Book : The Ragpicker King
/YA,Fantasy/
Publication date : March 4th 2025
Blurb:
Kel Saren, body double to Conor, crown prince of the dazzling city of Castellane, is caught between two worlds. In order to protect his beloved prince, Kel must find the culprits responsible for a massacre at the royal palace—and the only clues are held by the Ragpicker King, the notorious criminal who rules Castellane’s underworld. The trail Kel follows leads back to the Hill, where among decadent nobles and glittering parties a dark conspiracy to destroy the royal family has taken hold—a conspiracy headed up by the monstrous Artal Gremont, the man engaged to marry the woman Kel adores.
Meanwhile, Lin Caster must face the aftermath of the greatest risk she’s ever taken. To save the life of a dying friend, Lin has falsely claimed to be the Goddess Reborn, the legendary heroine destined to save her people. Now the terrifying—but strangely magnetic—leader of her people has arrived to test her powers. The price of failure is exile, and only through her alliance with the Ragpicker King can she continue to access the magic that may save her.
Then Prince Conor reappears in her life, demanding that she use her healing powers to cure the madness of his father, the King. Lin soon realizes the King is gripped by an ancient and terrible magic, one whose lure she cannot deny any more than she can deny her growing passion for Conor.
As the simmering tensions in Castellane reach a fever pitch, Lin and Kel must decide who to trust when any false move means death—or worse.
My thoughts:
I was in love with the Shadowhunters world that she created, so when the Sword Catcher was announced and that it will be a set in a new world, naturally I was excited and was not surprised that the book delivered AND more!
The Ragpicker King, as book two of The Chronicles of Castellane, was a wonderful continuation of the story and solidified for me the amazing qualities for storytelling and the world building of Cassandra Clare no matter the world she chooses.
Intriguing politics, espionage that keeps you on edge, and a beautifully built romance between the characters that makes you get through all the emotions with them.
As I mentioned, the writing style vividly brought to life everything around you with such a detailed description, like you were there with them. At moments, a little too descriptive but not to the point of bothering you, and for me, that was part of the distinguished charm of both books of the series.
As always, my brain can't refrain from picking a favorite, and for me, this time, it was Kel. All the characters were so complex with their emotions and secrets that made them what they are, but Kel, I felt closest to my heart. And the plot twists were made in such a way that you absolutely didn't see them coming.
Love the series and definitely will follow what's coming next for them!
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