rachelkava 's review for:

The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare

5.0

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Cassandra Clare has once again proven why she is one of my favourite authors. This sequel exceeded all my expectations and solidified my love for her storytelling.

From the moment I stepped back into Castellane, I was completely immersed. The world is richly detailed, vibrant, and layered with intricate cultures that make it feel incredibly real. I particularly loved delving deeper into Ashkar culture and the criminal underworld of Castellane—every detail felt meticulously crafted, bringing the setting to life.

This book was packed with twists and turns, keeping me on edge from start to finish. Betrayals, court intrigue, high stakes—it had everything an epic fantasy needs. Every character had their own agenda, making the political maneuvering unpredictable and thrilling. The last 100 pages were pure chaos, and I could not put the book down!

What makes this series stand out is how we follow two equally compelling protagonists, Lin and Kel. Their individual storylines and growth kept me fully invested, and I truly can’t pick a favourite.

Lin is easily one of my favourite heroines—her resilience, patience, and determination make her unforgettable. I especially enjoyed her dynamic with Connor; their slow-building tension was palpable, and every interaction between them left me desperate for more. 

Kel’s internal struggle with secrets, especially those involving Connor and Antonetta, added another layer of intensity to the story. Also his and Connors relationship still remains one of my favourite aspects of this series. I think this book really shows you how much these two care for each other and it makes all the events that transpire even more emotional.

I was also surprised by how much I grew to appreciate Antonetta. I initially wasn’t attached to her in Sword Catcher, but this book completely changed my perspective—I loved getting to see the real Antonetta beyond the facade she presents to the world.

I also found the Ragpicker King and his crew utterly fascinating. Merren, in particular, added some well-placed humor, balancing out the tension with his witty remarks.

While the romance remains a subplot, the slow burn, forbidden love, and pining were perfectly executed. Cassie is one of the few authors who can capture raw, complex emotions across multiple characters so effectively. Even the morally ambiguous ones are impossible not to get attached to!

This book gave me everything I love in adult fantasy—intricate politics, unpredictable twists, deep character arcs, and stunning world-building. The pacing was incredibly effective; I constantly found myself itching to pick it up whenever I was busy.

I cannot wait to see where the next book takes these characters. If this instalment is any indication, it’s going to be an unforgettable ride.