dale_in_va 's review for:

The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare

4.25

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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The story and the world is still growing me.  I guess after reading RF Kwang the worldbuilding feels so very western european typical.  But Cassandra Clare does a really great job at building out the characters and a story line that can arc in many directions.  I like this jump into New Adult/Adult from the Young adult world of the Shadowhunters.  Although, I really felt that series matured as it went on... it felt full on fantasy at then end in its various incarnations. 

 

I would say that this second book is where the intrigue of the world builds.  We have now been introduced to all the characters, and the various interactions and sadly we are now going to have to wait a year to see where it all takes us.   I will definitely be reading the next one. 

 

While not earth shattering, it is a story well told and I want more!