm.
One day during his college studies Edwin comes across a forgotten law. Aubrey helps Edwin put his discovery before the Wise Masters of the university. They believe it should still be enforced, and press their case with the Council. This change threatens to upend society and endanger John’s livelihood. Suddenly John, Edwin and their friends are all thrown into a growing cycle of deceit and intrigue - a cycle that tests John and Edwin’s relationship.
While the characters and their interactions are sympathetic and well developed, they inhabit a world that is only partly revealed. We get just enough of their medieval-style city to suffice for the story. But there is enough there to have piqued my curiosity, making me want to learn more. I do know that Caplan has plans for further books set in this world, and I am looking forward to reading them.
I really enjoyed this book. John and Edwin, though they have their own unique problems, typify the trials and dynamics of a long term relationship in realistic terms. They and Aubrey are so well written that you easily get drawn into their struggles and are rooting for them to succeed. I give The Sword In The Street Four Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐.
NOTE: I received a review copy from the author and Escapist Tours in exchange for participating in the tour and providing a fair and unbiased review.
May 26, 2021
1.5/5 Normally I'd be pumping my fists to see a high fantasy explore aneurotypical characters and established queer relationships. And while I genuinely love the empathy and sentiment behind the writing, I found most of it overlong and flat and just plain boring, with the plot blurred into murkiness. I can see the author's influences, but, for this debut, at least, they don't really gel together into anything super cohesive or interesting.
January 29, 2023
I enjoyed the sword play aspect of the story. I enjoyed the portrayal of diverse characters and the m/m relationship. I found the general storyline interesting, especially the duels and the way the action was written.
I found the world building was lacking though, which made things hard to follow at times and hard to see the significance of things as the author may have intended. This was where the book needed most improvement for me.
I found the world building was lacking though, which made things hard to follow at times and hard to see the significance of things as the author may have intended. This was where the book needed most improvement for me.
April 23, 2023
This book was very difficult for me. It’s told in dual POV: John, a swordsman for hire, and Edwin, a student. They are both neurodivergent (John is autistic, Edwin has ADHD), which automatically made them more relatable to me than most characters in fiction. Also, they both live at the bottom of the world that doesn’t care about them, both are subjected to financial abuse and gaslighting from people who have power over them (and in Edwin’s case, it’s his parents).
This is very much a “man-against-the-world” type of book. There isn’t a great villain to conquest, and even though John duels many people throughout the book, his ultimate victory doesn’t come from a fight.
That’s why I give the book 5 stars. I’m glad I read it, and I found many passages that reflected my own experiences, but I don’t think I’d like to read it again.
This is very much a “man-against-the-world” type of book. There isn’t a great villain to conquest, and even though John duels many people throughout the book, his ultimate victory doesn’t come from a fight.
That’s why I give the book 5 stars. I’m glad I read it, and I found many passages that reflected my own experiences, but I don’t think I’d like to read it again.
March 20, 2022
Holy wow, folks.
This book was amazing. The setting had a Captain Alatriste/Gutterprayer hybrid vibe that checked all my boxes. The characters were deeply real and flawed and strove and failed and flailed and.. I have *never* connected with a character in any book ever as much as I did in this one. Ever. And I've read a lot of books, folks.
I love that this story didn't shy from the dark and gritty realities but somehow managed to keep a thread of light and hope that pulled me along. I smiled, I chuckled, I got teary eyed, I wanted to shake John Chronicle by the throat on more than several occasions.
You get everything in this book: politics/class struggle, slice-of-life, magic, relationships, mental health, growth on personal and society levels. I am blown away by how much I truly love this book.
This book was amazing. The setting had a Captain Alatriste/Gutterprayer hybrid vibe that checked all my boxes. The characters were deeply real and flawed and strove and failed and flailed and.. I have *never* connected with a character in any book ever as much as I did in this one. Ever. And I've read a lot of books, folks.
I love that this story didn't shy from the dark and gritty realities but somehow managed to keep a thread of light and hope that pulled me along. I smiled, I chuckled, I got teary eyed, I wanted to shake John Chronicle by the throat on more than several occasions.
You get everything in this book: politics/class struggle, slice-of-life, magic, relationships, mental health, growth on personal and society levels. I am blown away by how much I truly love this book.
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