A review by natashaleighton_
The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare

adventurous challenging mysterious tense 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

5.0

Another intricately crafted and richly imagined instalment in The Chronicles of Castellane series, that had me utterly gripped! 

Having loved the first book soo much, I had such high hopes for The Ragpicker King, and I’m glad to finally report it lived up to all of my expectations. An impressive feat given its epic, 500+ page count! 

From the docks, to the city’s pleasure seeking Caravel and many more opulent backdrops in between —there was never a dull moment. Even if there were plenty of delicious, slow burn ones. 

Delving ever deeper into the lore of the Goddess Reborn and the Sorcerer Kings, the shady political scheming (both on the Hill and in the city) and complicated personal issues tying Lin, Kel and Prince Conor together. Cassandra Clare has once again won me over with her gorgeous  prose and unwavering ability to craft compelling, emotionally complex (and occasionally morally ambiguous) characters, that I couldn’t help but fall absolutely in love with. 

Plus the exploration into Lin, Kel and Conor’s intensely raw and vulnerable moments; the changes and personal growth they experience as a result of previous events (if you’ve read Swordcatcher then you’ll know) was absolutely marvellous.

I was also in awe of the longing and gut wrenching intensity Clare imbues into the romantic sub-plot —which I’m still trying to recover from. Seriously, I felt ALL THE FEELS! 

But I must admit, the aspect that fascinated me (and had me the most excited) was getting to explore the cities’ criminal underworld in a bit more depth. Especially when it allowed us to spend more time with the mysteriously elusive Ragpicker King, Andreyen. Part Kaz Brekker, part Thomas Shelby he’s a surprisingly fair-minded Crime Lord, with a moral compass not many possess in this world. And a backstory I hadn’t expected that definitely cemented him as one of my fave side characters. 

We’re also introduced to a few new characters too: The Exilarch, Aron, and the Princess of Kutani, Anjelica. Both of whom provide a bit more of an objective, outside POV when it comes to viewing Castellane; be it the political relationships, power struggles and general court intrigue (Anjelica), or the culture, traditions and customs of the Ashkar community (Aron.) Which again, added a layer of depth and complexity that expanded the world-building so exquisitely. 

Overall, this was a rich and vividly immersive read, full of twists and revelations that fans of epic fantasy, George R.R. Martin or Samantha Shannon are bound to enjoy. 

Also, a huge thank you to BookBreak UK and Tor UK for the stunning proof.
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