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The Chronicles of Castellane #2
The Ragpicker King
In the epic follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Sword Catcher, praised by George R. R. Martin as “everything I look for in fantasy,� Lin and Kel must chart a perilous course between love and lies.
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.
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.
557 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2025
1,964 people are currently reading
50.2k people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Clare
208books275kfollowersCassandra Clare was born to American parents in Tehran, Iran and spent much of her childhood travelling the world with her family, including one trek through the Himalayas as a toddler where she spent a month living in her father’s backpack. She lived in France, England and Switzerland before she was ten years old.
Since her family moved around so much she found familiarity in books and went everywhere with a book under her arm. She spent her high school years in Los Angeles where she used to write stories to amuse her classmates, including an epic novel called “The Beautiful Cassandra� based on a Jane Austen short story of the same name (and which later inspired her current pen name).
After college, Cassie lived in Los Angeles and New York where she worked at various entertainment magazines and even some rather suspect tabloids where she reported on Brad and Angelina’s world travels and Britney Spears� wardrobe malfunctions. She started working on her YA novel, City of Bones, in 2004, inspired by the urban landscape of Manhattan, her favourite city. She turned to writing fantasy fiction full time in 2006 and hopes never to have to write about Paris Hilton again.
Cassie’s first professional writing sale was a short story called “The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord� in a Baen anthology of humor fantasy. Cassie hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines.
City of Bones was her first novel. Sword Catcher is her most recent novel.
Since her family moved around so much she found familiarity in books and went everywhere with a book under her arm. She spent her high school years in Los Angeles where she used to write stories to amuse her classmates, including an epic novel called “The Beautiful Cassandra� based on a Jane Austen short story of the same name (and which later inspired her current pen name).
After college, Cassie lived in Los Angeles and New York where she worked at various entertainment magazines and even some rather suspect tabloids where she reported on Brad and Angelina’s world travels and Britney Spears� wardrobe malfunctions. She started working on her YA novel, City of Bones, in 2004, inspired by the urban landscape of Manhattan, her favourite city. She turned to writing fantasy fiction full time in 2006 and hopes never to have to write about Paris Hilton again.
Cassie’s first professional writing sale was a short story called “The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord� in a Baen anthology of humor fantasy. Cassie hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines.
City of Bones was her first novel. Sword Catcher is her most recent novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,597 reviews
March 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ The last 100 pages in this go absolutely CRAZY !!!!!!
Edit: literally been sat staring at a wall for 2 hours like I’m still in shock. Need book 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Edit: literally been sat staring at a wall for 2 hours like I’m still in shock. Need book 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Want to read
March 17, 2021I wonder.
Why is the average rating for this 2.73 when the 1st book hasn't even come out yet???😶
Why is the average rating for this 2.73 when the 1st book hasn't even come out yet???😶
March 28, 2025
WTF JUST HAPPENED?!?!? 😭😭
I AM LOSING MY MIND. THE LAST 15% OF THIS BOOK??! INSANE. CHAOS. I AM TERRIFIED. WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT??!?!
Okay, let’s back up. I have so many qualms with this book. First of all, WHY is it so long when NOTHING HAPPENS for 80% of it, and then BOOM, in the last few chapters, EVERYTHING GOES UP IN FLAMES?? Also, why are the chapters SO LONG?! My attention span is suffering 😭
BUT WAIT. LET’S TALK ABOUT THE ROMANCE. We actually get more romance here, which I appreciate� but also I AM SCARED.
Kel & Antonetta??? FLAT. ZERO development. They have one scene and then� nothing. It was like Clare just threw them together because they had to be paired up. And LIN & CONOR?????
I HAD HIGH HOPES FOR THEM. AND NOW I AM SO CONFUSED. 😭
Listen, I DO NOT trust Conor. Not one bit. This man had the AUDACITY to ask Lin to be his mistress because, "Oh no, my duty, I can't marry you,"—LIKE EXCUSE ME?! Sir, just say you want your cake and to eat it too. I don’t know what it is about MMCs in royal books thinking this is a valid offer but IT GIVES ME THE BIGGEST ICK. And Lin says no, and then suddenly Conor FLIPS A SWITCH??? Like one paragraph later, he turns into this completely different version of himself and I AM NOT OKAY.
The way he treated Kel broke me. MY LOVE KEL 😭. Lin and Kel deserve so much better than whatever mess Conor is on right now. The epilogue kind of gives me hope that Conor might be playing a long game� but IDK. If this man actually turns full villain, it will be the first time I’ve experienced the emotional devastation of being BETRAYED by a fantasy male lead in real time. LIKE, I KNOW IT HAPPENS�(Adam from Shatter Me, Tamlin from ACOTAR even tho I never read it but I KNOW THE LORE)—but with those guys, I was prepared. I KNEW. THIS ONE? I AM LIVING THE UNCERTAINTY RIGHT NOW AND I HATE IT.
ALSO WASN’T THIS SUPPOSED TO BE A DUOLOGY?!?! WHY IS IT A TRILOGY NOW?? The plot barely moved and yet we are getting another book?? MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.
� Final Thoughts �
� This book stressed me out.
� I still don’t trust Conor.
� Kel is suffering and so am I.
� Lin deserved better.
� Why did this book exist if it was just setup for book three??
� The epilogue gives me hope but also I AM STILL TERRIFIED.
Will I read the next book?? OBVIOUSLY. I need to know how this mess unfolds. 😭
Rating: 3 stars, but mostly bc I need THERAPY after that ending. 😭
I AM LOSING MY MIND. THE LAST 15% OF THIS BOOK??! INSANE. CHAOS. I AM TERRIFIED. WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT??!?!
Okay, let’s back up. I have so many qualms with this book. First of all, WHY is it so long when NOTHING HAPPENS for 80% of it, and then BOOM, in the last few chapters, EVERYTHING GOES UP IN FLAMES?? Also, why are the chapters SO LONG?! My attention span is suffering 😭
BUT WAIT. LET’S TALK ABOUT THE ROMANCE. We actually get more romance here, which I appreciate� but also I AM SCARED.
Kel & Antonetta??? FLAT. ZERO development. They have one scene and then� nothing. It was like Clare just threw them together because they had to be paired up. And LIN & CONOR?????
I HAD HIGH HOPES FOR THEM. AND NOW I AM SO CONFUSED. 😭
Listen, I DO NOT trust Conor. Not one bit. This man had the AUDACITY to ask Lin to be his mistress because, "Oh no, my duty, I can't marry you,"—LIKE EXCUSE ME?! Sir, just say you want your cake and to eat it too. I don’t know what it is about MMCs in royal books thinking this is a valid offer but IT GIVES ME THE BIGGEST ICK. And Lin says no, and then suddenly Conor FLIPS A SWITCH??? Like one paragraph later, he turns into this completely different version of himself and I AM NOT OKAY.
The way he treated Kel broke me. MY LOVE KEL 😭. Lin and Kel deserve so much better than whatever mess Conor is on right now. The epilogue kind of gives me hope that Conor might be playing a long game� but IDK. If this man actually turns full villain, it will be the first time I’ve experienced the emotional devastation of being BETRAYED by a fantasy male lead in real time. LIKE, I KNOW IT HAPPENS�(Adam from Shatter Me, Tamlin from ACOTAR even tho I never read it but I KNOW THE LORE)—but with those guys, I was prepared. I KNEW. THIS ONE? I AM LIVING THE UNCERTAINTY RIGHT NOW AND I HATE IT.
ALSO WASN’T THIS SUPPOSED TO BE A DUOLOGY?!?! WHY IS IT A TRILOGY NOW?? The plot barely moved and yet we are getting another book?? MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.
� Final Thoughts �
� This book stressed me out.
� I still don’t trust Conor.
� Kel is suffering and so am I.
� Lin deserved better.
� Why did this book exist if it was just setup for book three??
� The epilogue gives me hope but also I AM STILL TERRIFIED.
Will I read the next book?? OBVIOUSLY. I need to know how this mess unfolds. 😭
Rating: 3 stars, but mostly bc I need THERAPY after that ending. 😭
March 10, 2025
This is the sequel to Sword Catcher. It can't be read as a standalone. This review contains ✨spoilers�
The book was a good read, though I felt some aspects could have been explored more like Lin’s prophetic dream of Conor torturing someone, which wasn’t explained. And Joss’s betrayal� I still need more on that. Why? How? He grew up with them and secretly hated them the whole time?. However, since there are still two more books (and possibly more), there’s a chance those elements will be developed further in the series.
That being said, I’m incredibly excited for what’s coming next. Lin going on an adventure with the Exilarch? Potential political engagement? Possible romantic tension? I can already see the angst forming, especially if Conor finds out. I was so sure we’d get jealousy scenes in this book, but we got nothing. Conor’s throwaway comment about the Exilarchs being old had me thinking, “Oh, you’re in for a surprise.� But they never even met! Robbed.
And speaking of surprises, Lin and Conor?? I did not expect them to go all the way, let alone in public, against a wall, in the rain. The way they both separately thought about a child with gray eyes was heartbreaking. Conor seemed crushed when Lin said she took Plan B (Ashkar Edition�), and it really felt like he wanted her to get pregnant because that would have tied them together forever, even if he had to marry someone else. He even offered to make her his mistress, which, wow. I had such mixed feelings about that. Lin initially saying no made sense, but then she changed her mind, and the way Conor treated her afterward was awful. I kept thinking, “Oh no, Conor turned evil. He’s out of control. Oh no, he’s going to kill Kel.� I was sure the Crawlers would rescue Kel, but nope, it was Conor himself.
And Antonetta being Prosper Beck??? That was such a wild twist. I didn’t see it coming at all. I know some people had theories, but I was completely caught off guard. I never liked Antonetta much in the first book, she felt vapid, and even when Kel said she was more than that, I wasn’t convinced. Finding out she’s Prosper Beck actually made me like her even less. Unlike most people in the Maze, she didn’t turn to crime out of necessity. She had privilege and resources but still chose to become a criminal for fun. Kel even calls her out on it, and her response is basically, “Yeah, I was spoiled and bored, so I wanted to learn how to fight.� Girl.
Lin being exiled was just unfair. She passed the test with flying colors and still got sent away. It feels like Conor and Lin are meant to mirror Adassa and Suleman, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Conor ends up getting a Source-Stone of his own, making them true equals. Maybe they’ll even get that whole family of gray-eyed babies after all. Lilibet’s going to be shocked when she finds out who her future daughter-in-law is.
Overall, this book left me with a lot of emotions, excitement, frustration, heartbreak, but mostly, I just need the next one ASAP.
Art, along with my unsolicited commentary 😏😜:
My favorite artwork ever of Conor and Lin! They’re my favorite ship ❤️🧎♀� He calls her 'sweetheart' *swoon*
Why is Antonetta so hot? For real, I low-key hate her, but I have to admit it 😔
Antonetta & Kel (poor Kel honestly deserves better 😥)
Anjelica Iruvai (I don’t like her 🤨)
Conor & Kel (They’re so parabatai-coded in this book: 'Kel? Kel, is that you?' 🥺)
Ciprian Cabrol (He was okay, kind of a lil bitch 🤣)
Conor & Lin (This is when they do it 😏😌🥵)
Aron Benjudah (AKA Ashkar Jace Herondale� 😃)
The Ragpicker King (Asher Benezar, I was shooketh 🤭).
Aron & Lin (Aren’t they cute together too? I mean, I love Conor/Lin, but you can’t deny they make a beautiful couple 🤧)
Artal Gremont (He looks like a thumb 🤢. Good thing he’s no longer among the living 💀)
Elsabet Belmany (Our resident villain, she’s crazy� can she die already? 💀 She hates Lin, so she’s my #1 enemy. No one disrespects our Ashkari Queen! 🧎♀�)
The book was a good read, though I felt some aspects could have been explored more like Lin’s prophetic dream of Conor torturing someone, which wasn’t explained. And Joss’s betrayal� I still need more on that. Why? How? He grew up with them and secretly hated them the whole time?. However, since there are still two more books (and possibly more), there’s a chance those elements will be developed further in the series.
That being said, I’m incredibly excited for what’s coming next. Lin going on an adventure with the Exilarch? Potential political engagement? Possible romantic tension? I can already see the angst forming, especially if Conor finds out. I was so sure we’d get jealousy scenes in this book, but we got nothing. Conor’s throwaway comment about the Exilarchs being old had me thinking, “Oh, you’re in for a surprise.� But they never even met! Robbed.
And speaking of surprises, Lin and Conor?? I did not expect them to go all the way, let alone in public, against a wall, in the rain. The way they both separately thought about a child with gray eyes was heartbreaking. Conor seemed crushed when Lin said she took Plan B (Ashkar Edition�), and it really felt like he wanted her to get pregnant because that would have tied them together forever, even if he had to marry someone else. He even offered to make her his mistress, which, wow. I had such mixed feelings about that. Lin initially saying no made sense, but then she changed her mind, and the way Conor treated her afterward was awful. I kept thinking, “Oh no, Conor turned evil. He’s out of control. Oh no, he’s going to kill Kel.� I was sure the Crawlers would rescue Kel, but nope, it was Conor himself.
And Antonetta being Prosper Beck??? That was such a wild twist. I didn’t see it coming at all. I know some people had theories, but I was completely caught off guard. I never liked Antonetta much in the first book, she felt vapid, and even when Kel said she was more than that, I wasn’t convinced. Finding out she’s Prosper Beck actually made me like her even less. Unlike most people in the Maze, she didn’t turn to crime out of necessity. She had privilege and resources but still chose to become a criminal for fun. Kel even calls her out on it, and her response is basically, “Yeah, I was spoiled and bored, so I wanted to learn how to fight.� Girl.
Lin being exiled was just unfair. She passed the test with flying colors and still got sent away. It feels like Conor and Lin are meant to mirror Adassa and Suleman, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Conor ends up getting a Source-Stone of his own, making them true equals. Maybe they’ll even get that whole family of gray-eyed babies after all. Lilibet’s going to be shocked when she finds out who her future daughter-in-law is.
Overall, this book left me with a lot of emotions, excitement, frustration, heartbreak, but mostly, I just need the next one ASAP.
Art, along with my unsolicited commentary 😏😜:
My favorite artwork ever of Conor and Lin! They’re my favorite ship ❤️🧎♀� He calls her 'sweetheart' *swoon*
Why is Antonetta so hot? For real, I low-key hate her, but I have to admit it 😔
Antonetta & Kel (poor Kel honestly deserves better 😥)
Anjelica Iruvai (I don’t like her 🤨)
Conor & Kel (They’re so parabatai-coded in this book: 'Kel? Kel, is that you?' 🥺)
Ciprian Cabrol (He was okay, kind of a lil bitch 🤣)
Conor & Lin (This is when they do it 😏😌🥵)
Aron Benjudah (AKA Ashkar Jace Herondale� 😃)
The Ragpicker King (Asher Benezar, I was shooketh 🤭).
Aron & Lin (Aren’t they cute together too? I mean, I love Conor/Lin, but you can’t deny they make a beautiful couple 🤧)
Artal Gremont (He looks like a thumb 🤢. Good thing he’s no longer among the living 💀)
Elsabet Belmany (Our resident villain, she’s crazy� can she die already? 💀 She hates Lin, so she’s my #1 enemy. No one disrespects our Ashkari Queen! 🧎♀�)
March 7, 2025
the way i was physically gasping at the ending because i couldn’t believe what was happening ???? i- i have no words.
this is peak yearning 🧎🏼♀�
this is peak yearning 🧎🏼♀�
Want to read
October 18, 2023Hopefully, the Ragpicker King will have a pov in this book.
my review/rating of
Sword Catcher � 3.5�
spoilers for Sword Catcher❗️
Sword Catcher left a lot to be unpacked about some characters, and I'm really curious about this criminal king, the exiled boy (Asher), and character who told Kel that he ruined his plans by the end of book one.
my review/rating of
Sword Catcher � 3.5�
spoilers for Sword Catcher❗️
Sword Catcher left a lot to be unpacked about some characters, and I'm really curious about this criminal king, the exiled boy (Asher), and character who told Kel that he ruined his plans by the end of book one.
April 13, 2025
“You shall leave everything you love most: this is the arrow that the bow of exile shoots first. You are to know the bitter taste of others� bread, how salty it is, and know how hard a path it is for one who goes ascending and descending others� stairs.� ‼շ, Paradiso
════ �6 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼� ════ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝓣𝓻𝓹𝓮𝓼:
✴︎ Court intrigue ✴︎ Erased magic ✴︎ Hidden identity ✴︎ Forbidden romance ✴︎ Religion and politics ✴︎
𝓐𝓽 𝓪 𝓰𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮:
⚜️ Second book of a fantasy series, possibly 4-5 books total
👑 Character-driven plot with multilayered minor characters
⚔️ Pacing - slow start, strong finish
� Romantic subplot with some spice scenes 🔥 and yearning ❤️�
� Multiple character narration with third-person POV
🏰 Historical fantasy kingdom
📜 Intricate, immersive world building
🔮 Simple magic system
𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻̯:
� There's a dark conspiracy within the royal court of Castellane. Kel, now deeply involved with the Ragpicker King's underworld, seeks to expose the culprits behind a recent massacre at the palace. As his lies and secrets continue to mount up, he starts to crumble as new players are introduced into the game.
� Prince Conor, traumized by recent events, grapples with his responsibility to his kingdom. Struggling with the political turmoil around him, he seeks assistance from Lin. Conor and Lin must decide where their loyalties lie as they grow closer to each other and a secret that will change everything.
� Lin Caster has falsely claimed to be the Goddess Reborn. She must prove her ability to save her people, but when the leader of the Ashkar returns, she must pass a set of trials or risk losing everything.
─── � ｡ﾟ�: *.� .* :☆ﾟ. ───
𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮:
That ending?! Are you kidding? I'm screaming and throwing up. Those last 30 pages were indeed batshit crazy. How am I supposed to move on with my life now? This was so much better than the first book, and the next one will only be better. Holy shit I'm in awe. 👏 😮 Wow...
Cassandra knows how to write a strong sequel, and this was no exception. As much as I loved the first book, this was even better. Dare I say 6 stars? It seamlessly picks up from where the story left off, whilst taking the plot and characters to new and amazing directions. We get to explore this new world that Cassandra created and dive into new characters. And boy, do I love these new players, namely Aron Benjudah, the swoon-worthy Exilarch, and Princess Elsabet, a sinister female villain.
I remain more invested in Lin's storyline compared to Kel's, although I did enjoy the scenes with team Ragpicker —Merron, Ji-An, and Jerrod—the golden and comedic trio. Merron is adorable and must be protected at all costs. Ji-An is such a bad ass queen. And Jerrod's cute little crush on Merron? Ahhh. The one relationship I don't completely understand is Kel and Antonetta. There hasn't been enough development between them for me to feel invested. I almost wish he didn't have a love interest at this point.
Now, my favorite part of this book was the yearning and tension between Lin and Conor. Damn it was soooo painful in the best way possible. It nearly broke me. I am completely in love with these two, and I need them to be together right now. Cassie, why oh why do you do this to me! And the direction we are going in the next book makes me think there will be little interaction between them. Sigh.....
𝓑𝓶-𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓮:
If you liked Sword Catcher, then you will absolutely devour this sequel. It is an emotionally charged, well-written continuation of the first novel with expansive political intrigue, characters that will rip your heart out, and an ending that will leave you gasping. Are you ready?
─── � ｡ﾟ�: *.� .* :☆ﾟ. ───
“I want a different life than the one I have.�<?i> 😭💔🩹
════ �6 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼� ════ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝓣𝓻𝓹𝓮𝓼:
✴︎ Court intrigue ✴︎ Erased magic ✴︎ Hidden identity ✴︎ Forbidden romance ✴︎ Religion and politics ✴︎
𝓐𝓽 𝓪 𝓰𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮:
⚜️ Second book of a fantasy series, possibly 4-5 books total
👑 Character-driven plot with multilayered minor characters
⚔️ Pacing - slow start, strong finish
� Romantic subplot with some spice scenes 🔥 and yearning ❤️�
� Multiple character narration with third-person POV
🏰 Historical fantasy kingdom
📜 Intricate, immersive world building
🔮 Simple magic system
𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻̯:
� There's a dark conspiracy within the royal court of Castellane. Kel, now deeply involved with the Ragpicker King's underworld, seeks to expose the culprits behind a recent massacre at the palace. As his lies and secrets continue to mount up, he starts to crumble as new players are introduced into the game.
� Prince Conor, traumized by recent events, grapples with his responsibility to his kingdom. Struggling with the political turmoil around him, he seeks assistance from Lin. Conor and Lin must decide where their loyalties lie as they grow closer to each other and a secret that will change everything.
� Lin Caster has falsely claimed to be the Goddess Reborn. She must prove her ability to save her people, but when the leader of the Ashkar returns, she must pass a set of trials or risk losing everything.
─── � ｡ﾟ�: *.� .* :☆ﾟ. ───
𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮:
That ending?! Are you kidding? I'm screaming and throwing up. Those last 30 pages were indeed batshit crazy. How am I supposed to move on with my life now? This was so much better than the first book, and the next one will only be better. Holy shit I'm in awe. 👏 😮 Wow...
“Kel knew that Conor feared the fall, the tumble into the vast empty abyss of despair. Anger was better than despair—even anger against someone you loved. Anger was fire, and despair was darkness. And Conor had for years been afraid of the dark.�
Cassandra knows how to write a strong sequel, and this was no exception. As much as I loved the first book, this was even better. Dare I say 6 stars? It seamlessly picks up from where the story left off, whilst taking the plot and characters to new and amazing directions. We get to explore this new world that Cassandra created and dive into new characters. And boy, do I love these new players, namely Aron Benjudah, the swoon-worthy Exilarch, and Princess Elsabet, a sinister female villain.
I remain more invested in Lin's storyline compared to Kel's, although I did enjoy the scenes with team Ragpicker —Merron, Ji-An, and Jerrod—the golden and comedic trio. Merron is adorable and must be protected at all costs. Ji-An is such a bad ass queen. And Jerrod's cute little crush on Merron? Ahhh. The one relationship I don't completely understand is Kel and Antonetta. There hasn't been enough development between them for me to feel invested. I almost wish he didn't have a love interest at this point.
Now, my favorite part of this book was the yearning and tension between Lin and Conor. Damn it was soooo painful in the best way possible. It nearly broke me. I am completely in love with these two, and I need them to be together right now. Cassie, why oh why do you do this to me! And the direction we are going in the next book makes me think there will be little interaction between them. Sigh.....
“I asked you because when I am not with you, Lin Caster, I feel as if some part of me has been torn away. I feel as if I am bleeding, insensible with the pain of a wound no one can see save myself. When you are with me... It is the only time I feel whole.�
𝓑𝓶-𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓮:
If you liked Sword Catcher, then you will absolutely devour this sequel. It is an emotionally charged, well-written continuation of the first novel with expansive political intrigue, characters that will rip your heart out, and an ending that will leave you gasping. Are you ready?
─── � ｡ﾟ�: *.� .* :☆ﾟ. ───
“I want a different life than the one I have.�<?i> 😭💔🩹
January 17, 2025
The yearning, the world-building, the politics�. AHHHH.
Prince Conner is still reeling and feeling guilt over the attack and massacre of his engagement party but wastes no time in securing another betrothal alliance to fend off war.
Kel is balancing his role as Swordcatcher and hiding more and more secrets from Conner in his secret finding for the Ragpicker King.
Lin has claimed she is the Goddess returned and she must prove herself.
This is much stronger than the first instalment as we are more settled in the city, the manipulative charter families, and the characters.
“You are a healer,� he said with a bitter laugh. “If you could cut this fascination out of me, like a cancer, oh, I would let you. For it has tortured me, Lin. I have neglected every duty, every requirement, just to steal another moment with you. I feared that if anyone ever saw me with you, they would see it on my face, that I was an addict, that I would barter my birthright just to touch you—�
The yearning in this one is threefold. Conner is still lovesick but must put duty over himself.
Lin will not let herself be drawn into Conner’s world when it is clear they have incompatible lives and paths.
Kel longs for and hides his attraction to Antonetta who is recently engaged to a truly despicable man.
“The selfish among them will say in fear, ‘But these people have no home; surely they will try to take ours.� And I tell them to remember that those people are wrong. That we do have a home, in each other. We make our homes within, and not without; that is how we are different.�
Those last 30 pages?! Absolutely whiplash in the worst and best way. This had a great reveal, twist, and cliffhanger.
Yay, hahahha *SCREAMS*.
I do think we were told Conner has changed so much instead of shown, and Conner’s development was neglected slightly to augment Lin and Kel and incorporate a whole host of perspectives which can sometimes feel overwhelming but do add a lot to the story.
I do wish we had a bit more explanation of the wider world and the magic, but we did get more on it, and I’m sure book three will expand even more.
Physical arc gifted by BookBreak Panmacmillan.
Prince Conner is still reeling and feeling guilt over the attack and massacre of his engagement party but wastes no time in securing another betrothal alliance to fend off war.
Kel is balancing his role as Swordcatcher and hiding more and more secrets from Conner in his secret finding for the Ragpicker King.
Lin has claimed she is the Goddess returned and she must prove herself.
This is much stronger than the first instalment as we are more settled in the city, the manipulative charter families, and the characters.
“You are a healer,� he said with a bitter laugh. “If you could cut this fascination out of me, like a cancer, oh, I would let you. For it has tortured me, Lin. I have neglected every duty, every requirement, just to steal another moment with you. I feared that if anyone ever saw me with you, they would see it on my face, that I was an addict, that I would barter my birthright just to touch you—�
The yearning in this one is threefold. Conner is still lovesick but must put duty over himself.
Lin will not let herself be drawn into Conner’s world when it is clear they have incompatible lives and paths.
Kel longs for and hides his attraction to Antonetta who is recently engaged to a truly despicable man.
“The selfish among them will say in fear, ‘But these people have no home; surely they will try to take ours.� And I tell them to remember that those people are wrong. That we do have a home, in each other. We make our homes within, and not without; that is how we are different.�
Those last 30 pages?! Absolutely whiplash in the worst and best way. This had a great reveal, twist, and cliffhanger.
Yay, hahahha *SCREAMS*.
I do think we were told Conner has changed so much instead of shown, and Conner’s development was neglected slightly to augment Lin and Kel and incorporate a whole host of perspectives which can sometimes feel overwhelming but do add a lot to the story.
I do wish we had a bit more explanation of the wider world and the magic, but we did get more on it, and I’m sure book three will expand even more.
Physical arc gifted by BookBreak Panmacmillan.
Want to read
April 17, 2022why does this have such a low rating already lol
February 25, 2025
Cassie did it again! I love these characters so much and adore being in their world! I am completely obsessed with this story there was so many moments I could not predict what would happen and I need the 3rd book now!
April 3, 2025
5 Silver Stars
with Golden Sparks
(think I should consider it Golden Stars)
TOP5 (most likely the Best of) 2025
Wowwowowow! So many things happened! started from the beginning!
I didn’t see that coming! The horror!
my favourite moments that I kept track of:
new characters; Aron, Anjelica
& the new side of this old character, that I didn't think was important in book 1 (for a while, I'd even forgotten his look)
the new ship! I'm all for it! though it was very small moments, the chemistry building. I hope we have more about them & more POV around them (or just having their POVs)
Chapters 6 & 17 were fire!
Chapters 14 & 15 were wild!
Last chapters... a wild Roller coaster on fire! it broke my heart. I cried. I loved it. I mean I expected something like that would happen. something bad. but this was the worst possible way! (Yeah, it's Cassie Clare after all. not only tormenting characters (& us) in the romance side of the story, but in the main plot as well. (my dark side enjoys it. I love the thrills.)
the Epilogue made me whoop! it was one of the anticipations I wanted for long!
book 1 seemed slower because introducing us to the world & the characters & the routine took time. but I love that too. it showed the big potential the series has. & this book showed even more; it was all action-tender romance & mystery. love the characters! (well, except Gremont, an ass! but every book needs these kind of characters, right? :D )
I should reread them before book 3 coming out. I forgot some details from book 1 (I remembered by the mention here, but I want to remember the whole scene & how it ended that way)
you can read my more coherent review about the characters & world building & not fangirling screams in book 1; Sword Catcher
-
Plot: ★★★★�/5 (Pace: medium-slow, but didn't bother me, I was devouring every chapter & enjoying reading the story.)
Characters: ★★★★�/5 (likability)
Writing style: ★★★★�/5
World building: ★★★★/5
Concept: ★★★★�/5
-
-
-
Pre-read:
wait wait wait!
we have a date & a blurb!!??? why I didn't notice it before! yes! I thought now I've read book 1 I should wait an unknown amount of years book 2!
first most anticipated book of 2025! (finger crossing that the date won't change!)
I even love the temporary cover. (do you think the final cover be purple or blue too? I have a feeliiiiing....)
Updated July 20: told you it's gonna be blue!
with Golden Sparks
(think I should consider it Golden Stars)
TOP5 (most likely the Best of) 2025
Wowwowowow! So many things happened! started from the beginning!
I didn’t see that coming! The horror!
my favourite moments that I kept track of:
new characters; Aron, Anjelica
& the new side of this old character, that I didn't think was important in book 1 (for a while, I'd even forgotten his look)
the new ship! I'm all for it! though it was very small moments, the chemistry building. I hope we have more about them & more POV around them (or just having their POVs)
Chapters 6 & 17 were fire!
Chapters 14 & 15 were wild!
Last chapters... a wild Roller coaster on fire! it broke my heart. I cried. I loved it. I mean I expected something like that would happen. something bad. but this was the worst possible way! (Yeah, it's Cassie Clare after all. not only tormenting characters (& us) in the romance side of the story, but in the main plot as well. (my dark side enjoys it. I love the thrills.)
the Epilogue made me whoop! it was one of the anticipations I wanted for long!
book 1 seemed slower because introducing us to the world & the characters & the routine took time. but I love that too. it showed the big potential the series has. & this book showed even more; it was all action-tender romance & mystery. love the characters! (well, except Gremont, an ass! but every book needs these kind of characters, right? :D )
I should reread them before book 3 coming out. I forgot some details from book 1 (I remembered by the mention here, but I want to remember the whole scene & how it ended that way)
you can read my more coherent review about the characters & world building & not fangirling screams in book 1; Sword Catcher
-
Plot: ★★★★�/5 (Pace: medium-slow, but didn't bother me, I was devouring every chapter & enjoying reading the story.)
Characters: ★★★★�/5 (likability)
Writing style: ★★★★�/5
World building: ★★★★/5
Concept: ★★★★�/5
-
-
-
Pre-read:
wait wait wait!
we have a date & a blurb!!??? why I didn't notice it before! yes! I thought now I've read book 1 I should wait an unknown amount of years book 2!
first most anticipated book of 2025! (finger crossing that the date won't change!)
I even love the temporary cover. (do you think the final cover be purple or blue too? I have a feeliiiiing....)
Updated July 20: told you it's gonna be blue!
Want to read
November 3, 2023In addition to Kell's and Lin's pov I need:
•Antonetta's POV, with extreme swordplay and politiking
•The Ragpicker King's pov. And a backstory too.
•House roverge destroyed.
•A map of the whole of Dannemore
•A list of characters, charters and their houses, and history timeline (like in the Roots of Chaos books)
•A summary of the last book cuz this will release in 202� and I can't
•Antonetta's POV, with extreme swordplay and politiking
•The Ragpicker King's pov. And a backstory too.
•House roverge destroyed.
•A map of the whole of Dannemore
•A list of characters, charters and their houses, and history timeline (like in the Roots of Chaos books)
•A summary of the last book cuz this will release in 202� and I can't
April 2, 2025
I'm not sure why people are posting that they are currently reading this book and creating reviews when it hasn't even been dropped yet.
Since people are downrating a book that they haven't read yet, I'm uprating it because I loved the Sword Catcher #1.
Can't wait for The Ragpicker King to actually drop...
Since people are downrating a book that they haven't read yet, I'm uprating it because I loved the Sword Catcher #1.
Can't wait for The Ragpicker King to actually drop...
March 12, 2025
Changing my rating to 4🌟 because I miss these characters so much!!!
The pacing in this is different than I’m used to, but the writing is beautiful as always!!! There is a lot of focus on the small, in-between moments. A lot of times when something exciting happened the pov would switch *cue me screaming* I love the story and the world building, but I would also love to dive more into the ANGST and emotions of it all!!
That being said these characters have my heart! I love how their lives are so entangled with each other and with the kingdom of Castellane. Cassandra Clare’s world building is ALWAYS going to be detailed and fleshed out!
The pacing in this is different than I’m used to, but the writing is beautiful as always!!! There is a lot of focus on the small, in-between moments. A lot of times when something exciting happened the pov would switch *cue me screaming* I love the story and the world building, but I would also love to dive more into the ANGST and emotions of it all!!
That being said these characters have my heart! I love how their lives are so entangled with each other and with the kingdom of Castellane. Cassandra Clare’s world building is ALWAYS going to be detailed and fleshed out!
Want to read
January 4, 20241.) Sword Catcher ★★
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April 14, 2025
This second book is really shaking my nerves... I sometimes had to slow down my reading because I feared what would happen! The writing is very good and the story is easy to jump into. Now I can't wait for book 3 to be published!!!!
March 2, 2025
10/10 stars!! Full review to come. I need the next book now already 🥹
****
I finished The Ragpicker King a few days ago and can't stop thinking about it. After reading The Sword Catcher last year, I was left waiting for the next book. The Ragpicker King picks up exactly where The Sword Catcher left off.
We get to see more of Lin, Kel and Conor. Of course there are many of the same side characters and quite a few new ones that we are introduced to. I love that every character has a part to play and the twists and turns kept unfolding.
While technically not a fantasy romance, Cassandra Clare knows how to write YEARNING. These characters yearn and you feel their passion. Every single passage between Conor and Lin had me screaming - I love them so much!!
If you are a fan of audiobooks, the audiobook of The Ragpicker King was narrated beautifully. I couldn't stop listening and kept extending my chores/walks/runs just so that I could listen to more of this book. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook of The Ragpicker King.
My only gripe with this book - I wanted a pov from Conor and The Ragpicker King - maybe in the next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and audiobook from PRHaudio.
****
I finished The Ragpicker King a few days ago and can't stop thinking about it. After reading The Sword Catcher last year, I was left waiting for the next book. The Ragpicker King picks up exactly where The Sword Catcher left off.
We get to see more of Lin, Kel and Conor. Of course there are many of the same side characters and quite a few new ones that we are introduced to. I love that every character has a part to play and the twists and turns kept unfolding.
While technically not a fantasy romance, Cassandra Clare knows how to write YEARNING. These characters yearn and you feel their passion. Every single passage between Conor and Lin had me screaming - I love them so much!!
If you are a fan of audiobooks, the audiobook of The Ragpicker King was narrated beautifully. I couldn't stop listening and kept extending my chores/walks/runs just so that I could listen to more of this book. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook of The Ragpicker King.
My only gripe with this book - I wanted a pov from Conor and The Ragpicker King - maybe in the next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and audiobook from PRHaudio.
March 12, 2025
Finished this book but at the cost of my sanity.
February 19, 2025
No one does acute emotional torment like Cassandra Clare does. Also, second book syndrome who?
The 600 pages of this book absolutely flew by and left me wanting more. Every page felt packed full of action and necessary to the plot so it didn't drag at all.
The main characters are so well fleshed out. They develop so naturally throughout the book in response to the political goings on in the book. Clare manages to interweave their storylines seamlessly. Certain reveals about certain characters were done really well.
I will say, I wasn't entirely sure of the function of the scattered pov chapters when the book is in third person anyways. It felt a little unnecessary. I spent far too much time while reading trying to figure out why they were included the way they were.
Clare really gets to stretch her political intrigue wings in this series. She feels really in her element with the politics of the world and all the secrets and plotting that comes along with that. The world building is as interesting as ever.
Thanks so much to the publisher and netgalley for this arc! Can't wait for book 3!!
The 600 pages of this book absolutely flew by and left me wanting more. Every page felt packed full of action and necessary to the plot so it didn't drag at all.
The main characters are so well fleshed out. They develop so naturally throughout the book in response to the political goings on in the book. Clare manages to interweave their storylines seamlessly. Certain reveals about certain characters were done really well.
I will say, I wasn't entirely sure of the function of the scattered pov chapters when the book is in third person anyways. It felt a little unnecessary. I spent far too much time while reading trying to figure out why they were included the way they were.
Clare really gets to stretch her political intrigue wings in this series. She feels really in her element with the politics of the world and all the secrets and plotting that comes along with that. The world building is as interesting as ever.
Thanks so much to the publisher and netgalley for this arc! Can't wait for book 3!!
March 5, 2025
*4.75⭐️
Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending me this ARC!!
This book did everything I wanted it to do! I loved getting lost in Castellane. The world is so vivid and immersive. I am a huge fan of chunky, complex fantasy books with a large cast of characters and this series truly lived up to my expectations.
I really enjoyed Sword Catcher, but Clare truly blew me away with its fast moving sequel! There was something going on in every chapter, she had me at the edge of my seat throughout the entire book! The betrayels, court intrigue, high stakes� This sequel had it all and it was a true nail-biter until the very last page! Every character in this book has their own agenda, their own goals and means to persue those. I got played by so many of them (because this book is packed with scheming nobels, criminals�)!
What I love most about this series, is that we follow two equally captivating characters: Lin and Kel. I couldn’t pick a favorite POV if I tried. Both their stories and character arcs are alluring and interesting to follow. I have a soft spot for both of them! It’s as if they are pawns on a board being moved in certain directions (against their will).
The crumbs of romance we got in Sword Catcher, become a tad larger in this sequel. It’s definetly still a subplot but the slow burn, the forbidden love, the pining� It was enough to make me melt! I need more of all of them! Writing two forbidden love stories in one series should be illegal! Cassandra Clare brought back yearning and I can’t thank her enough for it!
I just know book 3 will be at least as epic and I cannot wait! The ending of TRK had me gasping and I got sooo anxious and worked up. The final 150 pages of this book were wild! I had to close the book at certain points to breathe! It was just THAT good!
This series will become a new pillar in the adult epic fantasy genre, with the perfect balance between court politics, mysterious alliances, criminal networks, magic, romance, loyalty and more� I’m curious to see what Cassandra Clare has planned next for these characters.
I truly don’t think I’ll survive the wait!
Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending me this ARC!!
This book did everything I wanted it to do! I loved getting lost in Castellane. The world is so vivid and immersive. I am a huge fan of chunky, complex fantasy books with a large cast of characters and this series truly lived up to my expectations.
I really enjoyed Sword Catcher, but Clare truly blew me away with its fast moving sequel! There was something going on in every chapter, she had me at the edge of my seat throughout the entire book! The betrayels, court intrigue, high stakes� This sequel had it all and it was a true nail-biter until the very last page! Every character in this book has their own agenda, their own goals and means to persue those. I got played by so many of them (because this book is packed with scheming nobels, criminals�)!
What I love most about this series, is that we follow two equally captivating characters: Lin and Kel. I couldn’t pick a favorite POV if I tried. Both their stories and character arcs are alluring and interesting to follow. I have a soft spot for both of them! It’s as if they are pawns on a board being moved in certain directions (against their will).
The crumbs of romance we got in Sword Catcher, become a tad larger in this sequel. It’s definetly still a subplot but the slow burn, the forbidden love, the pining� It was enough to make me melt! I need more of all of them! Writing two forbidden love stories in one series should be illegal! Cassandra Clare brought back yearning and I can’t thank her enough for it!
I just know book 3 will be at least as epic and I cannot wait! The ending of TRK had me gasping and I got sooo anxious and worked up. The final 150 pages of this book were wild! I had to close the book at certain points to breathe! It was just THAT good!
This series will become a new pillar in the adult epic fantasy genre, with the perfect balance between court politics, mysterious alliances, criminal networks, magic, romance, loyalty and more� I’m curious to see what Cassandra Clare has planned next for these characters.
I truly don’t think I’ll survive the wait!
March 8, 2025
"The Ragpicker King"offers a rich and immersive reading experience, blending fantasy with elements of intrigue and adventure. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because, while the book is undoubtedly engaging and full of vibrant world-building, there are a few minor moments where the pacing falters slightly.
the story takes place in a beautifully crafted world with unique characters who feel real, flawed and incredibly dynamic. the protagonist stands out, balancing moments of vulnerability with strength in ways that keep the reader invested. the plot weaves together layers of mystery, politics and personal growth, keeping you hooked through twists and turns.
the world-building, especially the social structures and the underlying tensions between different factions, is one of the strongest points of the novel. the interactions between the different characters and groups feel real and are executed with a keen sense of political maneuvering and emotional depth. that being said, I believe that some subplots seem to linger a bit too long and there are moments when the pace slows down in order to develop secondary characters.
the central conflict is driven by personal stakes and a deeper, more complex agenda that will keep readers intrigued, but at times, the twists may feel a bit too intricate.
the story takes place in a beautifully crafted world with unique characters who feel real, flawed and incredibly dynamic. the protagonist stands out, balancing moments of vulnerability with strength in ways that keep the reader invested. the plot weaves together layers of mystery, politics and personal growth, keeping you hooked through twists and turns.
the world-building, especially the social structures and the underlying tensions between different factions, is one of the strongest points of the novel. the interactions between the different characters and groups feel real and are executed with a keen sense of political maneuvering and emotional depth. that being said, I believe that some subplots seem to linger a bit too long and there are moments when the pace slows down in order to develop secondary characters.
the central conflict is driven by personal stakes and a deeper, more complex agenda that will keep readers intrigued, but at times, the twists may feel a bit too intricate.
March 4, 2025
I’ve been letting it sit for a while and I’ve changed my mind—I’m giving this 5🌟. Despite some of the issues that I did have, the way I felt about this book just outweighs that. I have not read a book that has kept me up all night reading and just so exhilarated in a while. The fact that it has been a couple of days and I still think about it� The fact that I even had trouble rating it� 5🌟, all of the stars.
—Ĕ�
4.5 4.75 ish 🌟 rounded up
Cassandra Clare’s writing shines brightest when depicting yearning, longing, and emotional turmoil in painstaking detail. Book 2 of The Chronicles of Castellane asks, “What would you do to protect the ones you love?”—and believe me, this book answers that question in the most gut-wrenching and tormenting way.
What a strong sequel—I’m happy to report that this book had everything I wished Sword Catcher had while also expanding on the foundations laid in the first installment. I wasn’t entirely sold by Sword Catcher; at times, it felt slow and could have been edited down. But with The Ragpicker King, I was sucked in immediately. The intricate world-building, the twists, the politics, the characters—everything felt fleshed out and more refined. The book picks up months after the events of Sword Catcher, and from the very first page, you’re thrown back into the power struggles and political intrigue of Castellane. My ARC has 563 pages, yet not once did I feel like it dragged. I was so immersed in the world and the story that putting the book down felt almost painful.
I’ve seen some people say this book was slow at times, but I didn’t feel that way at all. I get why, though—it does lean heavily into politics and it just isn’t for everyone. But the last hundred or so pages? Absolutely insane. I had to take a moment every now and then just to process everything. In true Cassandra Clare fashion, the ending never misses. The pacing becomes so propulsive that you’ll fly through the final stretch, as everything unravels in a whiplash-like sequence that will leave you gasping for air.
While I predicted some of the plot twists, they were still executed perfectly. Certain character revelations were handled masterfully. Cassie is an expert at weaving intricate details—down to the smallest, minute ones—and seamlessly intertwining storylines. There were moments when I had to just sit there and stare at the wall.
The romances develop further in this book, and they are oh so forbidden. The yearning increases tenfold compared to the first book, it was torturous. There were so many gut-wrenching moments that had me silently screaming at 2 a.m. for two nights straight. I felt every ounce of heartbreak and longing in my core. But beyond the romance, the friendships in this book take center stage. Kel and Conor’s dynamic often reminded me of Will and Jem—their brotherhood is both beautiful and devastating. The way this book explores the lengths one would go to protect the other was one of my favorite aspects. In fact, I loved their relationship even more than the romantic ones. It was equal parts painful and profound, and I need more of it. I also really enjoyed the newfound friendship between The Ragpicker King’s team of bandits, Kel, and Lin. Their interactions were a highlight for me, and I always love seeing more of their dynamic.
Cassie is one of the few authors who can capture raw, complex emotions so masterfully across multiple characters. You can’t help but love and grow attached to them, even though many are morally ambiguous. And morally ambiguous they are—so much scheming, secrecy, personal ambition, lies, betrayal, and revenge, yet their choices are deeply shaped by societal expectations, responsibilities, and internal conflict. They feel so real to me.
The world-building is stunning, and the different cultures are richly detailed. I especially loved learning more about Ashkar culture and the criminal underworld of Castellane. The societal commentary woven into the story was handled with care, and I appreciate that sensitivity readers were involved. You can feel the level of detail that went into making this world feel immersive and authentic. I do feel like we haven’t explored much of the magic system yet, but I assume that will come in the next book.
I had a few issues though—for a book called The Ragpicker King, we didn’t really see much of him as I’d like. While his story plays a role in the latter portion of the book, I still wish we had gotten more of him. Similarly, it was jarring how little we saw of Conor outside of other characters� perspectives. His transformation is frequently mentioned rather than shown, and I feel like his arc was set aside in favor of Kel and Lin’s stories. The book includes short POV chapters from various characters aside from Kel and Lin, which I loved because it provided different angles to the story. However, none of them were from Conor, which disappointed me—I would have loved to get inside his head, especially after the events of Sword Catcher. This is also why I wish the book hadn’t skipped three months ahead. That said, without saying much, I look forward to seeing him take a more active role in the next one.
Overall, this was a rich, compelling, and utterly fascinating read—full of twists, revelations, and heartbreak. The stakes were higher, the romance more developed, the pacing faster. Just brilliant. I cannot wait to see how this story wraps up, and I hope we don’t have to wait too long for Book 3.
Thank you so much Macmillan for sending me an early copy. All thoughts are my own.
—Ĕ�
RATING & REVIEW TO COME!!!!!
—Ĕ�
4.5 4.75 ish 🌟 rounded up
Cassandra Clare’s writing shines brightest when depicting yearning, longing, and emotional turmoil in painstaking detail. Book 2 of The Chronicles of Castellane asks, “What would you do to protect the ones you love?”—and believe me, this book answers that question in the most gut-wrenching and tormenting way.
What a strong sequel—I’m happy to report that this book had everything I wished Sword Catcher had while also expanding on the foundations laid in the first installment. I wasn’t entirely sold by Sword Catcher; at times, it felt slow and could have been edited down. But with The Ragpicker King, I was sucked in immediately. The intricate world-building, the twists, the politics, the characters—everything felt fleshed out and more refined. The book picks up months after the events of Sword Catcher, and from the very first page, you’re thrown back into the power struggles and political intrigue of Castellane. My ARC has 563 pages, yet not once did I feel like it dragged. I was so immersed in the world and the story that putting the book down felt almost painful.
I’ve seen some people say this book was slow at times, but I didn’t feel that way at all. I get why, though—it does lean heavily into politics and it just isn’t for everyone. But the last hundred or so pages? Absolutely insane. I had to take a moment every now and then just to process everything. In true Cassandra Clare fashion, the ending never misses. The pacing becomes so propulsive that you’ll fly through the final stretch, as everything unravels in a whiplash-like sequence that will leave you gasping for air.
While I predicted some of the plot twists, they were still executed perfectly. Certain character revelations were handled masterfully. Cassie is an expert at weaving intricate details—down to the smallest, minute ones—and seamlessly intertwining storylines. There were moments when I had to just sit there and stare at the wall.
The romances develop further in this book, and they are oh so forbidden. The yearning increases tenfold compared to the first book, it was torturous. There were so many gut-wrenching moments that had me silently screaming at 2 a.m. for two nights straight. I felt every ounce of heartbreak and longing in my core. But beyond the romance, the friendships in this book take center stage. Kel and Conor’s dynamic often reminded me of Will and Jem—their brotherhood is both beautiful and devastating. The way this book explores the lengths one would go to protect the other was one of my favorite aspects. In fact, I loved their relationship even more than the romantic ones. It was equal parts painful and profound, and I need more of it. I also really enjoyed the newfound friendship between The Ragpicker King’s team of bandits, Kel, and Lin. Their interactions were a highlight for me, and I always love seeing more of their dynamic.
Cassie is one of the few authors who can capture raw, complex emotions so masterfully across multiple characters. You can’t help but love and grow attached to them, even though many are morally ambiguous. And morally ambiguous they are—so much scheming, secrecy, personal ambition, lies, betrayal, and revenge, yet their choices are deeply shaped by societal expectations, responsibilities, and internal conflict. They feel so real to me.
The world-building is stunning, and the different cultures are richly detailed. I especially loved learning more about Ashkar culture and the criminal underworld of Castellane. The societal commentary woven into the story was handled with care, and I appreciate that sensitivity readers were involved. You can feel the level of detail that went into making this world feel immersive and authentic. I do feel like we haven’t explored much of the magic system yet, but I assume that will come in the next book.
I had a few issues though—for a book called The Ragpicker King, we didn’t really see much of him as I’d like. While his story plays a role in the latter portion of the book, I still wish we had gotten more of him. Similarly, it was jarring how little we saw of Conor outside of other characters� perspectives. His transformation is frequently mentioned rather than shown, and I feel like his arc was set aside in favor of Kel and Lin’s stories. The book includes short POV chapters from various characters aside from Kel and Lin, which I loved because it provided different angles to the story. However, none of them were from Conor, which disappointed me—I would have loved to get inside his head, especially after the events of Sword Catcher. This is also why I wish the book hadn’t skipped three months ahead. That said, without saying much, I look forward to seeing him take a more active role in the next one.
Overall, this was a rich, compelling, and utterly fascinating read—full of twists, revelations, and heartbreak. The stakes were higher, the romance more developed, the pacing faster. Just brilliant. I cannot wait to see how this story wraps up, and I hope we don’t have to wait too long for Book 3.
Thank you so much Macmillan for sending me an early copy. All thoughts are my own.
—Ĕ�
RATING & REVIEW TO COME!!!!!
March 14, 2025
I am forever emotionally scarred by the endings of some of Cassie’s other Book #2s (Lord of Shadows, Chain of Irons) so I was pretty much shocked with where this left off. Not as devastating as those, but just enough and my mind is at ease.
I have to admit, I still had the same problem with this book, it's like there's something that I can't quite put my finger on it, bulking me from loving this series, which is from one of my favorite authors. And I can't give a book 5 stars just because I love the author. It has to be stand out on it's own.
It also make me forget the book soon which is something that happens when i'm not quite invested in the story. I'll pray there would be a recap by the time the next book is out because I cannot reread it again lol. So you see, overall I enjoyed the book, am a little bit mix feeling toward it.
I have to admit, I still had the same problem with this book, it's like there's something that I can't quite put my finger on it, bulking me from loving this series, which is from one of my favorite authors. And I can't give a book 5 stars just because I love the author. It has to be stand out on it's own.
It also make me forget the book soon which is something that happens when i'm not quite invested in the story. I'll pray there would be a recap by the time the next book is out because I cannot reread it again lol. So you see, overall I enjoyed the book, am a little bit mix feeling toward it.
April 19, 2025
# just got my copy!!! so excited 😆
# guess who’s going to see Cassie Clare on tour for this release 😫😫😫😫😫
# guess who’s going to see Cassie Clare on tour for this release 😫😫😫😫😫
January 18, 2025
“Even Conor's pace was familiar to him. He would have known it anywhere. If I were dead and buried and those feet walked over my grave, I would know those footsteps.�
Wow!! This was my most anticipated read of 2025 and it absolutely blew me away!! I had loved Sword Catcher, but The Ragpicker King is on a whole other level: we are introduced to new, well defined characters, we get to read other povs besides Kel and Lin’s, it’s action packed and with new revelations at every turn.
Clare showed her skill for making everything come together at once, so much so that it was absolutely impossible to put this book down.
Besides the brilliant worldbuilding, this author has a way of making me love almost every character (the “good� ones at least!) even if they couldn’t each be more different from the other. The romance was also done beautifully: there is definitely more of it in this book compared to the first one and I absolutely loved *every* couple: the yearning was chef’s kiss!
As for the main characters: Lin is for sure one of my favourite heroine ever, i love her stubbornness, her patience, her resilience, the way she never lets anyone intimidate her, she’s a rock immovable while the waves crush against it. Her toe-to-toe with a certain character never failed to make me smile, but I will keep this spoiler free!
I also came to appreciate more Antonetta, since we finally have a couple of chapters from her pov as well, she’s very a very different type of character from Lin, one that is definitely more enigmatic and contradictive but fascinating at the same time.
Kel and Conor🥺: my beloved😭, no one can write a friendship/brotherhood like Clare does and I think we had enough proof of that in the Shadowhunters chronicles. Kel is a sweetheart, trusting but clever, a stubborn cinnamon roll with good intentions who always cares too much, while Conor has gone through some changes during the span of 3 months between the end of Sword Catcher and the beginning of The Ragpicker King, and I really appreciated that! He’s always the sarcastic, fashionista, tormented crown prince we got to know in book 1, but he’s more aware of his role and of his actions.
After that ending, it is needless to say that I’m super eager to get back to Castellane!
Thank you very much to the Panmacmillan team and netgalley for graciously granting me a free earc, I slept only two hours to binge read this but it was worth it! All opinions are my own.
Wow!! This was my most anticipated read of 2025 and it absolutely blew me away!! I had loved Sword Catcher, but The Ragpicker King is on a whole other level: we are introduced to new, well defined characters, we get to read other povs besides Kel and Lin’s, it’s action packed and with new revelations at every turn.
Clare showed her skill for making everything come together at once, so much so that it was absolutely impossible to put this book down.
Besides the brilliant worldbuilding, this author has a way of making me love almost every character (the “good� ones at least!) even if they couldn’t each be more different from the other. The romance was also done beautifully: there is definitely more of it in this book compared to the first one and I absolutely loved *every* couple: the yearning was chef’s kiss!
As for the main characters: Lin is for sure one of my favourite heroine ever, i love her stubbornness, her patience, her resilience, the way she never lets anyone intimidate her, she’s a rock immovable while the waves crush against it. Her toe-to-toe with a certain character never failed to make me smile, but I will keep this spoiler free!
I also came to appreciate more Antonetta, since we finally have a couple of chapters from her pov as well, she’s very a very different type of character from Lin, one that is definitely more enigmatic and contradictive but fascinating at the same time.
Kel and Conor🥺: my beloved😭, no one can write a friendship/brotherhood like Clare does and I think we had enough proof of that in the Shadowhunters chronicles. Kel is a sweetheart, trusting but clever, a stubborn cinnamon roll with good intentions who always cares too much, while Conor has gone through some changes during the span of 3 months between the end of Sword Catcher and the beginning of The Ragpicker King, and I really appreciated that! He’s always the sarcastic, fashionista, tormented crown prince we got to know in book 1, but he’s more aware of his role and of his actions.
After that ending, it is needless to say that I’m super eager to get back to Castellane!
Thank you very much to the Panmacmillan team and netgalley for graciously granting me a free earc, I slept only two hours to binge read this but it was worth it! All opinions are my own.
Want to read
June 5, 2023Cassandra, you should turn off ratings until the book is out (if that’s possible). I don’t understand people!
April 9, 2025
4.75⭐️ rounded to 5⭐️
What an absolutely incredible sequel! I have been anticipating this book since Sword Catcher was released and it did not disappoint one bit! The plot, characters, and their relationships just kept me so invested and I was unable to put down the book even though I was in the midst of studying for TWO exams for grad school...thanks for that Cassie xD (I think I did alright, though lol). In terms of the 0.25⭐️ deduction, my only point of contention, which I believe many other people might also have, is the lack of a Conor POV or some sort of transitional chapters between the two books that show more of Conor's growth. I also wanted a little explanation for some loose threads in Sword Catcher that I might have looked too closely into and also for some people's motivations, though this might actually be addressed quite well in the next book, now that all the cards have been laid out. Now, I will delve into spoilers and how I feel about each character and the theories I have for the Bone Conjurers (an incredibly badass name btw!) Sorry in advance, this is a HUGE review with ALL of my thoughts, so feel free to skim if you'd like, just wanna get all my feelings out there! 🫶
That is all I have for specific characters and their plot lines/stories. I will likely add more above if there is something I end up remembering. Thank you for your time and I cannot believe I have to wait 2 more years again at least for the next book 😭
UPDATE: LAURENT ADEN THEORY!!!
What an absolutely incredible sequel! I have been anticipating this book since Sword Catcher was released and it did not disappoint one bit! The plot, characters, and their relationships just kept me so invested and I was unable to put down the book even though I was in the midst of studying for TWO exams for grad school...thanks for that Cassie xD (I think I did alright, though lol). In terms of the 0.25⭐️ deduction, my only point of contention, which I believe many other people might also have, is the lack of a Conor POV or some sort of transitional chapters between the two books that show more of Conor's growth. I also wanted a little explanation for some loose threads in Sword Catcher that I might have looked too closely into and also for some people's motivations, though this might actually be addressed quite well in the next book, now that all the cards have been laid out. Now, I will delve into spoilers and how I feel about each character and the theories I have for the Bone Conjurers (an incredibly badass name btw!) Sorry in advance, this is a HUGE review with ALL of my thoughts, so feel free to skim if you'd like, just wanna get all my feelings out there! 🫶
That is all I have for specific characters and their plot lines/stories. I will likely add more above if there is something I end up remembering. Thank you for your time and I cannot believe I have to wait 2 more years again at least for the next book 😭
UPDATE: LAURENT ADEN THEORY!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2025
Not as amazing as the first book but still quite entertaining! I would suggest a re-read due to the MANY main characters� at least that would have helped me keep everyone straight 😁
March 10, 2025
love these characters sm ❤️�
in true cassie fashion, my heart was put through the ringer. started pretty slow but around halfway i felt fully invested and in the rhythm with the long chapters. these characters are everything and their relationships with each other is truly what keeps this book exciting! yearning is OFF THE CHARTS in this one and i did indeed want to punch a hole through my wall (complimentary) 😀
in true cassie fashion, my heart was put through the ringer. started pretty slow but around halfway i felt fully invested and in the rhythm with the long chapters. these characters are everything and their relationships with each other is truly what keeps this book exciting! yearning is OFF THE CHARTS in this one and i did indeed want to punch a hole through my wall (complimentary) 😀
March 13, 2025
Cassandra Clare has created the perfect political and personal fantasy. Reading all of her books---but this series especially---is like stepping through a portal into another world that you can't help but get lost in. I adore the complexity of the story and all the historical details woven together with fantasy. There's so much to analyze and obsess over, and yet the story feels completely natural. The characters are incredibly real and complicated; unknowable and yet understandable. I honestly don't have enough words to convince you to read this book, so I can only tell you that you should. Even if you don't like Shadowhunters, this series has so much to offer. If you like complex politics, historical fantasy, fantastic characters, and earth-shattering romance, then this is the perfect book for you.
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